Canal songs (UK)

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 01:32 PM

Has anyone got any idea who this is singing the Crinan Canal Song on YouTube?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=B_0WokmBEFM

In some perverse way I rather like it. Anyone who can sing and peel spuds has my admiration.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 03:48 PM

I now believe it to be John Grieve playing the part of 'Sunny Jim', the cook and deck-hand, on 'The Vital Spark' in the Para Handy Tales by Neil Munro. If you know otherwise please let me know.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 28 Jan 08 - 11:23 PM

Ian
As Para Handy himself would say "You have it chust exactly, Ian! If Dougie wass here he would tell you."
Neil Munro's Para Handy stories were made into a popular TV series by BBC Scotland in the late '50s/early'60s. Some episodes were remade in colour in 1974. Apparently the BBC "lost" the recordings by re-using the tapes!
British Sitcoms website lists the following;-
PARA HANDY -
MASTER MARINER

BBC / 6x30m-e / 1959-60 11 Dec 59 - 22 Jan 60 black and white

Writer: Duncan Ross / Producer: Pharic MacLaren / Director: James MacTaggart

Sitcom. The exploits of wily Captain Para Handy and his somewhat hapless crew on board their puffer The Vital Spark.

Para Handy......................................... DUNCAN MACRAE
Dougie................................................ RODDY McMILLAN
Dan MacPhail..................................... JOHN GRIEVE
Sunny Jim.......................................... ANGUS LENNIE

So perhaps not John Grieve - my memory playing tricks? I remember Roddy McMillan as Para Handy, but apparently he was "promoted" to skipper when the "Vital Spark" series was made (a couple of years after the "Master Mariner" series)

The cast I remember is the following:-
Cast List

        Roddy McMillan....as Para Handy
        John Grieve..........as Dan Macphail
        Walter Carr..........as Dougie
        Alex McAvoy........as Sunny Jim
        Robert Urquhart...as Dougie (Pilot)

There's more Para Handy material on YouTube, but most relates to the more recent Gregor Fisher remakes (1994).

A bit more digging reveals the continuing availability of a CD "Highland Voyage" originally recorded in 1963.
The track-list credits John Grieve (as Dan MacPhail the Cook) as the singer of the "Crinan Canal Song".
That would explain the potatoes, then?

I've passed the Ardrishaig end of the Crinan Canal a few times in the past year, on the way to visit my brother in Islay. I'll have to try to spend a couple of hours there next trip. There used to be a "puffer" set up as a museum in Inveraray, possibly the last of its type afloat.

Good link, Ian, it brought back some nice memories.

Ross

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 02 Feb 08 - 02:42 PM

Just caught up with this thread. Harking back to the comments about Ian Woods: I hear mention of him from time to time, but not from anybody who seems to know of his definite whereabouts. I knew him in his Frodsham Folk Club days - the early seventies. (Incidentally, the club celebrated its 40th anniversary last month). As Les said, Ian had a few songs about canal life - some, at least, being his own compositions. I don't know if this is traceable, but in about 1975/76, BBC Television did a series of programmes called "Ballad of the North West", which covered various historical themes, and were part drama and part folk music. There was one on the building of the Manchester Ship Canal. The musicians involved were: Ian Woods, Gary & Vera Aspey, The Wakes (me and Tom Brown) and the Northumbrian piper from Canny Fettle, whose name eludes me (as most people's names do). There were about six or eight songs, some of which were written - or re-written for the programme - by Ian Woods. The series was produced by Douglas Boyd - known at the Beeb, we were told, as the Tailor and Cutter, owing to his reputation for ruthless editing and re-writing. I can't remember who wrote the original script for this one, but he claimed that when he saw the re-written version, he recognised four words: "and", "and", "the" and "the". Knowing the propensity of the Beeb (and ITV) for recording over tapes, I don't suppose these programmes exist any more, but would be interested to hear otherwise. I didn't see it broadcast, as I was singing at McTavish's Kitchen in Fort William at the time, but that's another tale...
John Kelly.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Ian Hendrie
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 01:40 PM

Just to repeat a previous submission a biography of Ian Woods from a European source is on the internet.
Further to John's previous submission I would like to repeat my request for any canal related material from the 'Ballads of the Northwest'. Coincidently I was in McTavish's Kitchen in Fort William in 1976 (with Scottish folk entertainment along with the steak). Also I worked in the UMIST Chemistry Department in the early 1970's and I believe that a member of Canny Fettle was working in the lab next door. I don't know who and may be wrong but it would be nice to find out. The Songs of the Inland Waterways web-site now contains 92 songs and in my push to get to 100 I have contacted some of the people kindly suggested by Mudcatters. Replies have been limited and I think my e-mails may be getting Junked. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.
Ian

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 07:12 PM

Guest in Feb 2003 mentioned the Union Canal song by Robin Laing: copied here from another thread.

