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02 May 06 - 02:48 PM (#1732273) Subject: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Fretted Bloke I don't know whether that really qualifies as a musical genre. But there's so many funny English songs that it should. I guess it's because so many excellent British comedians have also been musicians, e.g: Peter Sellars, Spike Milligan, Dudley Moore, Bill Oddie, Eric Idle, Jasper Carrot. I was wondering if you people could share some funny English song titles if you know any. Here's a few I know ...... Sister Josephine (Jake Thackeray) Daytrip to Blackpool (Jasper Carrot) Galaxy Song (Eric Idle) |
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02 May 06 - 02:50 PM (#1732274) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Cats Taking My Oyster for Walkies - Bill Oddie |
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02 May 06 - 03:51 PM (#1732318) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST Anything by Peter Buckley-Hill! |
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02 May 06 - 04:04 PM (#1732328) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: melodeonboy Sorry; that's me above. I forgot to sign in! |
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02 May 06 - 06:41 PM (#1732428) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Liz the Squeak Then of course there is the wonderful combination of Michael Flanders and Donald Swann, some hysterically funny situations and subtle wordplay. Oddly enough, there was a programme on Radio 4 today about musical comedy and risque content, but at the moment I can't find it on Listen Again. LTS |
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02 May 06 - 06:42 PM (#1732429) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Mr Fox Now the folksinger came from America To sing at the Albert Hall, He sang his songs of protest And fairer shares for all. He sang how the poor were much too poor And the rich too rich by far, Then he drove back to his penthouse In his brand new Rolls Royce car. 'What a World' - Benny Hill I'd also nominate 'Bantam Cock' - Jake Thackeray and 'Brother Gorilla' Georges Brassens, translated by Jake Thackeray. |
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02 May 06 - 06:43 PM (#1732430) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Mr Fox 'Brother Gorilla' Georges Brassens, translated by Jake Thackeray. Which is a FRENCH funny song. oops! |
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02 May 06 - 07:41 PM (#1732470) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Charmain For a more "Trad" angle to this Rawtenstall Annual Fair Billy Winker Signora John Willie's Horse - and John Willie's Ferret Johnny Bugger ('scuse language) - actually most things by the Oldham Tinkers et al... - Eeee them Lancashire Lads and Lasses must 'ave spent 'alf their lives in stitches |
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02 May 06 - 07:42 PM (#1732472) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: EBarnacle We parted on the shore by that wonderful WWI era Scotsman, Maledictu, of all times to forget his name. |
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02 May 06 - 07:43 PM (#1732474) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Charmain Ooooh - and Lilly the Pink by...erm...Roger McGough and whatever the band was that he was in - don't know - My Dad used to play it all the time when I was a kid! |
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02 May 06 - 07:43 PM (#1732476) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: EBarnacle Oh, Yeah, Sir Harry Lauder! |
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02 May 06 - 08:18 PM (#1732504) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: The Fooles Troupe "Funny" is an interesting English word when used to refer to humour, as there as so many types - from very subtle, often even cynical and sarcastic, to 'low comedy' (refers to bodily functions!) and all between. There is even 'black comedy' - not racial at all, but the sort of humour where one is not sure whether to throw up or laugh, or do both at the same time! And then there are the 'nonsense songs' - consider Spike Milligan: eg "The Ying Tong Song". Often though, the more serious the performance (and the performer's attitude), the funnier the result. A lot results from the actual performance, and not just the content. |
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02 May 06 - 09:06 PM (#1732538) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: alison Charmain - the band was Scaffold slainte alison |
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02 May 06 - 10:22 PM (#1732583) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bert Just a few for starters Tom Pierce Lampton Worm Ilkley Moor Thrashing Machine British Workmans Grave Old Sow Song Country Vicar Cuckoo's Nest Chandler's Wife Ballad of Bethnal Green |
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02 May 06 - 11:03 PM (#1732615) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Muttley Tommy Steele: What a Mouth Lonnie Donegan: My Old Man's A Dustman ??????????????: My Boomerang Won't Come Back (Gone blank on his name - but he had apart in that immortal short film "The Plank" Pretty much anything by Monty Python or The Goodies and though I didn't always like him - Benny Hill I always felt his humour was just a bit TOO crude in comparison to other British humourists but his songs were usually hilarious. Let's not forget the stuff done by Morecambe and Wise or The Two Ronnies 'Nuff Said Eckyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy THUMP !!!!!!!!!! Muttley |
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03 May 06 - 01:30 AM (#1732647) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Seamus Kennedy Charlie Drake? Seamus |
