Chord Req: Eight Shillings

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Eight Shillings
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 13 - 03:01 PM

It may be sung to the tune that goes with "Will You Love Me Then As Now" in that that is listed as another title from 1853. It is in the Library of Congress which I think has the sheet music.

Good to see you, Q.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Eight Shillings
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 09 Nov 13 - 01:34 PM

There is a much longer version in the Bodleian collection, Johnson Ballads, 1333; "ThePresent Times" It speaks of Napoleon (Nosey) being out of work and of several British politicians, so may be dated fairly closely by one who knows British history of the time. Could be about 1810.

Modified to the title "Present Times or Eight Shillings a Week," is in a copy from 1842-1855, which is the version asked for by Darlodave. Also later revisions.

I cannot find a vocal, but a knowledgeable English folk group may be able to help.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Eight Shillings
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 13 - 11:28 AM

I am finding zero for chords and nowhere to hear the song. I expect maybe one of the people into trad will be along to pop chords in. Let's keep this thread up for a few days. I have cut and paste the lyrics in that link. The broadside that's from was printed in 1888. I may have screwed up the 1850s date in the previous post.


PRESENT TIMES, OR EIGHT SHILLINGS A WEEK.*

Come all you bold Britons, where'er you may be,
I pray give attention, and listen to me,
There once was good times, but they're gone by complete,
For a poor man lives now on Eight Shillings a week.

Such times in old England there never was seen,
As the present ones now; but much better have been,
A poor man's condemned, and looked on as a thief,
And compelled to work hard on Eight Shillings a week.

Our venerable fathers remember the year,
When a man earned three shillings a day, and his beer.
He then could live well, keep his family neat,
But now he must work for Eight Shillings a week.

The Nobs of "Old England," of shameful renown,
Are striving to crush a poor man to the ground,
They'll beat down their wages and starve them complete,
And make them work hard for Eight Shillings a week.

A poor man to labour (believe me 'tis so),
To maintain his family is willing to go
Either hedging, or ditching, to plough, or to reap,
But how does he live on Eight Shillings a week.

In the reign of old George, as you all understand,
Here then was contentment throughout the whole land,
Each poor man could live, and get plenty to eat,
But now he must pine on Eight Shillings a week.

So now to conclude and finish my song,
May the times be much better, before it is long,
May every labourer be able to keep
His children and wife on Twelve Shillings a week.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Eight Shillings
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 13 - 11:09 AM

Thank you. The song (ballad) is from the 1850s.

http://www.staggernation.com/msb/present_times_or_eight_shillings_a_week.php

I will now go looking for chords or somewhere to hear it, Darlodave.

Subject: RE: Chords Req: Eight Shillings
From: GUEST,Darlodave
Date: 09 Nov 13 - 07:56 AM

Possibly a song by Ian Campbell starts:-
Come all you bold Britons where'er ye may be.
-------
-------
For a poor man must live on eight shillings a week.
Hope this can help for the chords.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Eight Shillings
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 13 - 08:11 PM

Do you have information on the song?

Subject: Chord Req: Eight Shillings
From: GUEST,Darlodave
Date: 08 Nov 13 - 06:49 AM

Can anyone provide the simple guitar chords for the above song please.