Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe

Subject: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 07:06 PM

These lyrics have already been posted at Mudcat:
I BELONG TO GLASGOW
I'M 94 THIS MORNIN'*
I'M 94 TODAY*
YE CAN COME AND SEE THE BABY

*Probably the same song under different titles, but I have found both titles cataloged at WorldCat.org, so apparently there really were 2 recordings, or at least 2 different releases of the same recording.

I haven't made a detailed comparison of the posted lyrics.

Subject: Lyr Add: AH'M FEAR'D FOR MRS. McKIE (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 07:14 PM

My transcription (and my spelling, except for the title!) from a recording at Spotify, from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011):


AH'M FEAR'D FOR MRS. McKIE
As sung by Will Fyffe

If ye'd seen me before I got married,
You would have said, "There's a man,"
But just like the rest I was captured,
And then all my troubles began;
For the boss of the hoose is the missus,
An I sometimes myself have to laugh,
For though I'm six foot three, she's the boss over me
And she's only four foot and a half.
Still I'm feart for Mrs McKie.
I'm feart for Mrs McKie.
When I'm oot wi ma mates, I don't care a hang.
When I land at the hoose, I'm as quiet as a lamb,
'Cause I'm feart for Mrs McKie,
And when I take a dram on the sly,
I pit a peppermint drap in ma mooth
'Cause I'm feart for Mrs McKie.

There's a lass at the fit o the vennel(?).
She works in a wee sweetie shop.
Sometimes when I keek through the windae,
She winks and invites me ta stop
And suggests we should go to the pictures
Or that I take her oot on the sly,
And sometimes I think I would like to, but mind ye,
I think o Mrs McKie,
'Cause I'm feart for Mrs McKie.
I am feart for Mrs McKie,
For in oor but-an-ben she rules like a queen.
If I'm five minutes late she says, "Whaur hae ye been?"
And I've got the neebours ta think o,
For they're aye peepin oot on the sly,
So the lassie can bide in her wee sweetie shop
'Cause I'm feart for Mrs McKie.

Ye would think that ma wife was a hero
The way that she bosses the hoose.
There's only one thing that she's feard o,
And that's just a tiny wee moose.
She woke me at three in the mornin
And said, "There's a moose in the trap.
Do ye think ye could manage to kill it, my darlin?
Mon, ye're a brave little chap!"
An I'm feart for Mrs McKie.
I am feart for Mrs McKie
So I got intae bed, I turned oot the licht
While Maggie was under the claes i the sicht(?).
I said, "Now I'll show Mrs McKie."
I said to mysel, "Do or die!"
So I rolled up ma sleeves an I strangled the moose.
Still I'm feart for Mrs McKie.

[PATTER OMITTED]

I'm feart for Mrs McKie.
I'm feart for Mrs McKie.
When I'm oot wi ma mates, I don't care a hang.
When I land at the hoose, I'm as quiet as a lamb,
'Cause I'm feart for Mrs McKie,
And when I take a drink on the sly,
I shove a peppermint drap in ma mooth
'Cause I'm feart for Mrs McKie.

Subject: Lyr Add: MACPHERSON'S WEDDING BREAKFAST (W Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 09:20 PM

My transcription from a recording on Spotify, same album as above:


MACPHERSON'S WEDDING BREAKFAST
As sung by Will Fyffe

Ye'll wonder why I'm dressed sae braw an why I look sae fine.
I've just been tae the weddin of a dear old freend o mine,
And did ye hear the joy bells ring? Did ye see me in the cab,
When Roderick jock McPherson married bonnie Jean McNabb?

CHORUS: And at Macpherson's weddin breakfast, there was whiskey, beer an wine,
Haggis frae Kilmarnock an kippers frae Loch Fyne.
I couldnae manage hame at aa; they took me in a cab,
When Roderick Jock Macpherson married bonnie Jean McNabb.

Noo, the lassies wanted dancin, so we cleared awa the chairs.
The hoose wis fairly packit; some were sittin on the stairs;
And then we passed the bottles roond an we all went on the spree.
I was sittin on the fender wi a lassie on ma knee. CHORUS

PATTER: Oh, a weddin breakfast, the best I've ever had! Of course then we had a sing-song. The first man to sing was Mike Muldoon from Dublin, a decent Irishman. And he sung one o the old Irish come-all-ye's in the following style:

SINGS, A NEW TUNE: In sweet Mayo, in a spot I know,
There dwells an old colleen.
In days gone by, my love and I,
Would walk through the meadows green.

By the fireside sat an aged bride,
A woman old and grey.
She sang a song ye heard the whole day long
In a good old Irish way.

"My Irish home, my Irish home,
The place where I was born."
She sang a song ye'd hear the whole day long:
"In me good old Irish home."

The next man to sing was a Welshman, Shoney(?) Evans from Cardiff. He sang us Gwenith Gwyn. We didnae ken what it was aboot, but it went something like this:

[SINGS IN WELSH. I can't transcribe this part.]

PATTER: And then everybody went mad for a dance. We danced all the old-fashioned Scotch yins, an everybody shrieked wi delight when ah shouted pairtners for the …(?). come on oot. Get yer lassie off the chairs. Come on noo, up an doon the middle o the kitchen. Hoo! Ha-ha!

SINGS: I couldnae manage hame at aa; they took me in a cab,
When Roderick Jock Macpherson married bonnie Jean McNabb.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: BobKnight
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 04:33 AM

Jin Dixon - The name of the lady is Mrs spelled McKay, no McKie. This is a frequent mistake by non Scots - they see McKay, and pronounce it as read, or hear it, as you said from the record and transcribe it as McKie,but it's actually pronounced Mac-eye. If you do that you'll see that it rhymes with the other lyrics; sly and die!

Vennel - is a "close" or courtyard, alley, associated with the houses.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 04:56 AM

The Real McKay in fact, Bob!

~M~

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: Billy Weeks
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 05:51 AM

Don't forget his superb 'She was the Belle of the Ball', one of Fyffe's finest recordings.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 02:51 PM

Re: McKay or McKie?

I suspected it should be McKay—in fact, I automatically spelled it that way while I was making the transcription, but I changed it because "McKie" is the spelling used by Spotify (where I found the recording) and by Allmusic.com. In fact, every web site I have found that mentions this song uses the spelling "McKie." It could be that they are all describing the recent CD, and they all got their information from the same source: the CD publisher, Hallmark Recordings. Maybe Hallmark made the mistake. (Record publishers are notoriously bad spellers.) I haven't found any web site whose information definitely comes directly from the label of the original 78-rpm record. I don't know whether any sheet music exists.

