The Story
LOCK OUT is a powerful song based on a true story, inspired by a labor conflict experienced in Trois-Rivières, a city in the province of Quebec, Canada. It tells the story of the lockout at Siemens Energy, the families plunged into uncertainty, the arrival of replacement workers, and the feeling of injustice experienced by the employees.
The song denounces the loss of dignity and livelihoods of the workers, while expressing their anger, solidarity, and determination not to be silenced.
Lyrics
They treat us like garbage, throw us aside Like yesterday's dust with nowhere to hide The strikebreakers came and took our place While we fight for a little dignity and space Siemens Energy, your name bears the stain Of the arrogance and greed that brought us pain
A stolen badge, a forged name signed The truth comes out but they're still blind While we stand freezing by the roadside Their privilege glitters with poisonous pride We were the heart, we were the hands Now we're just numbers in their plans
They treat us like garbage, throw us aside Like yesterday's dust with nowhere to hide The strikebreakers came and took our place While we fight for a little dignity and space Siemens Energy, your name bears the stain Of the arrogance and greed that brought us pain
Look at them laughing as they walk through the door While we're left with less than we had before The daughter of power, the sons of gain Turned our livelihoods into wreckage and pain But the river wind is starting to change And the shame they carry will always remain
They treat us like garbage, throw us aside Like yesterday's dust with nowhere to hide The strikebreakers came and took our place While we fight for a little dignity and space Siemens Energy, your name bears the stain Of the arrogance and greed that brought us pain