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03 May 06 - 02:51 AM (#1732666) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Sooz Can't believe that Leas Barker hasn't had a mention yet. Or His Worship and the Pig. Or Bernard Wrigley. Or Richard Digance. Or Mike Harding. |
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03 May 06 - 03:03 AM (#1732671) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bugsy Or Miles Whootton, or Derek Brimstone, Or Fred Wedlock, ......... Cheers Bugsy |
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03 May 06 - 03:07 AM (#1732675) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Big Al Whittle My Daddy is left wing intellectual - Alex Glasgow Political Economy - Randy Newman (well its in English!) Me little stick of Blackpool Rock, Aunty Maggie's remedy - George Formby favourite verse Now in a young lady's bedroom I went by mistake My intentions were honest you see She shouted with laughter, I know what YOU'RE after Its me Aunty Maggie's remedy! |
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03 May 06 - 03:17 AM (#1732680) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Artful Codger Anna Russell? |
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03 May 06 - 05:27 AM (#1732712) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Scrump Don't forget the great Adge Cutler: Twice Daily, Thee's Got'n Where Thee Cassn't Back'n Hassn't?, Champion Dung Spreader, Shepton Mallet Matador, etc. And Clinton Ford: My Baby's Wild About My Old Trombone, He Played His Ukulele As The Ship Went Down, Old Bazaar In Cairo, etc. Fivepenny Piece: Big Jim, Ee By Gum, I'm Powfagged, etc. Bernard Wrigley: Black Pud Stud, Buggerlugs Loves Sugar Butty, The Concrete Mixer, etc. And just about anything by George Formby! |
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03 May 06 - 05:45 AM (#1732720) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Stu What about Stanley Holloway? Sam, Sam, pick up thee musket . . . Or Ivor Cutler? Rambling Syd Rumpo? |
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03 May 06 - 05:46 AM (#1732721) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Stu OK Ivor Cutler was Scottish :) |
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03 May 06 - 06:21 AM (#1732732) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Richard Bridge The Hartlepool Monkey In the boarding house where I live Passengers are requested The frog and the Vicar Most of Don (WYZIWIG) Thompson's repertoire Spencer the Peugeot Das Wild Dachshund (both Doug Hudson) The LLanfairllan(whatever)gogoch song heard at Miskin this year |
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03 May 06 - 07:43 AM (#1732768) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Flash Company One which I used to do in my singing days was 'The Ballad of the Outboard-motor Man'. It was written, as I recall , by a guy called Graham Penny from the Southampton area. It takes the style of a broadside ballad, and included such gems as:- 'The hull was clinker moulded in stout English fibre-glass'. It was probably the most frequently requested song I did. FC |
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03 May 06 - 11:18 AM (#1732888) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Bruce Baillie ...and what about 'The Ballad of the Assistant Banana Ripening Manager', 'Haemorroids? I've got piles of 'em', 'The Websters Beer Song', 'I Sorta Wish','Mianus',and others by that chap from Cleckheaton, whatsisname? Bruce something or other? |
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03 May 06 - 11:21 AM (#1732889) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Big Jim from Jackson Much of Adge Cutler's and the Wurzels (already mentioned), Fivepenny Piece (already mentioned) stuff, and how about "Dead Dog Scrumpy" by Trevor Crozier? And several of Shag Connors and the Carrot Crunchers' songs are very funny. |
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03 May 06 - 12:53 PM (#1732949) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Hopfolk There is a genre that has much humour in it - the bawdy. Such songs as "Fair maid of Islington", "Nine times a night", "Hole in the Elephant's bottom", "Firelock Style" etc etc. Good stuff, although sometimes a singaround can get hijacked by silly filk or humourous songs to the exclusion of variety. CamoJohn |
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03 May 06 - 03:46 PM (#1733091) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Mr Fox The Kipper Family - I forgot The Kipper Family. |
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04 May 06 - 05:13 PM (#1733200) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: YorkshireYankee How 'bout Right Said Fred? (can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet!) Some of Cyril Tawney's stuff is funny: Five foot Flirt comes to mind, and On a Monday Morning has at least a couple of very funny lines... As for trad songs -- there's I Wish They'd Do it Now, Mary Ann (is after me...), Bonny Black Hare, and then there are all the song(s) about the mole catcher/piano tuner/clock repairman and the policeman/banker/whoever's wife -- to name just a few... |
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04 May 06 - 05:46 PM (#1733223) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Don(Wyziwyg)T "Most of Don (WYZIWIG) Thompson's repertoire". Thank you most sincerely R.B. My favourite "I wish I'd written that" is "The Vicar and the Choirboy" that you sing sometimes. Whose is that? Don T. |