In any case, Fyffe pronounced the name to rhyme with "sly" and "die."

By the way, Wikipedia lists 18 people named McKie and around 114 named McKay.

Subject: Lyr Add: SHE WAS THE BELLE OF THE BALL (Will Fyffe
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 04:31 PM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:

SHE WAS THE BELLE OF THE BALL
As sung by Will Fyffe

I feel a different chap today; the reason is because
A bonnie wee lassie's in love with me an I didnae think she was;
But I went an popped the question and I nearly passed away
When she threw her airms aroond ma neck and named the happy day.

CHORUS: Oh, a nice wee lass, a fine wee lass is bonnie wee Jeannie MacCall.
I gave her my mother's engagement ring and a bonnie wee tartan shawl.
I met her at a weddin in the corporative hall.
Ah was the best man an she was the belle o the ball.

Oh, tirra madee madoo maday!

The nicht I popped the question, I was awfy, awfy shy.
The rain was pourin doon but she was happy; so was I.
The pair of us were drookit through as we landed at the stair. [drenched]
The rain was runnin oot o my breeks but och! I didnae care.

CHORUS: Because a nice wee lass....

[Patter] You know, I’ll never forget the nicht o the Corporative Ball. What a nicht that was! That’s the nicht that I won her, mind ye. Of course, mind ye, I didn’t get oot o fightin for her. Oh, no fear! I had a rival: wee Jimmy Cunningham, palooka. An durin the dance he tried to be very funny. He purposely bumped into the two of us while we were dancin La Va.* No, wait a minute; it was no la-va; it was Tartanella.** So I asked him to apologize. He says: “Apologize to you, ye wee yella yite?” I said: “What did ye say?” “Oh,” he says, “I could tell ye what you are.” I said: “Could ya? You come outside for a minute an tell me.” So we went oot together. Oh, and I got on champion. I had him nearly half murdered when all of a sudden Jeannie cam rushin oot an she got between the twa o ye and she says: “Come on, noo, laddies; make freens.” Well, of course, I did what any other fella would do under the circumstances: I went straight up to the fella an I hit him another good wallop in the jaw. Actually, I didnae do it, ah, but I knew she was worth fightin for, boys, because—CHORUS

- - -
* La Va – probably La Varsovienne.

** Tartanella – He probably means “Tarantella.”

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M THE LANDLORD OF THE INN IN ABERFOYLE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 10:22 PM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


I'M THE LANDLORD OF THE INN IN ABERFOYLE
As sung by Will Fyffe

For thirty years I've held the licence of this wee hotel.
The fact is I was born in it an reared in it as well.
It's been handed down for years an years from father unto son,
An it's recognized the house of call by each and ev'ry one.

CHORUS: And I'm the landlord of the pub in Aberfoyle,
And if you're feelin thirsty from a hard day's toil,
You'll find that it is just the place for whiskey an for beer.
You'll get a Scottish welcome, aye, an hairty Scottish cheer.
If it happens that the doors are closed and the clocks have all struck ten,
Just tap upon the back door, dinnae ring the bell,
An down will come the landlord of the Aberfoyle Hotel.

We get lots of folk frae Glesgae on a Sunday afternoon.
Motorbikes an hikers by the dozen gather roon.
I fill them up wi haggis, aye, an lots o boiled ham,
For it makes them awfy thirsty so they have to have a dram. CHORUS

PATTER: Of course, you know, you’ve got to be very particular, an that’s what I am: very particular. I’ve got to know you first. But mind you, to those that know, to those that belong to the same lodge, two distinct knocks an yer in. Any more or any less an yer oot. An mind you, yer still; I’m takin nae chances. But you know, I had an awfu fright the other night; I got an awfu fright the other night! I heard the usual two distinct knocks. I opened the door an there was the police constable. So he fixed me wi his eye; he said: “Alister, you have company inside.” I fixed him wi my eye; I said: “Yes, constable, I have two sergeants an the superintendent o police.” He said: “Goodnight, Alister.” I said: “Goodnight, constable.” Heh-heh, you’ve got to be cute with those fellows. Keep yer eyes open, you know. You’ve got to watch yer step when you’ve got a public hoose, especially yer doorstep. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: SAILING UP THE CLYDE (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 10:38 PM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


SAILING UP THE CLYDE
As sung by Will Fyffe

Now I've been away for a long, long time across the rollin sea.
Ma faither was a soldier lad so a sailor I would be.
Now I've had some sensations while away across the foam,
But the greatest feelin o the lot is when ye're sailin home.

CHORUS: Aye, when ye're sailin up the Clyde, sailin up the Clyde,
Back to bonnie Scotland where the old folk bide,
There's a lump comes in your throat an a tear ye cannae hide,
When you're rollin back to Scotland and yer ain fireside.

Now ma friends came down to see me off on the day I sailed away.
They brought a flask o whiskey that was made in USA.
I said, "Goodbye, good luck, old pals. I'll see you in September."
I took one drink and then fell down and the next thing I remember—

CHORUS: I was sailin....

[Patter omitted.]

[Repeat chorus.]

Subject: Lyr Add: UNCLE MAC (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 10:59 PM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


UNCLE MAC
As sung by Will Fyffe

I landed from the colonies a week or two ago,
Where I made a lot o money, an I'm proud to let ye know
Upon an emigration scheme I sailed frae Scotland's shore.
Noo I've seen all I want to see, an I'm sailin back once more.

CHORUS: I'm rich Uncle Mac from the colonies way back.
I landed hame withoot the slightest warnin,
But I found relations funny; for they're after all ma money,
So I'm sailin back again tomorrow mornin.

I'd about a thousand relatives ta meet me on the pier.
Half o them were roond ma neck; the others on ma ear.
'Twas uncle this an uncle that an "How much have ye got?"
I don't know who to leave it to, so I think I'll keep the lot.

CHORUS: That's why I'm rich....

[Patter omitted.]

[Repeat chorus.]

Subject: Lyr Add: THE RAILWAY GUARD (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 01:49 AM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


THE RAILWAY GUARD
As sung by Will Fyffe

I'm the gaird upon the train that goes from Inverness to Wick
And comes back again from Wick to Inverness.
Of the trials and the troubles of a Scottish railway gaird
The British public really cannae guess.
When the old express goes dashin off at fourteen miles an hour,
And the heather hills go slowly glidin past,
It stops at every station an we start her up again
As the gaird upon the whistle gives the blast.

CHORUS: Och, an I'm in ma glory in the old gaird's van,
Settin at ma ease upon the soor-dook can, [buttermilk]
Sometimes quick, sometimes slow,
A waggle and a tootle and away we go.