THE UNION CANAL by Robin Laing

Fountainbridge to Falkirk, over Almondell
By Ratho and Linlithgow weaves a magic spell
Fountainbridge to Falkirk, over Almondell
Follow the windings of the Union Canal
Follow the windings of the Union Canal

As a child I was enchanted by swans among the reeds
Tadpoles in my jamjar, minnows in the weed
Gazing from the towpath on my hands and knees
Sunlight on the water, the wind in the willow trees

Thinking on those early days, I was always there
Swinging out on Tarzan ropes, drop in for a dare
Summer was the magic time, but Winter had its day
Skating on the ice until the daylight slipped away

Fountainbridge to Falkirk...

The Union is a quiet place, a relic from the past
See the old stone bridges, they were made to last
It's just a sad backwater, lazy, deep and slow
A sleepy road that used to be a moving picture show

For once the traffic pulsed along, a beat that had no rest
Lifeline for the Lothians, a gateway to the West
Passengersby the thousands, scows of coal and grain
The Union carried everything before the railways came

Fountainbridge to Falkirk...

A casualty of progress, stranded high and dry
The Union was discarded, left to waste and die
Broken and neglected, falling to decay
All those weary Winter days, lonely, cold and grey

Those winter years are past now,the water feels the sun
The fight against the brambles and silting up is won
Narrow boats and barges steer the old canal
Slipping through the countryside that I have loved so well

Fountainbridge to Falkirk...

This song was written ? in the late 80's or early 90's.
Since then the silted up bit has been re-opened and the Falkirk Wheel has been put in (tremendous piece of engineering) so you can now get all the way from Fountainbridge (Edinburgh) to Maryhill (Glasgow). Several clips on Youtube of the Flakirk Wheel.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Feb 08 - 07:17 PM

And here also is Robin's Punters song, also copied from previous thread.

PUNTERS

    The starter fired his gun to commence the rollicking fun
    There was pushing and poking and pulling and punting   
    Great big guys groaning and grunting
    You've never seen anything quite so banal
    As the punters punting on the Union canal

There were two participant punts
Performing and pulling off stunts
But the guys in the boaties were little Don Quixotes
Standing in a punt, trying to confront
The others with a dunt, or a sneaky wee shunt

The first punt started so well,
shot along like a bat out of hell
But the guy at the back felt his grip go slack
And the poor old soul slipped down his pole
Landed in the drink and did an eskimo roll

The second punt bumped to the front
And the crew gave a jubilant grunt
But the captain to be blunt was a cretinous runt
And his boat mis-steered, it was weird how it veered
And everybody cheered when the bugger disappeared

And the silence of the setting was drowned
By the sound for miles around
And an unimpressed swan gave a cynical yawn
And the drakes and the ducks all agreed that punting sucks
And the rats and the voles ran back into their holes for some parecetamols

Love the "internal rhymes" that Robin is so good at!

There used to be a punt-pole-vaulting competition across the Union Canal at Ratho: not sure if still happens: needless to say, more punters ended up IN the canal than clearing it!

