Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 09:28 AM

Lyrics for SHE'S LIKE A SWALLOW can be found in our Digital Tradition Database: click here. If you go to that page and click the Amazon box to the right of the lyrics, you can hear excerpts of several recorded versions. Also, if you click "Click to play" at the bottom of the page, you can hear a midi file of the whole tune.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,joelle adlerblum
Date: 16 Jun 10 - 09:58 PM

looking for lyrics to "She's like a swallow that flies so high" in Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador. Would also like to hear song sung.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 12:43 PM

"That's what I was responding to, Bud. I guess a good while is a couple of years to you then." -

I know it's been a couple of months, but I just read this now, and I gather by your sarcastic response that I didn't express myself clearly enough in the post in question. What I was trying to say in what was supposed to be a hilariously ironic way, is that you were right and I was wrong. Satisfied?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 12:34 PM

Jim - did you ever find the song I mentioned called 'The Banks of the River Grand?' It's probably too late now, but I think it's worth a listen and it's composer Joe Tompkins told me that, as far as he knew, only one other person had recorded it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 11:33 AM

Click on "pm" by Bubblyrat's name and you can communicate directly.
That was an excellent update. Do stick around.
Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: bebop
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 09:56 AM

My son, a journalist in Islamabad, was idly browsing and put my name in the internet. He came up with the reference from 'bubblyrat' re 'Squid Jigging Time'. Bubblyrat wonered whay happened to 'Terry & Alan' residents at the Yeovil Folk Club in the 1960's. I am the Terry half and have sadly lost contact with Alan who was a music teacher in the NE England the last I heard.
We teamed up at the club after Alan recognised me from a TV BBC Wales folk program called 'Hob y derry dando'. We got on really well together Alan had a great voice and we did the Sidmouth folk festival and various others around the West country. The Newfoundland songs were favourites of mine I picked up and LP somewhere which 20 great songs. I think it is in my ex-wife's home in Cornwall !! I was resident at that great club 'The Count House' at Bottalick (?) near St Just. That was the days of Ralph McTell Brenda Wooton, John the Fish & Tell Mann ( I had an e-mail from J the F quite recently) It was my favourite venue.
Alan & I were offered a contract to record under George Martin in 1967 but I had been accepted as a pilot with BOAC and with regret had to give up the singing . Probably a wise decision. I think that we were doing updated versions of trad. songs just before Steeleye Span & Fairport Convention I still play in private and follow both the folk $ Jazz scenes closely. They were good days.
Regards to 'bubblyrat' - whoever he or she maybe.
Terr Kemp

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 07 May 07 - 01:01 AM

That's what I was responding to, Bud. I guess a good while is a couple of years to you then. I'm going to look through some more of these suggestions tonight. Terry mentioned "She's Like the Swallow" way back up there and it took me forever to have a look at it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 07 May 07 - 12:17 AM

Yeah, I know; I mentioned that 'way back "Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:08 PM" (look up - look 'WAY up) ...

(Greetings from Georgia - yes, I finally got here ... ).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 06 May 07 - 08:25 PM

Here you go, Meself: I knew this fellow wasn't long gone....



Government Home Search Sitemap



NLIS 2
July 9, 2004
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minister extends condolences to the family of the late Otto Kelland

Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Paul Shelley today offered condolences to the family of the late Otto Kelland who passed away yesterday at the age of 99.

"Otto Kelland will always be remembered for his incredible contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador culture, " said Minister Shelley. "Mr. Kelland wrote the beautiful song Let Me Fish off Cape St. Mary's in 1947, and it has been recognized and enjoyed worldwide as a true Newfoundland classic. I express my sincere condolences to his family and friends and assure them that Mr. Kelland's legend will continue to live on for centuries."

Otto Kelland was born in Lamaline in 1904 and spent his working life as a policeman and later warden and superintendent at Her Majesty's Penitentiary. He was also an accomplished author with several books, songs and poems to his credit. He is most famous for the legendary ballad, Let me Fish off Cape St. Mary's.

