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Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 05 Feb 23 - 11:59 PM I wrote this song back in the 90's; I was attending Augusta College's (in West Virginia) wonderful Vocal Week, and taking a songwriting class led by Bob Franke. He went around the room asking people what they wanted to get from the class; when it was my turn, I said that I had a tendency to write songs that were clever and wordy, and I'd like to write something simple and moving. "Write something from a child's point of view," he said. This was the result. As a kid, I did actually climb onto a step-stool and drop a jar full of peanut butter to see if it would break (it's "jelly" in the song because "peanut butter" was too many syllables). I had seen the word "shatterproof" on the label, and – not clear on the distinction between "shatterproof" and "unbreakable" – been wondering about it for months, thinking "It sure looks like it would break!" Finally, one afternoon when Mom wasn't home, I decided I had to test it out. When it broke, I was quite disappointed, and decided it was just another case of false advertising. When she got home, Mom was pretty good about it: "Vikki, why? she asked. "It said shatterproof!" I complained. She left it at that. Thanks Mom! As usual, a very rough recording can be heard on SoundCloud: Hold On Tight Hold On Tight ©~1992? Vikki Appleton Fielden After Mom and Dad have tucked me in at night I sneak out a book and find my old flashlight Or I lie real quiet 'cos my dolls watch me They wait to walk and talk until I'm fast asleep Hold on tight, don't let go It's all right, Mama told me so Mom buys jelly in a jar that's shatterproof But the label doesn't really tell the truth I stood on a chair and let the jelly fall Now it's on the floor and on the kitchen wall Hold on tight, don't let go It's all right, Mama told me so Yesterday at recess in a dodgeball game Girls against the boys, it always ends the same Katherine, the shyest one, was standing quietly Jimmy whipped the ball and hit her right below the knees Kathy fell onto her knees and never made a sound Hands pressed to her mouth and the tears rollin' down Daddy says that cryin' is a baby thing to do But if it was me, I know that I'd cry too Hold on tight, don't let go It's all right, Mama told me so Did you ever dream that when the sun goes down Gravity is gone and you can't reach the ground? Everything gets smaller as you float away Higher up and higher till you're lost in outer space Hold on tight, don't let go It's all right, Mama told me so Mama runs her fingers through my hair Daddy doesn't like to see me cry I know they love me, but I don't know why Now I see you drifting far away from me Should I hold on tight or should I let you be Hold me in your arms and tell me not to cry and we will pretend that everything's all right Hold on tight, don't let go It's all right, Mama told me so Hold on tight, don't let go It's all right, Mama told me so |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 26 Oct 22 - 04:22 PM This song was inspired by the political turmoil I'm seeing in both of my "home" countries – the US and the UK. Political disagreements are driving friends and families apart. How do we find a way to talk about these things without calling each other stupid and/or evil? How do we find a way "home" – to a place where we see the people we disagree with as friends and family, rather than enemies? A very rough recording can be heard here: How Do We Find a Way Home? How Do We Find a Way Home? ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, Oct 2022 You work hard all bloody week Still can't pay for food and heat Is your life much better now? Honestly, please tell me how. How do we find? How do we find? How do we find a way home? How do we find? How do we find? How do we find a way home? (I) love my country and I love my kids That's why I voted the way I did (But) now I'm worried we're out of control Yelling at each other and digging a hole Chorus Can you be smart yet swallow lies? Can you live with a compromise? (We) jumped off a bridge without a net Now, can you forgive? Can I forget? If I leave my pride behind, Is it safe to change my mind? If I admit that I was wrong, Am I weak or am I strong? If I don't say what you want to hear, Will you listen? Will you care? Will you mock and watch me fall? If you do, God help us all. Chorus Repeat last line |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: MaJoC the Filk Date: 17 Oct 22 - 08:27 AM > men can have shoes the shape of their feet My first thought on seeing that was "Winklepickers", but at least wearing those was a style choice. Standing by for corrections on whether they were available in a double-E width. I hereby nominate "winklepickers" as the Naughty Word of the Week. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 16 Oct 22 - 12:52 AM Lillibet's Gone to the tune of Lavender's Blue new words ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, Sept 2022 Lavender's blue, dilly, dilly Lavender's green There's a new King, dilly, dilly We've lost our Queen How many years, dilly dilly Did our Liz reign? 70 years dilly dilly Somehow stayed sane What happens now, dilly dilly Now that she's gone? Charlie is King dilly dilly He'll carry on With his true love dilly dilly Here's the report Camilla dear, dilly dilly Is Queen Consort How will you mourn dilly dilly? Watch BBC Nothing else on dilly dilly But royalty Summer is past, dilly, dilly Swifts on the wing Lillibet's gone, dilly, dilly God save the King |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 14 Sep 22 - 07:44 PM Amen Mo! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Mo the caller Date: 14 Sep 22 - 05:22 PM Just read the comments about pockets. I agree, but what gets me mad is the fact that men can have shoes the shape of their feet, and most of those sold for women are anything but. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 13 Sep 22 - 06:45 PM Well, Huw, they were written within days of the event, when we knew just a fraction of what we know now... Sounds like a very interesting (and chilling) book. