Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?

Subject: Wild Rover
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:03 AM

Do folkies still sing this song as i like to hear it now and then.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:15 AM

Yes.

And so?

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: MMario
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:16 AM

depends on the venue - there are places and groups that would not care to hear it - and other places and groups where it is almost demanded.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:25 AM

I have been to places where its not allowed.Thats why i asked with this thread.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 11:43 AM

Your right guest in the Anchor in the MBS at Sidmouth you get a heavy fine for singing The Wild Rover

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 11:57 AM

Places where the Wild Rover is not allowed......the mind boggles. I seem to remember Ron Kavana doing someting pretty useful with it last time I saw him.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:25 PM

Everytime I create a setlist that doesn't include this song, I get so many requests that I have to sing it. Like other singers in the manner of the Irish, I am sick to death of singing it. But folks love the damn thing. I have never been banned from singing it, but I would never sing it in a singaround, unless forced to.

Mick

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:32 PM

Happy belated Birthday Mick.
SCOOBY

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:46 PM

Thanks, Scooby.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Schantieman
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:49 PM

It was done to death in the 60s & 70s, together with Ralph McTell's Streets of London and most aficionados (aficionadoes aficionadi?) wouldn't do it in a club these days. Every so often a tyro does it and we all join in though.   Clive (who runs the Bothy) does it to at least two different tunes now and then.

Quite good fun trying to sing one to the tune of the other. I've heard Mr Happy sing Ken Dodd's Happiness to the tune of Hughie Jones's Ellen Vannin too - that's quite a laugh!

Steve

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: s6k
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:51 PM

I heard one of the best versions ever by Mudcats very own Muppet.

It was a reggae version.

that is amazing

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:59 PM

I didn't know this song until about five years ago, when I learned it from my late friend Jim, an Englishman who was married to the woman who is now my life. Jim and I would sing it together raucously about once every two months, somewhat to the chagrin of some of the members of our woman-dominated song circle. I still sing it in his memory every once in a while, and I still love singing it.

I can understand how some people think it's tired and worn, and a waste of time when once could be singing a thirty-seven verse ballad - but I think it's a fun song, and I wish I could feel free to sing it once in a while amongst the snooty purists. Don't think I'd want to sing it five times a month, but once every couple of months doesn't seem too often to sing (or hear) a song.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: PoppaGator
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:00 PM

Some songs become so popular that they get "done to death," and sooner or later the general public tires of them. Or, at least, the *performers* who are expected to play/sing these songs lose their taste for them and come to dread the inevitable requests.

"Wild Rover" is a good example, "Kumbaya" is another, and -- here in New Orleans, in the traditional-jazz category -- you have "When the Saints Come Marching In." There's a faded old sign posted on the wall at Preservation Hall:

Requests: $5
Traditional Requests: $1
"The Saints": $10

The sign dates back at least to the late 1960s, when 10 bucks was a *lot* more money than it is today.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:06 PM

Joe, I don't think the song is tired at all. I am just tired of singing it. I think it stems from my need to constantly introduce the crowd to other songs. There are only so many minutes in a performance, and when one is trying to introduce a certain song, or maintain a certain theme, it is a pain to have to sacrifice other songs to one that has been done to death. BUT .... and this is a very big BUT .... the crowd is in charge. I am there to entertain them, and if the request is from a number of folks, I feel obligated to give 'em what they want. I may have to sing it 15 times a month, but I am mindful that the audience members haven't heard it that many times. To them, the night isn't complete without it.

It is a fun song. One just tires of it, as anyone would of any song that got sung as much as this one.

Mick

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Cats
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:13 PM

And you can always sing it to different tunes.... ride of the valkeries, try the savoy operas, away in a manger, or even Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells... I could go on all night, there again we did one year at the Swan in Sidmouth. Seriously though, There is a beatuiful Irish ballad version that's worth looking out.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 03:45 PM

An Irish version of Wild Roiver? That'd make a change from the normal Norfolk version. How does it go, Cats?

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 03:52 PM

MG of H:
There's always "The Drogheda Wild ROver", - as collected from Mrs. Carolan, if I remember aright!

