Hi all.

This song has come up before in another thread asking for the lyrics, after reading that one, I had a go at transcribing the words from the Oldham Tinkers album.

I didn't get very far with them as they are very hard to understand, which is why I didn't post them to that other thread, but I did keep what I had done so I may as well post them here.

They will require a lot more work doing to them before they are useable, but it may be a start for someone else to have a go.

POOR LITTLE HAUVE TIMER
From The Oldham Tinkers album "Sit Thee Down"

1. Where is our John, stood all forlorn,
Who used to get up at break of morn,
Spend 'alf a day working and 'alf on a form,
Poor little half timer!

2. It neer did him good, sighing and sobbing.
He stuck out his chest like little cock robin,
But sitting in school, his head would keep nodding.
Poor little half timer!

3. He had no time to comb his locks,
For looking around to find his socks.
Under his arm, his breakfast box.
Poor little half timer!

4. Learning squares is fine three? folk
Oft-times a boot the roughest of jokes
But just like a blotter? the lessons he took.
Poor little half timer!

5. Learning to tube? to fetch and carry,
Discoverin' difference 'tween starin' an' tarry.
Se'ert th' minder playin' old Harry.
Poor little half timer!

6. He thought a filly when they sent him a brewin'
But minder 'ud tell 'im mind what t'art doin'
And of't times his clogs would be 'is undoing.
Poor little half timer!

7. Now they see no work till turned fifteen,
An' finer young childer an never been seen.
Oh what a difference there is between!
Poor little half timer!

Hope this is of some help

Cheers

Cattail !