When the old express leaves Inverness the people gather round
And they start us on our journey with a cheer.
Aye, and on a day excursion they always take their trunks
In case we are away for half a year.
Then I fasten up ma carriage doors an tie them up wi string.
I blaw ma whistle, then I wave ma flag,
But one day I forgot ma flag; it was a lucky thing
That I had ginger whiskers I could wag.

CHORUS: Ah, but I'm in ma glory in the old gaird's van,
Settin at ma ease upon the soor-dook can,
Sometimes quick, methodically slow,
A waggle an a tootle and away we go.

[Patter omitted.]

[Repeat chorus.]

Subject: Lyr Add: TWELVE AND A TANNER A BOTTLE (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 02:04 AM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


TWELVE AND A TANNER A BOTTLE
As sung by Will Fyffe

1. It's really high time that something was done
To alter the way that the country is run.
They're not doing things in the way that they should.
Just take for instance the price of the food.

CHORUS: Twelve and a tanner a bottle, that's what it's costin the day.
Twelve and a tanner a bottle! It takes all the pleasure away.
Before ye can get a wee drappie, ye have to spend all that ye've got.
How can a fella be happy when happiness costs such a lot?

2. There's taxes on this, taxes on that.
While we're getting lean, the officials get fat.
You must admit it's a bit underhand,
Puttin a tax on the breath of the land,

CHORUS: For it's twelve....

3. Noo I used to meet with some old pals o mine,
When whiskey was cheap an it went doon like wine.
Noo I never meet them, I'm sorry to tell.
I dodge roond the corner an I drink by mysel,

CHORUS: Since it's twelve....

Subject: Lyr Add: DR MACGREGOR (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 09:45 AM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


DR MACGREGOR
As sung by Will Fyffe

I needn't introduce mysel; ye all ken wha I am,
Unless you are a stranger in the place.
I'm known through all the countryside for fifty miles aroun
By ma tricycle, ma figure an ma face.
The children in the neighbourhood, they're awfy feart for me,
For when I appear there isn't one about,
But I often see them peeping roond the corner o the door,
Then to their mothers they begin to shout:

CHORUS: It's Doctor MacGregor and his wee black bag,
Doctor MacGregor and his wee black bag,
Known ev'ry cottage door through all the countryside.
There's not a bed in all the place I havenae sat beside,
And the ladies all adore me though I dinnae want to brag,
But they're glad to see MacGregor and his wee black bag.

The young folk laughin think that I'm a relic o the past.
Like my tricycle, I'm gettin out o date,
But the older generation in the village swear by me,
Though the population isn't very great.
There's a younger doctor takin up a practice in the place—
He's up to date and got a motorcar—
But the tricycle ma faither had before me daes for me,
Though it doesnae go so quick or half as far.

[Patter ending with this recitation:]

If ever money came ma way, I spent it,
And if a friend should want a loan, I lent it;
And if I to the races went, I'd bet it,
Then when the income tax came in, regret it.
I dinnae want want you to think I'm wealthy.
I'm glad to be alive, strong and healthy;
And if I haven't got a penny when life ends,
Thank God I've got a fortune in my friends!

[Repeat chorus]

Subject: Lyr Add: MAGGIE (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 01:27 PM

My transcription from the album "I Belong to Glasgow: Greatest Hits of Will Fyffe" (2011), as found at Spotify:


MAGGIE
As sung by Will Fyffe

I think I've coorted aw the bonnie lassies in the toon,
But ma mother she's advised me that it's time to settle doon.
I've got so many sweethearts that I don't know which to choose.
Whichever one I marry, well, the rest I'm bound to lose.

CHORUS: For there's Maggie, there's Jeannie, there's Katie, and there's Kinnie(?) and their cheeks are like the rose,
But I've heard the mavis singing where a bonnie lassie grows.
[She's just like her mother; she comes frae Balquhidder(?)]* and she's promised to be mine,
And though the others they can come tae the weddin for the sake of auld lang syne.

Maggie she comes straight indeed(?) She's workin at the mill.
Jean's been lookin for a job; I think she's lookin still;
But Bella's taen ma fancy and the others hae no use,
For she's the only dochter an they've got a public hoose.

[Repeat chorus twice, making the following substitutions for the words in brackets above:]
[On chorus 2:] Kind, kind and gentle is she
[On chorus 3:] In my ain wee hoose we're goin to settle doon
[These seem to be quotes from other songs. He sings them a cappella.]

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WADDIN O' MARY MACLEAN (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 02:55 PM

My transcription from the album "Will Fyffe" (2008), as found at Spotify:
There are a few lines that don't make sense to me and are probably wrong; I have marked these with question marks.


THE WADDIN O' MARY MACLEAN
As sung by Will Fyffe

It's no o a wake that I'm goin for to sing,
But it is o a weddin, a different thing.
We had hide-an-go-seek an we'd kissin the ring
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean

When we were assembled we all taen the chance
O a better was served(?) to a kind o a dance.
There was reelin an squealin an people insane
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

Oh, sic a nice weddin ye never did see.
Nae wonder that ah had a tear in ma ee.
I was greetin because the bridegroom wasnae me
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

Noo the first tae arrive was a Misteress Speece(?)
Wi her uncle, her auntie, her nephew an niece,
An the next tae arrive was a batch o police
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

A red-heided fella called Dougal Maguire
Was washin his face at the sink o …(?) fire.
And him twenty-twa to the office was taen(?)
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

O sic a nice weddin ye never did see.
Nae wonder that ah had a tear in ma ee.
I was greetin because the bridegroom wasnae me
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

That row was nae stopped till another began
'Tween a new-married wife an a new-married man,
An they taen him awa in an ambulance van
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

When the weddin was finished I felt nearly deid.
I lay on the flair wi an awfy sair heid,
And in a wheelbarra they hurdled me hame
On the nicht o the weddin o Mary Maclean.

[Patter] Oh, what a weddin! Oh, what a weddin! And there’s another hielan weddin, you see, I’ve got to go to, an another yin on Friday. Of coorse, it’s the wife, it’s the wife … weddins. If there’s any mair weddins this week, I’m gonna tell you something: There’ll be a funeral on Saturday and I’ll be the principal performer.

Ah, but it’s the wife; she’s aye daft on dancin, aye dancin the hielan cityslava an faranella. Of coorse I cannae dance, an I’ve just to go to the refreshment bar, and mind you, that’s where I do my jigging. And when daybreak comes along, the wife just finds oot where I’m lyin and brings a barra. She aye brings a wheelbarra and she hurdles me hame. You know, I’ll bet ye a bob we’ve traveled thoosans o miles like that.

