The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #36888   Message #512016
Posted By: Gareth
21-Jul-01 - 12:33 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song
Subject: Lyr Add: POLLY GARTER'S SONG (Dylan Thomas)
As promised here is the text of :-
POLLY GARTER'S SONG Dylan Thomas 1953.

I found a copy of the BBC published text in the Public Library Reference section
UK Catters can probably obtain a copy through the UK Library Interloan System.

Not very easy to transcribe, as the song cuts in and out of the script in various places at different strengths and tempos.
In places "Bowdlerised" by the BBC with over recording of children's voices and songs in places.
Well remember the BBC turned Llareggub into Llaregyb !

If Catters want the Score and arrangement there are GIF files at http//www.gareth72.fsnet.co/polly1 (and /polly2 and polly3) But give me a few moments to process and upload. (Gareth 1800 hrs GMT)

I am including the text as I copied it. I also include my editing to produce a continuous song. I hope it makes sense.

I suspect that the BBC holds the copyright.
But then this is posted as research and revue material.

POLLY GARTER'S SONG.

Taken from the original 1953 BBC Script.
Copy in Newport Gwent Libuary

I loved 'a man whose name was Tom
He was strong as a bear and two yards long
I loved a man whose name was Dick
He was big as a barell and three feet thick
And I loved man whose name was Harry
Six feet tall and sweet as a cherry
But the one I loved best a-wake or a-sleep
Was little Willy Wee and he's six feet deep

Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
And I'll never have such loving again
But little Willy Wee who took me on his knee
Little Willy Wee is the man for me

Now men from every Parish around
Run after me and roll me to the ground
But whenever I love another man back
Johnny from the Hill or sailing Jack
I always think as they do as they please
Of Tom Dick or Harry who were tall as trees.
And most of all I think when I am by their side
Of Little Willy Wee who drowned and died

Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
And I'll never have such loving again
But little Willy Wee who took me on his knee
Little Willy Wee is the man for me

{ Break in script song interlude continues}

Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
And I'll never have such loving again
But little Willy Wee who took me on his knee
Little Willy Wee is the man for me

{ Break in script song interlude continues}

And I'll never have such loving again

Now when the farmers boys on the first fair day
Come down from the hills to drink and be gay
Before the sun sinks I'll lie there in their arms
For they're good bad boys from the lonely farms
But I always think as we tumble into bed
Of little Willy Wee who is dead, dead, dead
.

{ Break in script song interlude continues}

But I always think as we tumble into bed
Of little Willy Wee who is dead, dead, dead

POLLY GARTER'S SONG.

Gareth's attempt to put it together as a continuous song
And if you can do it better I won't be offended.

I loved 'a man whose name was Tom
He was strong as a bear and two yards long
I loved a man whose name was Dick
He was big as a barrel and three feet thick
And I loved man whose name was Harry
Six feet tall and sweet as a cherry
But the one I loved best a-wake or a-sleep
Was little Willy Wee and he's six feet deep

{Chorus} Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
And I'll never have such loving again
But little Willy Wee who took me on his knee
Little Willy Wee is the man for me

Now men from every Parish around
Run after me and roll me to the ground
But whenever I love another man back
Johnny from the Hill or sailing Jack
I always think as they do as they please
Of Tom Dick or Harry who were tall as trees.
And most of all I think when I am by their side
Of Little Willy Wee who drowned and died

{Chorus)

Now when the farmers boys on the first fair day
Come down from the hills to drink and be gay
Before the sun sinks I'll lie there in their arms
For they're good bad boys from the lonely farms
But I always think as we tumble into bed
Of little Willy Wee who is dead, dead, dead
. But I always think as we tumble into bed
Of little Willy Wee who is dead, dead, dead
.

Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
And I'll never have such loving again
But I always think as we tumble into bed
Of little Willy Wee who is dead, dead, dead

Well it took a lttle time, but here it is, and a long way from Cwmdonkin St.

Gareth