Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: GUEST,RA
Date: 14 Apr 21 - 01:49 PM

Thanks for the information Ross! I've had the good fortune to hear Kevin Mitchell singing this song live...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 14 Apr 21 - 12:32 PM

I've been singing the song since hearing Kevin Mitchell's version on his first LP. I used to pass the Mugdock Reservoir (aka The Mickey Dam) every week or so when travelling to and from University in the late 60s. At that time it would have still been Glasgow Corporation property and closed to the public, in contrast to today when it is a popular destination for walkers and joggers.

Mugdock and Craigmaddie Reservoirs were built as the southern terminus of the aqueduct conducting Glasgow's water supply from Loch Katrine, north of Aberfoyle where we lived for a time. The pipeline was driven through the mountainous country between Stronaclachar and Milngavie, sometimes buried underground, sometimes out-cropping at road-crossings (the resulting low bridges have all gone, the pipe-line now buried beneath the roads). The early construction was contemporaneous with the Crimean War, which may explain the name "Sebastopol" still on Ordnance Survey maps, marking the site above Loch Chon of one of the labourer's camps. I have been unable to find how many men died during construction, but I imagine the choice of name reflects the severity of conditions there.

This site has great photographs and good information.
https://www.caingram.info/Scotland/Pic_htm/milngavie_waterworks.htm

Ross

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: GUEST,RA
Date: 14 Apr 21 - 10:41 AM

This is from a review of a record by the Battlefield Band which features a recording of the song:

"The final song, The Mickey Dam, illustrates one of the simplest. The construction of Milngavie waterworks in the late 1800’s brought vast numbers of Irish labourers to the area, just north of Glasgow. Conditions were harsh and, as so often happened, triggered the inimitable Irish wit. This resulting song has been sung by Glasgow’s Irish community ever since."

Looking at the entry in the DT, it needs some corrections! 'Laborer' is the American spelling, so should be 'Labourer'. Also, the place name mentioned is Milngavie, not Mull Guy (Milngavie is pronounced more like 'Mull Guy', to the consternation of many non-Scots).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: GUEST,cooney_mush
Date: 14 Apr 21 - 09:42 AM

Hi Folks,

I don’t know if this is the right place to post this! However, I’m recording a rendition of ‘The Mickey Dam’ for my upcoming, debut solo EP!

The first person I heard singing the song was Daoirí Farrel! Daoirí told me he had learned it from Frank Harte’s ‘There’s Gangs of them Digging’ and Frank claims to have learned it from Kevin Mitchell who recorded it on his 1977 album ‘Free and Easy’!

On the back of the vinyl sleeve for Kevin’s Album, he says about ‘The Mickey Dam’:-
“A fine, robust, Glasgow-Irish song learned from William Devine, once from Co Derry but now working for Glasgow Corporation”

Does anyone have any info on how far back this song goes? I would really appreciate it!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: Wolfgang
Date: 28 Jun 02 - 08:31 AM

I see now, it's even in the DT, in perfect shape:

I'm an honest Irish Laborer

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: GUEST,Sean
Date: 28 Jun 02 - 08:27 AM

Thanks folks great help

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 28 Jun 02 - 08:17 AM

If you type "Mickey Dam" (including the quotes) in the Digitrad and Forum Search Box you will find one thread: I'm an honest Irish Labourer, which I think has the words.

Mick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Mickey Dam
From: Wolfgang
Date: 28 Jun 02 - 08:16 AM

Old thread (found by entering Mickey dam in the DT and Forum Search)

Wolfgang

Subject: The Mickey Dam
From: GUEST,Sean
Date: 28 Jun 02 - 08:09 AM

Looking for lyrics of this song, think it was recorded by Kevin Mitchell. All assistance greatly appreciated