Songs of Jim McLean: The Jim McLean Songbook

Subject: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Jacob
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 05:03 PM

Hi! I know that Jim McLean has written many great songs, as "Glencoe", "The Barras" and "Mary Jane". How many has he (until today) written? Are there any recordings eith him singing them himself?

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:13 PM

Dear Jacob, I have written many songs recorded by many artists including Nigel Denver, Alastair McDonald, Matt McGinn, the Corries, Kenneth KcKellar, Moira Anderson, Anne Lorne Gilles, Jimmie Mcgregor, Robin Hall, Maddie Prior, .... I could go on for a long time. Quite often people think the singers are the writers as I don't sing my self. Dominic Behan said I sing like a duck and as I have so many singers doing my songs I can afford to keep quiet!

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Amos
Date: 22 Apr 08 - 06:22 PM

Well, Jim lad, give us a list!! :D


A

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:06 AM

Another few: The Dubliners, Josh McRae, Iain Davidson, Hamish Imlach, Wendy Arrowsmith ....

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:33 AM

Well, the Harry Fox Agency lists 40:

SMILE IN YOUR SLEEP
SPINNING WHEEL
ALI'S RAG
AWA' HAME
BOLD HEROES, THE
BONNIE SHIP THE DIAMOND
BROOMIELAW BREAKDOWN
BARON BRACKLEY
BONNIE MOORHEN
CARLOW
CHANGING WAYS
COME ROW ME O'ER
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
FIDDICH SIDE
FOLLOW THE COAL
GALLAWA HILLS
GUESS WHO
HILLS AND THE DALES OF CALEDONIA, THE
I ONCE LOVED A LASSIE
LEAVING OF LIVERPOOL, THE
MY LOVE SHE'S BUT A LASSIE YET
NANCY WHISKY
PORT NA BEUL
ROWAN TREE
SCOTIA REEL
SCOTCH WHISKY
SHEPHERD LADS FAREWELL, THE
SMIDDYS LAMENT, THE
SO CHEERIO
SOLDIERS JOY
SWEET NIGHTINGALE
TALKING CONCHIE BLUES
TWO BONNIE MAIDENS
VERDANT BRAES
WHISKY CHORUS,THE
WAVERLY STEPS
WE'RE LEAVING GLASGOW CITY
WIND THAT SHOOK THE BARLEY, THE
YE JACOBITES BY NAME
YE'RE WELCOME HOME TAE ME

Some, no doubt, are arrangements of traditional songs. "The Bonnie Ship the Diamond" would fit into that catagory, I'll wager.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Banjiman
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:52 AM

Jim,

Did you write Rowan Tree? The credits on Wendy's album (you have a copy!)are wrong in that case. we've got it as Trad/ Lady Nairn.

Cheers

Paul

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:56 AM

Oh my! Lots of these are traditional arranged by me for various recordings and so stated on the albums. However there are plenty of originals not listed. I'm off to Vienna soon but when I get back I'll try and list some.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 06:45 AM

Jim is fine songwriter indeed. He deserves a Tunnock's Caramel Wafer (deep fried of course) for his services to Folk Music in Scotland.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 23 Apr 08 - 04:13 PM

MC Fat, I like that. Jim McLean TCW, much better than MBE.
The following titles are originals I have taken off LPs but I'm sure there are more:

Scotland is Waking
The Big Three
The Scottish MP
Singin the Booze
Talkin Pibroch Blues
We Dinnae Want Polaris
The Declaration of Arbroath
The S.N.P. (The Scottish Navel Patrol)
Peace and Liberty (Burns/McLean)
Prince Charles
Forget the Old Orange and Green
Maggie's Weddin'
The German Tour
The English Royal Family
The Wallace
The Queen's Navee
N.A.B. for Royalty
Ghost Tigers
The Laird's Prayer
The Royal Horses
Royal Deployment
Stirling Brig
Bannockburn
Cullode/Drumossie Moor
The Shores of Sutherland
The Fire Raisers
Henny Munro
Hush, Hush/Smile in your Sleep
Silver Darlings McLean/Hulskramer/Halfin
The Massacre of Glencoe
Mary Jane
Tibbie Dunbar Burns/McLean (I extended Burns' song for Luke Kelly)
Workers of the World
The Sabbath
The Republican Maid
The Minister's Son
Lady Chat
Seven Deadly Sins

No I really am off to Vienna.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 04:19 AM

Have a Sacher Torte on me.