Regards

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 04:03 PM

If memory serves, Tommy Makem got the trad Irish version from his mother Sarah. Sean Cannon recorded a trad version on an early solo album in the 70's. Even if you listen to Luke Kelly's version in the 60's it still retained a trad sound, being sung as if in regret. It was only when the "clappy Handy" bits were added that it started to go downhill. I even remember Mike Whelans doing a blues version of it in Aberdeen in the early 70's...brought the house down...with laughter!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:10 PM

Hey, Kevin, in the U.S., "Wild Rover" is an Irish song. Americans don't know from Norfolk. They think it's in Ireland, or maybe Virginia.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: radriano
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:43 PM

The Drogheda Wild Rover, mentioned by Martin Ryan above, is the same lyrics to a much more beautiful melody that suits the song better than the usual raucous melody.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:58 PM

I have just searched Mudcat, and googled it, but I don't find the words or tune for "Drogheda Wild Rover". I see it referenced in several places but nothing more. Can anyone share it with us?

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: curmudgeon
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 06:58 PM

I first heard, and subsequently learned, the Wild Rover in about 1962 from a recording by John Runge. It was a simple narrative song with no enthusiastic affronts. About twenty years ago, when I first met Lou Killen, he sang a very close variant and prefaced his presentation with a comment that he wished he'd never taught to "some friends."

A similar text is in "The Singing Island," MacColl-Seeger .

I rarely perform this song as the average audience will try to give it the clap -- Tom

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: breezy
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 07:14 PM

its a great song to perform anywhere, be fearless.
Its entertainment as well.
Put your own stamp on it.

I beena wild most all of me life

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: breezy
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 07:16 PM

I been a wild ROVER most all of me life
etc

yes I did shout, sorry no offence intended

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Kaleea
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:26 PM

Depends on what you mean by "folkie." I have attended many ceolis & sessions & "get togethers" where it is often sung &/or requested.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 01:34 AM

Hey, Birthday Boy Mick - see comments from Martin Ryan and Antaine in this thread. Martin says the lyrics posted are very similar to what the Press Gang recorded under the title "Drogheda Wild Rover."
I think we have an alternate tune posted somewhere, but I didn't find it.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST,Wolfgang
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 08:50 AM

I have a recollection of the Johnstons singing live and a capella a version with a different tune.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 09:07 AM

OK - DSo 'The Wild Rover' is considered old and hackneyed by a lot of Folk (define Folk how you will) but it IS one of the songs that will get an enthusiastic response in a 'General' entertainment environment And the same goes for 'Streets of London' by the way .

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST,Snuffy
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 09:23 AM

Words here and Alison posted the tune later in the same thread

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: muppett
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:48 AM

Hey S6k, I also do a Kyle Minouge version of it as well, the words fit well to the tune of I can't get you out my head (I think that's what its called), you know the one that's got the chorus, No,no,no,

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: EagleWing
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 05:14 PM

I sang it the other day at my local folk club. It was the first time I'd sung it for about 30 years so it came as reasonably fresh to me.

Frank L.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: GUEST,Lighter at work
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 05:29 PM

Just so our record of this song's history is complete: a good friend of mine attended Cork U. for a year in 1979-80, and when he came back
reported that the chorus even then had been fitted out with rhythmic claps, often accompanied or replaced by the phrase "Right up your a***!"

The voice of the folk.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Snuffy
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 07:36 PM

Or Kilt in places where you didn't dare say Arse

Subject: RE: Wild Rover
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 07:57 PM

G'day GUEST ... and everybody else,

A song I like as an alternative is one learned from Sally Sloane, who was a great traditional singer, here in Australia. I've posted it here at: I've Been a Wild Boy.

Sally's traditional tune (as I note in the original post) was one that seems to have been popular in British folk clubs as a gentle reminder for all to go home, at the end of the night, as Here's a Health to the Company. (In fact ... you could sing the Wild Rover verses to that tune ... and have no chorus ... of course, that might get you lynched in some chorus-obsessed clubs!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 03:14 PM

Here's an alternative to it the other day I made up in a thread about Minor characters deserving own song" when Don(Wyziwyg)T suggested the landlady might deserve to have her version of what transpired.

