In good old Queen Victoria's dayIndustrial revolutionBosses said 'Please, we need more employees'We needed a solutionWho will climb our chimneys?Who will power our grids?Victorian families to desperately poorThey'll let us employ their kids forWork, terrible workFrom very young agesUp chimneys to cleanPaid pitiful wagesWork, terrible workPins make you work fasterIf we grow too bigGet sacked by the master!Now you're all in my employCleaning in the factoryWe're not very strongAnd the hours are longThis work is unsatisfactory!Learn not to get caught in spokesOr trap our hands in gagesTo stop machines and get you outWill cost you a week's wages!Work, terrible workThere's no health and safetySo if we get hurtThey will just replace meWork, terrible workNow that I am short of cashI have to pick pocketsWallets from gentlemenAnd lady's locketsSmall enough to get awayHardly ever caughtAnd if we are, we're kids you seeTo cry is what we're taughtWork, terrible workDangerous and demeaningNo time to complainGet back to your cleaningWork, terrible workGuess what we are dreamingSchool, glorious school!Wonderful school!Marvellous school!Wish we went to school!