Origins: Tamerack'er Down

Subject: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 07:11 AM

I've known this tune for about 20 years since I first visited Cape Breton and brought back a tape by Brenda Stubbert with it on. However, to my eternal shame, I haven't been back to CB since 1989 and I still haven't met anyone on this side of the pond who understands what the title means. Any ideas, anyone? Cheers.

Subject: RE: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: Beer
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 10:38 AM

Use to live about ½ hour from Halifax on the Eastern shore and we use to say this quite often. No idea where it orignated. Maybe it is just a down Eastern saying.
beer

Subject: RE: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 10:14 PM

A tamarack (or larch) is a deciduous conifer tree, FWIW.

~ Becky in Tucson
but once of the northeast

Subject: RE: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 10:56 AM

Yes, it is a tree indeed but it is commonly called juniper, not tamerack, here in Cape Breton. I have often heard the expression but I can only guess at the origin. Boards from that tree were often used for flooring so I suppose it would be what was under the dancers feet. Something like "close to the floor".
The tune was written years ago by Donald Angus Beaton . If I think of it when I see any of his family I will ask if they know where the title came from.
         Slainte,
             Sandy

Subject: RE: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 02:34 PM

Thanks, everyone. I was aware that the tune was by Donald Angus Beaton - I have a book of his tunes somewhere. Compliments to his family if you see any of them, Sandy.

Subject: RE: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: Beer
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 04:37 PM

Sandy.
A big hello and a great year ahead for all my Cape friends.
I think you hit the nail on the head. We use to say, "Let's Tameracker Down Boys". Then we'd get up and act the fool on the floor dancing.

Subject: RE: Origins: Tamerack'er Down
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 11 Jan 06 - 09:19 PM

Yeh Beer, that is the context in which the phrase would be used. It seems very ideomatic so God only knows how it originated. A great year to you as well!
         Sandy