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Subject: Origins: Who wrote the following song From: Jazzcat Date: 29 Oct 03 - 03:21 PM Hi there Does anyone know who composed the song The Hole in the elephants bottom? This is needed for a CD that we are creating with proceeds going to the blind dogs association in the UK. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Cheers |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Charley Noble Date: 29 Oct 03 - 04:07 PM The song's been around since at least the 1930's, in various forms. What lyrics are you using? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Jazzcat Date: 29 Oct 03 - 06:52 PM Not sure which of the lyrics are being used - An popular Jazz artist in the UK Tommy Burton sadly died some time ago and an old tape of his has been produced on CD with the proceeds going to the Guide Dogs which was one of Tommy's charities and we should acknowledge the composer on the CD but are unable to trace him/her. Thanks Jazz Cat |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Tyke Date: 29 Oct 03 - 09:07 PM I have found a version of this song in The Official Book of Bawdy Ballads First published in Great Britain by Futura Publications Limited in 1979 (ISBN 0 7088 1619 3) Composer is given credit in this compilation however the complation is copyright Futura Publications Limited 1979 Futura Publications Limited 110 Warner Road Camberwell London SE5 Due to possible Copyright issues I'll PM the version used in this complation |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Steve Parkes Date: 30 Oct 03 - 04:09 AM I've heard it attributed to Harry Champion, but I can't give you anything to back that up. You could try the British Music Hall Society. Steve |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST,banjoman Date: 30 Oct 03 - 05:42 AM I always thought this song was from the age of the Music Hall as one of the verses refers to walking down the Strand and meeting the Knig & Queen and shaking the King's hand thro' the Hole in the Elephant's Bottom. Its a great song and always sure to get an audience laughing. Is the Tommy Burton mentioned above the same one who was a regular on Pebble Mill at One? |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Oct 03 - 08:54 AM The manuscript I have is from a draft of Christopher Logue's BOOK OF BAWDY BALLADS subsequently published in 1962. He was editing a collection from his old "friend" Count Palmiro Vicarion. The last verse is clearly of WW II vintage: Should the Japs make an attack, Then hundreds of bombs - they will drop 'em, But we'll keep 'em at bay with an Oerliken gun Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. No reference to the King and the Queen or the Strand. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: DTADD: The hole in the elephants bottom From: BanjoRay Date: 30 Oct 03 - 10:07 AM Has anyone got a full set of verses they could let us all have? I have a probably incomplete version I learned in the 60s - I performed it at my Wedding party in '74. Here's what I still remember: The Hole In The Elephant's Bottom I wanted to go on the stage But at acting I simply was rotten Now in pantomime I'm all the rage As the hole in the elephant's bottom Chorus Ai, Ai, Ai-Ai Ai, Ai, Ai-Ai-Ai Over valley and hill there is no greater thrill Than the hole in the elephants bottom Now the eyes they are made of brown glass Ventilation's completely forgotten But you'd be surprised at the wind that can pass Through the hole in the elephant's bottom Oh there's plenty of room down inside For bottles of beer if you've got 'em The audience laugh as I blow off the froth Through the hole in the elephant's bottom Oh the audience think me a wit (suitable emphasis here!) As they sit in the stalls I can spot 'em And I wink at the girls in the pit Through the hole in the elephant's bottom A lady she chased after me She said "You're a star, I can spot 'em" I said "No Lady, thanks, I'm not Douglas Fairbanks I'm the hole in the elephant's bottom" Now I don't have to learn any words There's no script to get quickly forgotten I just sit in the back shoving property turds Through the hole in the elephant's bottom Cheers Ray |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE HOLE IN THE ELEPHANT'S BOTTOM From: Fred (Beetle) Bailey Date: 30 Oct 03 - 05:36 PM The version by Count Palmiro Vicarion, see the reference above, goes as follows, but with no melody or attribution: My ambitions's to go on the stage, From this you can see that I've got 'em In pantomime I'm all the rage, I'm the hole in the elephant's bottom. Oh! The girls all think that I'm it, As they sit in the stalls I can spot 'em, And I wink at the girls in the pit Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. One night we performed in a farce And they stuffed up the bottom with cotton, But it split and I showed my bare arse Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. There are pockets inside in the cloth For two bottles of Bass, if you've got 'em. But they hiss and they boo when I blow out the froth Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. Now my part hasn't got any words But there's nothing that can't be forgotten, I spent all my time pushing property turds Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. Some may think that this story is good And some may believe that it's rotten, But those that don't like it can stuff it right up The hole in the elephant's bottom. Should the Japanese make an attack, Then hundreds of bombs -- they will drop 'em, But we'll keep 'em at bay with an Oerliken gun Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. enjoy!! |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Oct 03 - 05:52 PM Bettle- Exactly! I really didn't have time this morning to type up the whole thing. Now I am curious about earlier versions if people would like to post them. