Subject: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Susan-Marie Date: 17 Aug 99 - 03:56 PM WE've had a few threads about work songs and the labor movement, but they've been heavy on the serious songs. I'm looking for some more light-hearted songs that folks might like to sing at a light-hearted labor day celebration. So far I have "White Collar Holler", a parody called "Unions are a Girl's Best Friend", and "Why Paddy's Not at Work Today". Any other suggestions? |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: MMario Date: 17 Aug 99 - 04:01 PM "Let Union Be" - actually a grange song - but it's a play on words.... |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bert Date: 17 Aug 99 - 04:11 PM My sweetheart's the mule in the mines I drive her without any lines on the bumper I sit, and I chew and I spit all over my sweetheart's behind. Bert. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Alice Date: 17 Aug 99 - 05:12 PM I was thinking of the parody of "Dark As A Dungeon" about the secretary, but when I looked in the DT with an @parody @work search, I found 26 songs. I don't think any of them are the secretary song I was thinking of.
1) AUSTRALIA'S ON THE WALLABY
2) BALLAD OF PARKWAY PATRIOT
3) BANKS OF THE CONDAMINE
4) BLOW YE WINDS IN THE MORNING (II)
5) THE BOLD LIBRARIAN
6) THE C.I.O. SONG
7) CASEY JONES - UNION SCAB
8) THE COMMUTER'S CORONACH
9) CONESTOGA ON THE JORDAN ROAD
10) THE DRAPES OF ROTH
11) DUMP THE BOSSES OFF YOUR BACK
12) EVERY MAN
13) FAREWELL AND ADIEU
14) THE FOREMAN'S JOB
15) FOUR POUNDS A DAY
16) HENRY THE ACCOUNTANT
17) I'VE BEEN RAILING AT THE WORKLOAD
18) THE JOLLY GRINDER
19) THE PROGRAMMER'S LAMENT
20) ROCKABYE BABY
21) SKIVING
22) SPERRY RAND
23) TEAMING UP THE CARIBOO ROAD
24) TWAS EFFICIENT AND COST EFFECTIVE
25) WHAT A FRIEND WE HAS IN RHODA!
26) THE WORK OF THE LANDLORD
|
Subject: Lyr Add: On Mondays I Never Go to Work^^ From: bigJ Date: 17 Aug 99 - 05:30 PM What about the English music-hall song :
On Monday I never go to work, Short and pithy! |
Subject: Lyr Add: On Mondays I Never Go to Work^^ From: Sandy Paton Date: 18 Aug 99 - 12:20 AM I learned it this way: On Mondays I never goes to work, On Tuesdays, I stays at home, On Wednesdays, I never feel inclined, Work is the last thing on my mind! Thursday's an 'oliday, (shops all closed on Thursday afternoons) And Fridays I detest. It's too late to make a start on Saturday, And Sunday is the day of rest. London, 1958 |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: paddymac Date: 18 Aug 99 - 02:50 AM Susan Marie - "Why Paddy Isn't at Work Today"? Could you be so kind as to post the lyrics? I suspect it's the same as, or very similar to, the "Sicknote" or "The Brick Song". The only recordings I've heard of it are by the Dubliners and the Corries, but there are probably others. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Roger the zimmer Date: 18 Aug 99 - 04:08 AM They Call It Stormy Monday... (OK not funny but an "I hate work song"! As well as the parodies from the DT listed which have white-collar jobs there is Frank Crumit's "The Man Who Sells insurance" the lyrics to which I posted earlier this year. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: AndyG Date: 18 Aug 99 - 05:26 AM On a Monday Morning (Cyril Tawney) from the DT is another good "I hate work song".