G

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Big Tim
Date: 24 Apr 08 - 10:43 AM

Jim turned 70 a couple of days ago. Congrats auld yin!

As well as being one very sharp and prolific songwriter he is also deep well of knowledge about Scots songs, music and literature.

(Rowan Tree was written by Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne).

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Gregg
Date: 29 Apr 13 - 09:37 PM

Hi is there any chance anyone knows the lyrics to jim McLeans song the queens navee?

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Eddie
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 02:42 AM

My fuddled brain tells me this ought to have been written by Cyril Tawney but the only references I can find to "Queen's Navee" point to Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore!

Eddie

Subject: ADD: The Queen's Navee (Jim McLean)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 04:44 AM

THE QUEEN'S NAVEE
(Jim McLean)

They say it rains in England
It fairly makes you think
God send the rain and make it plenty!
For if the rain comes pouring down
That cursed land might sink
With Nelson, and his Queen's navee!

CHORUS His Queen's Navee
       His Queen's Navee
       In his mercy now may God decree
       That England be at the bottom of the sea
       With Nelson and his Queen's Navee

As it sinks beneath the sea
And stops the play at Lord's
God send the rain and make it plenty!
They'll say 'Come kiss me Hardy'
We're running out of birds
Nelson took them to his Queen's Navee
CHORUS

While the Duke played water polo
The Scts thought it a lark
God send the rain and make it plenty!
To get Cleopatra's Needle
And shove it up his Ark
And send him to hi Queen's Navee
CHORUS

We'll hunt the Royal flotsam
'Neath cricket cap and crown
God send the rain and make it plenty!
And all the floats asunder
We'll hold under till it drowns
Like Nelson and his Queen's Navee

CHORUS His Queen's Navee
       His Queen's Navee
       In his mercy now may God decree
       That England be at the bottom of the sea
       Like Nelson and his Queen's Navee.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 05:20 AM

Living in London now, I have my lifeboat ready.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 06:56 AM

Ah'll no let oan, that ah ken whaur ye bide, Jim ;)

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Gregg
Date: 30 Apr 13 - 07:48 PM

Cheers much appreciated my dad remembered the song but not the lyrics, been looking for them for ages

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,charles isles
Date: 07 May 15 - 03:39 PM

I heard a song many years ago, I think Alastair MacDonald was singing it. dont know the title but its about the day the stone age came to Glasgow, there was chaos in George Square. other lyrics include Jeannie the clippie she had tae laugh, a she could say wis come oan git aff. The melody was a semi classical piece of music againt cant name it. Any help appreciated

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 08 May 15 - 10:50 AM

The song you're looking for is called The Keltie Clippie by John Watt and can be heard here.
Keltie Clippie

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Don Day
Date: 09 May 15 - 08:06 AM

Jim, Nigel Denver gave me the song Bannockburn back in 1969 (I think) and I have forgotten most of them since. Any chance of a refresher?

Don

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 09 May 15 - 12:28 PM

Hi Don,
I see a few are on Youtube, posted by others.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Don Day
Date: 09 May 15 - 02:43 PM

Thanks for that Jim, I found it. It's a brilliant song. And so is Glencoe. I can still do that one.

Don

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 10 May 15 - 01:30 PM

Another song I wrote about 50 years ago seem appropriate today:
Well dig a trench

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 May 15 - 09:35 AM

Yes, quite a few in Joe's list that are either trad or other authors, but Jim's list is impressive! Must get to know more of them!
As for Tunnock's Caramel Wafers (deep-fried or not!) Adam McNaughtan wrote a song about them, to the tune of "Barren Rocks of Aden".