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 05:23 AM

Ian Woods is currently residing in Oxford and can be seen in the area on a VERY regular basis

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 06 Feb 08 - 06:06 PM

Ian H. What were you doing at McT's? - eating, singing or...er...washing dishes? I was there over the Easter weekend and from the May bank holiday weekend until early July, I think, and then late September. I was part of the resident duo - Celtic Twilight - with Bill Bracken. The Mathews Brothers did the mid-season residency.
I've also just remembered something that might be useful; There used to be a travelling theatre group called Micron (or Mikron), who toured around on the canals, performing at venues close to the canals. They did musical plays about canal life, written, I think, by themselves. I have an idea that they are still around. They made at least one album of their songs, sold at their performances. My mother saw them in the 70s at Melling Tithebarn (near the Leeds and Liverpool canal, near Liverpool). She bought one of their records, which was still around until my father died, but I think my nephew grabbed it.
John Kelly.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 07 Feb 08 - 04:18 AM

John K. I was eating, a steak with a whisky sauce as I remember. I can't remember much else though. I know about the Mikron Theatre Company and enjoyed two of their productions last year. They still tour the waterway system performing at canalside venues and their 2008 dates can be found on their web-site. I have some of their recordings but have not included any of their songs on my 'Songs of the Inland Waterways' web-site as yet. Their songs constitute a large body of material which is often rather specifically related to the productions that they featured in and, in my humble opinion, some of the songs don't past muster when taken out of context (though I can't speak too highly of their productions - they are a 'must-see' as far as I am concerned). As I don't want to exclude any song from the database on the basis of my opinion, I have not tackled this problem yet. I may just link to their web-site. I have done something similar with the songs written by 'Keepers Lock' but this is because they seek to sell song-books containing them and I do not wish to infringe copyright.
Ian

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Ian Hedrie
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 09:01 AM

Can anyone help with the chords to 'Telford's Bridge'?

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Pathheider
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 05:35 PM

Here are the words of the song "The Roving Navvy" (sung by The Spinners) as requested so long ago:
^^
The Roving Navvy


1.        Me name is Geordie Thompson. I’m a lad of great renown,
        Known all along the cut and in the nearby town.
        A gallon of ale, two pounds of beef, I have every day
        And when me work is finished, half a crown it is me pay.

Chorus:        So dig, boys. Load, boys. (Clap) them all the way,
        Digging up the cut, me lads, of Manchester way.


2.        I’ve dug the turf for many a mile, shovelled up the dirt.
        I’ve beat me way too frozen that I’m going to eat my shirt.
        I’ve laid beneath the burning sun, digging out the clay
        To trim away the level all along the waterway.

Chorus:        So dig, boys. Load, boys. (Clap) them all the way,
        Digging up the cut, me lads, of Manchester way.


3.        I’ve had me share of randies. You can tell it by me scars.
        I’ve done me share of porter drinking in the public bars..
        I’ve laboured, mortal drunk, on a cold October day,
        Staggered till I nearly fell until I walked away.

Chorus:        So dig, boys. Load, boys. (Clap) them all the way,
        Digging up the cut, me lads, of Manchester way.


4.        I’ve had me share of women in many a shanty town,
        â€™Cause I reckon if I could chat them up, I could always bed ’em down
        And if I could live my life again, this I always say,
        A roving navvy I would be, along the waterway.

Chorus:        So dig, boys. Load, boys. (Clap) them all the way,
        Digging up the cut, me lads, of Manchester way.

Final Chorus:        Aye, dig, boys. Load, boys. (Clap) them all the way,
        Digging up the cut, me lads, of Manchester way.

I got them from their CD "The Best of the Spinners" and the song is attributed on the cover to Ian Woods so it would appear that he did indeed write it.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 06:20 PM

As this thread has re-surfaced can I remind folk of the web-site 'Songs of Inland Waterways' http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/SongMenu.htm which contains 'The Roving Navvy' and over 100 other canal related songs. It may be worth checking before anyone else spends time transcribing words from recordings.

If you have any UK canal songs not on that web-site I would be very grateful for them.

Another plug : Benny Graham and Johnny Handle will be performing 'They're Coming Back to the Water' at 7.30pm on Sunday, 7th September 2008, at North Cheshire Cruising Club, High Lane (on the Macclesfield Canal). Contact me if you are interested.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 06:33 PM

Ian,
Looking at the website, you don't seem to have any of the late Gezz Overington's songs of the Tom Pudding system out of Goole. They have copies of his CD at the Yorkshire Waterways Museum. We're singing at least one of his songs at the museum this Thursday, Friday, Saturday evening as part of a special entertainment by a Leeds based arts group. There will be boat trips around the docks with 3 boats, one of them an original Tom Pudding tug manned by 2 of the original crew.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Dave Illingworth
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 03:50 AM

Ian (Hendrie),

Maybe you were not too impressed by our DPN+1 CD "THE UNKNOWN BOATMAN" (Canal Songs), but if you do want any of the words for your
"Songs of the Inland Waterways" web-site, I would be happy to supply them.

