The Tarriers were an unpleasant family I lived next door to in the Midlands. They were always throwing barbecues in the back garden, lots of fried food, which gave them upset stomachs, and they were always farting and belching, and being disagreeable.

Finally I wrote a protest song about them. Grill! Ye Tarriers Grill! offering them culinary advice for a more healthy diet.

During the folk process, the original meaning has been sadly lost.