the tailors courtship-tune req

Subject: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,Emmie
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 06:45 AM

I am working on a project: creating a performance piece that comprises readings from my friend Beatrice Parvins book "Captain Swing and the blacksmith" and song performances that link to it. Beatrice was inspired by the stories in so many folk songs and wove the lyrics of songs into the themes and dialogue of her book. We are now trying to find new song material from the Full English database to add to this piece.

The central character sells buttons so I was trying to find a suitable song for her character. I looked on the full english and found the first line of this. My problem is that I am kind of stuck being able to use the database and ended up only getting the first line of the song and no tune or further lyrics. I googled the line and found these remaining words and it appears to be a childrens nursery rhyme. Can anyone advise how I can open up more information on the full english database? Alternatively, does anyone know this song and if it has a tune? Thanks so much. I may be on this forum asking for help quite often now!

IN love be I, fifth button high,
    On velvet runs my courting,
Sheer buckram twist, best broadcloth list,
    I have for others sporting.

From needle, thread, my fingers fled,
    My heart is set a throbbing ;
And no one by, I cross-legg'd sigh,
    For charming Betsy Bobbin.
          Betsy Bobbin, Betsy Bobbin,
          For charming Betsy Bobbin.
Her lips so sweet, are velveret,
    Her eyes do well their duty ;
Her skin's to me, like dimity,
    The pattern gay of beauty.
Her hand squeez'd oft, is satin soft,
    And sets my heart a throbbing;
Her cheeks, oh dear, red cassimere,
    Lord ! what a Betsy Bobbin ! &c.
Her roguish smile can well beguile,
    Her every look bewitches ;
Yet never stir, when tacked to her,
    For Tim will wear the breeches :
I've face and mien, am spruce and keen,
    And though my heart keeps throbbing,
There's not, in fine, one man in nine,
    So fit for Betsy Bobbin, &c.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,#
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 07:16 AM

http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn88064479/1861-11-25/ed-1/seq-4/

There seems to be another The Tailor's Courtship from 1861. It's in the upper left hand part of the page page and you'll have to enlarge the image to read the lyrics.

That aside, I have not found a melody although there was reference to a melody at a site I encountered. The 'nursery rhyme' you quoted appears in Google books frequently.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,#
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 07:56 AM

https://thesession.org/discussions/22298

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,#
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 08:30 AM

Sorry about that. Seems all the Mediafire stuff has gone bye-bye. However, possibly someone who posts at The Session site can be of assistance.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 08:43 AM

yes, it was really exciting to think I could buy the tracks by Thomas Moran and then realised I couldn't boo hoo! If anyone has any info or assistance on this it would be great.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,#
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 09:43 AM

Betsey Bobbin may be an alternate title.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 10:09 AM

yes, I did search with that title but no joy so far. Can anyone advise me on how to access songs via the full english database?

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,#
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 10:22 AM

http://www.vwml.org/search/search-full-english

I take it you've read the 'how to search' tutorial on the right side of the page?

Many people here may know it better as the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.

Best of luck to you.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 15 - 11:03 AM

I thought I had read this tutorial, but I will read it again and see if I missed anything. I just kept clicking on all the links on a song and not getting it in full. I think it may be something to do with having to find the roud number and then putting that somewhere. I will persevere.

Subject: RE: the tailors courtship-tune req
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 23 Apr 15 - 11:03 AM

Hi, Emmie

I made my way to facsimile of a book page on the Full English site. There was music on the left side, but I am convinced the music doesn't fit the the poem. It is probably music for the page that went before.

I think the best thing to do is to make up a new tune. If you can't do it, perhaps a musical friend will help.