"Workin the Hi-Line" (Official Live Video) from Joselyn & Don

"Workin’ the Hi-line"
Lyrics and music by Don Barrozo and Joselyn Wilkinson
(ASCAP, Bessie Mae Music, Roots Woman Music, 2023)
Camera and Lighting: Spencer Wilkinson
Sound and Editing: Don Barrozo
Joselyn plays a Kamaka Tenor Ukulele, Don plays a Martin D-18 Acoustic
"Workin the Hi-Line" is a new song by modern folk/Americana duo Joselyn & Don. It's the story of Don's late father, Paul Barrozo, who immigrated with his father as a young man to the US from the Philippines. As laborers, they helped build the "Empire Builder" rail line, also known as the "Hi-Line" in northern Montana. Paul did not return with his father to the Philippine Island of Luzon, but instead stayed behind in Great Falls, Montana, where he enjoyed a long career as a chef and bandleader. He married and had five children. This is a tribute to all the immigrants who have contributed to the making of - and who still believe in - the American Dream. We are premiering this video on what would have been Paul's 110th Birthday, Nov 29, 2023. Happy Birthday Paul!
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"Workin’ the Hi-line" (for Paul)
Lyrics
I came across the ocean back in 1929
They gave me a new name in the immigration line
Me and dad, we worked the fields ‘til summer days grew cold
Then we worked the railroad
I was fetching water for the men who laid the tracks
Seattle to Chicago on the labor of our backs
Men of every color, and together we’re a team
Building the American dream
Workin’ the hi-line, Workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, Until it’s quitting time
18 years and on my own when daddy left for good
I promised him I’d go back home but I knew I never would
The Empire Builder brought me here and here is where I’ll stay
I’ll raise a family here someday
Workin’ the hi-line, Workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, Until it’s quitting time
I taught myself some instruments and started up a band
I learned to cook and how to fish and how to work the land
This country is my home now and this is where I’ll die
Under the big Montana sky
Workin’ the hi-line, Workin’ the hi-line
Workin’ the hi-line, Until it’s quitting time

[@notimelikethe]

Very cool song.

[@theOPENDOORORCHESTRA]

living the dream! Much love your way....

[@JoselynandDon]

Thanks so much for listening! xo

[@BarbDLong]

Beautiful

[@JoselynandDon]

Thank you Barb!

[@carlryan3936]

Nice job guys, from a fellow Montanan from Opportunity (50 miles from Wisdom).

[@JoselynandDon]

Very cool! Thanks so much!

[@truearchdale8999]

AWESOME!! Thanks.

[@JoselynandDon]

Glad you liked it!

[@2mc121]

Enjoyed your performance! It’s quitting time.

[@JoselynandDon]

Thanks! It felt right xo

[@2mc121]

@@JoselynandDon 💚

[@lorinafshun6961]

Beautiful song ❤

[@JoselynandDon]

Really appreciate you listening! Thanks!

[@daveseeley4814]

Beautiful song and melody, but historically they have it wrong, If they immigrated in 1929, as the song says, The Great Northern Railroad had long been completed, that happened in 1893. Yes there was work on spur lines, but the railroad built by James, J. Hill was already through the Hi-Line of Montana.

[@JoselynandDon]

Thanks for listening! Yes, I think they probably did work on a spur line in the area. True story, but also allegorical for the immigrant labor that did build so much of the railroad and the country’s infrastructure. And, the Hi-Line also refers to the area where he spent the rest of his life working.