Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version

Subject: fiddler's green - different version
From: mryan
Date: 27 Aug 99 - 05:55 PM

I am actually looking for lyrics for a few songs. The first I believe is called 'Fiddler's Green.' However, it is not the same song as the two version listed in the database here. The lyrics to the song that I recall are something like:

Tell all me shipmates I'm takin' a trip mates And I see you some day on Fiddler's Green

That, I believe is a part of the chorus. If you happen to recognize it and could provide the lyrics for the entire song, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

Subject: Lyr Add: FIDDLER'S GREEN^^^
From: Celtic-End Singer
Date: 27 Aug 99 - 06:04 PM

I don't know if this what you're after, let me know if it's not right because I have several different versions.

FIDDLER'S GREEN
(John Connolly)

As I roved by the dockside on evening so rare
To view the still waters and take the salt air
I heard an old fisherman singing this song
O take me away boys my time is not long

Dress me up in me oilskin and jumper
No more on the docks I'll be seen
Just tell me old shipmates
I'm taking a trip, mates
And I'll see them someday in Fiddler's Green

Now Fiddler's Green is a place I've heard tell
Where fishermen go when they don't go to Hell
Where the weather is fair and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away

The sky's always clear and there's never a gale
And the fish jump on board with a flip of their tail
You can lie at your leisure, there's no work to do
And the skipper's below making tea for the crew

And when you're in dock and the long trip is thru
There's pubs and there's clubs, and there's lassies there too
Now the girls are all pretty and the beer is all free
And there's bottles of rum hanging from every tree

I don't want a harp or a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea
And I'll play me old squeeze box as we sail along
When the wind's in the rigging to sing me this song

Copyright 1970 for the World, March Music Ltd.
@sailor @death @chorus
filename[ FIDGREEN
play.exe FIDGREEN
SOF


End-of-document

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Celtic-End Singer
Date: 27 Aug 99 - 06:09 PM

This from the database, so it's probably not the one you were after (and I cocked up the old html). Anyway email me on christopher_mclaughlin@hotmail. com if you need any help.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From:
Date: 27 Aug 99 - 08:54 PM

There is a great thread in the Forum on Fiddler's Green though.

Fiddler's Green Discussion

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From:
Date: 28 Aug 99 - 03:51 AM

The version of "Fiddlers' Green" I'm familiar with is essentially that quoted upstream; I ran across it, unattributed, on the Irish Rovers album ON THE SHORES OF AMERICAY (Decca/MCA) -- which I haven't seen mentioned in this or the other thread on the song.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Frank Hamilton
Date: 28 Aug 99 - 04:33 PM

There's an interesting aspect as to where the song came from. If you do a comparison to "Wrap Me Up in My Tarpaulin Jacket" or the "Handsome Young Airman" in Carl Sandburg's American Songbag, you will find a similar song in tune and construction. It was collected from the time of World War I. Don't know John Connolly but Sandburg's book was published around 1927. Could it have been the basis for Mr. Connolly's song? Check it out.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Sourdough
Date: 28 Aug 99 - 06:00 PM

George Seto:

THanks for the pointer to the old "Fiddler's Green" thread. You are right, it is very interesting.

Even though the song is 33 years old, isn't the term "Fiddler's Green", a traditional one?

Sourdough

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 28 Aug 99 - 07:07 PM

Fiddler's Green (the mythical place) is certainly traditional; John Connolly's song is in DigiTrad (along with a mid-to-late 1800 U.S. Cavalry song of the same title).Try a search for [Fiddler's Green].

The Connoly song is clearly structured after Tarpaulin Jacket, (text, not tune) and, IMO, clearly changes the idea enough to let it stand firmly on its own two feet as a new composition. John sang it at Mystic Seaport's Sea Music Festival a couple of years back, introducing it as "a medley of my greatest hit". It's one of the very rare singer/songwriter compositions that's good enough to be continually thought of as "traditional".