You know. I don’t remember much aboot the ceremony. All I remember is auld Dalton the minister comin in, and the auld wife in the hoose, the bride’s mother, says: “Will ye have a wee refreshment?” He says: “Ooh, no, thank you. I never drink.” Ah, but I saw him goin to the cab. I saw how he walks, an from practical experience, I know.

I remember the ceremony, a wee bit of it. When the minister says to the bride: “Will you take this man for yer lawful wedded husban?” she says: “Yes, I will!” with conviction. Well, when the bridegroom staggered tremblin at the knees, and the minister says: “Will ye take this woman tae be yer lawful wedded wife?” he says, “Aye, I will.” That man wasnae married at all; he was arrested!

So I’m gonna tell ye something: If I’m goin tae ony mair weddins wi the wife, when I go, I’m gonna take a couple o trained nurses wi me an half a stone o aspirin, ’cause I’m no weel this mornin. I’ve got an awfy sair heid. Oh, my sair heid! Oh!

Oh, sic a nice weddin ye never did see.
When I woke in the mornin ah thocht ah wad dee,
So I went to the pub and concluded the spree
After the weddin o Mary Maclean.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE CENTENARIAN (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 05:29 PM

My transcription from the album "Will Fyffe" (2008), as found at Spotify:
The patter in this song is funnier than most, so I included some of it.


THE CENTENARIAN
As sung by Will Fyffe

There's been a great commotion in the village doon the brae.
Ye'll wonder what it's all aboot; I'll tell ye right away.
This mornin' was ma birthday an I've lived a hundred years.
That's why ye hear the pipers an the shoutin an the cheers.

Och, a hundred ago today, a hundred years ago,
And Scotland's in the same place still.
I've had lots o time to spare, so I've travelled everywhere.
I've sailed the seas an toddled the land ower many a weary hill.
But there's nae place like the old place.
Hame's hame wherever you may go.
Oh, the stories I could tell, for mind ye, I've enjoyed mysel.
Och, I'd like to start it over again a hundred years ago.

The old schuil house was packit oot; the laird was forced to sing.
The minister read a telegram that I gat frae the king.
The lassies made a fuss o me, and to show them I was game,
We had a game o postman's knock an I saw a couple hame.

Och, aye. Aye, aye. There's only one thing. I wish my wife had been alive to see this day. She'd a been prood o me. Ah, but she's deid. Aye, she's away. Just a lassie when she died. Eighty-six. Aye. The doctor did his best to save her but it was no good, no good. But the baby lived. Oh, aye. It'll be a great comfort to me in my old age.

Oh, the stories I could tell, for mind ye, I've enjoyed mysel.
Och, I'd like to start it over again a hundred years ago.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE TRAIN THAT'S TAKING YOU HOME (W Fyffe
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 06:03 PM

My transcription from the album "Will Fyffe" (2008), as found at Spotify:


THE TRAIN THAT'S TAKING YOU HOME
As sung by Will Fyffe

Far awa frae bonnie Scotland and ye're thinking o the day
When ye pack yer grip an ye take yer ship for hame so far away.
Ye step from the steamer an land upon the pier.
Ye're awfy excited, for yer friends are drawin near,
And ye take yer train for the last lap home, it's a wonderful feelin to me—

CHORUS: When ye're lookin from the window of the train that takin ye to home sweet home.
Ye look on the hills o bonny purple heather,
An the wee bit burn where we used to play together.
Auld lang syne has a wonderful meanin tae a Scotchman when he's far across the foam.
Och, it's lovely to be lookin from the wee bit window of the train that's takin ye home.

Friends may come and friends may go, but still an old friend's aye the best,
When they're staunch and true, an they're real true blue, an for years have stood the test.
Ye're aye glad te meet them, and shake them by the hand,
Especially when they're waitin with a bottle in their hand,
And ye form a link just for auld lang syne.
Man, I tell ye the feelin is fine— CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: SHEILA MACKAY (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 09:22 PM

My transcription from the album "Will Fyffe" (2008), as found at Spotify:


SHEILA MACKAY
As sung by Will Fyffe

Last year on a trip to Glengarry
I called at a wee but-an-ben,
And there I discovered a fairy,
The sweetest wee lass in the glen.
As soon as my eyes fell upon her,
I felt I was under a spell.
I knew then I was a goner.
I wanted her all to mysel.

CHORUS: Sheila Mackay, the lassie I adore,
I love her as I've never loved another lass before.
Pure as the rose, her beauty makes me sigh.
I've shairly lost ma hairt to Sheila Mackay.

Oh, love is a terrible feelin.
It makes ye go weak at the knees.
When intae yer hairt it comes stealin,
Man, ye just want to cuddle an squeeze.
I knew that I couldnae resist her
The first time I glanced at her face,
And the very first time that I kissed her,
Ma hairt nearly fell from its place. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SPIRIT OF A MAN FROM ABERDEEN (Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 11 Oct 11 - 09:44 PM

My transcription from the album "Will Fyffe" (2008), as found at Spotify:


THE SPIRIT OF A MAN FROM ABERDEEN
As sung by Will Fyffe

"A man's a man for a' that," said the poet Rabbie Burns,
And like Washington he never told a lie.
Whiskey's always whiskey, aye, but when the whiskey burns,
You know that it has lost its way when comin thro the rye.
I like a drop o whiskey; well, a Scotsman's built that way,
And when I stroll into a bar, you'll always hear me say—

CHORUS: Anybody here can have a Black an White
That's been a white man to me.
Any friend o mine, for the sake of auld lang syne,
Can put them doon an fill them up; the pleasure's mine.
Some people think Scotchmen never buy a drink,
But I'll prove to you a Scotchman's not so mean.
Lend me a pound and I'll pay for drinks all round.
That's the spirit of a man from Aberdeen.

Just find the truth o'it for yoursel and come tae Aberdeen,
And ye'll find that ev'ry man's the real Mackay.
Ye'll find a homely but-an-ben a wee drop in the press(?).
The stories of our meanness is a lie, you will confess.
Of course inside a wee bit pub ye'll aye find yin or twa
That when they've had a dram too much,will say to yin and a'— CHORUS.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE GAMEKEEPER (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 12:05 AM

My transcription from the album "Will Fyffe" (2008), as found at Spotify:


THE GAMEKEEPER
As sung by Will Fyffe

I'm known as Jock the keeper by the people in the village,
And there's not a poacher near when I'm around;
And the laird o the estate thinks I'm absolutely great,
That there's not a better keeper can be found;
But I know all the habits of the simple-minded rabbits,
And I'm quick enough sometimes to catch a hare;
And you can take my word, I'm also known by ev'ry bird,
But as I'm a married man I'll say nae mair.