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST Date: 31 Oct 03 - 07:38 AM Would someone ABC the tune? |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Richard Bridge Date: 31 Oct 03 - 12:55 PM Skinners Rats do this - might be on thier website or you could email them at that site. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST,Paul Reade Date: 30 Jan 04 - 03:40 PM I resurrected this song a couple of years ago - I used to sing it in the 70's. I couldn't remember all of the verses so I added one:- Well I've played it all over the world And productions, I can direct 'em In Stratford on Avon I'm billed As the Hole in the Pachyderm's Rectum Also, there was a last verse that no-one else seems to have included:- Well now we've reached the last verse It's as different as chalk is from charcoal And just for a laugh we'll sing the last line Through the elephant's … (Chorus) |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Billy Weeks Date: 31 Jan 04 - 02:34 PM This is a mock music hall song which I think probably dates from the mid twentieth century. Roy Hudd sings it and has recorded it (sorry, no details). |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: breezy Date: 31 Jan 04 - 02:48 PM Paul's version is lacking in finesse a verse for Noble I learned it at the Bromley folk club during the 60 s at the Star and Garter. saw Diz. Alex. John James never knew who the residents were though here tis my landlady made sandwiches for me tra la la But I went out and forgot 'em tra la la So at matinee, she eases a tray through the hole....... nyaa nyaa nyanyanyanyanyanya and if ever the Russians attack with megaton bombs and she drops em you'll run to your shelters, but you know where I'll go Up the Hole...... |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Mr Happy Date: 20 Jul 04 - 06:00 AM I wanted to be on the stage, And now my ambitions I've gottem! In my grey pantaloons I'm the rage I'm the hole in the elephant's bottom! My friends all think I'm a wit, In their seats in the stalls I can spot 'em! And I wink at the girls in the pit Through the hole in the elephant's bottom! Last night I had some bad luck, The manager said I was rotten! Cos I happened to get my head stuck Through the hole in the elephant's bottom! My part it is not very large, But nor is it easy forgotten. If you're looking for me come and look Through the hole in the elephant's bottom! |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Billy the Bus Date: 20 Jul 04 - 06:31 AM A verse from NZ in the 50s... Twas awfully dark onme night after the show As we went to our digs at West Tottham, So to light up the night I shone a red light, Through the hole... Cheers - Sam |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST,Lindsay Date: 20 Jul 04 - 10:24 AM I've got this in a paperback book of rude Rugby Songs, and I also heard Dave Townsend of Eynsham Morris sing it at one of their dance-outs |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Big Al Whittle Date: 20 Jul 04 - 01:01 PM hugh Grant did a version recently on the In the Actors Studio series on Performance or Biography - or one of those channels |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST Date: 21 Jul 04 - 02:25 AM Just another verse for you, if you dont have it Ho tiger skins I have a lot And on my wall I have a got em For tigers don't expect to be shot Through the hole in the elephants bottom |
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Subject: Lyr Req: the elephants bottom From: fogie Date: 14 Aug 06 - 12:39 PM I was saddened to see that the words of this erudite song are no included in the DT -who can right this wrong?- The hole in the elephants bottom. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Joe Offer Date: 14 Aug 06 - 12:49 PM Well, it probably won't go into the DT until we have a tune for it. Can anybody transcribe a MIDI I can post? Of course, John Mehlberg has an MP3 of it at immortalia.com -Joe Offer- joe@mudcat.org |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Bert Date: 14 Aug 06 - 01:30 PM Fred, your verse There are pockets inside in the cloth For two bottles of Bass, if you've got 'em. But they hiss and they boo when I blow out the froth Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. I learned the third line as They boo and they hiss as I shake out the - froth |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST Date: 19 Aug 06 - 10:56 AM Here are my recordings of "The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom".
