Idris Strike Song Lyrics - Chumbawamba

Have you been to work at Idris? 

No we won't go in today! 

For we're standing by our comrade 

And we'll never run away 

She stood bravely by the Union 

And she spoke up for us true 

And if she gets the sack 

No we never shall go back 

What e'er they do, what e'er they do 

Now you boys who're washing bottles 

It really is a shame 

To take the place of women 

Don't you think you are to blame? 

Come with us and join the Union 

Never heed what Idris say 

We are out to right the wrong 

And now we shan't be long 

Hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray 

Master Willy, master Willy 

You must give in once again 

It was wrong to sack a woman 

With two children to maintain 

Thirteen years she's faithful served you 

Though she was three minutes late 

But our little sister Anne 

Why she never checked the man 

At the gate, at the gate 

Oh you great king in the palace 

And you statesman at the top 

When you're drinking soda water 

Or imbibing ginger pop 

Think of some who work at Idris 

For very little pay 

And who only get nine bob 

For a most unpleasant job 

Alackaday, alackaday 

Now then girls all join the Union 

Whatever you may be 

In pickles, jam, or chocolates 

Or packing pounds of tea 

For we all want better wages 

And this is what we say 

'We are out to right the wrong' 

'And now we shan't be long' 

'Hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray'