Lyrics
My father used to work the seam far below the ground
Reflects on the speaker's father working in a coal mine beneath the ground.
Digging for the coal to melt the steel
Describes the father's mining work, extracting coal for steel production.
But now he lies a twisted man one foot in the grave
Depicts the father as physically and possibly emotionally damaged, nearing the end of his life.
Just like the iron wheels that took him down
Compares the father's fate to the relentless and unforgiving nature of the industrial machinery, symbolized by "iron wheels."
Just like the iron wheels that took him down
Reiterates the analogy of the father's fate to the harsh impact of iron wheels.
He used to be the fisherman that sailed the mighty sea
Shifts to the father's past life as a fisherman, emphasizing a contrast between his former vitality and current state.
Searching for the harvest from the deep
Describes the father's previous role of harvesting from the sea for sustenance.
But now the fleets are rusting hulks anchored at the quay
Depicts a decline in the fishing industry, with unused and decaying fleets at the harbor.
Just like the iron wheels that took him down
Draws parallels between the fate of the father and the deterioration of the fishing industry symbolized by iron wheels.
Just like the iron wheels that took him down
Reiterates the connection between the father's decline and the relentless nature of industrialization represented by iron wheels.
He used to be the farming man standing tall and proud
Shifts to the father's past life as a proud farmer, working on the land.
Working on the land to sow the seed
Highlights the father's role in agriculture, sowing seeds for a livelihood.
But now the buildings stand in shame rotting on the land
Depicts the degradation of the agricultural landscape, with buildings standing in shame and rotting.
Just like the iron wheels that took him down
Connects the father's decline to the decay of the land, emphasizing the impact of industrial progress symbolized by iron wheels.
Just like the iron wheels that took him down
Reiterates the theme of the father's decline paralleled with the destructive force of iron wheels.
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