AndIdotooyG |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: John in Brisbane Date: 18 Aug 99 - 07:04 AM The best example I know of is Jeremy Taylor's 'Prawns in the Game' which is all Pommie shop steward speak. I posted here a long time ago, but wouldn't have a clue as to how to find it again. It's delicious master piece. Regards John |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bert Date: 18 Aug 99 - 09:15 AM Here's a few more... Manura Manyah When I'm Cleaning Windows Molly Malone Liverpool Barrow Boy Jellied Eels All my life I've wanted to be a Barrow Boy Chinese Laundry Blues Come Inside The Lincolnshire Poacher The Miller of Dee The work of the weavers The Great American Railway I'm an Old Cowhand The Twang Man Washing up Click go the shears Coney Island Washboard The Buffalo Skinners The Ballad of Billy Kershaw Bert |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: teller Date: 18 Aug 99 - 09:57 AM Shortest one I've come across:- 'I can't read and I can't write, But that don't really matter, Because I lives in Honiton, And I can drive a tractor!' So there! Teller. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Alice Date: 18 Aug 99 - 10:24 AM Bert.... Molly Malone is amusing? Do you know a funny verse for it? |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bert Date: 18 Aug 99 - 10:52 AM ALice, I guess it's how you sing it. Bert. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Alice Date: 18 Aug 99 - 11:35 AM Ok, Bert, I bite... how do YOU sing it?? |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: marion Date: 18 Aug 99 - 11:39 AM There's a song in "Rise Up Singing" about a woman being expected to make the coffee for all in her office... I think it's called "Coffee". The tune is Lord of the Dance (aka Simple Gifts) The chorus:
Coffee, the bane of my life Good song - look it up if you have the book. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bert Date: 18 Aug 99 - 12:59 PM Alice, It should be sung with exagerated sentimentality, Kind of like when you've had a few too many. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Alice Date: 18 Aug 99 - 01:07 PM Kind of like with a wet sponge in a handkerchief, so when you wring it in your hands, wobbling the voice and casting mournful eyes to heaven, your hankie streams with tears splashing on the floor? ok, that would be amusing. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bert Date: 18 Aug 99 - 01:11 PM That's the way. Perfect. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: campfire Date: 18 Aug 99 - 01:37 PM Don't know that I'd say its amusing, but today I could sing "Take This Job and Shove It". campfire |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Wally Macnow Date: 18 Aug 99 - 06:05 PM Ginny Haley's(?) "I Am an Old Cowpuncher" "The Cowpuncher's Waltz" "Keep That Wheel a-Turning" |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bill D Date: 18 Aug 99 - 06:38 PM ohh.."Keep That Wheel a'Turning" is great! Says a LOT!..*grin* |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 19 Aug 99 - 06:13 AM Is it too much of a stretch to include Shel Silverstein's "The Man Who Turns the Damn Thing Off and On"? Roger in Baltimore |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Susan-Marie Date: 19 Aug 99 - 08:53 AM THANK YOU, THANK YOU, all, those are great suggestions. I'm going to be laughing all day looking at the lyrics! |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: GeorgeH Date: 19 Aug 99 - 08:56 AM On a slightly more serious but still (fairly) humerous note there's the likes of "The pit owner and the collier's wife". G. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Roger the zimmer Date: 19 Aug 99 - 09:05 AM ...and for one who found his work amusing ("Once he did arrest a man and laughed until he cried"): The Laughing Policeman (NOT folk). |
Subject: Lyr Add: MOLLY MALONE (parody) From: paddymac Date: 19 Aug 99 - 11:17 AM Alice - here's a Molly parody I wrote a few years ago which usually gets a chuckle or two.
If Dublin you'll visit, down on Grafton Street,
Now it may be the porter that causes the strokin',
Now the Dubs are the fun ones, an irrev'rent lot, Hope you enjoy it. |
Subject: Lyr Add: DARK AS A DUNGEON (parody) From: Jack (who is called Jack) Date: 19 Aug 99 - 11:44 AM Alice, The secretary parody is one of my own.
Come listen, young ladies so fair and so fine,
Where the pressure is double, the raises are few, I got the rest of the verses somewhere (sorry, forgot to take my ginkgo this morning) I'll dig 'em up if'n you want em. Like most songs I do myself, I keep changing the lyrics so much I forget how the dang thing goes. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Scott Hounsell Date: 19 Aug 99 - 01:37 PM You have "White Collar Hollar", maybe you would find "Working Joe" by Stan Rogers amusing |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Barbara Date: 19 Aug 99 - 02:41 PM 'The Excuse Note' or 'Why Paddy's not at work today' is here in DT.
I like the Secretary's Song (not sure if that's the name) with the chorus:
"Whatever will they do
It's a somewhat older song, and I'm not sure it's here in the database. Anyone know it? Bev and Jerry, you out there?