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 29 Aug 17 - 04:40 PM

Jim was a welcome guest on Celtic Music Radio today, when Gavin Paterson devoted a 2 hour show to his work.

http://www.celticmusicradio.net/studio-guest-jim-mclean-tues-29th-aug-on-ballads-balladeers-with-gavin-paterson/

You can hear it again for the next 30 days on:

http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22824
(Hour 1)

http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22825
(Hour 2)

Gavin writes:
Studio guest – Jim McLean – Tues 29 Aug 2 – 4pm – on Ballads & Balladeers with Gavin Paterson
My guest on Tuesday 29 August will be Jim McLean. Jim is a Scottish Folk Music legend who wrote and produced a series of album on Nigel Denver, Alistair McDonald, Hall & MacGregor, Fraser Bruce, The Bitter Withy and many many others in the 60's and 70's.
The list of people that he knew/worked with is astonishing; He was an original 'Glasgow Eskimo' and appears on the Ding Dong Dollar LP, as a Conscientious Objector during the 50s he served time in Barlinnie rather than fight in Egypt, he was The Dubliners first road manager at the time of 'Seven Drunken Nights', he was responsible for putting together an album in support of the UCS Work-In in 1971 featuring The Laggan, Danny Kyle and many others, and uniquely, he is the only person ever to have produced an album for both Hugh MacDiarmid and The Nolan Sisters.
As well as writing some songs that will live forever such as Hush Hush – Smile In Your Sleep, The Barras and Massacre of Glencoe.
Jim will be talking about all aspects of his musical life and playing songs relating to them. A marvellous two hours with one of the originators.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 12:51 AM

The above links to canstream both seem to link to the same "first hour".
I'd love to listen to the rest of the programme...

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 03:34 AM

Oops! my mistake...

Second hour is http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22825


Here's the playlist, and some more info from Gavin:

Playlist, Ballads & Balladeers, Tuesday 29 August, 2017
Jim McLean Special

While I was 'down south' at the end of July, I took the chance to escape a dreary day at Cambridge FF and spend some time talking with Jim McLean​ at his home in London. And what a time it was - you really have to listen to Jim's story and songs.

Also of note is that almost all of the music played today IS NOT available to buy anywhere, in any format. And that's just not right. But we have the good stuff here on CMR.
Deeper, wider and better on http://www.celticmusicradio.net/

First hour, catch up at http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22824

Talking Conchie Blues, from Scotia Folk (1970) - Alastair McDonald​
Big Mansion Hoose, from The Kerries (1967) - GibbAnnie Todd​ The Kerries
Ding Dong Dollar, from "Ding Dong Dollar: Anti-Polaris and Scottish Republican Songs" (1962) - Glasgow Song Guild
The Glesca Eskimos -               "          "            "
The John MacLean March, from Unity Creates Strength (1972) - Arthur Johnstone​ & The Laggan
The Sabbath, from Folk Old And New (1968) - Nigel Denver
Culloden, from Borderline (1969) - Nigel Denver
Workers Of The World "      "          "         "
The Laird's Prayer, from Scottish Republican Songs (1966) - Nigel Denver
Music Of The Loom, from Shamrock and Heather (1972) - Fraser Bruce​
The Forsaken Rover, from Fareweel Tae Tarwathie - Fraser Bruce
Come Boat Me O'er Tae Chairlie, from "Sampler" - Tich Frier​, The Bitter Withy
'Tis A Gift To be Simple/Lord Of the Dance, from 'Tis A Gift To Be Simple - Jacqui & Bridie https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008839819177

Second hour, catch up at http://podcast.canstream.co.uk/celticmusic/index.php?id=22825

