Lyr Req: Leaving Nancy (Eric Bogle)

Subject: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Boston Bill(fr. the Green Briar)
Date: 01 Jan 99 - 12:17 PM

Great old song! Song about parting at a rail station. Thanks Boston Bill

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: John Hindsill
Date: 01 Jan 99 - 12:47 PM

The only song I am aware of (& of course I know them all!) with the word Nancy-O is NANCY WHISKEY. The chorus is Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy whisky Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy-O.

Subject: Lyr Add: LEAVING NANCY (Eric Bogle)
From: Big Mick
Date: 01 Jan 99 - 01:21 PM

Boston Bill,

The song isn't that old. It was written by Eric Bogle for his mother, Nancy. It is about a promise which was made by his Mother that she wouldn't cry until the train left the station when he emigrated to Australia.

You are right when you say it is a great song. Sometimes it is hard for me to sing, because Bogle captured the emotion of the parting so well. As a man who left home to go to the service, and then roamed a bit, the feeling of leaving my Ma, and my home comes through me like a current when I sing the song. I was surprised when I did a search of the DT and didna find it. Here then, are the lyrics.

LEAVING NANCY
Words & music by Eric Bogle
Time 3/4
verse chords G-Em-Am-C-D-D7-C-G-Em-Am-C-D-D7-G
chorus chords:G-Em-C-Am-D-D7-G

In comes the train and the whole plat-form shakes.
It stops with a shudder and a screaming of brakes.
The parting has come and my weary soul aches
---I'm leaving my Nancy - O.

But you stand there so calmly determindly gay.
And you talk of the weather and events of the day.
but your eyes tell me all that your tongue doesn't say.
Goodbye, my Nancy - O.

chorus:
And come a little closer, put your head upon, my shoulder.
And let me hold you one more time before the whistle blows.

My suitcase is lifted and stowed on the train
And a thousand regrets whirl in my brain
And the ache in my heart is the black sea of pain
I'm leaving my Nancy-O

And you stand there so calm, so lovely to see
But the grip of your hand is an unspoken plea
You're not fooling yourself and you're not fooling me
Goodbye my Nancy-O

Chorus:

For our time has run out and the whistle has blown
And here I must leave you standing alone
We have so little time and now the time is gone
Goodby my Nancy - O.

And as the train starts gently to roll
And as I lean out to wave and to call
I see your first tears trickle and fall
Goodbye my Nancy - O

Repeat Chorus twice

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From:
Date: 01 Jan 99 - 07:04 PM

Thanks a bunch Big Mick. Now if I can find the music I can practice with my friend Bill who plays the accordian and tin whistle. What does DT mean? Hard to believe this song is not about a girlfriend. "Word" found 2 typos. Where are you from Big Mick? Thanks to John also. Slan Lat, Boston Bill

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Big Mick
Date: 02 Jan 99 - 01:30 AM

Hello Bill,
I am from Michigan, about half way between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

You can get the music to this by getting a copy of "The Fureys and Davey Arthur Songbook". Should be available in your area, if not, go to www.elderly.com and you can order it.

DT refers to the Digital Tradition, which is an online database of song lyrics that is connected with the Mudcat Cafe. If you go to the top of this thread, in the right corner, you will see a search engine for it. Type in a keyword to a song and like as not, you will find it. If not, then do a post.

Glad you are here,

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Boston Bill
Date: 02 Jan 99 - 01:22 PM

Thanks to you Big Mick. I'm glad you are around! Slan Bill P.S. If you ever visit Boston be sure to take in: every mon at 9pm: The Green Briar Rest. and Pub 35-45 musicians every tues at 9pm: The Grand Canal Rest. and Pub Irish singing(no music)

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Barry Finn
Date: 02 Jan 99 - 03:38 PM

Boston Bill, I normally attend the Grand Canal every week with the exception of the past two, my kid was in the hospital for surgery (better now). The Green Briar I get to maybe once every 3-4 months but some of those that are at the G.B. do normally make the G.C. Hope to meet you at one of them. Bill I'm now wondering if we haven't already met or at least seen one another. Do you sing or play, how long have you been in the Boston area? Barry

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: BBJfla
Date: 04 Jan 99 - 05:33 PM

Here's the solution for you two. Each of you buy a Mudcat T-shirt and wear it to the sessions until you find each other. :o)

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 04 Jan 99 - 08:59 PM

Boston Bill and Barry Finn,

BBJfla's suggestion is great. I went to the DC Getaway hoping to meet some Mudcatter's. I wore my Mudcat T-shirt and as I entered the main hall this guy walks up and says "Hi, Roger." It was Dick Greenhaus. He knew I was coming and he had accounted for all the other Mudcatters, so he knew who I was by my Mudcat T-shirt. So I know BBJfla's suggestion can work. It's good for you and the Mudcat, too!!!

Those Mudcatters I met were all nice folks. They treated me just like home!!

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Barry Finn
Date: 04 Jan 99 - 09:05 PM

Thanks Roger but I have a couple already. Barry

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Boston Bill
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 03:57 AM

Barry Finn, I have the best idea. Since we both know Connie, lets ask him to introduce us. Most mondays I'm at the GB. I don't really play an instrument, tho I been seen tapping the spoons. Thanks to all on this thread! Its been fun. Slan, Boston Bill [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Barry Finn
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 04:04 PM

Gret Bill, it may be a while before I'm at the Green Brair again though. I'll be singing with Connie tonight & I'll be asking about ya. Happy Trails. Barry

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 04:49 PM

G'day all,

I remember hearing Wee Eric Bogle sing this at a concert in the School of Arts in the small New South Wales (Australia) town of Carcoar in 1979. The Australian Broadcasting Commission were recording the concert, part of a Folk Festival, for later use on David Mulhallen's "Sunday Folk" programme.

Just as Eric finished the song, while the audience was still momentarily hushed, an old steam traction engine, that was passing by in a parade on the main street, sounded its steam whistle ... right on cue! I think I still have a cassette tape copy of the programme lurking on my shelves. I just loved the accidental synchronicity.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Need Lyrics: My Nancy O ---- Irish
From: Dave Lind
Date: 06 Jan 99 - 05:57 PM

Hi All,

If anyone is interested in a great recording of this song, a Newfoundland group called Masterless Men recorded it on an album called "Ode To Age". The song is titled 'The Leaving of Nancy' on the album (Piper Stock Productions, Torbay Nfld, April 1993...and still available).

They also do very nice versions of 'Portland Town', 'The Boston Rose', 'The Mingulay Boat Song' and 'There Were Roses'. I strongly recommend the album.

Cheers,

Dave