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27 Apr 21 - 05:34 PM (#4103766) Subject: Tune Req: Jarvis the Coachman tune From: RTim I have been trying to discover where the tune for Jarvis the Coachman come from. It was collected by Alfred Williams from Henry "Wassail" Harvey in Cricklade - but we all know that Williams did NOT collect tunes!! WE also know that the song appeared on early Broadsides - again all published without tunes. The only recording I know was by The Critics Group on "A Merry Progress to London" - and lo and behold...it has a tune. The sleeve notes say nothing about the tune...so where did it come from?? Tim Radford https://ewanmaccoll.bandcamp.com/track/jarvis-the-coachman Jarvis The Coachman. My name it is Jarvis the Coachmen A coachman I’ve been for some years I drive up and down and all over the town Without any danger or fears. Some gentleman travelers they haled me, I stopped in the road for a fee, But if I had known what their plan was Old Nick should have driven ‘em not me. One night I was driving through Chelsea, A driving along to me doom Three gentleman traveler they haled me All for to be took to their homes. They made me drive up by old Highgate, Till a man hung in chains I could see, But if I had known what their plan was Old Nick should have driven ‘em not me. They made me drive under the gibbet, They made me drive under it straight, They swore I should climb to the top of it, Or else my old neck they would break. They put a long rope round my middle Then pulled me to the top of the tree, Then off with me coach and me horses, They galloped off most speedily. I Whooped, I bawled, I hollered Till at length the bold butcher he came by, I frightened the poor butcher’s horses, For he thought thus a dead man’s cry. Till at length a bold brickmaker came by, Then he cut me down from the tree. But if I had known what their plan was Old Nick should have driven ‘em not me. Henry “Wassail” Harvey, Cricklade, Wilts Alfred Williams and Broadsides |
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28 Apr 21 - 08:34 AM (#4103828) Subject: RE: Tune Req: Jarvis the Coachman tune From: Steve Gardham My Bonny fits well enough but that's too modern. How about the Irish tune 'Mush Mush'? |
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28 Apr 21 - 11:22 AM (#4103845) Subject: RE: Tune Req: Jarvis the Coachman tune From: RTim Oh Steve...I have a tune, I just want to know where the Critics Group or anyone else got it from....?? Tim R |
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28 Apr 21 - 12:23 PM (#4103855) Subject: RE: Tune Req: Jarvis the Coachman tune From: Steve Gardham In view of all the circumstances you ably describe, Tim, I think we both have a good idea where that tune came from. |
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28 Apr 21 - 01:03 PM (#4103863) Subject: RE: Tune Req: Jarvis the Coachman tune From: RTim Well, Well......I lied when I said the sleeve notes for the LP "Merry Progress to London" did NOT include information on the tune. I finally search out my old LP and there it is stated - The tune is "The Female Highwaywoman Outwitted" - So the mystery is solved. Tim Radford |
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28 Apr 21 - 02:08 PM (#4103870) Subject: RE: Tune Req: Jarvis the Coachman tune From: Steve Gardham What a coincidence! That's one of the tunes I had in my head when looking at it. It could well be the original tune. About the right age and a well-used and well-known tune. |