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04 May 06 - 05:48 PM (#1733225) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: The Fooles Troupe 'The Ballad of the Outboard-motor Man' 'The Ballad of the Assistant Banana Ripening Manager' have these been posted in mudcat yet? if not, when.. :-) |
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04 May 06 - 05:56 PM (#1733234) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Richard Bridge Alas I don't know - I heard Martin Harris sing it back in the 60s/70s and after a lot of thinking it sort of came floating back to me which may be why I have heard others sing a different tune to it.... |
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04 May 06 - 06:42 PM (#1733255) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Lanfranc the Cookieless Anything by Paddy Roberts (who was South African, but UK Resident) - for example "The Ballad of Bethnal Green" (already mentioned), "The Belle of Barking Creek", "Follow Me", "The Englishman and his Sang Froid", "Tattooed Lady", "The Pie-eyed Piper" etc etc Keith Marsden's "Wedding Song" and others, no doubt The "Gladiator Song" that Micca performs at the drop of a hat. Speaking of dropping hats, "A Song of Patriotic Prejudice" by Flanders & Swann Numerous parodies written and performed by Derek Craft of "1812" way back when. All the songs that Miles Wootton wrote and everyone thinks were written by Fred Wedlock. etc etc Alan |
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04 May 06 - 07:05 PM (#1733269) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: The Fooles Troupe Lanfranc the Cookieless are you trying to tell me that anything out of Wedlock is good? |
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04 May 06 - 10:54 PM (#1733398) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bill D I just recently discovered Alan Smethurst (The singing postman).."Hev You Gotta Light Bor" , "Oi Can't Git a Nice Loafa Bread", "The Cricket Match" and others.....quite a phenomenon,, |
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05 May 06 - 03:06 AM (#1733408) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Splott Man "The LLanfairllan(whatever)gogoch song heard at Miskin this year" There are 2. If the singer was Snuffy, then it's the Les Barker one. If it was Pat Spoons, then it's Dewi Davies's Mystery Tour by Jack (The Bard) Sully, who has written many a fine funny song (and he's Welsh). Both hilarious. Splott Man |
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05 May 06 - 01:52 PM (#1733515) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Fidjit The ones I put on seem to be missing. Praps Joe is having problems again Bernard Cribbins The Hole In The Ground Right Said Fred (Which was here before) Winckle Picker's Shoes Blues Folk Song Ringing The Engine Bell One Man Band Verily Gossip Calypso Sea Shanty "B" Side Blues (I Don't Like Your) Country Music Oh and Any Benny Hill too! Chas |
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05 May 06 - 01:58 PM (#1733519) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Richard Bridge It was the one about having to spell it out so the kids would not know where they were going. |
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05 May 06 - 02:02 PM (#1733522) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Lanfranc Now I'm recookied, I can explain to those who are not acquainted that Fred Wedlock is/was notorious for giving the impression that his songs were all his own, when Miles Wootton was, in fact, the author of many of them. Attribute correctly, or be damned! Alan |
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05 May 06 - 05:31 PM (#1733573) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bert Boiled beef and carrots Jellied eels I'm glad we had a nice quiet day. I live in Trafalgar Square. If it wasn't for the 'ouses in between. Pretty Little Polly Perkins. One of the Ruins that Cromwell knocked about a bit Oh Mr. Porter. My Old Man said Follow the van. |
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05 May 06 - 05:32 PM (#1733575) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Scrump A few of Jake Thackray's songs have been mentioned, but there are a lot more, e.g. The Widow of Brid, Nurse, The Blacksmith & The Toffee Maker to name but a few. Where is this thread going? There must be thousands of humorous songs of vrying degrees of "funniness". Have we mentioned enough yet, OP? |
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05 May 06 - 06:10 PM (#1733612) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bert Yer right Scrump, there's On Again, On Again, The Ballad of Billy Kershaw as well. |
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06 May 06 - 12:18 AM (#1733820) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: rich-joy Joyce Grenfell? (the list seems a bit light-on for women!) Cheers! RJ |
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06 May 06 - 05:54 AM (#1733907) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bugsy Bert, don't forget, All I Want Is A Proper Cup Of Coffee, They're Moving Father's Grave To Build A Sewer, and my Dear departed Dad used to sing one about a Coconut Shy, I think it was called "Down Came The Blind" do you remember that one>? Cheers Bugsy |
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06 May 06 - 07:11 AM (#1733923) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Snuffy And Victoria Wood if we're redressing the shortage of women. |
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06 May 06 - 07:32 AM (#1733928) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: jacqui.c Gracie Fields - The Biggest Aspidestra In The World and others.... Sheila Hancock - One Last Cigarette |
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06 May 06 - 07:39 AM (#1733929) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: The Fooles Troupe I didn't know Victoria Wood was short... |
