Now Complete- Lyrics and Tune in ABC by Jack Robson as sung by Owen Brannigan.

Cullercoats Bay

(Tyneside arrr. Robson)

Words and music by a Northumbrian schoolmaster, J. G. Robson, who incidentally, was born in the same village as myself not very far from Cullercoats Bay. Alas the small white houses where fisher-folk bide were demolished last year (1959) despite tremendous local opposition. However, you can still buy lobsters and crabs, and he old lifeboat is still ready and waiting in the Ancient Harbour which modern ideas have as yet failed to alter.

Suggested tune: The Waters of Tyne (works well but not the Brannigan one more later)

Robson Tune as sung by Brannigan

Abc:

Cullercoats Bay

In many strange lands o'er the ocean I've been,
And countless the beautiful sights I have seen,
But I'm a Tynesider, and proudly must say,
I've seen nothing finer than Cullercoats Bay.

The men who go fishing, I've met by the score,
They spin the same yarns both abroad and ashore:
But give me the language that's spoken my way,
Sweet music to exiles from Cullercoats Bay.

I love the small houses where fisher-folk bide,
So neat, and so tidy, if you peep inside:
Fresh lobsters, and crabs at the doors they display,
And sell, Canny Hinny, at Cullercoats Bay.

How well I remember those mates that I knew,
We talked on the Bank Top as sailormen do:
But when seas were raging, all ready were they,
To man the old lifeboat, at Cullercoats Bay.

And when I grow old, and go sailing no more,
I'll make for the harbour I fondly adore:
And there, in life's gloaming, with each passing day,
I'll thank the Almighty for Cullercoats Bay.

(Written by Jack Robson ('Wherever ye gang you're sure to find a Geordie' fame). He was the Headmaster at Backworth then Shiremoor school)

Source: http://www.cullercoats.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/org/pcor1.html

45 Rpm E.M. I Records
Folk Songs From Northumbria
Owen Brannigan, Bass, With Gerald Moore, Piano
7EG 8551
Side I track 2

Cullercoats Bay

(Tyneside arrr. Robson)

Words and music by a Northumbrian schoolmaster, J. G. Robson, who incidentally, was born in the same village as myself not very far from Cullercoats Bay. Alas the small white houses where fisher-folk bide were demolished last yera (1959) despite tremendous local opposition. However, you can still buy lobsters and crabs, and he old lifeboat is still ready and waiting in the Ancient Harbour which modern ideas have as yet failed to alter.

A Suggested tune: The Waters of Tyne (works well but not the Brannigan one more later)

Brannigan Tune Source: Singin' Hinnies Book 2 : another twenty favourite songs from the North East of England, published by Rossleigh Music in Newbiggin in 2000.

Abc of the Brannigan Tune composed by Jack Robson below
X: 1
T:Cullercoats Bay
M:3/4
L:1/4
C:Jack Robson (Headmaster Backworth, Shiremoror School)
S:As Sung by Owen Brannigan EMI Records 7EG 8551 Side 1 Track 2
K:F
|C| A> B c| F F G| A> B G| F2 E| D> E F| C F A|
c B A| G2 G | G G A| c B (A/2 G/2)| F F G|
A2 F| D> E F| C c B| A> B G| F2|

% Output from ABC2Win Version 2.1 i on 5/24/2010

url for online notation image when available soon