In the thread about Cushie Butterfield it is mooted that yellow clay was used for cleaning doorsteps. I am currently in Newcastle but no-one around seems to be able to confirm or deny that. There is a bloke in tomorrow who might so I will ask.

In Lancashire though there were things called 'Donkey Stones' which were yellow, soap shaped things. When mixed with water they were used for colouring/cleaning the front door step. I don't think the line in the song as HouseCat mentions it is really anything to do with chopping wood etc. I see it more as just the things that her poor broken hearted keel man has to do to keep her happy!

I will be back...

D.