Lyr Req: Liftin' of the Latch (Charlie McGettigan)

Subject: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 06:22 PM

Hi Mudcatters,

I`m looking for the lyrics to a song entitled "The Liftin' of the Latch". I heard it sung by Rig the jig.

TRhanks in advance

JB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: Peace
Date: 14 Jun 06 - 07:19 PM

Charlie McGettigan wrote the song if that helps anyone.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: nutty
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 06:50 AM

I have read a paperback with the same title. It's the life story of an old shepherd in the Cotswolds(I THINK). Wonderful book.

I wonder if there is any connection???

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: nutty
Date: 15 Jun 06 - 11:30 AM

Just in case anyone is interested this is the book I was thinking of.....

Lifting the Latch: A Life on the Land - Based on the Life of Mont Abbott of Enstone, Oxfordshire (ISBN: 0953221334)
Stewart, Sheila

...a book based on the life of Mont Abbott of Enstone Oxfordshire , his life as a shepherd singing in the church choir, a must for country lover who yearn for a time past.
Sheila Stewart has given us a rare autobiography in recording the life story of Mont Abbot, for he would never have written it himself. But Mont had a rare genius for talk, as well as a shrewd eye for people. He recaptures for us a whole country world, as seen by a farm boy, labourer and shepherd over fifty years. The story he gives us is of forgotten skills and bare poverty, courage and love,and bitter disappointment, sustained throughout by a wry eloquence.

I can recommend this to anyone who wants a really good read.

PS. abebooks has numerous copies.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 01:33 AM

Excerpt (chorus?) from
THE LIFTIN' OF THE LATCH
Charlie McGettigan

Excuse me, sir. I need a liftin' of the latch.
Will you spare this much for me?
For the price of a pint, and if you're inclined,
You can join our company,
You can join our company.

[Recorded by Rig the Jig on "Passing Through," 2004.]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 01:37 PM

Thanks for that Jim,

That will do fine. Just couldn`t get the chorus properly but the rest I think I can manage.

JB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 20 Jun 06 - 02:33 PM

If you have the rest of the lyrics, please post them here.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: GUEST,Jos Kampes
Date: 22 Jun 06 - 04:58 AM

I have purchased the CD, and the booklet contains the lyrics. I have them at home but will try to post them tonight.

Subject: Lyr Add: LIFTIN' OF THE LATCH (Charlie McGettigan)
From: GUEST,Jos Kampes
Date: 24 Jun 06 - 07:22 AM

Hello. It took a little longer, I forgot, but here they are.

Chorus:
Excuse me sir I need the liftin' of the latch,
Will you spare that much for me?
For the price of a pint and if you're inclined,
You can join all company
You could join all company.

There's many a day that I would stray
To me local hostelry
In me pocket not a scratch
But the liftin' of the latch
To engage in revelry
But then I would spy a likely guy
Spending money fast and free.
And in no time at all you'd hear him call
"Give your man what he's having on me".

Chorus

One night I was down to much less then my round
And my prospects less then high
When up at the bar pulled a big flash car,
"Ah the day's been saved", says I.
Well I took me chance as your man did glance
From the bar and said he to me.
"Drink the Colleen Bawn and we'll drink the night long"
"No better man" says me.

Chorus

I've listened to a tales old and new
All subjects I've advised
On matrimony and trigonometry
And stranger things besides.
Men's deepest thoughts were often brought
To seek my counselling.
Sure the parish priest on his confession seat
Hasn't heard as much as me.

Chorus

There's them that say that I wouldn't pay
For a drink to save me hide
Ah but the truth be told I never owned
What would get me through the night.
Ah me songs and yarns are my only charms
They have stood me well till now.
And I don't come dear to provide good cheer
Just another drink in your round.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: GUEST,JB
Date: 25 Jun 06 - 05:24 AM

Thank you guest Joe for posting that I waited a little before posting mine and as I have only made a transcript from a poor cassette recording I can see that some of my wording was wrong. however I think perhaps "Sing the Colleen Bawn" is better than "Drink the Colleen Bawn". Just a suggestion!

JB

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Liftin' of the Latch
From: GUEST,Jos Kampes
Date: 26 Jun 06 - 02:39 AM

You.. Are correct there, must have mistyped. Sorry about that.

Best wishes,

Jos