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06 May 06 - 07:50 AM (#1733938) Subject: Lyr Add: THE BALLAD OF THE OUTBOARD MOTOR MAN From: Flash Company The Ballad of the Outboard Motor Man. now this is a broadside ballad, and as you know, broadside ballads usually feature lofty sailing ships, bold sea captains, maidens dressing up as men to go to sea, brave cabin boys saving their shipmates from disaster, you all know the kind of thing. This has most of the elements....... However, as it was written in the 1960's, there weren't many lofty sailing ships about, so we'll just have to do the best we can with what's available! The Ballad of the Outboard Motor Man. Come all you outboard motor men, and list unto me tale, It's of a bold sea cap-ti-in and how he did set sail, He bought himself a trusty ship, 'twas known as The Sapphire, The cost it was one thousand pounds, the purchase it was hire. It had an outboard motor with the power of horses three, And bolted on the transom, 'twas plain for all to see, Full ten foot six from stem to stern, one of the Moorhen class, The hull was clinker moulded in stout English fibreglass. The captain had two daughters fair, he bade them 'Stay at home', But being young and foolish girls, they were inclined to roam, So they pulled on their Brutus jeans and their rugby shirts so gay, And went on board the ve-es-sel thus clad in men's array. They went down to the harbour to take a trial run, The engine started, off they shot like a bullet from a gun, The mate cried out 'Oh captain, Sir, I do fear for my life', But the captain did not heed the mate, 'cos the mate she was his wife They carried on along their course for half an hour or more, 'Til all at once the engine stopped a hundred yards from shore, The maidens wept, the mate cried out 'Oh how can we be saved? I have no wish to pe-e-rish all in these dreadful waves!' Then up there spoke the captain's son, a lad of only eight, Saying 'I will bring you safe to shore if you will navigate', Then boldly he leapt o'er the side, which caused the mate to weep, But the lad he did not perish for 'twas only one foot deep. So come all you outboard motor-men, and warning take from me, Beware of shallow wa-a-ter when first you put to sea, Save that you have a trusty lad a-serving in your crew, To bring you safe to ha-ar-bour when you have fouled your screw! Originally heard from the singing of a guy named Graham Penny (or Payne?) from the Southampton area. A few amendments by yours truly, I only heard it the once so may have taken a few liberties with the words. A'60's time capsule really, anyone remember Brutus Jeans? FC |
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06 May 06 - 08:14 AM (#1733947) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: The Fooles Troupe Et Tu, Brutus? |
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06 May 06 - 08:29 AM (#1733956) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Ron Davies Don't forget Kevin's "Marmite" song--specific and universal at the same time--a true classic. And some great contributions I heard at the Anchor--such as "I'm Glad I'm A Middle Bar Singer" (no reason to leave parodies out). And Dave Diamond--he may be on the left side of the Pond, but his songs have the unmistakeable English flair--"Teabags Away" "Lifeboat" and "It's Not What I'd Sing When I'm Sober" (Folksinger's Lament?), to name a few. |
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06 May 06 - 09:49 AM (#1733984) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bunnahabhain Nobody has mentioned the Corries yet! I know they are Scottish, but i don't care.... |
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10 May 06 - 10:26 AM (#1737167) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Charmain Re-discovered this ditty t'other day When I were a young 'un I lived wi me Granny And manys the BASHIN' me Granny gave me She'd dress me up in the quality fashions And tie a garter below me knee Have you seen my love, my love, my love Have you seen my love waiting for me He wears a red jacket A pair of green stockin's A hump on his back And he's only one knee... Oldham Tinkers again I think |
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11 May 06 - 03:51 AM (#1737816) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Elfcall The old AFB's favourite 'Is it Love or Food Poisoning? ' Elfcall |
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11 May 06 - 06:00 AM (#1737849) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Crystal Most of my favourites have been mentioned! The Yetties did some funny stuff, so did the Spinners. |
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11 May 06 - 06:37 AM (#1737868) Subject: RE: The Genre of English Funny Songs From: The Fooles Troupe Actually, I have been doing some serious thought about something troublesome with this thread. The title, I think needs amendment. Should I just rant and rave about it here, hoping for it to be changed by a passing mudelf, or should I PM someone? And just where should I put, sorry send, my PM to ensure the job is properly done, as rapidly as possible? You see, I really believe that we have a semantic problem in the title, thus the wrong emphasis is being given to the meaning, so should we not change the title to "The Genre of English Funny Songs" ??? |
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11 May 06 - 08:52 AM (#1737949) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Snuffy The Genre of Funny English Songs The Genre of English Funny Songs The English Genre of Funny Songs The Funny Genre of English Songs The Funny Songs of English Genre The English Songs of Funny Genre The Songs of Funny English Genre ....... I know a song that'll get on yer nerves ...... |