Our man Dusty Miller is still writing canal songs. Another thread currently going reminds me that he has written an English version of ERIE CANAL, entitled GRAND TRUNK CANAL, which I have sung a few times
(but never recorded, you'll be pleased to hear).

             Cheers, Dave Illingworth

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 04:13 AM

Hi Dave,

I must apologise for not putting your songs on the web-site yet. I have been snowed under with work (at the end of term) and transcribing your songs was next to be done when I finished. Your CD is excellent and is permanently in the car's CD player at the moment. If you could send me the words that would save me a lot of work. I will also be happy to indicate from where the CD can be obtained.
If you have any chords or music that would be helpful. Failing that, permission to include a short (30 sec) snippet of each song would be welcome. Again, many apologies for delay.

Ian

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Jay777
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 04:30 AM

Apologies if I've misunderstood the nature of this thread, but I don't think anyone's mentioned Navigators yet. The Pogues' lyrics are on http://www.mp3lyrics.org/p/pogues/navigator/ (I haven't worked out blue clickys yet- sorry!) but they don't appear to be on the DT. I think I first heard the song at Newbury Folk Club in the late 60s.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Dave Illingworth
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 06:49 AM

Dear Ian,

Thank you. Actually, I had not expected a reply, so no need to apologise. But glad you liked the CD.

I will gladly send you the lyrics (probably by snail-mail - I have your address) and will include chords. No dots though, I'm afraid.

                            Best wishes, Dave Illingworth

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Fidjit
Date: 23 Jul 08 - 03:55 AM

All this and not a mention of the "Calibar" by Cyril Tawney.

With memorable lines like

The Engineer from the bank replied, "The 'orse is a doing her best".

Chas

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Vicki Kelsey
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 12:27 AM

I just came across this thread and was pleased to find the John Warner song about the Telford Bridge area (posted in 2003-oh well, better late than never)
    It brought back many happy memories of our canal boat trip with Tom Lewis in the same area. See Tom's website for a narrative and some photos.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 24 Jul 08 - 12:09 PM

Would that be www.TomLewis.net?

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Newport Boy
Date: 26 Feb 09 - 05:17 AM

Re-reading Charles Hadfield's British Canals last night, I came across a reference to a song written for the opening of the Neath & Swansea Junction Canal (usually called the Tennant Canal - George Tennant was the promoter).

Hadfield gives 2 of the 19 verses (possibly the first and last?) and says:

The opening of a canal was an occasion for considerable jollification. Sometimes verse contributed, as when Elizabeth Davies, who kept a lollipop shop in Wind Street, Neath, wrote a song of nineteen verses, of which two are given here, to commemorate the opening of the Neath & Swansea Junction (usually called the Tennant) Canal:

O! could I make verses with humour and wit,
George Tennant, Esquire's great genius to fit;
From morn until even, I would sit down and tell,
And sing in the praise of Neath Junction Canal.

***

I hope when he's dead and laid in his grave,
His soul will in heaven be eternally saved;
It will then be recorded for ages to tell,
Who was the great founder of Neath Junction Canal.

It sounds more like a song of praise to George Tennant - maybe he was her landlord? The canal was completed in 1824.

The song is quoted from The History of the Vale of Neath by DR Phillips, 1925. The only copies I can find for sale are over £250.

I'll try the local library when I'm down there this summer.

Phil

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Newport Boy
Date: 26 Feb 09 - 05:34 AM

Browsing the rest of this thread, I see all the tales of crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Very prosaic, all of them!

My first trip over Pontcysyllte was in 1959. Anne & I spent our honeymoon on the Llangollen canal, and we crossed both ways during the week. Very romantic.

Oh yes - we'd hired a camping punt - a standard Thames punt, 30ft x 3ft, fitted with steel hoops and a canvas cover. Minimum cooking facilities, and two mattresses but, hey, we were on honeymoon!!