CHORUS: But wi ma gun by ma side an my dug below ma airm,
I toddle through the heather in the gloamin.
When the old cock crows, ev'rybody knows
Ye're sure to see the keeper in the mornin.

I toddle to the village when the public hoose is open
And the village constable is there as well.
That's where we compare oor notes an wet oor thirsty throats
And lots o things each other have to tell;
And if its a rainy day, for hours and hours we stay,
And we're often known to stay till late at night;
For that's where we give evidence against the poacher lads
And we always put it down in black an white.*

[Patter omitted]

[Repeat chorus]

[* Possibly a pun on Black and White, a brand of Scotch whiskey.]

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 21 Nov 22 - 08:29 AM

available occasionally on radio 4extra :
He Belonged to Glasgow - The Will Fyffe Story
After spending his formative years in touring theatre, Will Fyffe switched to comedy and music hall, and became a headline act throughout Scotland. Along with his contemporary Harry Lauder, his humour transcended the regional stage and appearances all over Britain led to five Royal Variety performances.

A leading film star of the 1930s and 40s, he made one Hollywood film, although this burgeoning career was put on hold as war broke out and he returned to entertain the troops.

An accident in 1947 led to his untimely death, but his body of work lives on through his songs, sketches and films.

In this programme, singer-songwriter and Deacon Blue frontman Ricky Ross looks at Fyffe's life, career and legacy with family, film historians and music hall experts, including Professor Jeffrey Richards, and Will Fyffe's daughter, Eileen.

Producer: Elizabeth Foster

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00vky75

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 05:54 PM

A curious one. If Scotland Turns Republic https://electricscotland.com/history/other/007.mp3

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M VERRA GLAD I'M MARRIT TAE THE WIFE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 19 Feb 23 - 02:09 PM

My transcription from the audio file at the Internet Archive. I chose to transcribe it as standard English although Fyffe sings in Scots. Some words are doubtful; I’d appreciate it if someone else would listen and confirm or offer corrections.


I'M VERRA GLAD I'M MARRIT TAE THE WIFE
Words and music by Will Fyffe
As recorded by Will Fyffe on Regal G 8129, 1924.

VERSE 1. Oh, I used to work about as hard as any man I know.
At five o’clock in the morning, away I used to go,
Work away till twelve o’clock, and then go on till six,
Up and down the ladder-way a half-a-dozen trips.
The foreman used to swear at me as I went up and down,
But now he lifts his hat to me and he calls me Mr Brown.

CHORUS 1. To the wife, the wife, it’s all to the wife, [on repeat: “he left it to the wife”]
The finest little wife I’ve ever had in all my life.
Her father died and left her nearly twenty thousand pounds.
When we heard the news, the house went round and round and round.
She’s away down the road to buy a motorcar,
So I’ll never walk again in all my life.
I can lie in bed till twelve o'clock, get up, and then go back again.
I’m awful glad I’m married to the wife. REPEAT CHORUS 1.

VERSE 2. Oh, I never shall forget the night when first we heard the news.
The wife went on hysterical and I went on the booze.
Standing looking right and left and soon to left and right,
I stood upon my dignity and then felt good all night,
Stood upon Jamaica Bridge and suffered grief and pain,
Landed home and read the lawyer’s letter once again.

CHORUS 2. To the wife, the wife, I read it to the wife.
Twenty thousand pounds, my dear, it’ll last you all your life.
I looked at her; she looked at me; we didn’t know what to think,
So I fell unconscious and the wife fell down the sink.
The canary started whistling and the cat run up the rung.
I’d never laughed so much in all my life.
I got up and kissed the wife, a thing I hadn’t done for centuries.
I’m awful glad I’m married to the wife. REPEAT CHORUS 2.

Subject: Lyr Add: IT ISN’T THE HEN THAT CACKLES THE MOST
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 24 Feb 23 - 06:34 PM

IT ISN’T THE HEN THAT CACKLES THE MOST
As recorded by Will Fyffe – found on Spotify.

1. If you want a chicken to supply the family nest,
You’ll find that it’s the quiet ones that always do the best.
The one that does the cacklin’ is the one that’s full of boast,
But it isn’t the one that puts a couple of eggs upon the toast.

CHORUS: It isn’t the hen that cackles the most that lays the bonniest egg,
Settin’ in the hay,
Cacklin’ all the day,
Instead of doin’ her duty like a woman ought to do,
All she does is henpeck the cock-a-doodle do!
Like some wives, she’s got too much to say,
Leads her poor old husband all astray.
Oh! Cock-a-doodle, cock-a-doodle! She keeps pullin’ his leg,
But it isn’t the hen that cackles the most that lays the bonniest egg.

2. Often she gets jealous of a decent cluckin’ hen,
Rearin’ up her family in its ain wee but-an’-ben.
She clucks away and scratches up the earth for all around.
But all she keeps on layin’ are some feathers on the ground;
So—CHORUS

3. Remember, there’s a moral to this little chicken song:
You’ve got to keep your tongue between your teeth although it’s long;
For naggin’ makes you older and it’s young you want to look,
And what did Rabbie Burns say the nicht he kissed the cook? CHORUS

PATTER: Ha-ha! You know, a hen is just like a woman: aye on the cackle. I’ve got one at hame, an’ I know—not exactly a chicken, mind you, but the biggest grouse in Scotland. Look at the woman next door: fourteen bairns, an’ you never hear her ..., an’ my wife yappin’ all day long an’ no results. Not a chicken in the hoose! The cradle’s like the bottle in the cupboard, completely empty! So you see, I’m quite right when I tell you—CHORUS

Subject: Discography and Filmography for Will Fyffe
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Feb 23 - 12:15 PM

Here is a (hopefully) complete list of songs recorded by Will Fyffe, from

The Complete Entertainment Discography, from the Mid-1890s to 1942 by Brian Rust with Allen G. Debus (New Rochelle, NY: Arlington House, 1973), page 289ff.

Note that several songs were recorded more than once.

