[Verse 1]
In the year of 69 they planned to run a train
From Settle to Carlisle across the mountain range
They employed 3000 navvies to build this mighty road
Across the fells through Appleby that old steam engine rolled
[Chorus]
And it s up in the morning, lads
In wind, snow or hail
Hold fast your hammers, lads
And lay another rail
[Verse 2]
It s 72 miles from Settle to Carlisle
Across the roughest country in all the British Isles
They said it would take 4 years, but it took up nearer seven
And the first 20 miles it sent 400 men to heaven
[Chorus]
And it s up in the morning, lads
In wind, snow or hail
Hold fast your hammers, lads
And lay another rail
[Verse 3]
Now when the winter came, it froze them to the floor
It blew them off the viaducts and killed them on Blee Moor
Some died of the smallpox, some of cholera
Chapel and St Leonards have many buried there
[Chorus]
And it s up in the morning, lads
In wind, snow or hail
Hold fast your hammers, lads
And lay another rail
[Verse 4]
Now if you ride this famous line across the heathered fells
When crossing Ribblehead viaduct remember the tale I tell
There s Mallerstang and Aisgill and Dent Dales lovely wilds
And navvy lads a-slavin from Settle to Carlisle
[Chorus]
And it s up in the morning, lads
In wind, snow or hail
Hold fast your hammers, lads
And lay another rail