Jim Dixon and others-

I'm very picky about what kind of housing songs I'm interested in for this songbook. Most pop songs that mention "house" don't make the cut.

Maybe this old song which was recently brought to my attention by Jim Carrol will clarify better what I'm looking for:

THE BALLAD OF ROSIE
by Dick Snell (circa 1970)

My landlord stuck a letter through my door the other day,
He wants my flat for someone who can pay more rent than me;
He says to me next morning (with a smile upon his face):
"I need the cash - so, Rosie, better find another place."
(But I said)

CHORUS:

Landlord, O landlord, I know whose side you're on,
The man who pays more money, not the man who needs a home;
I've been kicked around for all my life: I won't move no more,
Not one stick of furniture goes out through this 'ere door.

Now, because I wouldn't move myself, my landlord went to court,
He asked the judge permission if he could throw me out -
The judge must be a landlord: he smiled and he said,
"Yes, I'll let you use my bailiffs, they're known to be the best."
(Still I said)(CHORUS)

So me neighbours they stuck with me, wouldn't let the bailiffs in,
They ran back to the town hall, I knew that we would win|
I went and saw the landlord, "I'll never budge," I said,
"Until you find a decent place for me to lay me head."
(I told him) (CHORUS)

The council were real generous, they gave up precious time,
They showed me over lots of slums all covered in damp and grime;
They thought since I weren't young no more, I was easily content,
They hoped that I'd reward 'em with fifty bob more rent.
(But I said) )(CHORUS)

So I went and locked myself indoors, my neighbours stayed with me,
The council got real worried about bad publicity,
So now I've got a decent home, I've got my own front gate,
And if they want me out again, they'll have damn long wait!
(I'll tell 'em)(CHORUS)

Council landlords, private landlords, you know they're all the same,
They use us folk as pawns in their money-making game,
They may say they're public servants, but profit's their real master,
They'll really have a fight on if the rents rise any faster,
(Tell 'em)(CHORUS)

So, if they serve you notice, here's what you must do:
Lock yourself inside your house, don't let the bailiffs through,
You pay too much already for your food and clothes and fun,
So, neighbours, stick together, stay indoors until you've won!
(FINAL CHORUS OPTIONAL)

Notes:

From Jim Carroll, 1/23/2011

Dick Snell was a member of the Critics Group

What makes this song interesting to me is that it describes a dramatic situation in the landlord-tenant relationship, and one that is general rather than unique. It also advocates an organizing remedy. It also well put together as a song, and also has some humor in it to help get across its message.

I'm not sure what the tune sounds like but Call kindly sent me the musical notation. I would ideally like to know a little more about the composer, and whether his song was inspired by actual experience.