So I thought I'd post it here, as more likely to come up, if anyone is ever looking for a song like this. In which case they are more than welcome to sing it. (Say where you got it from though, if anyone is interested.)

The Wild Rover's Landlady
I was stood at the bar when this pillock came in,
And he asked for a drink without showing no tin.
So I told him "Look chummy, this isn't a bank,
If you want something free, just you go have a wash."
And there's no tick, never, these words I repeat,
If you ask me for credit, you'll be out in the street.

Well he dips in his pockets, this ignorant sod,
And he says "Loads-a-money" and he flashes a wad.
So I tells him quite politely, "If you've money to spare,
You are welcome to drink till you falls off your chair
But there's no tick, never, these words I repeat,
If you ask me for credit, you'll be out in the street."

Well he drinks and he drinks, till he can't drink no more,
Then he staggers around and he crawls out the door,
Going home to his Mummy, to beg for a sub -
There's some right bleeding nutters I serve in this pub.
And there's no tick never, these words I repeat,
If you ask me for credit, you'll be out in the street.

With three options for the chorus, according to taste - the one I gave there, or

Oh there's no tick never, in the Rover's Return,
But you can drink like a fish if you've money to burn..

(The point being, that gets the Rover into the song - "The Rover's Return" incidentally being the name of a pub in the English soap opera, "Coronation Street".)

Or

No, No Never, Never no more -
I never give nobody credit no more.

Which has the advantage of being closer to the standard version, and therefore it might make it more acceptable as a substitute in response to a request for the Wild Rover.

I intentionally put it in an English pub, in deference to the song's origins...(It'd take about thirty seconds for anyone to emigrate it to any other required nationality).

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 03:46 PM

I'll play Wild Rover when it's requested... and occasionally, when I've got up my head of steam and am stringing a few songs together, it'll worm its way in toward the end of 3 or 6 songs...

The best way to sing Wild Rover in my book, is to the tune of Ghost Riders In The Sky....

But you can sing a LOT of the old cheese-ball songs to that tune...

:-)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:22 PM

... including "Waltzing Matilda"... :-)

(but don't ever call it "an old cheese-ball song" in public in Aust if you want to keep your front teeth!)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:23 PM

One mans cheese is another mans beef...

:-)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 11:19 PM

Regularly asked for at both the Blarney and o'Malley's in Shanghai.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Pauline L
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 03:20 PM

Mick, I don't believe that *any* song would sound tired after being sung too often. One of my personal definitions of great art is something that you can return to time after time, and it's always fresh. I wouldn't consider Wild Rover great art by this definition, but some songs would qualify.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 12:02 AM

No Nay Never   --


will I play, or sing, or accompany, or have anything to do with this piece of shite song. Or, for that matter, When Irish Eyes, I'll Take You Home Again, or any other of those Oirish evergreens. Even Danny Boy meets with my utmost reluctance.

Why? Well, I guess I have a highly developed "corny" (or call it bullshit) sensor, and that kind of crap just doesn't get past it.

Although I perform in public, I strongly believe that I should not sing any song I can't perform with conviction. If it's crap to me, I'd be deceiving my audience by pretending to perform it.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: s6k
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 04:04 AM

so its your favourite song then ?

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 02:04 PM

The crapness is experienced by the listener or not as the case maybe.
Sing what you like.

I've sung the Wild Rover for many's the year
I've sung it so often I'm sick up to here
But now I have taken vows 20 and 4
I never will sing the Wild Rover no more

No not much.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Grab
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 11:44 AM

Clinton, I'm afraid I tainted the folk music pools of Windsor by doing "Wild Rover" to the tune of the Banana Boat Song at a song circle ddw took me to. Beware of that one at the Kildare House... :-)

Graham.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 03:23 PM

I have head that one before, but not 'attached' to you mate... so yer in the clear I'd imagine...