I too love "Keep that Wheel a-Turnin'". |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: AndyG Date: 20 Aug 99 - 04:23 AM And then there's Downsized bt Mr Barker. Look now because this page will be changed shortly.
AndyG |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Susan-Marie Date: 20 Aug 99 - 06:48 AM Thank you AndyG - I love listening to "Downtown" when I'm feeling too old, so "Downsized" is perfect! |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Jeri Date: 20 Aug 99 - 10:00 AM Here are some David Diamond songs. I think Alice mentioned a couple of them. 'Twas Efficient and Cost Effective The Programmer's Lament Limmerick Programmer Grey Jacket and Grey Trousers Dodkin's Job |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Dani Date: 20 Aug 99 - 11:55 AM Roger, I couldn't find that particular on from Shel Silverstein - could you point to it or post it for me? I could use it, too. I'm needing some music for a Sunday service on Labor Day: Work in Modern Society. Any thoughts, y'all? I did, however, make the wonderful discovery of Shel's poetry for adults. I had no idea!! I'm posting on particulary wonderful one on Art's 100 Words thread. Thanks! |
Subject: Lyr Add: WAIT TILL THE WORK COMES ROUND^^ From: CeltArctic Date: 21 Aug 99 - 02:35 AM I have two suggestions that haven't been meantioned. Both of them are British Music Hall numbers: British Workman's Grave (it's in the database under "Moving Father's Grave") and "Wait 'til the Work Comes Round." I couldn't find the second one in the database, so here's the lyrics, if you're interested: WAIT TILL THE WORK COMES ROUND AUTHOR: Gus Elen SOURCE: Cosmotheka Some people knuckle down through being out of work But I ain't one of them, not me. If a gaffer starts to nag, I soon picks up me bag And I flops him one with this, you see... It don't do to make people think you're out of work Cause they're bound to turn their heads the other way. It makes no odds to me what the future's going to be So long as I've got all I want today... CHORUS So what's the use of kicking up a row If there ain't no work about. If you can't get a job, you can rest in bed Till the school kids all come out. And if you can't get work, you can't get the sack-- That's an argument that's sensible and sound. So lay your head back on your pillow, And read the Daily Mirror; And wait till the work comes round. When trade gets very rocky and you has to take the nocky It's best to face the music like a brick. And if creditors come down on you for everything you own, You should bash them on the crumpet with a stick! A lot of people walk the streets, a-looking out for work Till they haven't got a leg to call their own; Instead of just a-waiting for the work to come to them With their feet stuck on the mantle-piece at home... CHORUS So what's the use of kicking up a row If there ain't no work about. If you can't get a job, you can rest in bed Till the school kids all come out. And if you can't get work, you can't get the sack-- That's an argument that's sensible and sound. So lay your head back on your pillow, And read the Daily Mirror; And wait till the work comes round. Line Breaks |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Art Thieme Date: 21 Aug 99 - 10:19 AM "The Rackets We Had 'Round The Blue Mountain Lake" ---a fine humorous lumberjack work song from New York collected by Frank & Ann Warner
"Pokegama Bear"
"The Black Fly Song"
"The Frozen Logger"
"Saginaw, Michigan"
"The Bitter Withy"
"The Boll Weevil"
"The Union Maid"
"This Land Is Their Land":
This land is their land,
As I went walking that endless breadline...
So take your slogan and kindly stow it, (This parody was from THE BOSSES SONG BOOK 1960s.
"The Ladies Auxiliary"
Oh, the ladies auxiliary is a good auxiliary,
"The Philadelphia Lawyer"
"Sally Don't You Grieve"
"Talkin' Dust Bowl Blues"
"Hobo's Lullaby"
"When I Was a Cowboy"
"Drill, Ye Tarriers, Drill"
"In the Good Old Colony Days"
"The Fox"
"The Wreck of the Tennessee Gravy Train
"Click Go the Shears"
"The Night They Drove Old Dickie Down"
"My Name Is Yon Yonson"
"Pick a Bale o' Cotton"
"Rock Island Line"
"No More Auction Block for Me"
"By the Hush" (read between the lines and many songs are work songs---some very funny.