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: John M. Date: 19 Aug 06 - 11:00 AM Sorry about that. That post was by me. I thought I was signed in but Firefox got rid of my cookie. The field recording by Archie Tawney in 2002 states that he learned the song in 1927 when he was 7 years old. Yours, John Mehlberg |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Uke Date: 19 Aug 06 - 08:27 PM The Roy Hudd version version of this song was recorded for a 1976 LP which was re-released in 1999 as a CD: 'Those Music Hall Days' (Pulse PLS CD 346). Most of the songs have writer credits, 'Elephant's Bottom' one has 'Trad.'. Roy Hudd says he learnt it at his grandmother's knee! |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Bob Bolton Date: 20 Aug 06 - 12:08 AM G'day Joe Offer, I'm not sure whether the fact that nobody wants to transcribe this song should appal me ... or redeem my poor opinion of general Mudcat taste ... Anyway, a band I played with in the '70s (Rouseabouts) did this on a number off occasions when i was not able the get away ... and our tune has been burned into my grey cells. I also checked John Mehlberg's recording of Archie Tawney -the only one of 3 that successfully downloaded - and that seems to be ... more or less ... the tune I remember. Here is the ABC format of the tune (in C - roughly where I would sing it): ABC format:
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Mr Happy Date: 20 Aug 06 - 04:40 AM an alternative version of a verse given previuosly: Some may think that this story is good, And some may believe that it's rotten, But if you쳌fre one of those, You can go shove your nose, Up the hole in the elephant's bottom. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Charley Noble Date: 20 Aug 06 - 11:13 AM Bob- I'm sure I've heard somewhere that this fine old song was first discovered in an old... trunk. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Bob Bolton Date: 20 Aug 06 - 08:31 PM G'day Charlie, Well ... at least that was the right end of the system - things may have gone downhill, as it were, as it underwent natural processing! Have you had a listen to my version of the tune? I only supplied the ABC component of the old "No longer supported by Mudcat" MIDItext file ... but you can drop the ABC into various sites to convert to "dots" ... or play back (... and convert to MIDI ... ?) - and MMmario may get it into Mudcat MIDIs ... one day. Regard(les)s, Bob Click to play |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Joe Offer Date: 21 Aug 06 - 02:00 AM Bob e-mailed me a MIDI - thanks, Bob. -Joe Offer- Click to play |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Bob Bolton Date: 21 Aug 06 - 09:13 AM G'day Joe & all, Well ... I guess that after only 3 months short of 3 years we really had to have the tune put to bed! Listening back to the MIDI, I probably should say that the strict time is only an approximation of performance "tempo". I don't think I can write the musical directions in a simple MIDI ... this one should really be annotated "molto rubato" ... the tune has a distinct oddity in that, instead of the final note(s) of the third line picking up the first word(s) of the last line, the whole last bar is a 'held' rendition of the words before "... hole in the elephant's bottom". It's an odd form (at least, as I learned it) but it seems to be a very "music hall" device. Perform it as it seems to work for you! Regards, Bob |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST,Carole Taylor Date: 01 Nov 07 - 07:14 PM Yet another verse circa 1960, My landlady brings me my meals But one day she went and forgot 'em So now I take tea After each matinee Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: GUEST,BobL Date: 02 Nov 07 - 09:10 AM We played at the Royal Command, Their Majesties, I could just spot 'em, And the National Anthem sounds grand [pronounced so it rhymes!] Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. [This one from David Blagrove] There were two little kids in the stalls, And I could have cheerfully shot 'em Throughout the whole show they kept blowing dried peas At the hole in the elephant's bottom |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Tradsinger Date: 02 Nov 07 - 02:06 PM Here's my contribution to scholarship, learnt from a Sussex singer over 40 years ago. I wanted to go on the stage, But the parts that they gave me were rotten In Pantomime I was the rage As the hole in the Elephant's bottom Tra la la la la la, tra la la la la la. The inside is lined up with shelves For bottles of bass if you've got'em But the audience ain't partial to me blowing the froth Out the hole in the elephant's bottom. Now my landlady makes sandwiches for me, But one day I forgot 'em Halfway through the matinee they passed them on a tray Up the hole in the elephant's bottom. If the Russians should ever attack With their megaton bombs and they drop them You can keep your fallout shelters, I know where I'll be Up the hole in the elephant's bottom. Now some people sends me fan mail And other they sends me a parcel The postman delivers it care of the stage And the hole in the elephant's bottom. Now some people don't like this song Others will think that it's rotten But them as don't like it can go stuff their heads Up the hole in the elephant's bottom. Shakespeare. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The hole in the elephants bottom From: Mr Happy Date: 03 Nov 07 - 09:46 AM A lady she chased after me She said "You're a star, I can spot 'em" I said "No Lady, thanks, You see I'm not Tom Hanks, I'm the hole in the elephant's bottom" |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: Mr Happy Date: 24 Sep 09 - 08:43 AM One night in a provincial hall On the end of a long piece of cotton I dangled the elephant's balls Through the hole in the elephant's bottom |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: Valmai Goodyear Date: 24 Sep 09 - 05:30 PM Tradsinger - was the Sussex singer in the back of a Bonfire coach? That's where I think I first heard the song. Valmai (Cliffe Bonfire Society) |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: bradfordian Date: 25 Sep 09 - 08:40 AM THE HOLE IN THE ELEPHANT'S BOTTOM as sung by Ray Brown My ambition's to go on the stage; From this you can see that I've got 'em. In pantomime I'm all the rage, I'm the hole in the elephant's bottom. His balls they hang so low I think that I could knot 'em, As I wink at the girls in the pit Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. The man who plays the front part Is absolutely rotten, All he can do is to fart Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. Oh, the girls, they think that I'm it, As they sit in the stalls I can spot 'em, And I wink at the girls in the pit Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. A young lady stood at the stage door. Said "you're a film star I can spot em. You're Douglas Fairbanks," I said "Me Mam, no thanks I'm the hole in the elephants bottom." One night we performed in a farce And they stuffed up the bottom with cotton, But it split and I showed my bare arse Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. There are pockets inside in the cloth For two bottles of Bass, if you got 'em. But they hiss and they boo when I blow out the froth Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. Now my part hasn't got any words But there's nothing that can't be forgotten, I spend all my time pushing property turds Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. Some may think that this story is good And some may believe that it's rotten, But those that don't like it can stuff it right up The hole in the elephant's bottom. Should the Japanese make an attack, Then hundreds of bombs they will drop 'em, But we'll keep 'em at bay with an Oerliken gun Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. brad |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: bradfordian Date: 03 Dec 10 - 03:45 PM I have recorded a different version of this ditty and as my very first internet video performance put it onto youtube. This wisdom of doing this, I shall eventually learn! Your comments would be appreciated. It should be HERE bradfordian |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: JHW Date: 03 Dec 10 - 04:19 PM bradfordian you've missed out the fine joiny-in chorus 'Aye, Aye aye aye, Aye aye aye aye aye aye aye Over valley and hill there is no finer thrill than the hole in the elephant's bottom' I sang this at a funeral tea a couple of years back at the prequest of the deceased |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: bradfordian Date: 03 Dec 10 - 05:44 PM Version 2 Here's a version by someone else with the aforementioned refrain inserted. A different tune to mine, but hell ov alot more entertaining. (so where can I find an elephant like THAT one???) bradfordian |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: Charley Noble Date: 03 Dec 10 - 08:21 PM Bradfordian- Nice that you're doing this recording as a public service. Songs like this are endangered species, and could easily dissipate into that great black hole of the elephant's bottom. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: GUEST,guest Date: 17 Sep 11 - 05:46 AM My pals they all sit in the pit My handicap is, I can`t spot`em So I`ve had a periscope fixed Up the hole in the Elephants bottom. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: Dave Earl Date: 17 Sep 11 - 06:03 AM I first heard this in the Brighton Springfield Folk Club in the late sixties. I think it was Tim Broadbent who sang it on that occasion. 'Fraid that's all I can contribute here Dave |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: bubblyrat Date: 17 Sep 11 - 06:54 AM It's a Mexican song called "Cielito Lindo" or something like that, written some time ago . My partner and perform it in Spanish ,which she speaks, but NOT , of course , using the English words , about which she was horrified when I told her !! We also do "La Paloma" , which is nothing, I hasten to add, anything like the dreaded "Una Paloma Blanca" !! |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: GUEST,Mike Harding Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:13 AM I learned it from the late Stan Crowther who was Lord Mayor of Rotherham. He was quite a character who also wrote a song called the Birmingham Brothel - which affronted a few people. I also recorded this song way back in the day... think its still available on CD somewhere |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: GUEST,SteveG Date: 12 Feb 12 - 01:47 PM Bubblyrat, If you're still there, looking at choruses given above, some versions above seem to go to 'Cielito Lindo' which is one of those universal tunes used for things like football terrace chants. The Yorkshire version I've known since c1966 goes to a similar but definitely different tune with its own characteristics, the chorus being 'Tra-la-la-la la la, tra-la-la-la la la', not so much a chorus as a joiner to give the soloist a rest. It was always sung in Hull by John Cherry who had a fine repertoire of similar pieces from his rugby playing days. He now lives in the York area and sings at the Black Swan. All the evidence given above seems to point to a 1920s origin. Mike, Stan's still going strong. One of his friends recently sent us a disc of his singing for possible inclusion on the Yorkshire Garland website. |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: GUEST Date: 18 Jun 12 - 05:50 AM Hi Ya, My father who was born in 1917, in Surrey, England used to sing this song to my sister and I - we loved it as naughty as it was!! He had learn't it as a wee lad. The chorus he sung was: Cheerio Cheerio Cheerio Cheerio Through the hole in the elephant's bottom. Hope that helps, Regards, Anna |
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Subject: RE: Origins: The Hole in the Elephant's Bottom From: GUEST Date: 27 Apr 14 - 02:59 AM Rod Willmott-I think I may have been responsible for teaching "Te Hole" to Stan Crowther when he occasionally stayed with us in London way back when.Following a stroke I've returned to folk singing and have done "The Hole" a few times up her in the Worcester area. |
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