Phil

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 27 Feb 09 - 03:39 AM

Thanks NB for providing this. I will add the two verses to the waterway song archive site Songs of the Inland Waterways and hope that the other seventeen surface at some time.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 27 Feb 09 - 06:46 AM

Canaly Things

:0)

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 05:30 PM

Thanks Lizzie for that link. Very interesting! - and I have traced at least one additional canal song through it.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Stewie
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 09:33 PM

Mikron Theatre Company
Last Run - Songs Of The Canals And Waterways Of Great Britain 1977

Mikron Theatre Company
I'd Go Back Tomorrow (Allemande ALP 1001) 1979

The above 2 albums are available for download from the Time Has Told Me blog. The first side of the second item is from a play about the life of a boatwoman.

Time Has Told Me.

You will need to scroll down for the canal one.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 01 Mar 09 - 04:00 AM

Brilliant web-site! Thanks Stewie.

I acquired a copy of the 'Last Run' album recently but it's not in very good condition so I haven't really listened to it properly nor transcribe any of the songs. So far I have not included Mikron material on the Songs of the Inland Waterways web-site for copyright reasons. 'Keepers Lock' material is not included for this reason as well. They sell song books and I don't want to deprive them of any income. When I have the time I may contact Mikron Theatre Co. and see if they have any objections.

Ian

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Mar 09 - 06:50 PM

Would Skipper Jack let me have a copy of his Swansea Canal song

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 08 Mar 09 - 03:26 PM

And could I have a copy please for the Songs of the Inland Waterways web-site? My e-mail address can be found on the Introduction page.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 01:15 PM

On another current Mudcat thread about Mike Donald (from Skipton) there is mention of an lp 'North by North East' with a track 'Boatman's Song'. Does anyone have the lyrics?

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Ian B
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 01:59 PM

The Songs of the Inland Waterway web-site has changed its address.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Reinhard
Date: 14 Apr 09 - 03:52 PM

Just yesterday I found the CD The Navvy's Wife on the Wild Goose Records' website, "a musical drama written by Mick Ryan which gives voice to those whose lives were shaped by the great drive to carve out Britain's canals, railways and roads." Both the description and the cast look quite interesting.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,New City Canal Transport (see facebook)
Date: 04 Jun 09 - 05:01 PM

To the tune of She'll be coming round the mountain:

If you like a spot of boating now and then,
Take my tip and don't go on the BCN.
It'll be days I can assure you before thay come looking for you,
And they don't take prisoners round at Windmill End

Chorus
We've got miles and miles of polly round the blades
We've got miles and miles of polly round the blades
We've got miles and miles of,a tatty yellow brolly
And a supermarket trolly round the blades.

There are bags and bins put out by council men,
But the Brummies all prefer their BCN.
All their rubbish they have chucked in,their great big linear dustbin
You'ld think they'd clean the bugger out now and then

We've a battered old Lambretta round the blades
We've a battered old Lambretta round the blades
We've a battered old lambretta,a Marks and Spencers sweater
And an eight inch long French letter round the blades

We've an eight mill porno movie round the blades
Better watch the bugger quick before it fades.
Up to Tixall we'll go fly,in the wide hole there we'll tie.
We'll be safe there from con-stab-u-lary raids.

We've a forty-eight D cup around the blades
We've a forty-eight D cup around the blades.
We've a forty-eight D cup,a dead Alsation pup,
And a horseshoe JUST FOR LUCK!! around the blades.

   Repeat first verse
So if you like a spot of boating now and then.............

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Waterboy
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 02:58 PM

This is very similar to the version on the Songs of the Waterways web-site which contains some additional information about the origins.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,davey
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 03:10 PM

The LockKeeper's Daughter
is a song about the Neath canal in South Wales and was written by Bob Thomas and Huw Pudner...regulars at the Valley Folk club in Pontardawe.
davey

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Ian Bruce
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 05:36 PM

Anyone got the words for "The LockKeeper's Daughter"?

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 05 Jun 09 - 06:54 PM

A Few more lyrics


Bolinder Boatman


Lyrics transcribed by Chris Bragg and Geoff Grainger from a recording by Gary & Vera Aspey


1. Now I've been a boatman for most of me life,
I've travelled the country on through.
Seen the grouse on the moor of Saddleworth Way,
watched trains thunder past out of Crewe.

Chorus
With me Bolinder beating a steady old thump and
there's smoke drifting out of the stack.
We head through the Potteries then on up North,
take a load on and then go on back.

