Lyr Add: No Sir, No Sir

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: No Sir, No Sir
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:34 AM

Barry-

Dahlov is an amazing woman. She loves the old songs, but she also loves to re-interpret them as well. You will not be surprised that she and father collected some verses to "Johnny Comes Down to Hilo" from some of the neighboring fishermen at their song parties, not to mention "Barnacle Bill the Sailor."

You and Justine should consider a field trip this June (the cabin would be available). Maybe you'll be able to tease out a few more verses.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: No Sir, No Sir
From: Barry Finn
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 12:31 AM

Jesus Charlie, are you still bleeding the old woman for songs? You've been bleeding her your whole life! You aught to give her a rest, after all the songs she's given you, she deserves it.

Is she still coming up with stuff you've never heard her sing before, like the night at diner when she came up with another verse to the Georgia Sea Island shanty "Hard Times in Old Virginia"? What a woman your mother is. You'd better start recording her before it's to late.

Barry

Subject: Lyr Add: No Sir, No Sir
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 Apr 08 - 10:46 PM

Here's another take on the traditional song, "No, John, No" that my mother at the age of 90 has been reworking. I suppose if she's that old, whatever she does would be considered traditional too:

Adapted by Dahlov Ipcar, 2008

No Sir, No Sir


In London City there dwelt a lady,
Who she is I may not say;
I courted her all for her beauty –
She would always answer, "Nay!":

Chorus:

No Sir, no Sir!
No Sir, no Sir!
She would always answer,
No Sir, no!

Her husband was a Spanish captain,
Seven long years he'd been away;
First he kissed her, then he left her
Bid her always answer "Nay!" (CHO)

Madam. Let us walk your garden,
Walk and talk, as you see best;
And would you think me overbold,
If I pinned a rose upon your breast? (CHO)

Madam, may I tie your garter,
Just an inch above your knee?
And if my hand should slip higher,
Would you think it rude of me? (CHO)

Now tis time to doff our clothing,
And go to bed as others do;
Madam, would you feel unkindly
If I disrobed and came with you? (CHO)

Now we are in bed together,
Gazing on each other's charms;
Would your own husband please you better,
If he lay here in your arms? (CHO)

Now the dawn peeps through the window,
And I hear the cockerel crow;
Madam, it is time to leave you –
Open your arms and let me go! (CHO)

Cheerily,
Charley Noble