Lyr Add: The Apprentice Boy

Subject: Lyr Add: THE APPRENTICE BOY
From: radriano
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 02:51 PM

I did not see this in the DT although I may have the title wrong. I know it as an Irish sea song which I first heard at the Willie Clancy Festival back in 1984. The singer was a woman but I can't recall her name. The only thing I distinctly remember is that her style was very sparsely ornamented. I have heard that Cathal McConnell recorded a version and I've also heard that there is a Nova Scotia version.

I'd like to gather any background info on this one.


THE APPRENTICE BOY
Singing workshop at The Willie Clancy Festival, 1984


When first I went to sea, apprentice bound
I sailed the salt seas all round and round
I scarce had sailed a voyage but one
When I fell in love with my charming Ann

I went to my Captain, both stout and bold
And unto him my secret told
I love yonder lass as I love my life
What would I give if she were my wife

Well, the Captain said, you're a foolish boy
For to court a girl that you'll ne'er enjoy
For she'll have lovers when you're at sea
And she'll be married e'er you be free

Well, I don't know but I'll go and try
For she might fancy an apprentice boy
And she might alter her mind for me
And wait on me until I be free

Well, I bought her ribbons and I bought her doves
These things to prove of a heart that loves
She accepted all and she was not shy
And she vowed she'd wait for her apprentice boy

When my ship is anchored and my work is o'er
I'll steer my barque for sweet Erin's shore
In my native country, my love I'll enjoy
And she'll welcome home her apprentice boy

So come all you sea apprentices where'er you be
Never slight your true love when you're at sea
Just love her as you love your life
And she'll consent to become your wife

Richard

Subject: RE: Need background on 'The Apprentice Boy'
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 05:11 PM

Richard

This goes under several names: The Sea-Apprentice, The Prentice Boy, The Sailor Boy etc.

There's a version in Sam Henry's SOngs of the People. It's basically 5 of your verses, with a "To my right fol-la, to my right fol-ay" tag.

I've certainly heard Frank Harte sing it, among others.

Regards

Subject: RE: Need background on 'The Apprentice Boy'
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 05:16 PM

The singer was probably Roisin White and she would have learned the song from the singing of Joe Holmes.

Subject: RE: Need background on 'The Apprentice Boy'
From: GUEST,'nuther guest
Date: 22 Aug 01 - 08:05 PM

On Roisin's album "The First of my Rambles"

I'd contact John Moulden through his website, as he is probably the best authority on the Sam Henry collections reachable on-line. The man is a fountain of information.

Subject: RE: Need background on 'The Apprentice Boy'
From: radriano
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 11:21 AM

Thank you Martin & guests.

I'll try to locate a copy of Roisin's album. I taped the singing sessions I attended so I can compare my tape with her album.

Richard

Subject: RE: Need background on 'The Apprentice Boy'
From: radriano
Date: 23 Aug 01 - 12:15 PM

I found a review of Roisin White's album in Musical Traditions. The photo on the album cover tells me she was indeed the singer I was looking for and the description of her singing style also fits perfectly with what I remember of her.