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11 May 06 - 11:30 AM (#1738046) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Flash Company There is one called 'The Day the Piddletrenthide Jug Band Hit the Charts', I heard it from Bob Morton of the Union Folk, but given the title, it probably originates from The Yetties. I'll post it when I have a bit more time to spare> FC |
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11 May 06 - 04:02 PM (#1738327) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Ken Brock Me Husband's Got No Courage In Him |
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11 May 06 - 05:52 PM (#1738405) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Charmain Ha Ha cheers Snuffy - that has to be one of the best funny songs in the English language - cos matter how much you sing it and no matter how annoyed the other person gets they actually can't help laughing at you too - the other of course is "I'm Henry the Eighth I am" similar childhood classic to irritate older siblings with - although beatings can ensue if you take it too far... |
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11 May 06 - 06:11 PM (#1738417) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Ken Brock "Liverpool Lullaby" by Stan Kelly (aka Stan Kelly-Bootle). Recorded by Judy Collins in 1967 on In My Life. It's a straight lullaby until a line late in the song that cracks me up: "and I'll buy your daddy a brewery". |
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11 May 06 - 06:21 PM (#1738420) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: SussexCarole Songs written by John "Mitch" Mitchell from Worksop - My Proper name is Clarence - Shirley's Sunburnt Spot - The alcotherapist - Senile Skifflers |
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13 May 06 - 06:16 AM (#1739692) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Gandamak Gents Saw this notice in passing. I have been looking for the words to The Vicar and the Choirboy for about twenty years when I last heard it. Does anyone have the words or know where I can get them. |
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13 May 06 - 05:46 PM (#1740152) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Bentley No one has mentioned Peter Sellers.Boo Diddy Boo Diddy Boo Diddy Boo Diddy Goodness Gracious Me. |
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12 Oct 06 - 02:51 PM (#1857099) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: NH Dave The Wurtsels, both during and after Adge Cutler- I've got a Combine Harvester (and I'll give you the key) Dorset is beautiful and at least 4-5 more records, as well. And someone mentioned The Yetties, a little more authentic sounding, but still funny. Dave |
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12 Oct 06 - 03:54 PM (#1857143) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Scrump And someone mentioned The Yetties, a little more authentic sounding, but still funny. Authentic in what way? I think a lot of Adge Cutler's songs are pretty 'authentic' too! |
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12 Oct 06 - 04:02 PM (#1857145) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: CuCullen Has anyone mentioned the Bonzo Dog DooDa Band? |
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12 Oct 06 - 04:27 PM (#1857158) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: McGrath of Harlow Sydney Carter wrote a few funnies - for example "Down Below" The incompatrable "Cosmotheka" didn't write any songs that I'm aware of, but they brought some crackers back to light. And don't forget their mates Chaz'n Dave (far more famous, though not in the same league - but pretty good). Here is a rather charming video of their Rabbit (Which come to think of it is very reminscent of Jake Thackray's "On agioan,on again,on again"... Thematically, I mean. |
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12 Oct 06 - 04:53 PM (#1857172) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: alanabit Nobody has mentioned Jeremy Taylor yet. "Red Velvet Steering Whell Car", "Jobsworth", "Prawns in the Game" and "Liberal Man" have to be in there somewhere. |
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12 Oct 06 - 09:07 PM (#1857390) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Joe_F Lumpytums. |
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12 Oct 06 - 09:44 PM (#1857411) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,thurg The old fella (Canadian) used to sing a scrap of some war-time hit, in an affected English accent, and with great emotion: His medals broke our hearts, He won them playing darts, Our Sergeant-Major! Familiar to anyone? |
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12 Oct 06 - 10:53 PM (#1857463) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Gurney My favourite was 'Broken-Hearted-Lover's Stew' performed and possibly written by Benny Hill. |
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13 Oct 06 - 01:51 AM (#1857520) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Rowan The Pawnbroker's Song (which I've been trying to find the words for) Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet St and, although it's recitation rather than a song (as far as I've heard, The ballad of Idwal Slabs And thanks to whoever it was mentioned Ivor Cutler, whom I've not heard mentioned for years. Cheers, Rowan |
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13 Oct 06 - 07:54 AM (#1857697) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Flash Company The Sergeant Major one sounds familiar, I think I heard it sometime in the past but can't remember where or when. (Hey, that could be a title for a song!) NH Dave asked me for the tune for 'Outboard Motor Man' and regrettably, I can't help him, (Hell, I only used to sing it!). I know it is 'cod 19th Century', but don't have a clue what it is based on. Has anyone else heard it? FC |