"Now I've been a folk-singer for many a year
*hic* Can ya... *hic* sshhhling The Wild Rover?", is all that I hear
So I think I'll retire and live on the dole
Where I won't have to sing The Wild Rover NO MORE!"

Is the verse I use at the end... it almost always get a really good laugh from the crowd...

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Pistachio
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 03:28 PM

Last time I heard the tune the words had been re-written about a tired 'Rover' motor car(   .....as I recall)

And it's no, nay, never no, nay, never, no more
will I buy and old rover, no never, no more!

             >>>> ----<<<<

It's ages since I sang the song with the 'clappy' bit but whatever, it does always 'seem' to go down well, albeit infrequently.

PS I too have heard the magic Muppet 'reggae' version.'Whitby forever'

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: VIN
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:15 AM

Yes it's bin done a lot over the years but i still like the song. Alex Campbell used to do a grand version, yay oh yay!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Davy
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 09:04 AM

I drove a landrover for many a year, and I haven't worked out how to get it in gear......

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,davy
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 11:19 AM

Sing it well and folk enjoy it.....so I'm told!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Tommy T - Denmark
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:40 AM

Even in Denmark is it still a popular song, both in english and in Danish.

The Danish words if anybody wants it:

Jeg har været på valsen, men nu er det slut med at bruge hver øre på damer og sprut. Så nu vender jeg hjemad med masser af mønt, for det´ sket med det liv og en andet begyndt. Så´ det slut med at ture - åh - åh -åh med at ture min ven, nu ta'r jeg aldrig mere på valsen igen.

Jeg gik ind på det værtshus, hvor jeg plejed´ at komme, og sagde til tjeneren: "Min lomme er tom". Jeg bad om kredit, men han svarede nej, der er snese af kunder, der´ bedre end dig. Så´ det slut med at ture - åh - åh -åh med at ture min ven, nu ta'r jeg aldrig mere på valsen igen.

Jeg stak hånden i lommen, hev frem alt mit guld, men se baren, jeg stod ved, var bugnende fuld. "Du kan få alt på klods - både i pose og sæk". "Du ka´ rende mig der, hvor min ryg, den blir fræk". Så´ det slut med at ture - åh - åh -åh med at ture min ven, nu ta'r jeg aldrig mere på valsen igen.

Jeg tar hjem til de gamle, jeg be´r dem en bøn, om at modta´ og tilgi´ deres vildfarne søn. Og hvis de vil tilgi´, jeg tror nok de vil, tar jeg bare på valsen en en´ste gang til. Nu' det slut med at ture - åh - åh - åh, med at ture min ven, nu ta'r jeg aldrig mere på valsen igen.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Davy
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 11:20 AM

It loses in the translation just a tad.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: davidkiddnet
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 06:14 PM

Billy Connelly was recorded saying that he went into a club and saw "Three wooly jumpers singing the Wild Rover". This indicates that you have to wear a wooly jumper to sing it properly. I see those thick natural white ones from the Western Isles with spirally motifs up the front. It's impossible to sing that deep philosphical song without one - I mean three.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 06:44 PM

It's a popular pub song for good reason. It's very tuneful, rollicking, and fun to sing along with, hand-clapping section and all. Yes, hackneyed to many performers and to discerning music enthusiasts. If it's requested, singing it is like giving a gift to the people who request it.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 04:48 AM

Like all great music it has a life of its own.

I'll go to St Peter confess what I've done
And hope that he'll pardon this song stealing bum
If he'll forgive me and open his door
I never will slay the Wild Rover no more

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:09 AM

There must be something very special about a song that has been performed so often that almost everyone seems to hate it, and yet can still hold the attention of so many people in a serious music discussion forum. I wish I was likely ever to write one like it.

I always sing it, if asked, but then the only requests I ever refuse, or ignore, are the ones which end with the word "off".

Don T.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:56 AM

Davidkiddnet,

Yeah, those cable knit Arran sweaters are probably the most practical clothing ever invented for a fishing/farming community, whose winters are white and six feet deep, and summers are mostly wet, and very windy. Due to the very high lanolin content of the local wool, they are quite windproof, and almost completely waterproof as well.