1921: I’m 94 Today / I Belong to Glasgow
The Engineer / Sandy’s Holiday

1922: Maggie / New Year’s Day
The First Wee Drappie in the Morning / Goodbye, Jenny
The Hieland Jazz / I’m Going to Sea

1923: I’m Tight, Too / Up among the Heather
I’m 94 Today / I Belong to Glasgow
I Love My Mary / I’m Verra Glad I’m Marrit tae the Wife

1924: Ah’m a Very Happy Fellow When Ah’m Working / Ma Maggie Mackay
Jessie MacDonald / The Elder
Tobermory Treasure / Come and Hae a Walk wi’ Me
Give My Regards to Uncle Sandy / Let’s Sing “Auld Lang Syne”
When McKay Started Learning to Play the Bagpipes / The Inverary Inn

1926: Down in the Quarry Where the Bluebells Grow / Dr McGregor
Dr. McGregor / The Engineer

1927: I’m 94 Today / I Belong to Glasgow
The Engineer / Sandy’s Holiday
The Centenarian / The Gamekeeper

1928: Sailing up the Clyde / Ye Can Come and See the Baby Any Time

1929: She Was the Belle of the Ball / Twelve and a Tanner a Bottle
The Train That’s Taking You Home / Sheila McKay
I’m 94 Today / I Belong to Glasgow

1930: McPherson’s Wedding Breakfast / The Railway Guard
Daft Sandy – Part 1 / Daft Sandy – Part 2

1931: The Spirit of a Man from Aberdeen / The Waddin’ o’ Mary Maclean
Ah’m Feared for Mrs. McKie / Uncle Mac

1932: It Isn’t the Hen / If Scotland Turns Republic
He’s Been on the Bottle since a Baby / I’m the Landlord of the Inn in Aberfoyle
A Trip round Scotland with Will Fyffe – Part 1 / … Part 2


FILMOGRAPHY – from IMDb

The Maid of Cefn Ydfa (as Lewis Bach), Short, 1914
Happy (as Simmy), 1933
Rolling Home (as John McGregor), 1935 (story by Will Fyffe and Mariott Edgar)
King of Hearts (as Bill Saunders), 1936
Men of Yesterday, 1936
Love in Exile (as Doc Tate), 1936
Debt of Honour (as Fergus McAndrews), 1936
Well Done, Henry (as Henry McNab), 1936
Said O'Reilly to McNab (as Malcolm McNab), 1937
Cotton Queen (as Bill Todcastle), 1937
Spring Handicap (as Jack Clayton), 1937
To the Victor (as Adam McAdam), 1938
Rulers of the Sea (as John Shaw), 1939
The Missing People (as J. G. Reeder), 1939
Annie Laurie (as Will Laurie), 1939
The Mysterious Mr. Reeder (as J.G. Reeder), 1939
Neutral Port (as Capt. Ferguson), 1940
For Freedom (as Chief), 1940
They Came by Night (as James Fothergill), 1940
The Prime Minister (as The Agitator), 1941
Heaven Is Round the Corner (as Dougal), 1944
Give Me the Stars (as Hector MacTavish), 1945
The Brothers (as Aeneas McGrath), 1947

Subject: Lyr Add: HE’S BEEN ON THE BOTTLE SINCE A BABY
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Feb 23 - 12:29 PM

From the recording at Spotify (my transcription, with a couple of gaps):


HE’S BEEN ON THE BOTTLE SINCE A BABY
As recorded by Will Fyffe, 1932.

1. I’m a man that’s very lonely an’ I lead a simple life
I’ve only one file(?) on meself and that is not the wife.
It’s a spirit in a bottle an’ it has a worldwide fame.
I take it ev’ry mornin’; Johnnie Walker is its name.

CHORUS: I take a wee bit… bottle every nicht
Before I go to bed;
Then I take another drappie in the mornin’.
It gives me courage for the day that’s dawnin’.
When I was a baby, on the bottle they put me
And I’ll be on it till I pass away;
Aye, an’ when I’m old an’ grey,
You will hear the people say:
“Och, he’s been on the bottle since a baby.”

2. Now, in this Great Depression it seems that the world’s all wrong.
I must make this confession: there’s a moral to this song.
On Nelson’s famous flagship, where the noted signal ran:
“Each man must pay his duty”; noo I’m payin’ all I can. CHORUS

[Patter omitted – repeat CHORUS.]


[This song is quoted in the song BABY BOTTLE, performed by the White Kaps on their album “The Endless Bummer,” 1996.]

Subject: Lyr Add: IF SCOTLAND TURNS REPUBLIC (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Feb 23 - 01:59 PM

Transcribed by me from the video found at YouTube.


IF SCOTLAND TURNS REPUBLIC
As recorded by Will Fyffe, 1932.

1. I’m not a politician; don’t believe in politics,
But Russia says in years to come we’ll all be Bolsheviks.
They tell us bonnie Scotland a republic’s going to be,
Except in Aberdeen an Glasgow, Grynneth(?) an Dundee.
I always did believe in safety first,
And mind ye, if the worst comes to the worst—

CHORUS: Och, if Scotland turns republic, I’ll tell you wha I’ll do:
I’ll wear a sporran round my neck.
It’ll look like whiskers on a Bolshevik.
I’ll be known as Will Macfyffesky when mysel I introduce.
If Scotland turns republic, I’ll buy a public hoose.

2. I’ll have to go to Moscow just to spend a couple o days,
To pick the Russian language up and get into their ways.
It’ll come in very handy when I get behind the bar.
Then I can say things to them in their own vernacular.
The whiskers have got on; they’ll have to watch,
But I’ll tear them off and tell them off in Scotch. CHORUS

PATTER: Ha-ha! Can you imagine me settlin doon in public hoose in a place like Aberdeen? I’ve got to settle up in Glasgow first. Here, I can just picture mysel behind the bar, with a lovely set o lace curtains, throwin bombs at the barmaids, an …(?), eh? An the five-years plan, too; have you heard about that Bolshie idea? Work five years for money! I can see a Scotchman doin that for a start, especially in Aberdeen. But wait till I get my public hoose! I’ll close what time I likesky, an when I’ve won over the eatsky(?), will that cause any trouble an strifesky wi the wifesky? Not on your lifesky, Mr Fyffesky! I’ll be too busy with the whiskey an the beersky. You know, I don’t know much about this Bolshevism, but they talk about doin away with the kings an queens. Doin away with the kings an queens! What are they gonna do with the aces an the jacks? But you now where I got my idea? I was listnin’ to one o those tee-total spokers the other nicht in the park, an he was shoutin: “Doon wi the drink!” That give me the idea o buyin a public hoose. That’s why the foot is down. An mind you, it’ll come in handy for the Bolshies, cause I hear they’re very fond o fightin, an a man that’s fond o fightin’s always fond o drinkin, so you see, whatever happens, I’ll be all right. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: THE ENGINEER (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Feb 23 - 07:45 PM

My transcription from the recording at YouTube (which, fortunately, provides a clear view of the original record label).