"Pat Works on the Railway"
"The Bullhead Boat" THERE ARE SO VERY MANY... I do hope this helps---Art Thieme |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: MAG (inactive) Date: 21 Aug 99 - 05:46 PM "Bony Fingers" -- does black humor count as funny? (Probably not in DB; contemporary country) If you include military service, there's always "Stung Right." |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: emily rain Date: 21 Aug 99 - 06:05 PM is it too much of a stretch to include "Gentlemen of Distinction in the Army"? |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Mungo Date: 22 Aug 99 - 12:26 AM Hard Times in the Mill The Thinking Man, John Henry Erie Canal Shovelin' Iron Ore:
"Something happened the other day that never happened before--
Paul Bunyan's Manistee This is just off the top of my head--I have several thousand folk songs of all kinds committed to memory. Mungo Bob McElroy |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Arkie Date: 22 Aug 99 - 12:52 AM D.W. Washburn, the old Coaster number about not working, also nicely recorded by Mike Dowling. Keeper of the Eddystone Light Life Is A Toil, a complaint about housework. Sam Jones Deliver Them Bones, Richard Thompson's song about a dealer in bones. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: JedMarum Date: 22 Aug 99 - 11:02 AM The subject of this thread caught me: isn't Amusing Work Song an oxymoron? |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: karen k Date: 25 Aug 99 - 05:24 PM EVERYBODY WORKS AT MY HOUSE by Jesse Fuller Everybody works but father He sits around all day Pokes his feet in the fire Smoking his pipe of clay Mama now she takes in the washing So does sister Ann Everybody works at my house But my old man! |
Subject: From: GUEST,sbrown@vthc.org.au Date: 22 Feb 01 - 11:42 PM Does anyone have the music and words to "All my life I've wanted to be a barrow boy"? Was mentioned in the "Amusing work songs" thread, but I can't find anywhere. Sarah Brown |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 23 Feb 01 - 09:10 AM THE GREENHORN A song about a guy who wanted to be a cowboy. They put him on a horse, which bucked him off "and I come down and busted the ground". It includes such lines as: They picked me up and carried me in Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 23 Feb 01 - 10:00 AM A few more, in the cowboy genre: The Zebra Dun Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: The Walrus at work Date: 23 Feb 01 - 01:09 PM Do military songs count? If so, you could start with "Muddley Barracks" . Not a work song, but a song about work, Flanders & Swan's "The Gas Man Cometh" Good luck. Walrus |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Amos Date: 23 Feb 01 - 01:22 PM And for Playboy ladies, there is the "Woes of the Gentleman's Club" by no less an honored pair than Sir Leej and moi, at your disposal on the Mudcat Songbook page. Max has an .mp3 of it if you want it. A |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Kim C Date: 23 Feb 01 - 03:27 PM The one about why Paddy's not at work today is one of my faves. We've all had days like that... |
Subject: Lyr Add: BARROW BOY^^ From: R! Date: 23 Feb 01 - 03:32 PM I don't have the music to Barrow Boy but here are the words - minus correct punctuation and possibly proper formatting. As I've heard it, the song repeats twice (or is that redundant? Repeats once? Oh sing it all the way through and then sing it again!) Reen
All me life I wanted to be a barrow boy |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Nancy King Date: 23 Feb 01 - 05:10 PM The Boarding Party recorded several in this genre, including:
Sailor's Alphabet (there are "alphabet" songs about a lot of occupations), and Cheers, Nancy
|
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 24 Feb 01 - 05:12 PM Yes, I have "The Woodsman's Alphabet" on a record. It starts: A is for axe, as you very well know. Sing hi derry oh, how merry are we! Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: GUEST,Treaties Date: 24 Feb 01 - 05:27 PM The chorus I love is:-
I'm looking for a job with a sky high pay Sorry I don't know the verses. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Amos Date: 24 Feb 01 - 11:41 PM As Pat Worked on the Railway is rich with humour of a bitter sort; as is "Drill ye Tarriers, Drill"; and for the kind of work that's outside the mainstream, "Days of Forty-Nine" says a lot. And, as Art says, Warner's "Blue Mountain Lake" is all work and thick with laughs. My Dad was from upstate, although he became a cosmopolitan after college and moved to Manhattan; but the verse that always cracked him and made him hold his sides laughing was:
"And now my good fellas, adieu to you all,
'Course that brings up all kinds of other songs -- the Erie Canal, for one, and the E-RI-E, for another. And the Locktender's Lament, which I believe Burl Ives recorded in the early 60's or thereabouts.
