Union Songs

The Lake Berryessa

A song by Don Henderson©Don Henderson 1979

The Lake Berryessa had a full Spanish crew.
On below I.T.F. rate with leave overdue.
Of claims in Port Stanvak, the men made a list,
And asked the S.U.A. if it could assist.
But of U.D.C.'s eight ships, Australians sailed none.
From such a position not much could be done.

Chorus:
Nowhere to go. Nowhere to go.
Out on a limb, they had nowhere to go.
No representation, they had to give ground.
But the fight isn't over until the last round.

Mackay was the carrier's next port of call.
There are SUA tugmen there. Eighteen in all.
They would not berth the ship till the Spaniards were paid,
And Aussie crews shared in the Queensland coal trade.
They had hoped for Hay Point trade union support,
But found that alone would this battle be fought.

Chorus:
Nowhere to go. Nowhere to go.
Out on a limb, they had nowhere to go.
Eighteen brave tugmen just holding ground.
But the fight isn't over until the last round.

Empty at anchor that OBO lay held,
Till the pilot to berth under power was compelled.
While knowing the dangers and risks that there were,
He'd have dispensation should damage occur.
And it was apparent that if he refused,
He's be sacked and the flown-in stand-by pilot used.

Chorus:
Nowhere to go. Nowhere to go.
Out on a limb, he had nowhere to go.
When your job's on the line, you may have to give ground.
But the fight isn't over until the last round.

By next day the Lake Berryessa had sailed,
And it seemed that the seamen's bold campaign had failed.
The company crowed to the world it had won;
Not knowing the struggle had only begun.
For as other unions on this cause unite,
There'll soon be too many for Utah to fight.

Chorus:
Nowhere to go. Nowhere to go.
Out on a limb, they had nowhere to go.
Outclassed and outnumbered, they'll have to give ground.
And the fight isn't over until the last round.

Notes

This song was recorded for the SUA (Seamen's Union of Australia) LP "Flames of Discontent" in 1979

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