They became very popular in the fifties and sixties, and very much associated with traditional folk music, probably because the singers in that part of the world are regarded as a well loved national asset. Wish that were so further south, where the sweater has become part of the misconception of folkies, in the community at large ( as witness Mr. Connelly's remark).

Don T.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: stallion
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 07:25 AM

Its the only song my brother sings and if, when we are in his car, he starts singing it it makes me cringe, i have to join in to drown out his awful voice. Yes often requested and if it is what the paying public want then perhaps you have to give them it but o lord it is a labour. Damien at our regular haunt does a rap version which is good.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 09:15 AM

My friend and musical partner in the duo "Sic Transit", has solved the Wild Rover problem in his own unique fashion. A particularly fine keyboard player, and a gifted mimic, he will serve up a version to fit any occasion.

He has written about a hundred parodies, all following the original story, in the exact style of just about any singer from Carthy to Cash, and Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong to Cliff Richard (spit). These came about as a result of a challenge to produce one per week for three months, and resulted in 3 - 4 per week until the challenger surrendered 9 months later, and begged him to stop.

A medley of these forms a popular part of our act at folk clubs.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: woodsie
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 10:09 AM

Wild Rover - a truly great folk song. It has it all. But tis a cryan' shame that the good Captain Beefheart says never received a penny in royalties. Is there no justice?

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 02:04 PM

Don T, that's hilarious. I'd love to hear a version sung in the style of Gov Schwarzenegger.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 02:23 PM

Chanteyranger,

I'll suggest that one, and see what results. If any of you guys are going to Sidmouth this year, you'll find us both in the front bar of the Bedford, and you can hear for yourselves. I'll be the one with "Wysiwyg" printed acroos the scratch plate of his guitar. Hope to see you there. Maybe you might even stretch a point and invite us to do a spot for you in the middle bar one day. Relax! I'm only joking.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 03:40 PM

Those 'thick cable-knit Arran sweaters' are actually Aran sweaters - one 'r' only - and are nothing whatsoever to do with the Western Isles, they originate from the Irish island of Aran, not the Scottish island of Arran. That's what I've read but I expect that, as usual, some smart-arse will tell me I'm wrong! LOL!
S:0)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 09:53 PM

I've been to Aran Island, taking a Ferry over from Clare, and have seen people seling their home-knitted Aran sweaters. You've got that right, Strollin' Johnny.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Folkiefrank
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 10:36 PM

Strollin' Johnny ,you called it right, and if anyone remembers that far back, thwy were the stage uniform of the Clancy Brothers, even at their re-union concert circa 1990(?) !!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 06:12 AM

Thanks guys, my heart's bursting with pride! Got something right at last! (LOL!)
S:0)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Peterr
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 05:28 PM

It's one of the songs you can use to get a pub audience's attention back after you've sung two or three of the ones YOU want to sing. I really like the tune the Dransfields used - similar to the usual but slower and with the odd flattened note - minor key or modal or something I don't understand. Must ask the musical theory brains of the household.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Kim C
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 01:46 PM

Okay, so I'm 3 years late on this, but maybe I'll get extra points for using the search and not starting a new thread. ;-)

Anyhow, Mister and I do this song a lot, as apparently it's hugely popular with reenactors. We have the Holding Up the Other Half of the Sky (or whatever it's called) CD, which uses a melody similar to "Her Mantle So Green." So we got to wondering. . . which melody for this song is older?

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: RTim
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 02:36 PM

It depends what version you mean?
I have started singing a version collected in my home county of Hampshire in England, which has a very different tune to that of the more commonly known song, and I believe that this is also being sung by fellow Mudcatter - Brian Peters, and by Paul Sartin; in fact Paul has recorded it with a choir on the re-issue of Folk Songs from Hampshire on Forest Tracks Records.
http://www.forest-tracks.co.uk/folk_music_pages/folk_music_folksongs.html

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 02:53 PM

I'm not proud, I'll sing the Wild Rover if I'm being paid handsomely ;-)
Actually I wrote a song where I nicked a couple of lines (for ironic effect), not until afterwards did I realise the tune was pretty similar too.
I'm sure there's plenty more versions out there that haven't been done to death yet.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:04 PM