Regards, A. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Arkie Date: 25 Feb 01 - 01:34 AM "When I was a lad, I served a term as an office boy in an attorney's firm..." The policeman's Lot Is Not a Happy One At least they make me laugh, but then so do the Clintons. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: GUEST,mike putt @ work Date: 25 Feb 01 - 04:15 AM Paddy and the sicknote is a gem, but what about Goldwatch Blues by Donovan |
Subject: Lyr Add: I'LL DO ANYTHING BUT WORK (Ray Charles) From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Dec 14 - 10:54 PM I'LL DO ANYTHING BUT WORK [Some sources say this was written by Ray Charles; others say Dorinda Morgan] As recorded by Ray Charles on "Rockin' with Ray" (1980) I'll take you strollin' down Lovers' Lane. I'll come to see you even in the rain. I'll do anything for you—but work. Sing your praises, hold your hand, Tell the world that I think you're grand. I'll do anything for you—but slave.* I'll take you out to dine and dance, Fill your ears with sweet romance. See, baby, I know I'm handsome, but what the heck.** I'm all yours if you pay the check. I'm yours to have, yours to hold, But that word "work" just leaves me cold. I'll do anything for you but work. I'll take you out to dine and dance, Fill your ears with sweet romance. Baby, I'm so good-lookin' it's a shame!** I'm all yours if you pay the check. I'm yours to have, yours to hold, But that word "work" just leaves me cold. I'll do anything for you but work. * Other artists sing "work." ** Other artists sing "I know I'm not good lookin', but what the heck." Spotify has recordings by Lowell Levinger, Grandpa Banana, and Duke Robillard, in addition to Ray Charles. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Bert Date: 09 Dec 14 - 01:26 AM ONLY A WORKING MAN div When you pick up the Sunday morning papers It's nearly always trouble that you read Man and wife, always 'aving strife For separation each of them will plead Now if the woman only used a bit of tact With 'appiness they always would be blessed Do the same as I do and you'll never 'ave a row Believe me, my old man's one of the best Chorus: I wake him every morning when the clock strikes eight I'm always punctual, never, never late With a nice cup of tea and a little round of toast The Sporting Life and the Winning Post I make him nice and cosy, then I toddle off to work I do the best I can For I'm only doing what a woman should do 'Cos he's only a working man I 'urry home each day and cook the dinner And give it to 'im nice and 'ot in bed It's nice to know when to work I go 'E's always thinking of me, so 'e said "E lies in bed so patiently till I come 'ome to tea I wouldn't 'ave him vexed at any cost And if 'e backs a loser, never says an angry word 'Cos I give 'im back the money that 'e lost Chorus: div Written and composed by Rule & Holt Performed by Lily Morris (1882-1952) |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Jim Carroll Date: 09 Dec 14 - 03:50 AM Bluey Brink There once was a shearer by name Bluey Brink A devil for work and a terror for drink He could shear a full hundred each day without fear And drink without winking four gallons of beer Now Jimmy the barman who served out the drink He hated the sight of this here Bluey Brink Who stayed much too late and who came much too soon At morning, at evening, at night and at noon One day as Jimmy was cleaning the bar With sulphuric acid he kept in a jar Along comes this shearer a bawling with thirst Saying whatever you've got Jim just give me the first Now it aint in the history, you wont find it in print But that shearer drunk acid with never a wink Saying that's the stuff Jimmy why strike me stone dead This'll make me the ringer of Stephenson's shed All through that long day as he served up the beer Poor Jimmy was sick with his trouble and fear Too anxious to argue too worried to fight He saw that poor shearer a corpse in his fright But early next morning when he opened the door Well there was that shearer a yelling for more With his eyebrows all singed and his whiskers deranged And holes in hide hide like a dog with the mange. Says Jimmy and how did you find the new stuff? Says Bluey it's fine but I've not had enough It gives me great courage to shear and to fight But why does that stuff set me whiskers alight? I thought I knew grog, but I must have been wrong The stuff that you gave me was proper and strong It set me to coughing and you know I'm no liar But every damn cough set me whiskers on fire Notes From the singing of A.L.Lloyd. Simon McDonald of Creswick Vic, sings another version called 'Bill Brink' which is closer to Tex Morton's version recorded in the late 1930's. Jim Carroll |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: GUEST,henryp Date: 09 Dec 14 - 08:58 AM Workin' at the car wash blues Well, all I can do is a shake my head You might not believe that it's true For workin' at this end of Niagara Falls Is an undiscovered Howard Hughes So baby, don't expect to see me with no double martini In any high-brow society news Cause I got them steadily depressin', low down mind messin' Workin' at the car wash blues By the late, great Jim Croce. