Ye working men of Britain, come listen awhile,
Concerning the cotton spinners who lately stood their trial,
Transported for seven years, far, far awa’,
Because they were united men in Caledonia.

When first we were arrested, and lodged in Glasgow gaol,
They stripp’d us of our clothing, left us naked in our cell;
No sympathy they shewed to us, no not the least ava’,
Because we were united men in Caledonia.

Our trial they postponed for time after time,
Indictment on indictment, and crime upon crime,
Which turned out all a humbug, for this was their claw,
To prevent combination in Caledonia.

Success to our friends in Ireland, who boldly stood our case,
In spite of O’Connell and his support of whiggish laws,
Away with his politics, they are not worth a straw,
He’s no friend to the poor of Ireland, or Caledonia.

Success to O’Connor who did nobly plead our cause,
Likewise to Mr. Beaumont, who abhors oppressive laws,
But after all their efforts, justice, and law,
We are banished from our country, sweet Caledonia.

Ye brave men of Northumbria we bid you all farewell,
Were our voices like trumpets, to our enemies we’d tell,
Your actions to us was noble, although your band was sma’,
To crush the monster Tyranny from Caledonia.

Whigs and Tories are united, we see it very plain,
To crush the poor labourer it is their daily aim,
The proverb now is verified, and that you all knaw,
In the case of those poor spinners in Caledonia.

Adieu to those that are near to us, our wives and children dear,
Put your trust in the Lord, your enemies need not fear,
Although we are banished far far awa’,
You will find friends in old England and Caledonia.