‘Workhouse Blues’ is a primary school song that tells the sorry tale of life in a Victorian Workhouse. In a weary blues style, this song is great for exploring a history topic about the Victorians and its high quality backing track really enhances the mood! Its three verses and chorus, specially written for primary children, help to explain the ordeal of being sent to the ‘dreaded workhouse’. Ideal for singing in class, Workhouse Blues would also make a perfect addition to a Victorian assembly.

Included in your song pack:

1. audio file of backing track with instruments playing the melody in mp3 format
2. song words in PDF format
3. sheet music in PDF format
4. PowerPoint of song words

Simply add this item to your basket and then proceed to checkout. You can use either a debit/credit card or a PayPal account on the payment platform.
All the files will appear in your account ready to download with one click as a compressed ‘zip’ file and you’ll have everything you need to get singing straight away!

Want to save money? Then the ‘Victorians Song Collection’ is for you! We’ve put all the Victorian songs together in one collection for a cheaper price than buying them individually.

Workhouse Blues

Chorus
Living here is not a place I would choose,
Got no money so I couldn’t refuse,
Looking down at all the holes in my shoes,
I’ve got the workhouse blues!

Verse 1
Lost my job and then felt really low,
Couldn’t pay the rent oh no, no, no,
Packed my bags I had nowhere to go,
Except the dreaded workhouse!

Chorus

Verse 2
It’s a crime that I am really poor,
Work all day for no pay makes me sore,
Breaking rocks or scrubbing every floor,
I’m in this dreaded workhouse!

Chorus

Verse 3
Kept from family I find so sad,
Bread and gruel to eat is just so bad,
Lots of rules, it always makes me mad,
I’m in this dreaded workhouse!

Chorus
(Repeat last line twice)

© A M Dilkes 2023 primarysongs.co.uk