The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #150417   Message #3517335
Posted By: Richie
20-May-13 - 06:43 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 5
Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads: US Versions Part 5
I like the Slattern Wife title- the only one I could find was from Gilchrist, pub. in 1937.

THE SLATTERN WIFE- Sung about 25 years ago (c. 1912) by a Scots friend. Noted by A. G. Gilchrist.

She weish her face but ance a year,
Sing dhu and dhu, Sing dhu and dhu,
She sweept her flure but ance a year,
Cloch ma clairy clinkie O.

What's important is the refrain:

Sing dhu and dhu, Sing dhu and dhu,

which could be the source of "Dandoo, Dandoo." Although I'm not sure that "Sing dhu and dhu" means anything more than "Dandoo, dandoo."

Waht do you think?

Any other versions with the "Slattern Wife" title?

Richie