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12 Nov 08 - 10:23 AM (#2491714) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Paul Burke Bugsy: I only just saw your post to this thread re Down Came the Blind. I posted it a few years ago- do you have any more verses? |
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12 Nov 08 - 10:48 AM (#2491732) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Colin Randall There's some great wit, and even laugh out loud humour, in a few of Leon Rossleson's songs. The Neighbour's Cat and I Didn't Mean It (if those are the correct titles) spring to mind. From the last century, the pitman poet Tommy Armstrong's song "Wor Nanny's a Mazer" is very funny, and probably not too deep in North eastern dialect to deter outsiders. The Durham coalfield also inspired a lot of clever, funny material in the late 60s and 70s by Johnny Handle, the Northern Front and one or two others - often applying "pitmatic" language to biblical tales. But those may a bit impenetrable to non mackems & geordies colin Salut! Live |
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12 Nov 08 - 11:44 AM (#2491787) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Nigel Parsons "Liverpool Lullaby" by Stan Kelly (aka Stan Kelly-Bootle). Recorded by Judy Collins in 1967 on In My Life. It's a straight lullaby until a line late in the song that cracks me up: "and I'll buy your daddy a brewery". I think it deviates from being a lullaby a lot sooner than that. "Sure you are a mucky kid, Dirty as a dustbin lid. And when he hears the things that you did You'll get a belt from yor Da" Child cruelty! |
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13 Nov 08 - 03:05 AM (#2492476) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bugsy Paul, Thanks for that mate, i thought that the song would be lost for me forever. I only remember the verses you have there plus the beginnings of one that went: Once we had a donkey, kept it in the yard One rainy evening it was blowin bloomin hard ............... And one about a butchers and pork pie shop. I seem to remember that my dad started the song off with the verse about the donkey Oh.. how the memory fades............ Cheers Bugsy |
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13 Nov 08 - 03:10 AM (#2492480) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Paul Burke That donkey one was on Niel Inness's Rutland Weekend Television- sung by the Fabulous Bingo Brothers. Once we had a donkey, kept it in the yard, One night in the winter, it was blowin' hard, Muvver said the donkey must be cold in the yard, Bring it in the kitchen, let it have a warm. In come the donkey, bit me farver's ear, Took it for a cabbage leaf and broke the chandelier, Out went the gas And then it come alight again Poor farver's ear, Donkey took a bite again, Muvver took a knife for to stick it in the ass, Stuck it in me farver's 'ead and out went the gas. Auntie Mary can't get at it, Muvver's sewn me drawers up. |
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13 Nov 08 - 03:50 AM (#2492501) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Paul Burke By the way Bugsy, where are you / your dad from? |
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13 Nov 08 - 03:02 PM (#2493032) Subject: Lyr Add: THE NEIGHBOURS' CAT (Leon Rosselson) From: Colin Randall Here, repeated from an earlier thread, are the lyrics of Leon Rosselson's song
THE NEIGHBOURS' CAT |
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13 Nov 08 - 06:15 PM (#2493178) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Bugsy We were both born in Ramsgate, Kent. I think my dad would have learned it from his older brothers who would have heard their father singing it. He was a bit of a music hall/pub performer but he died on the Somme when my dad was a few months old. My dad had a great affection for Music hall songs, especially Flanagan & Allan and Marriott Edgar poetry. CHeers Bugsy |
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14 Nov 08 - 02:59 AM (#2493452) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST Do the Barron Knights merit a mention? |
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07 Dec 08 - 07:24 PM (#2509824) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Chris Jones An old Benny Hill song starts:- Twas market day in the village and the crowd round the stalls was quite dense, But what caught my eye was a stall pile high - full of musical instruments. Well up to the stall came this little old man - his clothes all tattered an thin, And his face came alight when his eyeballs got sight of a bootifull old violin. So he held it up to the dealer and said "how much is this one then?" "That's a Stradivarius my son and it'll cost you four pounds ten!" I can't afford that said the little old man, and a lump come into my throat. I was feeling quite chuffed so in his hands I did stuff a ten shilling note. By now a crowd had gathered so I quickly went round with his hat. When I fifnished I'd found I'd collected five pounds - so I took me ten shillings back. What comes next???????? Argh!!!! Sad old me can't sleep thinking about this stupid but funny song? Please put me out of my misery. (shoot me!) |
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12 Dec 08 - 05:03 PM (#2513811) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Brooke 'Twas market day in the village And the crowds 'round the stalls was quite dense, But what caught my eye was a stall piled 'igh With musical instruments.