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Susan of DT
Date: 28 Aug 99 - 09:49 PM

If you look for Fiddler's Green in the regular full text search there is no problem finding it, but the alphabet title search is messed up at this song - other Fs work right. In general, I would recommend the full search, since you never know either what the "real" title is or what someone entered it as.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Frank Hamilton
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 10:42 AM

Dick,

Sorry to disagree about the tune part. It's spun off of Tarpaulin Jacket. Check the music in Sandburg. Connolly did change it somewhat but it's pretty close in my opinion. Probably enough for a copyright dispute if anyone had the stomach for that.

Frank

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: arkie
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 12:12 PM

This is an interesting song from the standpoint of whether it could be considered traditional or not. I have heard versions of the song which I assumed had been learned from oral transmission and tune and words were changed a little. The folk process is at work on the song even though the original words and music are out there for anyone who cares enough to find them. The later versions I have heard are not as appealing to me as the version I heard Bob and Evelyn Beers sing at a Folklore Society of Greater Washington gathering many, many, many years ago when I fell in love with the song forever.

Subject: Lyr Add: FIDDLER'S GREEN^^^
From:
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 04:17 PM

These are the words taken from the album 'Songs From The Stocks' by The Broadside (date unknown).

- Ken L.

*******************************************************

As I roved by the dockside one evening so rare
To view the still waters and take the salt air
I heard an old fisherman singing this song
O, take me away, boys, my time is not long

CHORUS:

Dress me up in my oilskins and jumper
No more on the docks I'll be seen
Just tell my old shipmates I'm taking a trip, mates
And I'll see you someday in Fiddlers' Green

Now, Fiddlers' Green is a place I've heard tell
Where fishermen go if they don't go to Hell
Where the weather is fair and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away

(CHORUS)

The sky's always clear and there's never a gale
And the fish jump on board with a flip of their tails
You can lay at your leisure; there's no work to do
And the skipper's below making tea for the crew

(CHORUS)

And when you're in dock and the long trip is through
There's pubs and there's clubs and there's lasses there too
Now the girls are all pretty and the beer is all free
And there's bottles of rum growing on every tree

(CHORUS)

I don't want a harp or a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea
And I'll play my old squeeze-box as we sail along
With the wind in the rigging to sing me this song

(CHORUS)

Written by John Conolly; sung by The Broadside

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 30 Aug 99 - 12:14 PM

Yep, the folk process is at work, and I love it! I recall Gordon Bok once complaining that many of the skippers under whom he had worked thought nothing of making tea for the crew, so what was so unusual about that to make it something to comment on in Fiddler's Green? As for me, I never met such bosses ashore.

Sandy

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 31 Aug 99 - 07:06 AM

There is no question in my mind that this is a (relatively) recently composed song that is entering tradition. That is a tribute of the highest order to John Connolly's songwriting ability.

All the best,
Dan

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Ray Frank (inactive)
Date: 31 Aug 99 - 01:58 PM

Hi Sandy et al,

Talk about folk process...how about, "And the skipper's below making love to the crew."?

I heard that some time ago and it changed the whole complexion of the song for me ever since.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Legal Eagle
Date: 31 Aug 99 - 02:58 PM

John Conolly at Hazlitt Folk, Maidstone, Kent, early next year.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Wolfgang
Date: 01 Sep 99 - 11:33 AM

Ken L. writes: 'Written by John Conolly; sung by The Broadside'.
I'd like to add that Conolly was part of the group 'The Broadside', so he might actually sing it himself on that old record.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: GUEST,James Matthews - B 2/17th Cavalry Assn.
Date: 17 Oct 02 - 11:49 PM

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 07:24 AM

I've been singing John Conolly's "Fiddler's Green" for at least 30 years. John is a lovely bloke from South Humberside who has written a vast number of superb songs - "Punch & Judy Man", "Ranter's Wharf" and many others - some with his mate Bill Meeks. Recently when he'd sung a couple of new songs which Linda and I loved, he sent us a CD (not an issued one) with them on - free of charge.

There is also a morris dance parody of "Fiddler's Green" on DT HERE by Robot Nim (Herga Morris) - although the original beer mentioned was "Watney's Red Barrel" (now happily no longer obtainable).

