Here is an arrangement of a song by Graham Moore, a commemoration of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Scroll down for sheet music and practice tracks.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century Dorset agricultural labourers who were arrested for and convicted of swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. The rules of the society show it was clearly structured as a friendly society and operated as a trade-specific benefit society. At the time, friendly societies had strong elements of what are now considered to be the predominant role of trade unions. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were subsequently sentenced to penal transportation to Australia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolpuddle_Martyrs
A massive protest swept across the country. Thousands of people marched through London and many more organised petitions and protest meetings to demand their freedom.
http://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/
Practice Tracks:
On PC, Right Click on Title to Download
On Android, Press and Hold Title: Choose “Save Link”
Note the verse is in unison throughout. with the Chorus in harmony. All practice tracks are in F major.
Soprano, Alto and Bass Together: Key F Major
Sheet Music: PDF
Melody & Chords; Key of E Major
Lyrics
TOLPUDDLE MAN by Graham Moore
Verse 1: Farewell to my family, it’s now I must leave you,
That far fatal shore in chains we shall see.
Although we are taken, do not be forsaken,
As brothers in Union we shall be free.
Chorus: They can bring down our wages, starve all our children,
In chains they can bind us, steal all our land;
They can mock our religion, from our families divide us,
But they can’t break the oath of a Tolpuddle Man.
Verse 2: To those who rule us, we are the dissenters.
“Do your duty; be thankful; don’t complain”, we are taught.
For God in His wisdom has divided this kingdom,
For few to have much while so many have naught.
Chorus:
Verse 3: As brothers together, with an oath we will bind us,
The labouring men in all England shall rise !
Though Frampton defamed us, they never will tame us.
Arise men of Britain; we will yet win the prize !
Chorus: They can bring down our wages, starve all our children,
In chains they can bind us, steal all our land;
They can mock our religion, from our families divide us,
But they can’t break the oath of a Tolpuddle Man,
No they can’t break the oath of a Tolpuddle Man!