Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)

Subject: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: GUEST,Santa
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 11:38 AM

I presume this song is traditional?   Is there more known about its origins? Which king? Which war?

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: michaelr
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 11:52 AM

Discussed recently in this thread. It was written by Scotsman Ian Sinclair.

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 12:03 PM

Thanks for that. I had looked for it but not found that recent thread. However, the reference to YouTube will do excellently. I was watching the session when my wife came in and said "must have that!" or words to that effect. Now the folk process takes over.

After posting, I did look on Karan Casey website and found the reference to Ian Sinclair, but no further background.

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: michaelr
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 12:47 PM

I'd be surprised if the author had a particular king or war in mind. The phrase "taking the King's shilling" has been in use for centuries. It could be seen as also pertaining to kids who signed up for the Iraq war for college money.

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: Effsee
Date: 06 Jun 11 - 10:51 PM

I've alerted the author of the song to this thread...he may contribute to the discussion...then again he may not!

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: michaelr
Date: 07 Jun 11 - 02:00 AM

Thanks you, I hope he does!

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: GUEST,RoNiG
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 08:49 PM

http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=63774

So... Anyone know who wrote this fine song? John Prentice or Ian Sinclair?

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Jun 12 - 09:31 PM

It wasn't John Prentice, that was a different "King's Shilling". I believe it was Ian Sinclair, but I don't have anything to back it up other than comments on YouTube videos and in this thread.

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 04:44 PM

Hi,

The song was written by Ian Sinclair. I know this as he is my uncle. He and my aunt, Margie (his wife), were in a band called Mirk together with Ray Crompton.

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 16 Apr 13 - 05:36 PM

A writer of fine songs, and a general all round nice guy.
I'm fond of his song, Tak a Dram Afore ye Go. Here, sung by the lovely Siobhan Miller

Subject: RE: Origins: The King's Shilling (Redpath)
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 17 Apr 13 - 05:49 AM

The lyrics which the OP's link attach to were undoubtedly written by Ian Sinclair of Thurso. I'm 99% sure he sang it for the first time at a Thurso folk festival in the mid 1970s, and I was in the audience,as I'm sure was "Effsee".