It will very likely be requested in pubs and the audience seems to enjoy it. It's a reliable 'crowd pleaser'. We do it when we play in pubs because we're there to please!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: michaelr
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:24 PM

No, nay, never.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:27 PM

Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?

no, nay, never, no more!!

damn beaten to the punch *LOL*

Charlotte (now I can't get the stupid tune out of my head)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: skarpi
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:36 PM

jabb we still do , in Icelandic , sounds a little diffrent

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:51 PM

Missed this one first time round.
For me the song was kicked to death by The Clancy's and all the other singing pullovers, until I came across the one from Pat McCardle, Mary Anne Carolan's brother - beautiful reflective version, far more in keeping withthe sense of the song:
Wild roving I'll give over, wild roving no meor.
And I ne'er will be called the wild rover no more.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: JedMarum
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 03:53 PM

There are certain songs that generation after generation keeps asking for. Wild Rover is one of them. I play it every time it's requested (within reason) - only in the Pubs, though.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 04:00 PM

I still sing it to myself in the breaking hours of dawn, when one is alone with ones innermost feelings. The words of of this young man so far from home and his loved ones never fails move me deeply.

Over the yaers I have changed the words slightly.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: RTim
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 05:07 PM

The Alternative version text:

WILD ROVER.

I've been a wild rover for many a long year
IÕve spent all my money boys in fine girls and strong beer,
So for my part I will lay up my money in store
And ItÕs never will I play the wild rover no more.

Chorus
Wild Rover, Wild Rover, Wild Rover no more,
And ItÕs never will I play the Wild Rover no more.

I callÕd at some an ale-house I usÕd to resort,
The liquor was good, but my money was short:
I askÕd them to trust me, but their answer was nay,
Such a customer as you, my boy, we can have any day."

Then I pulled out my handfuls of money straightway
It was only for to try them to hear what theyÕd say,
YouÕre welcome kind sir to liquor of the best
What I told you before was only in jest."

Oh no I replied that never will be,
IÕll see you all hanged if I spend one penny;
For a man thatÕs got money, he may sing and may roar,
But a man thatÕs got none must be turned out of doors.

You should see the landlady, at ease in her chair,
With her ruffles round her wrist, fine curls in her hair,
ItÕs got by our money boys, that you very well know,
And for to maintain them - we are fools if we do.

-----------------------------------------------
From Henry Lee of Whitchurch - May 1906 (H346)
From Frank PurslowÕs Constant Lovers page 109
Verses 3 & 4 based on version via Wiltshire and Alfred Williams.

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 05:44 PM

"The Wild Rover"
"Finnegan's Wake"
"The Moonshiner (any one of 'em)"
"Brennan on the Moor"
"The Wild Colonial Boy"
"Rosin the Beau"

Any one or all, along with many others, could be considered overdone, hackneyed or stale - on either side of the great pond. But every one, done with integrity and great vigor, and in the right place and time, is still entertaining and valuable - and fun!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 09:15 PM

I went into an alehouse
I ordered some rum
I said to the lanlady - show us your bum

Then in walked the Landlord
His name it was Giok
He said, buy us a Guiness I'll show you me .....

Then in walked the the barmaid,her name was Annie


And now And this song I will bring to a closure
About all the perils
Of indecent exposure

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 20 Mar 08 - 11:31 PM

I find it interesting how a song about temperance has been perverted into a drinking song. Oh well...


Seamus

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 05:41 AM

'I find it interesting how a song about temperance has been perverted into a drinking song.'

Pervertted......?

as Rod steiger said in No Way to Treat a Lady - it doesn't mean you're not a nice person!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 Mar 08 - 05:46 AM

I have been known to sing the "Wild Shrover" on Pancake Day.

I'll get my coat................

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 04:50 AM

Guest TJ
Agree totally with your sentiments, though I do believe that all too often vigour takes the place of interpretation.
Apart from Finnegan's Wake I can think of beautiful versions from source singers, of all the songs you mention.
Would add 'Black Velvet Band' and 'Johnny I Hardly Knew You' to the list.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 02:34 PM

It's not the songs fault, is it?