2. I've loaded with pig-iron outside Bilston Town
and coal out of Bridgewater's mine,
I have legged it through Blisworth with ten tonne of salt,
at Northwich dropped boatloads of pine.

Chorus

3. I've basked in the sun on the Middlewich run
and laid up when weather were wet,
Run from Braunston to Lymm in wild winter
gales in order to win a small bet.

Chorus

4. I remember the day of the wagon and horse,
unloading from ships under sail,
Been from Somerset to London and then on to Goole,
from there I crossed over to Wales
Chorus

5. Now I am a boatman, of that I am proud,
I've worked long and hard for me pay.
With the cargoes she's carried the timbers now
creak but the Bolinder's still pumping away.
Chorus


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE SINGLE BOLINDER

I had a single bolinder
and she was a fine machine
She used to run like hell in the night
when all her parts were clean
I lit her up one morning
at the bottom of Ichington Ten
She pulled around the Basket Bound
before she fired again

And then she burned a gallon a stroke
Titty-fa-la, titty-fa-lay
You could see sod-all for smoke
Titty-fa-la, titty-fa-lay
The motor went so fast
I wound her up full blast
She pulled out the butties mast
Titty-fa-la, titty-fa-lay

Tra, lah, la-la-la-lah
Smackin' it into the cut.

Oh do you ken Old Streeters Men,
the ones with heads of teak
They take a load, of D.S. down
the jam-hole once a week
I was standing on the inside
along the Langley wide
When I sees a pair of boats a-come
with half-an-inch a side

I said "Good God! just look at that boat
Titty-fa-la, titty-fa-lay


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE BRAUNSTON BELLE AND THE NUMBER ONE



When I first saw my Rosie, my heart flew like a bird
Our eyes met at Braunston Junction, smiled but ne'r spoke a word
I watched, as she drifted on the lock-side, like a swan on Tixall Wide
Her hair, was plaited like a fender, head held up, so full of pride


Roses and castles, hearts and flowers
Counting the days, counting the hours


I asked for her hand in marriage and to her father we did run
But he'd vowed, that when she married, it would be to a Number One
My heart fell, when he started speaking, then Rosie, she held the floor
"I'll wed this man or no other, till then I'll work the cut no more"


Roses and castles, hearts and flowers
Counting the days, counting the hours


I swore, that to this place I'd not travel, not to see her work on the land
I may leave here a company man, but worthy will return to take her hand
She said, she would wait for me, there, each and every Whitsun Day
Years passed, and I would hear tell, of my Braunston Belle, from all who passed that way


Roses and castles, hearts and flowers
Counting the days, counting the hours


In time a Number One, I became, 'The Rosie' and the butty 'Ben'
Turned south, upon the 'Shroppie' for to see my Rosie again
As I passed, all the boat's would cheer, bright ribbons and bunting flew
They cleared all the flights for me, for it seemed the whole country knew


Roses and castles, hearts and flowers
Counting the days, counting the hours


The next time, I saw my Rosie, my heart flew like a bird
Our eyes meet a Braunston Junction, smiled but ne'r spoke a word
I watched as she drifted on the lock-side, like a swan on Tixall Wide
Dressed in white, in all her splendour, as she walked on to be my bride


Roses and castles, hearts and flowers
Counting the days, counting the hours

CC

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 03:31 PM

The previous entry replicates the lyrics for songs which are already on the net as part of the
Songs of the Inland Waterways archive which I maintain.

I am always on the lookout for additional material and am on the track of two further songs.

The Wikipedia entry for the Neath and Tennant Canal states that "Huw Pudner and Chris Hastings have written a folk song called "The Red Jacket Stream" about the building of this canal".
Additionally, a previous contribution to this thread states "The LockKeeper's Daughter" is a song about the Neath canal in South Wales and was written by Bob Thomas and Huw Pudner...regulars at the Valley Folk club in Pontardawe.

Does anyone know these songs or know how Huw Pudner can be contacted?
Ian

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 10:43 PM

We did get a chance to voyage over Telford Bridge a couple of years ago. I was invited to perch topside as we crossed and it was, indeed, a long way down.

