Lyr Req: Matchstalk Men and... (Brian and Michael)

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From:
Date: 31 Oct 99 - 09:44 PM

We have a tape of songs by "Foster & Allen". We would like the words to a song called "Tell Me Ma".
Also, Foster & Allen sing a song called "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats & Dogs". Could you explain what Matchstick means and Also I don't understand all the words to this song.
Thank you.

---

I'll Tell Me Ma (click)

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 31 Oct 99 - 10:04 PM

"Matchstalk Men" is a song about the English artist L.S. Lowry, who painted stylised Northern Industrial scenes with very simple figures. It's a bit hard to explain without drawing a diagram: imagine a little drawing of a person made up of thin lines like matches? Those wooden things you light fires with.

Mind you, if Foster & Allen have recorded that, they really are scraping the barrel...

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Oct 99 - 10:06 PM

Matchstick Men is a song about an artist from Lancashire called Lowry, who used to paint industrial landscapes with figures drawn that day. You could call him a folk artist I reckon.

There's a Lowry museum opened recently. There are probably pictures by him somewhere on the web. If there aren't I'll make a point of sticking some up, because he was good.

I can't remember who wrote the song, but it was a minor hit a few years back. Pleasant enough song, but Lowry is better.

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Oct 99 - 10:07 PM

That should be "figures drawn that way" Sorry

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: alison
Date: 31 Oct 99 - 11:25 PM

"I'll tell me ma" is in the database..... if you do a search.

It is easier to get a response if you start a new thread for each song you are after and put the thitle of the song into the title of the thread.

Welcome to mudcat

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: Bev Lawton
Date: 01 Nov 99 - 10:21 PM

I think the "Matchstick" song was sung by a Gilbert O'sullivan not the opera guys a UK singer that used to dress in "schoolboy" clothing. Bev Lawton

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: alison
Date: 02 Nov 99 - 02:28 AM

It wasn't Gilbert O Sullivan... it was two fellas and I can't for the life of me remember who they were. It was number one for a while.

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: Brakn
Date: 02 Nov 99 - 06:13 AM

A duo called Brian and Michael sangthe the "Matchstick" song. It's very popular in Manchester.

Mick Bracken

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: alison
Date: 02 Nov 99 - 07:22 AM

Thanks Mick... it has been driving me nuts trying to think who it was...

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: Den
Date: 02 Nov 99 - 08:26 AM

Actually I think matchstick men was done by Chas and Dave, or atleast made famous by them. Den

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: alison
Date: 02 Nov 99 - 08:51 AM

Now... I did think Chas and Dave.... then I thought.... it wasn't like any of the other stuff they did.

Anyone in Belfast.. run round to my dad's house.... he has the single... tell him I sent you..

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: alison
Date: 02 Nov 99 - 09:02 AM

Found it...... Bracken was right .. it was Brian and Michael,

hits of 1978

and what a year it was for songs.... The Floral Dance - Terry Wogan, Ally's tartan army, It takes two to tango (but it's too late to teach you to dance), the Smurf song......... what a great site.......

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Question on an Irish Song
From: poet
Date: 07 Nov 99 - 08:49 AM

Actually, poet's mate Phil here again.

Yes, "Matchstalk Men" did make number one, but only after a fight. The early sales were enough to put the the song high in the national charts, but because these sales were almost exclusively in the North-West, the chart compilers refused to accept it, because it was only a regional success. However, its continued sales forced them to accept into the charts, following which, Brian and Michael appeared on Top Of The Pops and the rest is, as they say, history.

LS Lowry painted scenes of industrial towns all over Lancashire and the regions around Manchester, where the bodies of the people were,basically, a single brush stroke wide. Some of them are very evocative, while many clearly portray the bleakness of the industrial towns.

Hope that helps, Phil.

Subject: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 12:38 PM

As some have said before...

Don't make a typo in the title. Obviously, I mean "Matchstick"

Anyway, regarding this paean to L S Lowrey: the lyrics would be much appreciated, as would the chords.