Silver Darlings, from Scotland In Song - Alastair McDonald
The Man In Peterhead, from Scotland First - "          "
The Shores Of Sutherland, from Scottish Battle Ballads - " "
Mary Jane, from Scotland In Song -                "         "
Seven Deadly Sins, from At It Again (1968) - The Dubliners Official​ Ronnie Drew​
Tibby Dunbar, from At It Again (1968) - The Dubliners Luke Kelly Music​
Lady Chat, from Live At Carnegie Hall (1962) - The Clancy Brothers​ & Tommy Makem​
The Exile Song, from Music Of the Highlands (1977) - Alastair McDonald
Smile In Your Sleep, from Scottish Battle Ballads - Alastair McDonald
The Barras, from Scotland In Song - Alastair McDonald
Farewell To Glasgow, from Encore (1975) - Iain MacKintosh
The Massacre Of Glencoe, from Scotland In Song - Alastair McDonald

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Guest 31 Aug 17 - 12:51 AM
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 06:34 AM

Appreciate the amended link, Bruce. Many thanks.

First time I've run across CMR. Some great listening by the look of it.

More power to you, and to all responsible.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 09:52 AM

We're a community radio station, based in Glasgow. A charity, and completely volunteer run. We broadcast 24x7 on 95fm around Glasgow, and online at www.celticmusicradio.net

We did a few short term broadcasts in the mid 2000s as part of the Celtic Connections festival, and have been on-air permanently since January 2008.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 31 Aug 17 - 02:34 PM

Gavin's been putting together some great "retrospective" shows - as well as the one with Jim mentioned above, he's recently done similar 2-hour features on Arthur Johnstone and Alastair McDonald.

Today he was out and about again, recording his next one - Barbara Dickson

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 02 Sep 17 - 07:13 AM

Just listened to both sections, and am blown away by them!
Can they be sent to School of Scottish Studies, Kist o' Riches, etc? A really important piece of work, IMHO!
And it would be a great presentation for Celtic Connections or Edinburgh's "Carrying Stream Festival".

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: bruceCMR
Date: 02 Sep 17 - 10:07 AM

Drop Gavin a line - I'm sure he'll be delighted to chat

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.
Date: 02 Sep 17 - 05:57 PM

Jim has written many a great song and I am pleased to say he is also a good friend, we have met several times here in Germany and enjoyed a drink or two, some of the more memorable times with Nigel Denver.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Jim McLean
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 01:08 PM

Hi all, just came across this post so thanks to Gavin Paterson for the opportunity to appear on his show. He does a fantastic job every Wenesday on folk and actually has another show on Sunday's as well.
Nice to hear from you all and regards to Pat Cooksey whose song the Sick Note is one of the nun jest and well crafted song I know.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Jim McLean
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 01:11 PM

..... silly typo in my last post, I meant to say that the Sick Note is one of the FUNNIEST and well crafted song I know.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 02:02 PM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc9p83a8yhQ Just made a cover of Jiim McLean's Glencoe

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: GUEST,Pat Cooksey.
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 03:50 PM

Just done a radio show here on Frankonian RDR, sang two of mine and Hush Hush by Jim,filled in three copywright forms, two for me and one for Jim, reckon it's pretty correct and I am happy to credit author's when I can, one of my favourite songs anyway.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 06 Jan 18 - 06:41 PM

Was reading through these posts and just realised that it will be Jim's 80th birthday a couple of days before 24 April (to quote the poster!)
could we/should we have a party / Jim Mclean songs session or whit?
Puleese - -- - -

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jim McLean
Date: 07 Jan 18 - 04:43 AM

Yes, folks, I'll be 80 on the 21st April this year but still feel about 30 although some days this goes up to about 40!

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 07 Jan 18 - 01:20 PM

hahahaha!!!!!

- -- any chance of your coming North (ie Scotland) anytime?
Cos maybe we would have a ceilidh/session/get together / something somewhere ---???
(pleeeese not in early February -- wait till I can get aboot aqain efter ma hip replacement!!)