Here's another canal song which probably has never been sung. It's of World War 1 vintage composed by C. Fox Smith and commemorates the canal boatmen doing their bit:

The Jolly Bargeman

I've put the old mare's tail in plaits — now ain't she lookin' gay,
With ribbons in 'er mane likewise, you'd think it First o' May;
For why? We're under Government, though it ain't quite plain to me
If we're in the Civil Service or the Admiralties!

An' it's "Gee hup, Mabel," an' we'll do the best we're able,
For the country's took us over an' we're 'elpin' 'er to win,
An' when the war is over, oh, we'll all lie down in clover,
With a drink all together at the Navigation Inn!

I brought the news to Missis, an' to 'er these words did say:
"Just chuck yon old broom-'andle an' a two-three nails this way:
We're bound to 'ave a flag-staff for our old red, white an' blue,
For now we're under Government we'll 'ave our ensign too."

The Navy is the Navy, an' it sails upon the sea,
The Army is the Army, an' on land it 'as to be;
There's the land an' there's the water, an' the Cut comes in between,
An' I don't know what they'll call me if it ain't an 'Orse Marine.

The Missis sits upon the barge, the same's she used to sit,
But they'll 'ave 'er in the papers now for Doin' 'er Bit:
An' I walk upon the tow-path 'ere as proud as anything,
If I 'aven't got no uniform, I'm serving of the King.

An' it's "Gee hup, Mabel," oh, we'll do the best we're able,
For the country's been an' called us, an' we've got to 'elp to win;
An' when this war is over, then we'll all lie down in clover,
With a drink all together at the Navigation Inn!

Notes:

From Small Craft: Sailor Ballads and Chantys, edited by Cicely Fox Smith, published by George H. Doran Co., New York, US, © 1919, pp. 72-73. First published in Punch Magazine, Volume 152, May 16, 1917, p. 320.

Captures a moment in World War 1 when the British Government has issued an order mobilizing the canal bargemen into the war effort, replete with great detail.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Newport Boy
Date: 21 Aug 09 - 01:00 PM

Adding to my post of 26 Feb, I've found a few more verses to the Neath and Swansea Junction Canal. This gives me 5 of the 19 verses.

I've started a new thread here to track my progress on the rest and to fill in background detail. Note Elizabeth Davies's original title:

Lines on the Neath and Red Jacket Junction Canal

O! could I make verses with humour and wit,
George Tennant, Esquire's great genius to fit;
From morn until even, I would sit down and tell,
And sing in the praise of Neath Junction Canal.

To his noble genius, great merit is due,
The increase of traffic, he'll daily pursue;
Employ to poor labourers, it is known full well
He gave them by making Neath Junction Canal.

***

But I think that my duty I do not fulfill
If I pass Mr Kirkhouse's very great skill.
He exerted his talents as wonderf'lly well
In that great undertaking; Neath Junction Canal

My song it is ended and now I will rest
In hopes Squire Tennant will ever be blest.
His goodness to the poor there is no tongue can tell
Of his courage in making Neath Junction Canal.

I hope when he's dead and laid in his grave,
His soul will in heaven be eternally saved;
It will then be recorded for ages to tell,
Who was the great founder of Neath Junction Canal.

Neath, March 1 1824    Elizabeth Davies

Phil

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Tom from Australia
Date: 17 Sep 09 - 04:55 PM

G'day to the 'mudrats' of the Mudcat.
We are trying to research family - John & Phoebe LUCK, lock-keeper of Braunston about 1820 - 1834 (he died in the cholera epidemic of that year).

I am reliably informed that some of your members were alive and well at that time - and still 'muck in the mud' today.

My problem - what lock would he have been the keeper of (Braunston). How would we begin our search? Any names & contact details????

We will be in 'pommie land' in a few days and I only just now found your site.