Most importantly, I'd like to find out who wrote the song.

Thank you,

Ed

---

Typo in title fixed 13 May 02. --JoeClone

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: MartinRyan
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 12:55 PM

We has a thread on this before - but the lyrics nver surfaced. Click here

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Quincy
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 12:56 PM

Ed, In 1977 Michael Colman & Brian Burke wrote the hit single "Matchstalk Men & Matchstalk cats and dogs. (matchstick or matchstalk?)

clicky thing!

Hope this helps? best wishes, Yvonne

Subject: ADD: Matchstalk Men
From: Bert
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:05 PM

I couldn't find the lyrics on that site.
This is all I can remember, I know there's at least one more verse.

He painted Salford's smoky tops
on cardboard boxes from the shops
parts of Ancoats where I used to play
I know he once walked down our street
'cos he painted kids with now't on their feet
and the clothes they wore had all seen better days.

He painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street who were sparking clogs
and he takes his brush and he waits outside those factory gates
to paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

They said his workd of art were dull
no room old lad the walls are full
Lowrey didn't care much anyway
They said he just paints cats and dogs
and matchstalk men in boots and clogs
and Lowrey said that's just the way they'll stay

and he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street who were sparking clogs
and now he takes his brush and he waits outside those pearly gates
to paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: MartinRyan
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 04:55 PM

Aaargh! Sorry aboout the careless clicky! Try here!

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Drumshanty
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 05:04 PM

Or here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Brakn
Date: 22 Sep 00 - 09:29 PM

Now Lowry's hang upon the wall
Beside the greatest of them all
And even the Mona Lisa takes a bow
This tired old man with hair like snow
Told northern folk it's time to go
The fever came and the good Lord mopped his brow

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 03:16 AM

Thanks everyone.

Much appreciated.

Ed

who is most embarrased to have spelt Lowry with an e

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 03:26 AM

...and for spelling embarrassed with only one s... :-(

Subject: Lyr Add: MATCHSTALK MEN AND MATCHSTALK CATS AND...
From:
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:37 AM

I run a Lowry page and I was sent the attached lyrics with some expression, the page is at http://www.seaton-uk.com/lowry.html

A Tribute to L.S. Lowry - Words and Music by Michael Coleman & Brian Burke
1977

MATCHSTALK MEN AND MATCHSTALK CATS AND DOGS
(Michael Coleman & Brian Burke)

He painted Salford's smoky tops
On cardboard boxes from the shops,
Parts of Ancoats where I used to play.
I'm sure he once walked down our street,
'Cos he painted kids who had nowt on their feet.
The clothes they wore had all seen better days.

Now they said his works of art were dull,
"No room, old lad, the walls are full"
But Lowry didn't care much anyway.
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And matchstalk men in boots and clogs,
And Lowry said, "that's just the way they'll stay."

And he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs.
Now he takes his brush and he waits
Outside them factory gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

Now canvas and brushes were wearing thin,
When London started calling him,
To come on down and wear the old flat cap.
They said, "Tell us all about your ways,
And all about then Salford days.
Is it true you're just an ordinary chap?"

And he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs.
Now he takes his brush and he waits
Outside them factory gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

Now Lowrys hang upon the wall,
Beside the greatest of them all.
Even the Mona Lisa takes a bow.
This tired old man with hair like snow
Told northern folk, "It's time to go."
The fever came and the good Lord mopped his brow.

And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs.
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them Pearly Gates,
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them Pearly Gates,
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs.

Repeat last verse and fade

Subject: Matchstalk Men - Brian and Michael
From: GUEST,Alex Roan
Date: 27 Dec 00 - 04:12 PM

Can anyone help me with notation and chords for this song? (Preferably key of D or G for the tin whistle)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: GUEST,Alex Roan
Date: 30 Dec 00 - 06:36 PM

Hi! Still seeking help with sheet music and chords. Prefer key D or G as I have a D whistle.