Media Contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, [phone]

2004 07 09                                        3:50 p.m.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 May 07 - 09:40 PM

Vinland: Thank You very much for first pointing this one out.
Bob: The mp3 is perfect. An A Capella version, much slower than what I heard on the midi file. Either way would be great.
So I'll do "The Star of Logy Bay" & "She's Like the Swallow" for Newfoundland & Labrador and still leaning towards "Cape Breton Lullaby" for that dear island.
Thank you all. This has been extremely worthwhile.
Jim.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 May 07 - 07:42 PM

Thanks Bob the Postman (if that's your real name).
What a gem it is!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 03 May 07 - 07:08 PM

With regard to the origins of "She's Like The Swallow", Neil Rosenberg's notes to volume one of Vinland's collection "Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador", mentioned by himself in this thread on April 19, state that the song "was was first collected in 1930 from John Hunt of Placentia by English folksong scholar Maud Karpeles, who published it in 1934 along with a piano setting by her brother-in-law, the famous composer Ralph Vaughn Williams."
Edith Fowke's notes to "The Penguin Book Of Canadian Folk Songs" identify the song as "a distinctive Newfoundland variant of a large family of songs about unhappy love of which 'A Brisk Young Sailor', 'Must I Go Bound', and 'Died For Love' . . . are the best known." She refers to affinities with a 17C song and an unpublished song collected by Cecil Sharp.
Jim Lad, I am sending you a PM.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 May 07 - 03:31 PM

The information given = "This is a Canadian tune which originated in the coast of eastern Canada. There are English variations, but the tune may have originated in Newfoundland." Given the East Coast habit of substituting "Song" with "Tune", I'm guessing that the author is unknown but will sit here waiting to be educated by one of yous.
Cheers.
Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 03 May 07 - 03:13 PM

Terry MacDonald: I'm trying to figure out whether Barry Taylor wrote or gathered "She's Like the Swallow". I've only read the lyrics and listened to the midi file but have immediately fallen in love with the song.
Coincidentally; His Web-Site contains most of the songs that will be going on this album.
Must be a great person to have such excellent taste in music.
Good Afternoon All.
Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 02:00 PM

Pretty Sneaky, Leadfingers!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 27 Apr 07 - 01:01 PM

Still Looking:
Good Morning all! from the drizzly Highlands.
Jim.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Beer
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 09:50 AM

Thanks for that one Meself. Those boys are good already. What a possible great career ahead of them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 09:42 AM

Away up the thread somewhere, someone asked for this song, called "The Islander" (I'm a Newfoundlander born and bred ... ).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 09:32 AM

I seem to be having trouble with the blue clickies, so I just put one link on ... these kids are on the right track all right - give this a listen and then follow some of the links and do some exploring; you'll find some other good stuff: General Taylor

All I know of them is what I've seen on Youtube, but they seem to have a great little scene going on.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 05:54 AM

Sorry but I can no longer resist - Newfoundlands and Labradors - Should this be in the Sporting Dogs thread ??

OK - I'll get my coat !

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: CarolC
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 12:50 AM

Thanks for the heads up, Vinland. Sounds like a wonderful music camp.


I second the vote for Buddy Wasisname. Here's a YouTube of some of their stuff (there's some good trad music about three pieces in, and a fine performance by Kevin Blackmore on the baghran)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Lo4T8V6G0&mode=related&search=

I'd also put Minnie White in the list.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 12:05 AM

I'm hesitant to actually criticize GBS, because they have a number of firm fans here, and I don't want to end up in a big knock'm-down, drag'm-out donnybrook ... Nor do I want to have to give elaborate explanations and defences of every unfavourable comment I might make. But just to give you an idea: I find them 'way "over the top". The songs get lost in all the frenzy. The songs don't need all the hollering and jumping around and loud guitar - in fact, it diminishes them. But for anyone who enjoys all that, go ahead - some people like Baby Duck wine; some prefer Chateau Mouton Rothschild. (Okay, I had to google for that).

As for who else you might listen to ... well, first off, there's a guy who I don't think has actually recorded any Newfoundland songs yet, but I understand he's about to record four of his favourites. One Jim Brannigan by name. A bit of a quare one, but ... here he is!

Others:

A Crowd of Bold Shareman
Irish Descendants
Figgy Duff
Ryan's Fancy (Irishmen, but very popular in Nfld)
Jim Payne
Kelly Russell
Harry Hibbs
Buddy Whassisname & the Other Fellas (largely comedy now, but their trad. recordings are top-notch)
Omar Blondahl
Anita Best
Pamela Morgan

That's a starter list; there are lots more. I'll add them as I think of them. I'm not saying that I like everything that each recorded, but they've all got some good stuff. I'll see if I can find some links ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Beer
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 11:04 PM

While your discussing GBS and their arrangements of traditional music. How about "The Fables" and a few of their arranging of Feller From Fortune and Jolly Rovin Tar two name a few. Pretty damn good stuff to me.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 10:14 PM

Next I wonder if in your mind Did GBS get anything right? Any of their versions of Trad songs get a passing grade? Any of the stuff they wrote appeal to you at all?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 10:01 PM

Meself..ty
And as I said, I would love to be steered to versions of the songs I mentioned that you feel are either better or the way it should be played, and who the people were that played them. Did they record them?. I would also be interested in what you find (off - wrong- not quite the way it should be) about the way GBS plays them, too much this, not enough that, got the beat wrong etc.
My only real access to this music other than GBS is to listen to CJYQ over my computer. Do you know of any other good sorces on the internet? (Other than ordering from Fred's Records?)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:41 PM

It's okay, Nick - you're a fan (remember: from "fanatic"). You've been moved and delighted by Great Big Sea, and you'll repay the favour by defending them against all comers. It speaks well of you - you're the kind of man I want beside me in a barroom brawl.

