Lyr Req: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow

Subject: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow. Lyrics req
From: GUEST,Don Day
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 09:03 AM

Subject: "The dowdy streets of Jarrow" Lyrics required.
From: GUEST,Don Day
Date: 15 Dec 10 - 08:52 AM

This is a parody of Dowie dens of Yarrow if it is not obvious. Although the clan fever was stronger in Jarrow with the animosity with the nearby town of Felling the similarity with the Scottish situation is obvious (I lived in Hebburn, between the two, and was unfortunately caught up in the battles on occasion. Bollox kicked up in two incidents outside the Palais!) Written by Ed McIntyre of the said town, who was a prominent singer and composer at the Crown and Anchor club in the mid-sixties. I have forgotten most of the verses now and would like to revisit them.
Ed was a strong folk influence in the Tyneside area and wrote many now-classic songs. He ran the club with Tommy Cassidy and others and they performed mostly Irish music, very well, until 1969 when all sympathy with Irish Republicanism ceased and the club folded. Ed was still to be seen at peripheral clubs like Birtley and the Marsden Inn for some years after.
Please dredge your memories for a song that contained such classic verses as:-

"The Father sought her brothers out
In the Wheatsheaf they were boozin'
Saying "How can you sit here half slewed
When your sister we are losing".

I have Googled Ed for some time now and can find no trace.

Don Day

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 08:37 AM

I remember it as well Don- thought it was Ed Pickford who wrote it but could well be wrong... Eddie M is still around & hosting sessions- do you want to know where?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow
From: GUEST,999
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 09:58 AM

It was written by Ed Pickford. He posted the lyrics on the following thread:

thread.cfm?threadid=80170#1458879

The lyrics are also in the DT, fyi.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow
From: bill\sables
Date: 06 Jan 13 - 03:41 PM

Dowdie Streets of Jarrow

There is a tale you'll hear about a tale of grief and sorrow
About a girl from Felling square who was courting strong in Jarrow

Oh father dear, oh father dear oh let me wed tomorrow
'Cos one fine night I won't say no to my Teddy Boy from Jarrow

Oh daughter dear, oh daughter dear why can't you find another
Or you'll end up a right old tart as did your dear old mother

The father sought her brother out in The Wheatsheaf he was boozing
Saying how dare you just sit there pissed while your sister we are loosing

The brother called hid gang to him and said that on the morrow
That they would get that Teddy Boy on the dowdy streets of Jarrow

The boy he walked up through the close where the streets are dark and narrow
He there espied nine Felling lads come to do him in in Jarrow

He wrapped his belt around his fist but they beat him to a shadow
And there he lay all broke and torn on the dowdy streets of Jarrow

He called his lady unto him to ease his grief and sorrow
But she's found another at the Drill Hall dance while lies dead in Jarrow.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 12:32 PM

Hello Bill- are you the man I met a while back in that nice pub in Stanhope?- never quite made it back but a grand little spot-- Now tell me it wasnt you....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Dowdie Streets of Jarrow
From: bill\sables
Date: 07 Jan 13 - 02:03 PM

Hi Jim, I knew you way back in the 60s in Newcastle area but last time we met was in Whitby Folk week a couple of years ago but not in Stanhope