Then up to that stall came a little old man
He 'eld it up to the dealer,
"I can't afford that," said the little old man,
A crowd had all gathered behind us
Well, we gave to the dealer the money
He played fu-gues and cantatas,
He played waltzes by Strauss and 'Die Fledermaus’
The crowd were all hushed as the little old man
Well! We'd never 'eard anything like it
So we gave back the fealer his diddle (er—the dealer his fiddle),
So 'twas then on that cold Tuesd'y mornin'
But the angels all welcomed the little old man
They put their wings over their ears
The Stradivarius they then took from him
So if you pass by yonder graveyard, |
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12 Dec 08 - 05:49 PM (#2513844) Subject: Lyr Add: THE VICAR AND THE FROG (Stan Crowther) From: Bainbo If anybody's still interested, two-and-a-half years after the question was posed in this thread, The Vicar and the Frog was written by Stan Crowther. He has a reputation as a fine songwriter, tarnished only by the fact that he later became Labour MP for Rotherham THE VICAR AND THE FROG There once was a very, very holy vicar And he was a-walking down the street When he heard a little voice say: "Excuse me, vicar, Help me, vicar," the voice did say. Well, the vicar looked round, but all he could see Was a tiny frog sitting on the ground. "Was it you little froggy, was it you who spoke? Was it you who spoke when I heard that sound?" "Oh, yes," said the frog, "Oh, help me, vicar, For I'm not really a frog, you see. I'm a choirboy really, but a wicked fairy Cast a nasty spell on me. And the only way that I can be saved From that evil witch," the little frog said, "Is for someone to take me and put me in a place Where a holy man has laid his head." Well the vicar took him home and he put him on his pillow And there he lay till the break of day. And lo and behold, now, a blessed miracle - The boy was saved I'm glad to say. For there lay a choirboy in bed with the vicar, And I hope you think this all makes sense. For there, My Lord, and members of the jury Rests the case for the defence. |
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13 Dec 08 - 07:45 AM (#2514198) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: MartinRyan The excellent Inishowen International Ballad Seminar has always had a very varied attendance from all over the ----- (insert whichever geographical/political term you prefer for that pleasant group of large islands, including Ireland, off the west coast of Europe). One year, for vaguely agricultural reasons related to either BSE or Foot and Mouth disease, the Scots stayed at home and the English turned up! It took a while to realise the impact of the switch. Let's just say that several of the songs cited above made an appearance for the first time, in my experience, at the sessions... Regards |
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22 Oct 15 - 07:45 AM (#3745867) Subject: Lyr Add: THE OUTBOARD MOTOR MAN (Graham Penny) From: GUEST,Dave Sharp Re: The Outboard Motor Man I have a recording somewhere of Graham Penny singing this and have transcribed the lyrics below. The Outboard Motor Man By Graham Penny of the Fo’c’sle folk club Southampton) Come all you outboard motor men, and a story I'll you tell 'Tis of a bold sea captain who to misfortune fell A trim and trusty fishing boat he set out to acquire A hundred guineas was the price, the purchase it was hire She had an engine stout and strong, with power of horses three A mounted on the transom, it was plain for all to see Ten foot she was from stem to stern, one of the moorhen class. Her hull was clinker moulded of stout English fibreglass Now the captain had two daughters fair, he bade them stay at home Which made the maidens' hearts to care for the were inclined to roam So they put on their Brutus jeans and their rugby shirts so gay And they went on board the vessel all dressed in man's array Now they launched her in the harbour close by the Mudeford run The engine started off the went like a bullet from a gun Well the mate cried out oh captain sir I do fear for my life But the captain did not heed the mate, for the mate it was his wife Well they had not been gone but about one hour, I know it was not more 'Twixt Hengistbury and Christchurch tower one quarter mile offshore When the engine coughed the engine stopped she would no longer go Fear not fear not the captain said for to safety we shall row Then up did speak the captain's son, a lad of barely eight Well I will pull you to the shore if you will navigate Thus saying o'er the side he went, which caused the mate to weep But the lad he did not perish for 'twas only two feet deep So come all you outboard motor men and take warning now by me Steer clear of shallow waters when out upon the sea Except you have a brave bold lad a-serving in your crew Who'll bring you safe to harbour if you should foul the screw The Mudeford Run, Hengistbury and Christchurch tower are all on\near the coast in the Christchurch area of southern England |
