Lyr Req: There were three sailors of Bristol city

Subject: There were three men of Bristol city
From: Deni
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 02:32 PM

does anyone please know this song, or who wrote it. it's all about Little Boy Billy who was nearly eaten by his shipmates because all they had left was one split pea. I won't spoil the ending by telling you what happens, but it's a cracker...

Please...

Ta

deni

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: There were three men of Bristol city
From: GUEST,greg stephens
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 02:38 PM

Cyril Tawney recorded it (probably by no means the first). William Thackeray (author of Vanity Fair) wrote the words. A classic. A great audience participation number.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: There were three men of Bristol city
From: MMario
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 02:57 PM

Actually - rumour hath it that Thackeray ADAPTED the words from Sept Ans Sur Mer

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: There were three men of Bristol city
From: GUEST,greg stephens
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 03:04 PM

with a touch of the "Ship in distress"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: There were three men of Bristol city
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 22 Apr 02 - 03:52 PM

I posted Theckeray's text some time ago, together with a good few links to related material here and elsewhere in the English, French and Portugese traditions, here: Penguin: The Ship In Distress

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: There were three men of Bristol city
From: Deni
Date: 23 Apr 02 - 05:25 AM

Thanks a bunch for this info. I now have found the words thanks to you all. it is a great song and can't fail to raise broad grins all round.

Cheers

Deni

Now let me say my catechism....