However - please try to understand: GBS introduced you to Nfld music - while some of us were singing and playing this stuff before those lively lads were born - and we have our notions, honed over many years, of what sounds good and what doesn't, in that vein of music. Doesn't mean we're right - but we think we are!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:37 PM

Yep, as I said I wish I could edit my post. I do apologise, If admin would take them off the board I would understand, esp the first one.
As for the second they would edit out bonehead and put Traditonal Newfoundland Music Fan in it's place, but please leave ignorant, as that is just a comment on the information one has been exposed to.
I do come in enough so I hope it is known I am beter behaved most of the time. Sorry threadmates, sorry Jim.

Nick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:25 PM

Personal attacks and name calling are not welcome here.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,NIck
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:22 PM

Oh boy I should just go to bed! I deeply regret Mudcat does not allow us to edit our posts, I have a few things I would LOVE to retract, never to be read again...

I's The By
John Barbour
Hanging Johhny
Trois Naviers De Ble
Captain Wedderburn
I'm A rover
The Old Polina
Jolly Roving Tar

...all public domain
All part of the NF musical tradition, if not all originaly from there

Whack Fall The Day

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:08 PM

Ok I'm the ignorant bone head, sorry. I admit to being a rabid fan. I know GBS is a wonderful band (esp live) and bring NF music to people who had never heard it before, like...ME!

But how much can you change a trad tune when you sing it Acapella?
OLd Brown's Daughter
Donkey Riding
Excursion around the Bay
How did the change Feller from Fortune?

Can you please point me to the "Way it should be played" versions of some of the songs I listed? I realy would be interested, and wait to be educated.
And who plays a tune just exactly like the last guy who played it?


Whack Fall The Day
Nick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 08:55 PM

Oh, dear ... a Great Big Sea fan ... and if what he says is true, they've left nary a traditional song untouched ... You may have to modify your criteria, Jim ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 08:39 PM

Ok perhaps that was not quite what I should have said.
If you are interested in Traditional Newfoundland music and are not the least bit interested in Great Big Sea you are an ignorant bone head. There thats better! If I could edit my previous post I would.
As for public domain, a large part of GBS's repitoir is just that, and I can't think of who else has recorded versions of all of these... Old Brown's Daughter, Excursion Around The Bay, Tickle Cove Pond, Jack Hinks, The Jolly Butcher, Feller from Fortune, Regarding Charlie Horse, Great Big Sea (Hove In Long Beach) Recruiting Seargent, General Taylor, Donkey Riding, River Driver, Graceful & Charming, Ferryland Sealer, The Night Pat Murphy Died, Rant & Roar, Lukey's Boat.
Not intersted in GBS , you should be! DUH!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 08:16 PM

Jim If you are not the least bit interested in Great Big Sea you ARE AN IDIOT!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Vinland
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:31 PM

Jean and Christina are wonderful teachers, besides being fine musicians. They teach every year at our music camp in Gros Morne (http://vinlandmusic.ca/html/music_camp.html). This years's is August 19-25. It's great way to learn some Nfld songs and tunes. Carol C, we even have a few piano accordion players every year now.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:22 PM

I couldn't hear her well at all. The guitar was way too loud.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:21 PM

One of my very favourite acts in the world is Christina Smith and Jean Hewson from St Johns. Stunning vocals, top guitar playing and fiddle/cello to beak your heart.

Jean and Christina's website

I've covered their version of Lady In the East, which came from Kenneth Peacock's Songs of the Newfoundland Outports (National Museum of Canada 1965), and they do a magnificent version of Pride of the Season (which Mary and Anahata also do). Oh and their version of I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry is simply stunning.

Both albums Like Ducks and August Gale are brilliant.

