Big River Lyrics

Walking on cobblestoneLittle bits of skin and boneJumping on a tramcar for a rideI can remember thenCause I wsa just a boy of tenHanging around the old quaysideNow all the capstans and the cargo boats and stevedores are goneTo where all the old ships goBut memories just like the seas live onThat was when coal was kingThe river was a living thingAnd I was just aboy but it was mineThe coaly TyneFor this was a big riverI want you all to know that I was proudThis was a big riverBut that was long ago that's not nowThat's not nowMy father was a working manHe earned our living with his handsHer had to cross the river everydayHe picked up a union cardOut of the Neptune yardMouths to feed and bills to payThere came a time for him to sail across the seas and far awayAnd finally when that war was wonYou brought him home and home he stayedAnd when his days were doneUnder a golden sunYou took him back to where he longed to beBack to the seaFor this was a big riverI want you all to know that I was proudThis was a big riverBut that was long ago that's not nowThat's not nowThe Neptune was the last to goI heard it on my radioThen they played the latest number oneBut what do they do all dayWhat are they supposed to sayWhat does a father tell his sonIf you believe that there's a bond between our future and our pastThen try to hold on to what we haveWe built them strong we bulit to lastCause this is a mighty townBuilt upon a solid groundAnd everything they've tried so hard to killWe will rebuildCause this is a big riverI want you all to knowThat I'm so very proudFor this was a big riverBut that was long ago that's not nowAnd this is a big big riverAnd in my heart I knowIt will rise againThe river will rise again