THE ENGINEER
As recorded by Will Fyffe on Regal G 7703, 1921.

VERSE: Perhaps you wonder who I am; I’ll make the fact quite clear.
I’m the boss upon the ship, for I’m the engineer.
The ship can’t sail without me, and no matter where I go,
I’m a regular toff, for I’m … with a … in the engines down below.

CHORUS: And I’m fond of the rolling sea, the roly-poly sea,
And if you were a sailor, you would say the same as me;
And when I get ashore again and I’ve had two or three,
Then I always have the feelin’ that I’m still upon the sea.

RECITATION: When you’re out on a ship in mid-ocean, and the night is dark and drear,
You seldom think of the man down below, the stoker, the engineer;
But I remember once when we were surrounded by fifteen of the German craft,
When a shell from an enemy cruiser spiked(?) up the big gun aft.
We then got a telephone message from from the captain of the ship,
To ram all the German cruisers and try and make no slip.
Handyman Ace(?) and I, Sandy, he was a fellow that came from ...(?).
We sent twelve down below in a minute; man, it was just like a league(?) in a ...(?).
Just then a torpedo struck us; the engine was smashed to bits.
Then … came up with his brother(?); of course, that was the end of Fritz.
Aye, but after the battle was over, the captain said, soft and low:
“Boys, what about poor old Sandy and his mate there down below?”
Aye. and down below they found Sandy, with a smile, laid out on his bunk,
And I was stretched out beside him. and the pair of us both blind drunk! CHORUS TWICE


[This was the first of 3 recordings Fyffe made of this song. If we could find one of the other 2 recordings (from 1926 and ’27) it might help fill in the blanks above.]

Subject: Lyr Add: SANDY’S HOLIDAY (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Mar 23 - 07:53 PM

My transcription from the recording at YouTube (which provides a clear view of the original record label).


SANDY’S HOLIDAY
Words and music by Will Fyffe
As recorded by Will Fyffe on Regal G 7703, 1921.

I’ve just been down to London for to have a holiday.
I’ve never been so far away fae hame.
Oh, the wife was awf’ly anxious when I started on the trip,
When I've never been so far away my lane.
I got an invitation from an English friend o’ mine
To dig with him in London, don’t you see?
He asked me quite a dozen times; the last time did the trick,
For he said that he would pay the fare for me.

CHORUS: Oh, whack fall, titty fall loll, toora loora lay!
The sun was shinin’ brightly on the day I sailed away.
I took a couple o’ bob wi’ me; I like to pay my way.
Oh, whack fall, titty fall loll, toora loora lay! REPEAT CHORUS

Oh, London is a busy place an’ lots o’ people there.
I love the bonny lassies, don’t you see?
They were fairly captivated when they saw me in my kilt.
My wee bit shuggie-shuggle took their ee.
Then a bonny wee bit lassie wi’ a face just like a doll,
She took my arm around Trafalgar Square.
Says she: “It disnae matter, Sandy; no one knows you’re here,”
But I'm awful glad the missus wasnae there.

Oh, whack fall, titty fall loll, toora loora lay!
She took me to the pictures and of coorse I had to pay,
And when the show was finished, then she helped herself to scotch.
She helped herself to more than that; that’s how I lost my watch. CHORUS


[Andy Stewart also recorded this song. See YouTube.]

Subject: Lyr Add: AHM A VERY HAPPY FELLOW WHEN AHM WORKING
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 05 Mar 23 - 02:18 PM

My transcription from the recording at YouTube:


AHM A VERY HAPPY FELLOW WHEN AHM WORKING
Words and music by Harry Gifford and Alec B. Kendall.
As recorded by Will Fyffe on Regal G 8218, 1924.

1. Lots o’ fellas grumble when they’ve got no work to do,
But with me, it’s different, you’ll agree.
I can put my shoulder to the wheel with anyone;
But when there’s work to do … they do it; then it’s done.
Keep on keepin’ busy if you really want to thrive;
But what about the finer things that keep a man alive?

CHORUS: I’m a very happy fellow when I’m working.
I’m as happy as I can be.
Ev’ry Saturday, when I draw my pay,
Ev’rybody can drink with me to pass the time away.
I’m a very happy fellow when I’m working,
But I don’t mind telling you:
I haven’t worked for years and years and years,
And it’ll be years and years and years before I do.

2. I get up each mornin’ when the clock is strikin’ eight,
Then off I go by …, you know.
The wife won’t let me overdo it, not while she’s with breath.
She says ’twould break her heart to see me work myself to death.
Noo ...(?) should wi’ once or twice they’d ever be,
If ev’ryone was only half as fond o’ work as me. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: CLYDE BUILT (Will Fyffe)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 07 Apr 23 - 05:17 PM

My transcription from YouTube or Spotify:


CLYDE BUILT
As recorded by Will Fyffe on the album “Scotland’s Stars on 78: Will Fyffe,” 1994.
(The cut is called “Will Fyffe’s War-Time Sketch: ‘Clyde Built’ ”)

[Sung:] I’m just a shipyaird worker but I’ve got a worker’s pride,
When I see a vessel risin’ in the stob(?).
Aye, an’ when the job is finished an’ she floats oot on the tide,
I shout: “Another winner for the job!(?)”
Aye, an’ it’s Clyde built! Mon, there’s no a ship afloat,
Tae ever haud a candle tae a Clyde-built boat.
Clyde built! Aye, an’ British through an’ through,
An’ like the men that build them, staunch an’ true.
From Devon tae Dumbarton, we’re earnin’ oor bawbees
Buildin’ masterpieces tae sail the seeven seas.
Aye, an’ they’re Clyde built! Search the wurruld wide,
Ye cannae get them better than we build them on the Clyde!

The Germans tried their level best tae steal the prize awa,
And the Frenchmen built the Normandy, it’s true,
But when it comes tae haundin’ oot the medals for the best,
Ye’ve got tae give the credit where it’s due.
Aye, an’ it’s Clyde built! Mon, there’s no a ship afloat
That could ever haud a candle tae a Clyde-built boat.
Clyde built! Aye, an’ British through an’ through,
An’ like the men that build them, staunch an’ true.
The MacGregors, the MacCulloughs, the MacDonalds, an’ MacQueens
Are turnin’ oot the answer tae the German submarines.
Aye, an’ they’re Clyde built! Search the wurruld wide,
Ye cannae get them better than we build them on the Clyde!

