Why Rosie?

Subject: Why Rosie?
From: Mooh
Date: 29 May 11 - 09:11 AM

There are lots of references to Rosie in folk and blues songs. A DT search here found many, see below. In scanning related discussions I've somehow missed the "why" of the name Rosie. Seems to have carried over to rock music in some small way too (AC/DC, Led Zeppelin). Is there an historical significance to the name, or is it random? Is it a sort of generic catch-all name? Is it cultural, beyond the music?

0.9201 - DRINKING WITH ROSIE
0.9018 - ROSIE UP ON MOORE STREET
0.9018 - ROSIE ANDERSON
0.8912 - COAL BLACK ROSE
0.8788 - ROSIE
0.8511 - ROSIE O Ho
0.8511 - ROSIE JANE
0.8511 - HAUL AWAY FOR ROSIE
0.8510 - BRAUNSTON BELLE AND THE NUMBER ONE
0.8169 - ROSE OF ALABAMY
0.8169 - THE YEAR OF '88
0.8169 - SWEET ROSY O'GRADY
0.8169 - COME BACK PADDY REILLY
0.8164 - SWEET ROSIE LEVINSKY
0.7967 - ROADS OF KILDARE
0.7967 - OLD ZEB
0.7967 - MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
0.7742 - GENTLE FAIR JENNY
0.7742 - THE CALICO PRINTER'S CLARK
0.7742 - WINNIPEG WHORE (2)
0.7742 - WILD ROSE OF THE MOUNTAIN
0.7742 - THE BEGGAR LADDIE
0.7742 - THE WINNIPEG WHORE
0.7742 - THE TWO BROTHERS 3
0.7742 - THE PEARL OF THE IRISH NATION
0.7742 - THE JOHN BIRCH SOCIETY
0.7742 - TEN THOUSAND MILES
0.7742 - STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN
0.7742 - SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK
0.7742 - MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, AND JOHN
0.7742 - JENNIFER GENTLE (modern)
0.7742 - JENNIFER GENTLE
0.7742 - IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME
0.7742 - HAUL 'ER AWAY
0.7742 - COLD AND RAW (The Farmers Daughter)
0.7742 - A LITTLE OF ONE WITH T'OTHER 2

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 29 May 11 - 10:19 AM

Probably a similar number with Peggy, Polly, Nancy. Short names that will fit easily ino verses and which at one time were also very common.

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 29 May 11 - 11:42 AM

And I'd guess Annie. And for men, Willie or Johnnie.

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 29 May 11 - 12:07 PM

Surely the girl in Calico Printer's Clerk is called Dorothy?

~Michael~

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 29 May 11 - 12:17 PM

In sea songs, it's most commonly Nancy [here's adieu sweet lovely, of Yarmouth Weymouth or wherever] or Polly [on the shore], I should think; partnered by William or Jack. But it is indeed most commonly Rosie who is hauled away for [sometimes by Joe?].

~M~

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: GUEST
Date: 29 May 11 - 12:59 PM

"Rosie Palmer & her 5 sisters". I guess it could be used in other ways & meanings too but this was the term & meaning that I knew when just a pup.

"Rosie you're alright, you wear my ring,
When you hold me tight, Rosie, that's my thing.
When you turn out the lights, I got to hand it to me.

Looks like it's me & you again tonight, Rosie"

(slang for masturbation)see this thread

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 29 May 11 - 04:01 PM

It's fun to sing "Rosie," with its nice long o and e.

Try singing a song about Madge or Tricia. It's not nearly as enjoyable.

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: Mooh
Date: 31 May 11 - 09:57 AM

Thanks folks!

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Why Rosie?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Jun 11 - 07:32 AM

No doubt "Rosie" will become as popular in a generation or two, as "Tiffany" and "Heather" are today.

"A rose is a rose is a rose!"

"Like the Maryellen Carter, she has rose again!"

Charley Noble