Subject: Lyr Add: BUMS AND BOOBS (Fred Wedlock)
From: clansfolk
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 06:53 AM

An interesting variation on the song?

BUMS AND BOOBS.
(Words, Fred Wedlock. Tune, “Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs.”)

This is the tale of Sidney Brown, a postcard artist of renown,
He had a little stall on Blackpool pier.
He painted ladies in the raw - doing things the Butler never saw,
And the men he drew were randy, daft, or queer.

CHORUS:
And he painted Bums and Boobs and Scouts with knobbly knees
Ho painted red nosed drunks and dogs all covered in fleas.
He painted mothers-in-law, but he preferred to draw,
All the Bums and Boobs and Scouts with knobbly knees.

A man of simple pleasures he, drank metal polish with his tea.
Sydney could be spotted any day,
Prowling round them Blackpool streets with his long grey mac and a bag of sweets,
Looking for little boys who'd gone astray.
CHORUS

Now word soon got to London Town about the work of Sydney Brown.
They said, "Come on Sydney, do your bit."
"Tell us all about Blackpool Pier, is Cyril Smith daft or queer,
Or is he just a typical Northern twit?"
CHORUS

Now Sydney Brown's a right old drag, on 'Parkinson ' or 'Melvyn Bragg',
He's even done 'The Terry Wogan Show.'
His dirty postcards are the rage; they've been adapted for the stage
By Andy Weber - and he ought to know. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 07:36 AM

Anyone got the words to the Barron Knights version? All I can remember is something like:

And he painted grandad's cap and next door's cats and dogs
He sprayed a couple on the corner of the street that were having a snog
Then he fell down on his can
And his aerosol went bang
And all was left was a flat cap and his clogs.

Jon

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Zebedee
Date: 31 Dec 00 - 09:19 AM

Well remembered Jon!

It comes from the Barron Knight's single A Taste Of Aggro. which also included 'hilarious' parodies of Rivers of Babylon (remember the dentist? aaa aaa aaa aaagh) and The Smurf Song. You're pretty much there with the Matchstalk Men part:

With big rosettes and coloured scarves
They got to cheer their favourite stars
They all looked forward to their Saturday
There's one young lad walks down our street
With Bower Boots upon his feet
And an aerosol of paint he freely sprays

You got the chorus right other than 'cap'='bike' and 'clogs'='gloves'

Ed (who could have happily looked forward to the 21st Century without being reminded of this!)

Subject: Lyr Add: WILLIE MALEY
From: Brakn
Date: 01 Jan 01 - 06:11 AM

Another one to the same tune.

Willie Maley


Willie Maley was his name
He brought some great names to the game
When he was the boss at Celtic Park
He taught them how to play football
He made the greatest of them all
Gallagher and Quinn have left their mark

Chorus
And he gave us James McGrory and Paul McStay
He gave us Johnston, Tully, Murdoch, Auld and Hay
And most of the football greats
Have passed through Parkhead's gates
For to play football the Glasgow Celtic way

In thirty-eight there was a show
Glasgow was the place to go
A model of the tower was football's prize
England sent four of the best
It didn't meet with much success
For the trophy ended up in Paradise

Coronation time was here
Fifty-three that was the year
Another four from England met their doom
They said we'll have to try again
But like before it was in vain
Because the cup is in the Parkhead trophy room

Fourteen years had gone and so
To Portugal we had to go
To play the team that Italy adored
Celtic went out to attack
They won the big cup and they brought it back
It was the first it had been on British shores

And now in 1998
The Celtic fans were feeling great
And we're about to celebrate again
Larsson, Brattpak and Tommy Boyd
And Simon Donnelly and Aulderhide
Are singing Celtic are the champions again

There are more verses.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: GUEST,Alex Roan
Date: 02 Jan 01 - 06:09 PM

You've come up with lots of words, but I prefer the original. It 's a good song. I haven't heard it for years but it still runs in my head. What about help with notation and chords? Please; I feel I'm being ignored.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: GUEST,Zebedee at work
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 06:00 AM

Alex,

We're not ignoring you, just can't find it.