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22 Oct 15 - 08:12 PM (#3745992) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: McGrath of Harlow I don't think there's been a mention of George Formby, though a song he sang, Our Sergeant Major, has been mentioned. Fame is fleeting. Though not in Lancashire. This case. |
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16 Jan 18 - 06:19 PM (#3900075) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: keberoxu There is a whole thread about Joyce Grenfell underway at the moment, and I see she is named here. This is a genre which has helped many a person forget about their troubles, including me west of the Atlantic. (Flanders & Swann especially) |
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19 Sep 18 - 07:17 AM (#3951569) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Peter Cripps I think I heard, many years ago (May have been on 'Folk on 2') at the same time as 'Outboard Motor man' a song about amateur sailors with a chorus @Salcombe, Salcombe by the sea' - anyone remember it? |
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19 Sep 18 - 08:47 AM (#3951592) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST Bob Cann had a fair repertoire of comic songs as I recall. |
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20 Sep 18 - 06:38 AM (#3951744) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Dave the Gnome Russ Abbot did a lot, including some folk songs by him and his pals as the parody group "The Spanners". |
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20 Sep 18 - 01:44 PM (#3951824) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,LynnH Never heard (of) Roaring Jelly!!???? |
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23 Sep 18 - 04:09 AM (#3952235) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Rusty Dobro (Nearly) everything by Doc Cox, especially in the guise of Ivor Biggun, and later with the Trembling Wheelbarrows. |
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23 Sep 18 - 05:16 AM (#3952247) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Dave the Gnome Not seen a mention of Stanley Accrington either. |
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07 Dec 19 - 08:22 AM (#4022607) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST, dj stone No matter how old a prune maybe , it's always full of wrinkles. Baby prunes ain't half as bad . Not quite as wrinkled as their dad. But no matter how young a prune maybe. It always ends up stewed. |
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07 Dec 19 - 06:05 PM (#4022702) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Joe_F Charlie Piecan. |
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08 Dec 19 - 05:01 PM (#4022897) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,George Henderson The Oldest Swinger in Town written by Ed Pickford (claimed once again by Fred Wedlock who I think lost the court case) |
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09 Dec 19 - 06:44 AM (#4022972) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,Peter green There are some great funny singer/songwriters in my neck of the woods( South DORSET) Paul Openshaw, Polly Morris and Warwick Slade, to mention a few. |
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09 Dec 19 - 09:29 AM (#4022998) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Mrrzy Peeler and the Goat The Sick Note And anything by Tom Lehrer (who sang IN English)... |
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09 Dec 19 - 04:55 PM (#4023041) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: Richard Mellish For the purposes of this thread, does "English Songs" include songs in English by Irish song writers? Cos if so, there are many excellent candidates, from Zozimus via Percy French to some brilliant writers who are on the go now, such as Con Ó Drisceoil. |
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10 Dec 19 - 05:28 AM (#4023048) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: GUEST,jim bainbridge I have a repertoire which includes some funny songs- well, some people laugh anyway. However, at some singarounds, after several dreich songs, I often feel under pressure to redress the balance with a bit of humour. The result is that some people think I'm a singer of comic songs. So I'd like to place on record that if I get the chance I can be as bloody miserable as everybody else.... |
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12 Dec 19 - 11:56 AM (#4023335) Subject: RE: The Genre of Funny English Songs From: keberoxu Somebody already name-dropped The Bonzo Dog Doodah Band: Can blue men sing the whites, or are they hypocrites? |