Tom

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: mg
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:09 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hva9vnqkyYs&mode=related&search=

click

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MpGZd6sYUCQ

singer
this is the young lady mentioned above

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: mg
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:01 PM

imagine what they would be like with a couple of beers in them...mg

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:31 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7owIVgPves0&mode=related&search=

Excellent. The footwork looks to be Acadian. I've watched the Acadians around Margaree & Cheticamp accompany their songs with this foot tapping style. Much the same as the Celts do with a Bodhran, only a little more polished.
Now I'm really gone.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: mg
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:04 PM

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7owIVgPves0&mode=related&search=

a nice band...to me this is almost perfect music...m

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 12:37 PM

Oh alright, Jim, I'll take your word for it! Has anyone mentioned 'The Islander'? I have it from a St John's duo called Shanty, (Joe Tompkins and Blackie O'Leary)and they only use a bodhran to accompany it. Its chorus starts 'Im a Newfoundlander born and bred, and I'll be one 'til I die, I'm proud to be an islander, and here's the reason why..........'

Also, there's a Joe Tompkins song that I think would suit you called 'The Banks of the River Grand' which he wrote about his family's emigration from Margaree, Cape Breton to the Cordroy Valley, Newfoundland in the late 19th century. I think it's beautiful and fondly imagine that I'm the only person this side of the Atlantic to sing it. Both songs are on their 'Crest of a Wave' album.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 12:16 PM

And "Cape Breton Lullaby" for my second home!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: Jim Lad
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 12:14 PM

Just dropped in to check this particular thread. It is going exactly as I'd hoped. The songs, most mentioned, are the ones most likely to be truly representative of Newfoundland & Labrador.
I would absolutely love to do "Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary's" but will not touch it if it involves
Copyrights". If anyone knows for sure, please pass it on.
I'll be using my own "Highway of Tears" which I have discovered, fits nicely into the "Rocks of Bawn" with one extra line that comes out as a slow mournful chant. This will set the mood for the whole album. Basically, a number of A-Capella songs, interspersed with some good ould "Newfie" numbers.
"Tickle Cove Pond" & "Star of Logy Bay" still sit high on the list but I have not finished going through all of your suggestions.

TERRY: Meself is okay. He has a sense of humour (Like my own) and can be easily misinterpreted. Put him on probation.
As for "Reef the main boom"? If they'll kiss the cod, they'll smoke anything.
Keep it going if you will. I'll be signing out for the day.
Thanks.
Jim.

p.s. I've lined up an accordionist.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:45 AM

"Newfoundlanders like to keep people on their toes. (I know... I'm married to one.)" "Newfoundlanders love to ... "

Yes, I have known one or two in my day ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: kendall
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:21 AM

And, few land lubbers would know or care that "reef the main boom" is pure nonsense.

There was a story titled "Wake of the Red Witch". The Captain used to show off by walking the taff rail. I wonder if there is a connection?

Come to think of it, I've heard someone sing, " a howler o'er the TOP rail, which is incorrect. It is TAFF rail.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:00 AM

Guest,meself, the context doesn't have to be consistently nonsense in order for there to be a nonsense line. Newfoundlanders like to keep people on their toes. (I know... I'm married to one.)

;-)

JtS thinks it's also possible that the term 'reef' was used as a bit of poetic license because it sounded good in that line, even if it's not the most accurate word to use in that context. Newfoundlanders love to play and have fun with the sounds of words. And that song is definitely sung for the fun of it, rather than something that is intended to be taken seriously.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 12:08 AM

And this one has a few that aren't on wiki.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 12:04 AM

This article has links to lyrics and notes for pretty well all of the older songs that have been mentioned in this thread: wiki article..

Apparently "The Night That Paddy Murphy Died" was among the many written by Johnny Burke ... Now there's a great old song, Jim - if a little grisly ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: kendall
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 10:40 PM

meself, I learned that from one of the best sailors I know. Gordon Bok.
It looks to me like it just might be a nonsense verse. If it was written by a sailor, that is probably the answer. However, I still couldn't sing "reef the main boom".
It would require a very sure footing to walk the main boom, and I sure as hell wouldn't try it cold sober, let alone if I was "three sheets to the wind."

Carol C, that video was very interesting but I'm afraid it also contains a glaring mistake. You do not FLAKE the sail. You FAKE it, as you do with a hawser.
A flake is a small platform that is lowered over the side for seamen to stand or sit on to paint or calk the seams.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 04:27 PM

Thanks, Carol (we cross-posted too).

"he thinks it means to put the sheet on the main boom (or to prepair the sail somehow on the main boom)" -

I was thinking along those lines; it seems plausible if I understand the other stuff correctly.

"Or it could be one of the many lines in Newfoundland songs that are not intended to make any sense (being intended as nonsense lines)."

I don't think so, since everything else in the verse makes sense - unless it was a sly hint that Bob Pittman isn't quite the seaman he claims to be (see Jamie Snider's post on the "When I First Came to Caledonia" thread), but that seems inconsistent with the rest of the song.

(Jim: Sorry for the thread hijack - I just thought this would be a good place to find some Nfldrs and nautical types).