Thomas Words and Music by Steve Black (2025) The breadth of the country young Thomas did roam No family to talk of, no place to call home With pack on his shoulder and shovel in hand He worked digging waterways spanning the land Back-breaking work but with scarcely a frown Strength forged in friendships, a girl in each town Chorus : Thomas was handsome, Thomas was proud He fought like a devil, he drank, he was loud But Thomas was faithful and true to the end Blessed was the man who called Thomas his friend Blessed was the man who called Thomas his friend The work of a navvy is scarce ever done In fair or foul weather, it isn't much fun After several years drinking and many a fight Thomas was sure he was losing his sight His workmates remarked he was looking forlorn The outgoing navvy now quiet, withdrawn Chorus One morning he woke to find he was quite blind While comrades were digging, he tarried behind He lay in a ditch, with his face to the sun His short life of toil and struggle was done Next day they found him, young Thomas was dead But thenceforth, in shanty towns, often was said... Chorus This song was written by Steve Black who with James Dennis perform as Uncle Pleb and run Bollington Folk Club.