Aye, Gallus xxx

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Jack Campin
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 04:38 AM

Lots of places have Burns Nights, Linlithgow has a Matt McGinn Night in March - 21 April for a Jim MacLean Night has to fit in somebody's calendar.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 05:58 AM

It would be great, especially if Jim could come! Perhaps later in the year after he's had his party!

We did also do a Hamish Imlach night at Linlthgow during the September festival some years back: we sang all the songs he wrote or used to sing. His partner also attended and sang a song herself.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 05:39 PM

Like these ideas Jack, Tattie----lets hope Jim might be planning a journey North at some point, the we just make that the 'official' Scottish birthday celebration?

Or of course we could organise an expedition South -- - - -?!

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gavin Paterson
Date: 10 Jan 18 - 08:40 PM

Hi folks - Gavin Paterson here. I must change my handle on here!

I actually had a bid in to CC 2018 for a show on Jim's songs, to tie in with his 80th birthday. The show would have featured a lot of the musicians that Jim produced. But it didn't get commissioned. I will try again for 2019! If anyone reading has any clout with CC, feel free to wield it.

So I already have a show, half formed, and if anyone would be interested in the business end of it, I'd be happy to talk.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Jan 18 - 07:23 PM

Hi Gavin (Jorrox? Why?): we have talked about this on- and offline, and I sincerely hope it comes about, whether at Celtic Connections or other festivals in Scotland, where it would be a very welcome addition to the programme. I don't have any huge clout or business acumen to offer, but will send you a couple of suggestions off forum, and hope it comes to fruition.

Subject: RE: Jim McLeans songs
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 12 Jan 18 - 01:44 PM

Gavin- - I'm interested in supporting anything that celebrates Jim's amazing body of work whether officially at Celtic or whatever else!!
It would be great to get him up to Glasgow- - -

And -- when Gordon McCulloch died there was talk of a celebration perhaps later in the year- -ie late 2017 - but as far as I know it has not happened yet? Anyone know anything?

Subject: ADD: The Bed (Jim McLean)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 12:07 PM

Jim sent me this song today.

THE BED
(Jim McLean)

The bed’s made for two, just for me and for you,
A mattress, a duvet and pillows.
The right side is your place, the left side is my space
Though sometimes we met in the middle, we did,
The right side is your place, the left side is my space
Though sometimes we met in the middle.

The headboard is pine, exceptionally fine,
With paintings of leaves, green and blue.
The legs are of oak, though one of them broke,
(I bound it with string and strong glue:), yes I did,
The legs are of oak, though one of them broke
I bound it with string and strong glue!

It wasn’t an heirloom, was bought in a sale room
We’ve had it for many a year.
It takes pride of place, brought a smile to your face
And sometimes a wee bitty tear, yes it did,
It takes pride of place, brought a smile to your face
And sometimes a wee bitty tear.

But what will I do with a bed made for two?
When the right side’s now empty and bare.
I’ll move to the middle and cuddle your pillow,
Pretending you’ll always be there, yes I will,
I’ll move to the middle and cuddle your pillow
For to me, you’ll always be there.

---

Click to play (joeweb)

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 22 Dec 21 - 01:17 PM

Joe, many thanks for that, the music is a bonus, and I should say that’s Alastair MacDonald singing.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 25 Dec 21 - 12:46 PM

That is really lovely Jim, and tugs at the heart-strings, knowing the background to it.
Thanks to Joe for posting it.
By the way, hoping the concert of your songs at Celtic Connections 2022 can still go ahead: all in the balance right now. Watching the CC website daily for updates.

Subject: RE: Songs of Jim McLean
From: Jim McLean
Date: 26 Dec 21 - 03:11 AM

Thanks, Tattie Bogle, we don’t know whether the concert will go ahead or not, Celtic Connections are keeping an eye it.
You know the background to the song but for others, it refers to the passing of my wife Alison due to cancer.