Any advice please - most welcome. No cricket jokes ... even though we are thrashing you as usual in the 'One dayers"!

email - [e-mail]

Thanks and happy boating (I'm a caravanner myself)

Tom

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Sep 09 - 03:09 PM

Clarty Sough are doing a concert of Gezz Overington songs tomorrow night at the Yorkshire Waterways Museum. Gezz wrote songs about the Aire and Calder Navigation Tom Pudding System. Unfortunately all tickets have gone but there is a mass session free for all during the afternoon (songs and tunes). The whole of the weekend festival is to celebrate the Tom Pudding tug Wheldale achieving its 'historic vessel' status. There will be trips on the tug round the docks and the 3 pans and jebus will be attached and operational at some point in the weekend having just been renovated.
All tickets for Sunday's concert have also gone.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 10:11 AM

Miles and Miles of Poly (mentioned several times earlier in this thread) was written originally by Chris & Julie Lloyd (ex "Iron Butty") with Peter Dodds and Anne Peters. Though I am sure many others have modified and added to it, the full story and lyrics can be found on the web-site Songs of the Inland Waterways.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST,Ian Hendrie
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 09:52 AM

As this thread has been submerged for over a year I thought it ought to surface for air.

Any one got any new canal songs?

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 06:23 PM

The Alrewas Canal Festival web-site contains details of a planned Canal Song DVD and is looking for interested musicians to help. To quote :

"In June 2012, British Waterways (BW), the current guardian of some 2,000 miles of navigable canals in the UK, will be transformed into a new waterways charity, the Canal & River Trust.

As a celebration for the new charity, we invite musicians and song writers to take part in a project to record a DVD of old and new canal songs.

The new charity will attract national media attention, so we hope the Canal Song DVD will also be an opportunity to promote the musicians and composers whose songs are recorded."

Web address for more information : http://alrewascanalfestival.org/canal-song-project

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 07 Mar 12 - 06:26 PM

Oops, that last GUEST was me.

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: Ian Hendrie
Date: 18 Jan 14 - 08:56 AM

Glug, glug, bubble, bubble, . . . sounds of sunken thread re-surfacing.

Does anyone know of any songs relating to the UK canals and waterways that aren't yet on this site : www.waterwaysongs.co.uk?

Or, indeed, recordings and/or videos of songs that are?

Subject: John Grieve as Sunny Jim
From: keberoxu
Date: 10 Nov 15 - 03:12 PM

Mr. Campbell, your memory is accurate. It takes some explaining to account for John Grieve, who played the puffer's engineer as a rule, singing a Sunny Jim song.

What I know comes from the liner notes from the Highland Voyage compact disc. The disc has liner notes that you won't find on the old vinyl-record sleeve, for an excellent reason: on the occasion of the re-issue and new format, the sole surviving veteran of the Highland Voyage sessions (one of the producers) gives his account and memory of how it all was.

The "Master Mariner" series had Duncan MacRae, near the end of his life, as Para Handy. For some reason, for this recording project, somebody wanted more box-office pull, and wanted to pull in a "name" from outside of the Para Handy adaptations. Maybe there is more to the story than has been told. The result, anyway, brought on board actor Alex MacKenzie from "The Maggie" a/k/a "High and Dry," an classic Ealing film in which MacKenzie played the skipper.

Well, there is room for only one skipper on the Vital Spark, and Duncan MacRae was not shifting for Alex MacKenzie. So, while MacRae got top billing as skipper Para Handy, and Roddy MacMillan continued as the puffer's mate, the other parts were changed around. No Angus Lennie as Sunny Jim here. Instead, Alex MacKenzie became the engineer, and John Grieve was left peeling potatoes and singing "The Crinan Canal for me."

Oh, talking of the songs: the Highland Voyage liner notes give the songwriting credits to, guess who, Alex MacKenzie. True, this?

Subject: RE: Canal songs (UK)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 15 - 08:18 AM

The lost Radio Ballad "A Cry from the Cut" is here [thanks Jim]:

http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/Ref_Canal_Songs.htm
http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/cry_from_the_cut.htm

There is a 'video' version on Vimeo - with slides of historic scenes set to the original sound track.

https://vimeo.com/17437484

Also see:

http://www.cpatrust.org.uk/bham_ballads/#11

This was a programme much lamented by Ian Campbell in 30.5.99 as being ignored by the BBC. It has never been aired in 50 years. Likely the Beeb doesn't even have a copy.

http://www.mustrad.org.uk/enth13.htm

In addition a 'Tales from the Towpath' has surfaced here:

http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/Ref_Canal_Songs.htm
http://www.waterwaysongs.co.uk/tales_from_the_towpath.htm

A BBC Radio programme about the building of the Manchester Ship Canal

All can be downloaded.

Enjoy!!

CJB