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 22 Mar 08 - 03:34 PM

Hey dunno about it getting sung much but havent stopped humming it since I spotted this thread.
At least its not the bloody spice girls this time.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Jack Campin
Date: 26 Oct 24 - 07:54 AM

A New Zealand maker produced a special wine for this song.

Chardon

And it's no nay never, no nay never no more...

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Oct 24 - 10:54 AM

I've "sung" along with many a song in my time, but Wild Rover is the only one I've ever "sung" solo, and it was entirely unintentional. Someone in the pub asked for it in our session one New Year's Eve, so I started it up, expecting everyone to join in. After one solo verse I had no option but to carry on. The only joining-in was the usual banging on the table. I kind of thought that I'd stunned everyone into silence with my terrible singing, but at the end I got raucous cheers and clapping. I think it was because they'd heard me playing tunes for years but had never heard me sing. Brave lad, the poor thing, they must've thought...

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 26 Oct 24 - 01:14 PM

I was in a pub session somewhere when someomeone asked for this song - Bob Davenport was in the vcompany & to my surprise was quite keen for me to do it. I did & the crowd loved it- Bob said to always do what folk asked for, even the WR.

You can do owt ye like after that' he said and I've always found that good advice! Really, what's the alternative?- refusing to do a song you know is just bad manners

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 26 Oct 24 - 05:38 PM

Well said, Jim Bainbridge! I hope Bob Davenport is okay, what a singer!

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Oct 24 - 05:55 PM

I always used to love the way the floor filled up with people doing an old fashioned Irish Waltz when I was gigging Irish pubs and clubs. This song was perfect for that.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: The Sandman
Date: 27 Oct 24 - 03:42 AM

I have sung it in pubs when i have been asked ,it is a perfectly good song.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Mrrzy
Date: 27 Oct 24 - 10:05 AM

I sure hear it sung!

And I never will play when I'm sober no more, I heard receny

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 27 Oct 24 - 04:10 PM

.... can't .... resist ....

I too find the original, and that of Fields Of Athenry, have worn out their welcome with me; but my (per)version of Wild Rover (Turn the Page Over) seems to go down well, and keeps the tune fresh in my mind.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Steve Shaw
Date: 27 Oct 24 - 05:14 PM

If you don't care any more for the original Fields of Athenry, try this version sung by the Liverpool fans on the Kop. A true case of the folk process in action... :-) To the same tune:

Outside the Shankly Gates
I heard a Kopite calling:
Shankly they have taken you away
But you left a great eleven
Before you went to heaven
Now it's glory round the Fields of Anfield Road

All round the Fields of Anfield Road
Where once we watched the King Kenny play (and he could play)
We had Heighway on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
Of the glory round the Fields of Anfield Road

Outside the Paisley Gates
I heard a Kopite calling
Paisley they have taken you away...
You led the great 11
Back in Rome in 77
And the redmen they are still playing the same way

All round the Fields of Anfield Road
Where once we watched the King Kenny play (and he could play)
Steve Heighway on the wing
We had dreams and songs to sing
Of the glory round the Fields of Anfield Road

Beside the Hillsborough Flame
I heard a Kopite mourning
Why so many taken on that day?
Justice has never been done
But their memory will carry on
There'll be glory around the Fields of Anfield Road

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,The Sandman
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 03:59 AM

Indeed

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 05:52 AM

I always used to rag Lou Killen about being responsible for giving the song to the Clancy Brothers & thus widening its circulation- their version was the same as his.

He always denied it, and neither was responsible for the table-banging which now seems part of the WR 'experience'- who started that?

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,The Sandman
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 06:27 AM

not me, Jim,I would also rule out Martin Carthy

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 07:51 AM

I know someone who always started with

Knock, knock

Who's there?

Ribena

Ribena who?

Ribena wild rover for many a year...

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 11:16 AM

Thanks, Steve: it's interesting to see the footie version of Athenry, but for me the ball's the wrong shape. I've used Malcolm Austen's version in self-defence before now, and got roundly thumped by Herself for doing so without warning. (Next time, I'll see if she thinks this one by Andy McKean is an improvement.)

