Tom Paxton Follow

Now the high sheriff of hazard is a hard working man
To be a fine sheriff is his only plan
With his hands in our pockets he takes what he can
For he's the high sheriff of hazard

He went through my pockets, and searched them with care
But nary a nickel or penny was there
So I got thirty days and some bumps in my hair
God bless the high sheriff of hazard

He caught me one evening and here's what he said
"You look like a Russian, you look like a Red
And if you are fond of your skin and your head
Beware the high sheriff of hazard"

I thanked him politely, I thanked him for all
And five minutes later I made a phone call
To call a strike meeting at our union hall
And damn the high sheriff of hazard

To scratch out a living for children and wives
They sweat for their pennies while the mine owner thrives
With the blessing of the high sheriff of hazard

And when union men strike and the troubles come on
The high sheriff's word is the mine owner's bond
He's a mine owner, too, you know which side he's on
He's the wealthy high sheriff of hazard

Well, it seems to be so since this world first began
That some men are willing to scheme and to plan
To gouge out a fortune from the poor working man
For example, the high sheriff of hazard

But the answer is simple, the answer is clear
We'll all get together with nothing to fear
And throw the old bastard right out on his ear
Farewell to the high sheriff of hazard

Now the high sheriff of hazard is a hard working man
To be a fine sheriff is his only plan
With his hands in our pockets he takes what he can