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Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man

29 Aug 14 - 07:00 AM (#3654864)
Subject: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: GUEST,threelegsoman

I came across a rare recording of a song by Florrie Forde but cannot quite work out all the lyrics from the recording.
Does anyone have them please.
The song I think is called "Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man" and begins:

Kelly left the Isle of Man when fighting first began
In the battle van, he went as a fighting man.
But the day he got demobbed and put on civvies clothes
So he was a private ???? a general cry arose

Chorus

Kelly! Kelly! I'm glad to see you back
You're looking just as larky as when you dressed in khaki
Beware of the girls on Douglas Head they'll catch you if they can
K E double L Y is back in the Isle of Man


This is clearly a later song than the more well known Kelly From The Isle of Man.
Florrie Forde performed in the Isle of Man for 36 consecutive years and during her time here she befriended my maternal grandparents and stood Godmother to my mum when she was christened, so there is a family connection to the great performer and I would very much like to include this rare song in my own repertoire so would be grateful for any help with it.


30 Aug 14 - 10:08 PM (#3655397)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: Jim Dixon

Sounds like it might be a sequel to HAS ANYBODY HERE SEEN KELLY?.


30 Aug 14 - 10:52 PM (#3655407)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: Jim Dixon

I suspect this is actually the song you want:

KELLY, I'M GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK.
Words by John P. Harrington. Music by John Neat
London : Herman Darewski Music Publishing Co., ©1919.

The description is from WorldCat. It says the British Library has the sheet music.

Florrie Forde recorded it on a Zonophone 78-rpm record, #1949, b/w CA-BAGES, CA-BEANS, CAR-ROTS


31 Aug 14 - 09:26 PM (#3655699)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: Joe Offer

refresh...


01 Sep 14 - 03:02 AM (#3655738)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: GUEST,threelegsoman

Thanks Jim Dixon, that does seem to be the title as it is the first line of the chorus. I had thought it might have been the last line but with the added information your suggestion seems most likely.


05 Sep 14 - 12:45 PM (#3657410)
Subject: ADD: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: GUEST,bigJ

Tony,
This is what I hear :-

KELLY IS BACK IN THE ISLE OF MAN

Kelly left the Isle of Man when fighting first began,
In the battle van, he went as a fighting man.
Comes the day he got demobbed and put on civvy clothes,
Though he was a private, still a general cry arose.

CHORUS: Kelly, Kelly, I'm glad to see you back,
You're looking just as larky as when you dressed in khaki.
Beware of the girls on Douglas Head, they'll catch you if they can.
K - E - double L - Y is back in the isle of Man.

Kelly felt more nervous than he did mid war's alarms
Girlies full of charms, were busy presenting arms.
He said, Sure I can't fall in, I've got a man to meet,
Then this chorus started as they cut off his retreat.

CHORUS – third line:
Beware of the girls on Onchan Head....

Kelly blushed all over and he seemed to lose his pluck,
When one dear old duck said, Kiss him all round for luck.
Through the streets poor Kelly fled before the enemy,
Half the Isle of Man behind him shouting out in glee.

CHORUS – third line
Beware of the girls in Groudle Glen....

Repeat first chorus.


05 Sep 14 - 04:04 PM (#3657503)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: Joe Offer

Big J, do you have a songwriter name? What recording do you have?


05 Sep 14 - 07:20 PM (#3657576)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: GUEST,threelegsoman

Thank you Big J,

I found it too difficult to work out most of the lyrics from the recording which I found on the site Culture Vannin Culture Vannin recording of Florrie Forde

I will now be able to add this song to my own repertoire, as I feel the chord progression will not prove to be too difficult.


09 Sep 14 - 03:00 AM (#3658622)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man
From: GUEST,threelegsoman

Further to my last message, again thanks to Big J for deciphering all the lyrics.
I have since been contacted by the ladies from Culture Vannin who have confirmed that the information Jim Dixon gave is correct, (thank you too Jim).
So armed with all this I have uploaded my own version on YouTube under the title "Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man" and included the correct title in the information under the video.
Kelly Is Back In The Isle of Man (Kelly I'm Glad To See You Back)