Meanwhile, back at the Wild Rover ....

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,Don Meixner
Date: 28 Oct 24 - 06:53 PM

I am surprised I didn't reply to this back in the first days of this thread. Back then I would have said "Sure we do."

Today I will tell you all, "Sure we do." and we did it yesterday at a saloon in Syracuse, NY. No table banging but a lot of hand clappery and singing along. Audience participation is the whole point of the song after all. I won't say its the point of every song but it is the point of this one.

We've changed the verse arrangements a little but the chorus is the same as ever.

Don

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Ian
Date: 29 Oct 24 - 11:28 AM

Yes, I do about once a year. I last heard it by some one else on Sunday in Hull. It does not matter which tune you use it still attracts the infectious clap.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Oct 24 - 06:15 AM

Kim C, back in 2008, mentioned the other version, as have others since, and yes, the tune is very similar to “Her Mantle so Green”. The words are fairly similar too, but there are no “No, nay, Nevers” to worry about!
Mick West, Scottish singer, does a very fine version.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Oct 24 - 12:49 PM

Here are the lyrics I have for what I call the "traditional" version, though not sure of its provenance:

THE WILD ROVER

1
I have been a wild rover, this many's the year,
And I've spent all my money, drinking ale and strong beer,
But now for the future, I will take better care,
In case that misfortune shall fall to my share.

Chorus:
Wild roving I'll give it over, wild roving give o'er,
And I ne'er will be called the Wild Rover no more.

2
I went into an alehouse, I used to resort,
And I told the landlady, my money was short,
When she heard of my story, to me she did say,
I can have many customers like you any day.

3
I put my hand in my pocket, some money to find,
And I pulled out the fill of my two fists, five times,
When she saw that I had the money, and money go leor,
When she saw that I had the money, she called me her stór.
She says, "I have the whiskey, and that of the best,
And the words that I have spoken, were only in jest."

4
If I had all the money, I have placed in your care,
It would till all my lands and, my family rear,
It would thatch all my houses. It would build me a barn.
It would buy me a coat for to keep my back warm.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Oct 24 - 01:15 PM

lots of nice words & other versions, but try & persuade non-folkies to change the habit of a lifetime & refrain from the clappy clappy/table banging version & you'll come a cropper- it's called the real world

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 31 Oct 24 - 05:07 AM

They don’t if you sing to this totally different tune: that’s for real too.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: Thompson
Date: 31 Oct 24 - 05:58 AM

Singing has changed. When I was a kid it was still usual for people to sing at home, and in a lot of workplaces people sang too, often in chorus. Milkmen and coalmen and bakers' deliverymen and building workers whistled tunefully and skilfully. There were professional singers, and amateur performers, but singing was also a personal thing, practised at parties and at home. All gone now. Recording has enriched us, but has also robbed us.

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 24 - 01:40 PM

I went to a toilet I used to frequent
And I told the attendant my penny was bent.
I asked him for credit he just shook his mitt
Said 'if you've no penny you'll get no cred......it

   (memory of Matt McGinn singing this?)

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: GUEST,IS
Date: 01 Nov 24 - 04:44 PM

Hamish Imlach had a good pastiche too:

I'll go to a folk club, take a shotgun along
And I'll shoot the first bastard who asks for that song
And the hangman will say as I fall through the floor
"Now you never will sing The Wild Rover no more"

Subject: RE: Wild Rover - do folks still sing this song?
From: MaJoC the Filk
Date: 03 Nov 24 - 09:56 AM

> in a lot of workplaces people sang too

At one place of work I was in, one of the cleaners used to sing as he worked, which was by then unusual enough to attract notice. Someone instructed him to not sing, as it was disturbing some scholars' concentration; a while later, someone else told him he *should* sing, as it was good to hear someone being cheerful around the place.

The cleaner eventually solved this conundrum by moving to another department, where presumably they appreciated his taste in happiness better. Being happy to order is awkward .... which brings us back to the subject.