The Timberbeast’s Lament Utah Phillips

"The Timberbeast’s Lament" by Utah Phillips, released in 1976, is a folk song that expresses the sorrow of nature and the loss of forests due to logging. It highlights themes of environmentalism, the relationship between humans and nature, and the consequences of industrialization. Unique musical elements include storytelling and acoustic instrumentation. The song resonates with the conservation movement, reflecting cultural concerns about ecological preservation. #Folk

I'm up the raft to the lumber camp
With a sick and aching head;
I've blowed another winter's stake,
And got the jims instead

It seems I'll never learn the truth
That's written plain as day,
The more they try to welcome you
The more they make it pay

And it's "blanket-stiff" and "jungle-hound,"
And "pitch him out the door,"
"Howdy, Jack, old-timer,"
When you've got the price for more.

Oh, tonight the boat is rocky,
And I ain't got a bunk
Not a rare of cheering likker,
Just a turkey full of junk.

And it's all of my possessions,
Is what I can carry 'round,
I've blowed the rest on skid-roads,
Of a hundred gyppo towns.

And it's "lumberjack" and "timber-beast,"
And "Give these bums a ride,"
"Have one on the house, old boy,"
When you're stepping with the tide.

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