“Push Boys, Push!

F                                                   C               F

We're going though this tunnel, push boys push
We're trying to save this tunnel, push boys push
            C7

It's the pride of Dudley Town
                    F                         Dm

And they're trying to close it down
       F      C       F
So, push boys push
Ho! push boys push

F                                                   C               F
We'll go through Castle Mill, push boys push
Cathedral Arch as well, push boys push

             C7
There's no more fresh-air smell
                  F                  Dm

When you pass by the Well
       F      C       F
So, push boys push
Ho! push boys push

F                                                   C               F
The boat's been going through, push boys push
Since seventeen-ninety-two, push boys push
         C7

It's a crime and it's a shame
               F                     Dm

That we cannot do the same
       F      C       F
So, push boys push
Ho! push boys push

F                                                   C               F
Don't let your strength to fail, push boys push
'Cos we're coming to the Jail, push boys push
       C7

We may get stuck inside

         F                   Dm
If the boat it is too wide

       F      C       F
So, push boys push
Ho! push boys push

F                                                   C               F
The tunnel's two miles long, push boys push
That's why we sing this song, push boys push
  C7

It keeps our spirits high
                 F                       Dm

While we cannot see the sky

       F      C       F
So, push boys push
Ho! push boys push

F                                                   C               F
And now we're coming nigh, push boys push
Oh don't you see the sky, push boys push
         C7

We'll have a celebration
                    F                   Dm

Now we've sung it to the nation

       F      C       F
So, push boys push
Ho! push boys push
Yes! push boys push
Now! push boys push
Well, push boys push

• The words to "Push Boys Push" were written around 1966, during a trip through Dudley Tunnel by Glyn Phillips and other members of the then Dudley Canal Tunnel Preservation Society

• To find out more about the song and the meaning behind the words click here...