Perhaps there should be a few more of John and Bill's songs on DT.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 07:47 AM

On the 'skipper's below making love with the crew' theme. My mate Roger was at Warwick FF when someone sang the song and his mother came thought they had sung ' Just tell me I'm shit faced and taking a trip mate'

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 08:12 AM

FWIW I hear both version re

And I'll see you someday in Fiddlers' Green

And I'll see you someday on Fiddlers' Green

and the last time I heard JC sing it (at "Folk at Frampton" - Frampton on Severn VH, Glos every Tues) he sang on.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Snuffy
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 08:58 AM

I saw John sing it at both Swansea and Hull Maritime Festivals and it varied from verse to verse - about half in and half on

WassaiL! V

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Declan
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 11:10 AM

I'm amazed this song dates back only to 1970, because I seem to have known it all my life (well I was only 10 back then) and it always seemed to me to be one of the older ballads that were being sung at the time. I presume some Irish ballad group (not sure which one) recorded it very shortly after it was written.

I remember having rehearsals for a folk group in the late 70s (which never actually performed as it turned out). We could never agree on whether the first line of the chorus should be oilskins and jumpers or oilskins and blankets. I'm not sure where the blankets came from but there were definitely two different camps on the subject at the time.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Sooz
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 12:03 PM

See the excellent Mr Conolly at Gainsborough Folk Festival this weekend and take the opportunity to ask him about Fiddlers Green for yourselves! click here

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 01:33 PM

FWIW the first written version I saw of the song was in SING OUT! about 30 years ago, when they used it as part of an English Concertina Teach In. "In" was used there. When I inquired, the answer came back that, 'as Fiddler's Green is sailors' Heaven, you would wish to be in Heaven rather than on it."

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Mr Red
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 02:10 PM

You got it. In it should be then. But the author should be the authority, --- usually.
It's like "When We Go Rolling Home", is it rich men in their fine array, or finery.
The mark of a true folk song is that we think it has been around a long time and the versions proliferate. The swiftness of the changes is what helps us to that conclusion. IMHO

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 02:50 PM

When the mood is on me I have been known to sing 'The skippers below making Free with the crew',and also 'The beer is all Breakspears and the girls are all free',but then I am well known as a right royal M C P. I Think.Or Do I?

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 03:21 PM

I agree. On occasion, I have been heard to sing "the beer is all pretty and the women run free, And there's bottles of Gosling's upon every tree." My point is simply the the concept of in vs. on is critical to the meaning of the song, whereas the details of the pub are just that, details.

Subject: RE: fiddler's green - different version
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Oct 02 - 03:44 PM

Thanks Dave Bryant for remembering Untippled. It was actually Robot Nimb, who was discovered by Tim Edwards, Ron Barnett and Bob Hawkes in the Black Horse in Chippenham at the Chippenham and Lacock festival in 1975....... I collected a song off his French half-sister, Anais, but that's completely different.

Subject: Lyr Add: NEW 'FIDDLER'S GREEN' (parody)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 11:07 AM

Back in the days when I used to be a tenants union organizer we used to sing:

Give me hundreds of damage deposits,
No more on your streets I'll be seen;
Just tell all me tenants,
I'm collecting the rent(ants),
And it's off to Bermuda
With lots of long green.

There was also a British parody I ran across in the 1970's related to creating a heaven for old housing squatters:
^^
NEW "FIDDLER'S GREEN"
(Words by Hackney & Islington Music Workshop © 1978
Tune: parody of Fiddler's Green by John Connelly © World March Music Ltd.)

Now Fiddler's Green is a place I've heard tell
Where old squatters go if they don't go to hell;
It's where all homeless people find homes, I believe;
There's no locks on the doors because nobody thieves.

Chorus:

Wrap me up with my blanket and crowbar;
No more 'round the squats I'll be seen;
You can tell my old squat mates that I've had my lot, mates,
And I'll see you someday in Fiddler's Green.