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 09 Dec 14 - 12:26 PM (Re)scanning quickly through this thread, I didn't see that anyone had nominated The Ratcatcher's Daughter. Consider it done. Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: Lyr Add: BANANA BOAT (DAY-O) (Stan Freberg) From: brashley46 Date: 09 Dec 14 - 12:34 PM And there is Stan Freberg's version of Day-Oh (the Banana Boat Song). Day-o, day-o Daylight come and Me wan go home Day, he say... (Man, I'm gonna have to ask You not to shout like that) Well... (it's like right in my ear) It goes with the song (Yeah, but don't holler In my ear, man) Well, it's authentic Calypso (Yeah, but try standing Next to me, man) Well, the shout go With the bongo drum (Not my bongo drums, man I mean, move away) Well, I don't see why (No, no, no, stand over Next to the guitar, man) He sent me over here (Yeah, well, then sing soft, man You know, I mean like, wow) Ok, day... (It's too loud, man) Day... (that's better) Me say day, me say day Me say day, me say day Me say day-o, daylight come And me wan go home (Yeah, man) Work all night On a drink of rum Daylight come and Me wan go home Stack banana til The morning come Daylight come and Me wan go home Lift six foot, seven foot (Hold it, man) eight foot bunch (Hold it, man) Daylight come and (Too loud, man) Me wan go home (Too loud) Lift six foot, seven foot (Hold it, man) eight foot bunch (Hold it, man) Daylight come and Me wan go home (My ears, man, like my ears) Day... (no, hold it, man) Me say day-o (it's too shrill, man) (It's too piercing) Well, I don't see why (No, it's too piercing, man It's too piercing) Well, I got to do the shout (No, man, it's too piercing Like I don't dig loud noises) Well, you ruined the whole (Piercing) record is what you did (Yeah, well, tough I'll take my bongos and go, man Cause the whole is like Bugging me, anyhow) Yeah, well, wait a minute I won't shout (no, man) (Like I didn't wanna make This gig in the first place) Oh, no, wait a minute I'll be soft (yeah, well) (Then back off from me, man It's too piercing) Okay, how's this, day-o (Too loud, man) Okay, day-o (too loud, man) (I can still hear you Would you mind leaving the room) Okay *footsteps leaving* Day, me say day-o (crazy) *Footsteps entering* Daylight come and Me wan go home *Footsteps leaving* Day, me say day-o *Footsteps entering* Daylight come and Me wan go home A beautiful bunch Of ripe banana Daylight come and Me wan go home Hide the deadly Black tarantula Daylight come and Me wan go home (No, man, don't sing about Spiders, I mean, like I don't dig spiders) Well, that's how the song goes It goes hide the Deadly black tarantula Daylight come and Me wan go home (Is that it, can I leave now) Not yet, we got a big finish *Footsteps leaving* Me say day, me say day Me say day, me say day Me say day-o *Knocking* Hey, I locked myself out (Crazy) *window breaks* I come through the window (yeah) Daylight come and Me wan go home |
Subject: Lyr Add: D. W. WASHBURN (Leiber & Stoller) From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Dec 14 - 07:18 PM This was suggested by Arkie above. This is my transcription. D. W. WASHBURN Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller As recorded by the Monkees, released as a single, 1968. "D. W. Washburn," I heard a sweet voice say, "D. W. Washburn, this is your lucky day. A hot bowl of soup is waiting, a hot bowl of soup and a shave. D. W. Washburn, we've picked you to save. "Can't you hear the flugelhorn? Can't you hear the bell? Even you can be reborn, you naughty ne'er-do-well. If you don't get out of that gutter before the next big rain, D. W. Washburn, you're gonna wash right down the drain. "Up! Up! Come on, get up! Get up out of your street! If you can only make it from your hands to your knees, I know you can make it to your feet." "D. W. Washburn," I said to myself, "D. W. Washburn, why don't you go save somebody else? Well, I got no job to go to; I don't work and I don't get paid. I got a bottle of wine; I'm feelin' fine, and I believe I've got it made. "I'd like to thank all you good people for comin' to my aid, But I'm D. W. Washburn; I do believe I got it made. "I do believe I got it made." [Repeat and fade.] |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 15 Dec 14 - 10:04 AM If it's not already in the thread, then The Strawberry Roan (Or even if it's already in the thread!) Okay, it's not heavily funny, but "amusing" is justified, I think. Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: Lyr Add: SONG OF THE TRADES From: Jim Carroll Date: 15 Dec 14 - 11:19 AM From the singing of Ewan MacColl (The Wanton Muse) Jim Carroll BALLAD OF THE TRADES (English) This comprehensive catalogue of the tools of the trades might be said to sum up the contents of this album. Each of the songs has been conceived in the terminology of the trade of its maker, each process of work honed down to fine shades of description, each symbol exactly mirroring or extending the tool(s) used, or the medium in which the trade is carried on. Such a song could well be extended into modern life, what with the myriad of new professions, trades and skills daily being developed - as long as the eye remains receptive to impressions of shape, the hand to impressions of texture and the mind open to analogous sensation and creation, 'The Ballad of the Trades' could well have thousands of verses! (Source: a collation of several broadside texts, with tune by the singer.) SONG OF THE TRADES
Here's to all trades and all tradesmen,
The Collier, the mucky old Collier, |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: GUEST,henryp Date: 15 Dec 14 - 12:15 PM The Gas Man Cometh - Flanders and Swann 'Twas on a Monday morning the gas man came to call. The gas tap wouldn't turn - I wasn't getting gas at all. He tore out all the skirting boards to try and find the main And I had to call a carpenter to put them back again. Oh, it all makes work for the working man to do. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: MGM·Lion Date: 15 Dec 14 - 05:15 PM 15 years later! I taught the late Sandy Paton that version of "On Monday I never go to work" {18 Aug 99} when he was here in 1958. I still sing it -- you will find it on my YouTube channel [Title: 'The Working Week']! ≈M≈ http://www.youtube.com/user/mgmyer |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: AlbertsLion Date: 16 Dec 14 - 10:31 AM What about Grey Flannel Line (Les Barker?) |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: AlbertsLion Date: 16 Dec 14 - 10:33 AM Sorry Robin Hayes!!! (not Les Barker) :-( |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Jack Campin Date: 07 Mar 21 - 06:07 PM There has to be some song material in what biologists get to do for a living: Rabbit-masturbating shanties? |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: JHW Date: 10 Mar 21 - 03:16 PM Work wasn't always that amusing. (But I can still remember it) |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: RTim Date: 10 Mar 21 - 03:27 PM I sing some of this song, which I got from an old Bob Davenport recording... Tim Radford I Don't Work For A Living - Give Me a Hammer by Edward Lee and James J. Mullan Oh give me a nail and a hammer And a picture to hang on the wall Oh give me a stone stepladder If you don't, well I might fall Oh give me a bottle of whiskey And a barrel of good stong Ale And I bet you, I'll hang up that picture If somebody drives the nail I don't work for a living I get along alright without I don't toil all day I suppose it's because I not built that way Some people work for love They say it's all sunshine and gain But if I can't have sunshine without any work I guess I'll stay out in the rain. I've got a pal I think the world of We never agree, this is why He says he's the laziest person That he is more lazy than I So we made a bet to decide it I won without trying, you see When he reached for the dough, I just whispered "Put the bet in my pocket for me" I don't work for a living, I get along all right without. I live peacefully, For labor disputes never worry me I love my family, And even my mother-in-law I decided to make them all happy, that's why I never go home any more. Now I haven't got a red penny The reason is I'm always broke Of pawn tickets I haven't any My wife's wash is all that's in soak But I get my three square meals daily And a place to sleep when it