[Spoken:] It’s a’ right; it’s a’ right. We know what we’re doin’; we know what we’re doin’. Ye don’t need tae tell us what tae do. We’re turnin’ oot the ships a’ right.
[In a posh English accent:] Of course, there’s been a lot of criticism in the newspapers about the shipyard workers. Have you read the criticisms about us fellows? Jolly clever!
[Back to his normal Scottish accent:]… a right gallus lot.... We don’t mind bein’ criticized if it’s fair. There’s only one critic we want tae get haud o’ in the shipyaird here. That’s the man that wrote on the side o’ the dockyaird wall: “Never has so little been done by so many in such a hell of a long time.”

That’s a wee bit below the belt. Course, I must admit we’re a right gallus lot, ye know, but we get a good laugh even when we’re workin’ hard. We’d a great laugh on Tuesday wi’ big Jimmy MacCullough, great big fella, six foot four an’ a half. He fell seventy feet into the hold o’ one o’ these ships that we’re buildin’, broke both legs, four ribs, an’ his shoulder blade. The funniest thing I’ve ever seen in ma life!

Because it was his ain faut, his ain faut! Walkin’ along on the top deck in the blackout, three o’clock in the mornin’ wi’ his hands in his pockets. That was his big mistake. There’s nobody allowed tae have their hands in their pockets except the foreman.

Jimmy was walkin’ along the top deck wi’ his hands in his pockets lookin’ up at the sky, thinkin’ about the fitba’ match on Saturday. So anyway, seventy feet I saw him go! Seventy feet an’ he didn’t hesitate one second from the moment he left the top till he hit the bottom!

Broke both legs, four ribs, an’ his shoulder blade, so we sent him tae the Royal Infirmary at three o’clock in the mornin’. An’ at half past three, the dock polisman had tae break the news to his wife, Mrs MacCullough. Ye can imagine the fright the wee woman got, wakin’ up at that hour ... at half past three in the mornin’, wi’ a man at work, an’ seein’ a big polisman at the door, you know. So the big polisman looked at her. He said: [gruffly] “Are you Mrs MacCullough?” Ye know, the kindly way the police have. She said: “Yes, that’s me.” “Well,” he says, “I’ve come tae tell ye yer husband’s fallen seventy feet inta the hold o’ a ship, broken both legs, four ribs, an’ his shoulder blade. He’s in the infirmary." She said: “Heavens! Is that what it is? Ye give me an’ awfu fright. I thought I was showin’ a light!” *

That’s the spirit of the women of Scotland. Oh, but we’d another big laugh on Tuesday wi’ wee Geordie Broon, a wee bow-leggit fella drives a horse an’ a lorry. He was comin’ doon tae the dock wi’ a load o’ steel last Tuesday, an’ he noticed it was five minutes tae closin’ time. So as any other driver of a horse an’ a lorry would do in Scotland, he stopped his horse. He thought he’d knock off a bucket, ye see. Well, he wanted somebody tae haud his horse for a couple o’ minutes. Course, there was nobody aboot at that time. They were a’ in, ye see. But comin’ roond the corner he saw a wee fat man wi’ a dark overcoat on an’ a bowler hat—ye know, a Glasgow business gentleman. Ye know, ye’ve seen them, ye know. Wi’ a pair o’ those square-toed boots they wear tae get nearer tae the bar wi’. Well, he stopped this wee man. He says: “Hey, mister! Would ye mind haudin’ ma horse for a couple o’ minutes?” The wee man looked at him. He said: “Don’t you realize that I’m a town councilor?” “Oh,” wee Geordie says, “I’m sorry about that. I didna realize that. A town councilor! Well, that’s different, but, ach, heavens! Surely I can trust ye wi’ a horse an’ a lorry!”

I tell ye, we’re a right gallus lot. There’s no mistake aboot it. But oor hairt’s in the right place, an’ we’re doin’ a job o’ work with oor sleeves rolled up. An’ there’s one thing: we can keep oor mooths shut. We can keep a secret. Ye remember the big ships that left the Clyde durin’ the war an’ got safe tae the other side o’ the Atlantic an’ not one peep aboot it. Some o’ us are prood o’ that, ye know. Keep a secret! A secret! I had a sweetheart in the dock for years. The wife didn’t know anything at all of her! Sure, aye, an’ I’ll tell ye all about her too.

[Recited:] She was just a growin’ lassie when I met her in the dock.
My sweethairt, but I never telt the wife.
An’ the boys all loved her too.
She was British through an’ through,
A lady that we’ll love all through her life,
Mon, it was a bonny bonny day,
When oor sweetheart sailed away,
Out across the ocean with her bonny coat o’ grey.

[Spoken:] And maybe one or two o’ you boys here remember that day, Ye remember when oor royal lady came from Buckin’ham Palace wi’ the king her husband an’ stood amongst us workin’ lads, just as if they were one o’ the family. Aye, he patted me on the back. He did that! Mind, you know, it was quite pathetic, but the most pathetic sight that day was tae stand there amongst thoosands o’ Scottish shipyaird workers, an’ watch the expression on their faces when a whole bottle o’ good stuff went bang up against her!

[Recited:] Aye, it was a bonny royal day,
When oor sweetheart sailed away,
A lady that we’ll all love tae the death,
But when peace comes through the rain,
She’ll come sailin’ back again,
Our bonny royal Queen Elizabeth.

[Sung:] There’s no a ship afloat,
That could ever haud a candle tae a Clyde-built boat.
Clyde built! Aye, an’ British through an’ through,
An’ like the lads that build them, staunch an’ true.
From Devon tae Dumbarton we’re earnin’ oor bawbees,
Buildin’ masterpieces to sail the seeven seas.
Aye, an’ they’re Clyde built! Search the wurruld wide,
Ye cannae get them better than we build them on the Clyde!

[Spoken:] Goodbye! Good luck!

- - -
* She's referring to the blackout.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: GUEST,Kenny B (inactive)
Date: 08 Apr 23 - 06:33 AM

Hi JimIF SCOTLAND TURNS REPUBLIC
As recorded by Will Fyffe, 1932.

1. I’m not a politician; don’t believe in politics,
But Russia says in years to come we’ll all be Bolsheviks.
They tell us bonnie Scotland a republic’s going to be,
Except in Aberdeen an Glasgow, Grynneth(?) an Dundee.

?Greenock?

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Will Fyffe
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 12 Apr 23 - 12:51 PM

Link to SONGS SUNG BY WILL FYFFE on MUDCAT thread Any December Songs? /mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=170618#willfyffesongs:~:text=Subject%3A%20RE%3A%20Any%20December%20Songs%3F%0AFrom%3A%20G