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Many Yorkshire people tracing their ancestry back two generations will find that their forefathers worked in industry e.g. in mining or on the railways. If they go back another generation or two, they’d find their ancestors living in the countryside, working on farms. As cities grew and work opportunities beckoned in the Industrial Revolution, our ancestors moved from rural areas into the cities, to work on the railways, building bridges, tunnels and laying tracks. They would also work in the new ‘smokestack’ industries in factories.
However, as the Industrial Revolution continued, so did the rise of militant Trade Unionism. After the confrontations between Unions and Government in the 1970s and 80s, de-regulation and economic liberalisation became the prevailing ethos, but, by 2008 the bubble seemed to have burst. Through globalisation and cheap imports, ‘smokestack’ industries declined, and further shifts in employment occurred. By the late 20th century, the IT industry and service sectors gave rise to thousands of new jobs. People started to feel more ‘classless’, unlike their ancestors.
However, this era had new problems to face. Further integration into the EU, with the prospect of open borders, started a debate about national identity. As our lives continue to change, many people wonder how and where it’s going to end. Independence, identity, and sovereignty, which we’ve fought so hard for, over the centuries, are under threat. Maybe there’s another way...returning to a simpler life…..which is where this story started.
lyrics
Industrial Revolutions
(Music and Words: Tim Hunter)
Industrial Revolutions
The Wheel Of Fortune turns around
Bringing Railway tracks to Northern Towns
Industrial Revolutions
The Wheel Of Fortune turns again
Bringing Microchips and social change
We came down from the farms and the hills
To work in Factories and Mills
To be the workshop of the economy
Back then we still had identity
Industrial Revolutions
The Wheel Of Fortune turns around
Bringing Railway tracks to Northern Towns
Industrial Revolutions
The Wheel Of Fortune turns again
Bringing Microchips and social change
The world got smaller through technology
Bringing cheap imports
We closed our factories and fishing ports
And lost control of our borders
Bringing us disorder
The City has become like a foreign place
So it’s back to the country to find some space
OK we’ve got global communication
But we’re losing our sense of nation
Industrial Revolutions
The Wheel Of Fortune spinnin’ too fast
How long can identity last?
Industrial Revolutions, Industrial Revolutions
Put on the breaks, For goodness sake,
How long’s it gonna take
Before we see the downside
Of Industrial Revolutions?
We’re only human beings, not machines
Not meant to live like sardines.
credits
from Yorkshire Through The Ages,
released June 24, 2017
Musicians: Tim Hunter: Lead and backing Vocals, Guitars, Synthesiser,
Keyboards, Sequencing, Drums.
Backing Vocals: Sarah Marie Gayle and Ian Wallace
'Through his musical albums, Knaresborough composer Tim Hunter helps bring to life the stories and legends of Yorkshire's
rich heritage.' Yorkshire Post 1st May 2020.
Tim Hunter is a singer/songwriter/producer. His musical compositions range from pop ballads through to classic rock and have been enjoyed by audiences both in Europe and the United States....more
I am a Bill Nelson fan from way back, he's a big influence on my own music.This album is brilliant - exceptionally tasteful guitar playing and composition. Tim Hunter
Sophie Negrini's longrunning Janelane project reaches new heights of dreamy power pop perfection on an upcoming full-length. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 19, 2024