There's houses stand empty in Fiddler's Green;
The walls are all dry and the floors are all clean;
You just go to the Council and ask them the way,
And a bailiff comes 'round to make sure you're O.K. (CHO)

All the neighbors rush in with a big pot of tea,
While the meter is fixed by a friendly P.C.;
There's no leaky roofs and there's no leaky bogs,
And there's no nasty callers with Alsatian dogs. (CHO)

Now working for money, of course, it's been banned;
You just take what you need and you do what you can,
And even the babies are learning to see
There's no need to be greedy when everything's free. (CHO)

Now it seems to be homeless these days is a crime;
So I'll pack all my bags and I'll travel through time,
And if all you good people can see what I mean
You may ask what's so strange about Fiddler's Green. (CHO)


;~)
Landlady's Daughter, not to be confused with Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Snuffy
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 11:13 AM

Farewell to my Rothmans and Bensons
No more with a fag I'll be seen
I'm fed up of choking
I'm giving up smoking
And you'll never see me with Rizlas green

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 11:23 AM

During his trip to San Francisco, John Conolly mentioned that where some sing the first line in the chorus as "Dress me up..." he composed it as "Wrap me up..."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Hrothgar
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 05:40 AM

"... the beer is all gritty and the girls are all free..."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: open mike
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 04:21 AM

i have heard this from the group Marley's Ghost-
they do a great acapella version...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: haddocker
Date: 04 Dec 07 - 11:56 PM

I just met someone tonight who was talking about this song. When he found out I sang sea music, he stated that he knew the guy who wrote "Fiddler's Green", someone named Tassinari;I believe an educator and concertinist singer.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: open mike
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 12:32 PM

Well, John Connolly is mentioned here as the songwriter. Who is this
imposter Tassinari?

and here is where you can find the group that I have heard sing the song
http://www.marleysghost.com/

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Brakn
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 01:25 PM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Brakn
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 01:27 PM

Ben Tassinri has recorded it but I think we all know he didn't write it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Little Robyn
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 01:44 PM

I'm surprised at the copyright date - 1970. I'm sure we were singing it along with Joan Prior at Kapiti folk club in the 1960s????
But maybe it was later. I think she sang Mr Punch and Judy man as well.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 03:48 PM

It's John Conolly - 1 n, 2 lls....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: haddocker
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 03:52 PM

Hey, that's what the guy told me. What do I know? The source is not someone I would consider knowledgeable in the field.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: oggie
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 06:16 PM

Recorded on "Songs From the Stocks" on Boston Soundhunters Label in 1971/72 (from memory - my sister has our copy). Classic album which also includes Punch and Judy Man, Harry Eddom, Here's to the Grimsby Lads and many others. Words, notes and chords are in "The Singing River" Humberside Leisure Services (1985) ISBN 0904451275. Long out of print but available through inter-library loan.

All the best

Steve

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: Stewie
Date: 05 Dec 07 - 06:44 PM

Tim O'Brien has recorded yet another song with 'Fiddler's Green' title. It is by Pete Goble, a bluegrass musician/songwriter, and is the title track of a 2006 O'Brien album issued on Sugar Hill. Unfortunately, the CD has no lyrics sheet, but the flavour the piece is given in this cautionary stanza:

To the young lads now courtin' pretty maidens so fair
Should you hear those trade winds, let me warn you - beware
Go marry your young girl, raise your corn and your beans
Don't waste your young manhood on Fiddler's Green

Pete Goble is a fine songwriter. His 'Tennessee 1949' album with Bill Emerson on the Webco label [WLPS 0123] is a bluegrass classic. Alas, it has not made it to CD and probably never will.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: fiddler's green - different version
From: GUEST,Pete Sumner
Date: 06 Dec 07 - 11:17 AM

Although he can speak for himself...John wrote the version of Fiddler's Green that most folks know back in either 1967 or '68...
He can tell many tales regarding the spurious 'origins' of the song.....one from Roy Bailey, who, after hearing the song sung in a club somewhere in North America, was pleased to tell the singer that he (Roy) knew the writer. The singer snapped back that John couldn't have written it as he learned it from his father many years ago....After hearing this, John smiled and said that he assumed the father must have had a copy of one of his albums...

There is a new version that John is singing around the clubs.....

another thread...

On a related topic....John can be seen playing the squeeze box in a photograph of the original Grimsby Morris Men circa 1967 on the front page of the web site.
This year is their 40th anniversary...congratulations to them..

Peter Sumner