C Am F and G should pretty much cover it, if that's any help.

Ed

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 06:16 AM

Ed,

There's a dentist in Birmingham
He fixed my mouth
And as I slept
He filled it up with Iron

He said "Rinse out your mouth
With the medication, spit it out
In the receptical by your side
On the right
(Spit sound) no the right.

and...

Where are we all coming from...

Jon

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: GUEST,Zebedee at work
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 08:06 AM

"We're from Dartmoor on the run"

I think I'll get my coat (or possibly an anorak)

Ed

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 08:32 AM

"from Smurf land where we belong"

:0)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: alison
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 08:38 AM

or what about the Baron Knights version of Brotherhood of man's "Angelo"

long ago
outside a chipshop in wharfenstowe (????)
.........

he was mean
off down the highway like Barry Sheen........

vrmming away together........

I can't remember any more of it.......

they did another one called "Get down Shep" about John Noakes and Shep...... this all probably sounds like double dutch to any non UK people...... hahaha

Alex.. I'll have a go at the tune for you... but I can't put it onto mudcat MIDIs 'cos Alan has "gone bush" for a few days... send me your email.. and I'll get it to you....

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Snuffy
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 08:44 AM

Walthamstow

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: alison
Date: 03 Jan 01 - 09:01 AM

lol... do you remember anymore??

Alex.. I have a MIDI and a GIF of the music (+ chords), in D..... ready to send off drop me a line to let me know where to send it...........

slainte

alison ([e-mail])

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 16 Jul 01 - 02:57 AM

Guest Alex-Matchstalk Men....was recorded by the The Spinners, and is on their Best Of CD, hope this helps.john

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: John J
Date: 16 Jul 01 - 05:47 AM

Around the mid 70s, a couple of lads called Burke and Jerk did a floor spot at the Ring o'Bells folk club in Middleton, Manchester. They weren't folk, but they were one of the funiest acts I have ever seen. They dissappeared from view onlt to re-emerge as Brian and Michael.

Just a bit of useless information.....

John

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 12 May 02 - 03:51 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: GUEST
Date: 12 May 02 - 04:04 PM

Nigel,

Any particular reason for the refresh? Or was it a random act?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 12 May 02 - 05:23 PM

I would guess it's because Matchstick men have resurfaced on another thread. Which probably was a random act in it's own right!

I'll let someone else do the hyperlink - I have a bottle of red under my belt and intend going to bed very soon...:-)

DtG

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstich Men' Brian and Michael
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 13 May 02 - 07:49 PM

Why did I refresh this thread ?
That's a damned good question. Give me a minute or two to think about it.
Ah, yes, Alison was after lyrics for The Barron Knights, and I refreshed before going to the club, or I would never have found the thread again (Okay, now I've put it in'Trace')
IIRC
(intro) Motor bikers have their little problems, as Brotherhood of man have found, we know a loving couple, who got in so much trouble, while riding through old London town.
(into parody of B of M's "Angelo")
Long ago, outside a chip shop in Wathamstow,
Sat a young biker named 'Greasy Joe'
Got on his Harley and said "let's go".
He was keen, off up the High street like Barry Sheen,
Doin' his best to look very mean,
'Til he met Ann on her new machine
(sounds of revving engines)
Brumming away together,
Brumming away in leather, Ann and Joe
(two lines I can't remember !!!)
They passed the 'Bloody Tower' at a hundred miles an hour,
And they were so amazed, the Tower Bridge was raised,
The flew right off the end, and landed in the Thames,
Hand in hand.

Anyone care to add to it, or correct me ?
Nigel

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstick Men' Brian and Michael
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 Oct 08 - 01:01 PM

refresh, to answer request from another thread.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: 'Matchstick Men' Brian and Michael
From: Gurney
Date: 08 Oct 08 - 08:22 PM

Possibly the easiest place to find a rendition is on Foster and Allen's 'Best Friends.'