Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey

Subject: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: WickedLad
Date: 24 Apr 02 - 05:11 AM

Long tyme ago I heard someone sing a song about a monkey dress as a mascot in one of the england france sea conflicts. The ship was wrecked and the monkey was washed up in england and because he was short hairy and didnt speak english was hung as a spy very funny song anyone help me with the words and a tune please

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 24 Apr 02 - 05:25 AM

The song you want is The Hartlepool Monkey. There are (at least) two version of the song - one modern, one not. Unfortunately I'm just about to leave for a few days, so I haven't time to put up links for you, but if you type in Hartlepool into the Digitrad and Forum Search box you'll get enough references to it. (I'm assuming the words are in there somewhere, but haven't time to check just now. If not I'll post some when I get back).

Mick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Watson
Date: 24 Apr 02 - 05:51 AM

Try this one for a start.

There are various guesses at the words in there!

Vin Garbutt still sings this song if pressed.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 24 Apr 02 - 10:13 AM

Like Murray mentioned on the other thread, I heard (in the late 60's) the song "The Boddamers hanged the monkey, O!" (I believe Boddam, or maybe it was Penan, may have been one of the Aberdeenshire coastal villages used in the movie 'Local Hero'). The story being the same as the Hartlepool one.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: WickedLad
Date: 25 Apr 02 - 12:35 AM

Great there is a multitude of lyrics posted at the request in '97 thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Ian Darby
Date: 25 Apr 02 - 09:29 PM

I lived in Hartlepool and Seaton Carew for a while, and the tension between West Hartlepool and Hartlepool over this event was almost tangible.

One side blamed the other for the demise of the luckless Simian, but I'm damned if I can remember which one was to blame.

Watson,

The Vin Garbutt song says it all. (As far as I can remember.)

In closing, I now play in a band called Wall Street, previously known as 'the Manchester Scene'.

In the above's latter incarnation they were booked to play in Hartlepool, but were asked not to mention the above at their arrival at the gig. (As if!)

Keith the guitar player, on the opening chords to the first song says, "Whats this about a F**king Monkey then....'

One other thing, you never see anyone riding a bike in Hartlepool, they use their handlebars to carry sacks of sea coal. I've done it and been there.

I could tell you some stories...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From:
Date: 15 Feb 06 - 04:23 PM

Heard the song first related to Boddam on the north east coast of Scotland...The Boddamers hung the monkey o....the folk fae peterheid came out expecting to get a treat so they turned into potted heid

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 03:19 PM

Hartlepool Folk Club used ter hev a smaall woodden gibbit wiv a furry monkey hangin' off it as a mascot - Gerrontivit!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Gurney
Date: 16 Feb 06 - 10:55 PM

It's on Vin's LP 'Eston California'. The intro advises visitors to Hartlepool not to mention monkeys, and monkeys to avoid the place entirely.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Carol
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 07:38 AM

Hartlepool folk Club still have a hanging monkey, as far as I'm aware!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Scotus
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 08:43 AM

Last time I was in Aberdeen (last April) there was a cafe/bar across the street from the main library named after the Boddam monkey incident.

Jack

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 08:52 AM

Hartlepool United Football Club used to have the monkey on their club badge I believe, but no longer.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Flash Company
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 11:09 AM

Hartlepool FC had a guy in a monkey suit as a mascot as recently as last year, but I seem to remember there was some trouble at the ground.
Also seem to remember the monkey standing for the local council!

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: nutty
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 11:51 AM

The man in the monkey suit was elected as mayor.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: napoleonic wars song about a monkey
From: Carol
Date: 17 Feb 06 - 11:55 AM

According to my sister he's doing a pretty good job as mayor now he's got out of the suit!