Lyrics of 1836

Poem that Concluded Lowell Women Workers’ 1834 Petition to Manufacturers
Let oppression shrug her shoulders,
And a haughty tyrant frown,
And little upstart Ignorance,
In mockery look down.
Yet I value not the feeble threats
Of Tories in disguise,
While the flag of Independence
O’re our noble nation flies.


1836 Song Lyrics Sung by Protesting Workers at Lowell
Oh! Isnt it a pity, such a pretty girl as I
Should be sent to the factory to pine away and die?
Oh! I cannot be a slave, I will not be a Slave,
For I’m so fond of liberty,
That I cannot be a slave.