Classic Poem

My name is William Edwards.
I live down Cove Creek way.
I'm working on the project they call the T. V. A.

The Government begun it
When I was but a child;
But now they are in earnest,
And Tennessee's gone wild.

Just see them boys a-comin'
Their tool kits on their arm;
They come from Clinch and Holston
And many a valley farm.

From villages and cities,
A French Broad man I see;
For things are up and doing
In sunny Tennessee.

All up and down the valley
They heard the glad alarm,
“The Government means business!”
It's working like a charm.

Oh, see them boys a-comin',
Their Government they trust;
Just hear their hammers ringing
They'll build that dam or bust.

I meant to marry Sally
But work I could not find;
The T.V.A. was started
And surely eased my mind.

I'm writing her a letter,
These words I'll surely say;
“The Government has surely saved us,
Just name our wedding day.”

We'll build a little cabin
On Cove Creek near her home;
We'll settle down forever
And never care to roam.

For things are surely movin'
Down here in Tennessee;
Good times for all the valley,
For Sally and for me.

Oh things looked blue and lonely
Until this come along;
Now hear the crew a-singin'
And listen to their song.

“The Government employs us,
Short hours and certain pay;
Oh things are up and comin',
God bless the T.V.A.”