gets dark If I can't find a bed in the alley Then I'll find me a bench in the park. I don't work for a living, I get along all right without. Work's not meant for me, Why, even the thought hurts my dignity My wife does all the work, She even puts out the ash-can But last night I got sore when the neighbors all yelled "Why don't you put out your old man?" |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: matthewdechant Date: 10 Mar 21 - 05:56 PM Lots of great suggestions here, one of my favorites is The Last Bristolian Pirate by the Longest Johns (slight rewrite of The Last Saskatchewan Pirate by the Arrogant Worms) Oh I used to be a farmer and I made a living fine I had a little stretch of land, along the western line But times were hard and though I tried the money wasn't there And bankers came and took my land and told me "fair is fair." I looked for every kind of job, the answer always: "no" "Hire you now?", they'd always laugh, "we just let twenty go" The government they promised me a measly little sum But I've got too much pride to end up just another bum And I said: "who gives a damn if all the jobs are gone I'm going to be a pirate on the river Severn!" (Yarr!) [Chorus] And it's a- heave-ho hi-ho Coming down the plains Stealing wheat and barley and all the other grains And it's a- ho-hey hi-hey farmers bar your doors When you see the Jolly Roger on the Severn's mighty shores You'd think the other farmers would know that I'm at large But just the other day I saw an unsuspecting barge I snuck up right behind them and they were none the wiser I rammed their boat and sank it and I stole the fertilizer! The bridge outside of Redwick spans a mighty river Farmers cross in so much fear their stomachs are a-quiver Cause they know that Tractor Jack is hiding in the bay I'll jump the bridge and knock 'em cold And sail off with their hay! [Chorus] Well officer Robbie chased me he was always at my throat But he followed on the shoreline cause he didn't own a boat But cut backs were a-coming and the copper lost his job And now he sails with us and we call him Salty Rob! A swinging sword, a skull and bones a pleasant company I'll never pay my income tax and screw the VAT (screw it!) Sailing down to Oldbury, the terror of the sea If you wanna get to Tesco, boys, you've gotta get by me! [Chorus] Well pirate life's appealing but you don't just find it here I hear that up in Yorkshire there's a band of buccaneers They roam around the Yorkshire dales from Smith to Beverley And you're bound to lose your flat cap if you have to pass their way Winter is a-coming and a chill is in the breeze My pirate days are over if the rivers start to freeze Well I'll be back in springtime but now I've got to fly I hear there's lots of plundering down in the Isle of Wight [Chorus x2] |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Senoufou Date: 10 Mar 21 - 06:10 PM what about "Right Said Fred" sung by Bernard Cribbens? (Some Cockney men trying to get a piano up the stairs, and every now and then they have a cup of tea) It can be found on Youtube. (Sorry, can't do blue clicky things) It was first recorded in 1962 and got into the charts! Fred keeps having bright ideas about how they can shift the thing, and eventually he thinks taking a crowbar to the ceiling will solve the problem. "Is 'e in trouble, 'alf a ton of rubble landed on the top of 'is dome. So Charlie and me 'ad another cup of tea, and then we went 'ome" I used to love this song,it always made me laugh! |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: BobL Date: 11 Mar 21 - 02:27 AM There's a couple of songs about a muckspreader with a mind of its own, one being from the Yetties. Can't remember the other one. Correction - three. Just found EDDIE BAKER'S MUCKSPREADER in DT. |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: Acorn4 Date: 11 Mar 21 - 05:00 AM Blue Arsed Fly |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: saulgoldie Date: 11 Mar 21 - 12:42 PM And this: My Old Man's a Dustman: https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17322816/Lonnie+Donegan/My+Old+Man%27s+a+Dustman And another take on My Old Man: https://www.madmusic.com/song_details.aspx?songid=7455 Saul |
Subject: RE: Amusing Work Songs?? From: saulgoldie Date: 11 Mar 21 - 12:44 PM Sorry; corrected linx: https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17322816/Lonnie+Donegan/My+Old+Man%27s+a+Dustman https://www.madmusic.com/song_details.aspx?songid=7455 Saul |
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