The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #6002 Message #1020453
Posted By: Bob Bolton
16-Sep-03 - 11:53 PM
Thread Name: Word meaning--rigadoo
Subject: RE: Word meaning--rigadoo
Whipping back a bit earlier, I have a further thought on the idea that the beggar is talking of his "Old Rigadoo" while describing his travels:
"So all along the highroad with my bag upon my back
Over the fields with my bulging heavy sack
With holes in my shoes and my toes a-peepin' through
Singing "Skin-a-ma-link-a-doodle" with my ould rigadoo."
This has an interesting resonance with the Australia term "Waltzing Matilda" ... derived from the German journeyman's spell roving ... "Auf der walz" ... (with tool/clothing/bedding roll, often called 'mathilde'. That an Irish beggar should characterise his wanderings as a dance is not surprising.
Regards,
Bob Bolton