Lyrics by Rick Brooks- written during and about the 1981-82 Machinists (IAM) strike at Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Company in North Kingstown, RI; music by Vani and Brian

Ballad of Brown and Sharpe

Words and Music by Brian Pickett; recorded with Miguel Macias 

Larry’s out in the rain again 
Trying to make just a little something
His wife’s at home if you can call it that
In front of the tent she puts a little plastic welcome mat

County officials sit around 
Talkin’ ‘bout bringing safety to the town
Raising fines on those who can’t pay
Pass an ordinance for those who get in the way 

It’s been a long week, Larry feeling kind of beat 
He decides to retire from the street 
Walking head down his mind starts to roam 
Tracing over all the things he could’ve done 

Driving by is Joe a young cop 
Seeing Larry he decides to stop
It’s a new song for an old fight 
Not much different setting with the sun tonight 

Joanne makes herself a cup of tea
On the little stove that’s run by battery 
Larry’s not back it’s getting’ kinda late
She calms her nerves and sets down to wait
 
It’s a new song for an old fight 
Not much different setting with the sun tonight

New Song for an Old Fight

Fergie's Pub, Philadelphia, 07/22/2024

Engineered, mixed, & mastered by Derek Jolley

kitchen folk

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