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: HuwG Date: 07 Sep 22 - 03:45 PM I have just finished reading "The Steal" by Mark Bowden and Matthew Teague (Grove Press UK, ISBN 9781611854299) Yorkshire Yankee's lyrics seem remarkably restrained. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 04 Sep 22 - 12:59 AM Thanks very much, leeenia. Are you familiar with Galway Shawl? If so, you'll know that the original line was "She wore no jewels, no fancy diamonds". |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: leeneia Date: 03 Sep 22 - 01:40 PM Hi, Vikki. Those are great songs all, but my favorite is 'Ice Cream Weather.' I have an electric scooter that needed to run some, so yesterday the DH and I went for ice cream at 3 in the afternoon - a totally unheard of thing for us to do. Once I read a book about death in the family, written by a hospital chaplain. She said that if a child loses a parent, take the child out for ride and then have ice cream. Pay no attention to family strictures on what to eat. Ice cream is for comfort. ====== I also like your line, "His name was Juel, he was our diamond." |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 02 Sep 22 - 07:32 PM This one is in response to more sad news: the passing of Juel Ulven – another extraordinary folkie who shared his love of folk music and touched countless lives. I adapted an old trad song (because Juel loved old trad songs) in his honour. The festival referred to in the song is the Fox Valley Folk Festival, which takes place in a lovely park on an island in the Fox River, and was one of countless folk projects founded by Juel. His Name Was Juel to the tune of The Galway Shawl new words ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, August 2022 At Lake Geneva in old Kane County On a pleasant island one autumn day I spied a fellow behind the sound desk His lovely festival took my breath away His name was Juel, he was a diamond He shared his music with one and all Now all Fox Valley mourn his finale Though no one knows how he did it all He brought us singing, barn dances, stories He taught so many to love them too Though we will miss him, his lines will linger The gifts he gave us will see us through His name was Juel, he was our diamond His gift of music did us enthrall Now all Fox Valley mourn his finale But we'll remember what he gave us all |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 02 Sep 22 - 07:26 PM In memoriam of the wonderful Lisa Null, I adapted a simple American song that felt appropriate. I call it Lisa's Freight Train. Lisa's Freight Train to the tune of Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten new words ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, July 2022 Freight train, freight train, run so fast Freight train, freight train, run so fast While that old train speeds along Let us sing my joyful song Sing and dream from dusk to dawn Charlie helps me carry on Now I'm dead my songs live on And my pain is finally gone Freight train, freight train, run so fast Freight train, freight train, run so fast While that old train speeds along Let us sing my joyful song While I lived I sang my songs Sang them loud and sang them strong Asked the world to sing along Share my song when I am gone Freight train, freight train, run so fast Freight train, freight train, run so fast While that old train speeds along We will sing my final song While that old train speeds along Let us sing my joyful song |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 19 Jul 22 - 08:26 PM Ice Cream Weather ©199? Vikki Appleton Fielden Not sure when I wrote this; it was during a heatwave in the 90's when I was living in the Detroit area. A very rough recording can be heard here: Ice Cream Weather Now the days are hot and humid and the air is thick and damp At night I sit in darkness, Cos it's too hot with a lamp And it's ice cream weather... Ice cream weather (get other singers to echo this line while you hold the last note/syllable of the previous line) Yes, it's ice cream weather... Ice cream weather Every hour's long and lazy All I wanna do is sit With a scoop of cold and creamy Roll my tongue all over it Cos it's ice cream weather... Ice cream weather Yes, it's ice cream weather... Ice cream weather Don't wanna walk, or move, or talk Or read or sleep or soothe or sigh Feelin' a slow small salty drop of sweat Silently crawl from my neck to my thigh Got a million things need doin' But they won't get done today Today's a day for wastin' Watch the minutes melt away Cos it's ice cream weather... Ice cream weather Yes, it's ice cream weather... Ice cream weather Ice cream weather... (everyone together on this last line) |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 13 Jul 22 - 09:16 PM Nobody Coming to Hire Me to the tune of Nobody Coming to Marry Me (a.k.a. "The Hedger & Ditcher Song") New words ©Vikki Appleton Fielden (can't remember when I wrote this; maybe ten years ago...) My father's a graphic designer my mother does nothing but shop I'm brilliant at media studies But still I cannot get a job Oh dear, what shall become of me Oh dear, what shall I be There's nobody coming to hire me No-one to read my CV I took 27 A-levels I put them all on my CV That ought to be bloody impressive So what if I only passed three I thought if I went to the Uni and learned to sleep late and drink beer That's all I would need for to find me A well-paying, easy career Oh, must I die on the dole Oh dear, how shocking the thought There's nobody coming to hire me Surely it's not me own fault But even tho I lack employment And worked me poor fingers to bone At end of the story I'm laughin' Cos I'll never pay off me loan Folkie verse: My father's a mandolin player my mother does nothing but sing I've got a degree in folk music So why does the phone never ring Oh dear, what shall become of us Why can't we make it big There's nobody coming to hire us No-one to give us a gig |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 13 Jul 22 - 09:05 PM The Jubilee's at Buckingham Palace to the tune of Buckingham Palace (lyrics by A. A. Milne, music by Harold Fraser-Simson) new words written by Vikki Appleton Fielden to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's Platinum (70 years) Jubilee in June 2022 They're changing guard at Buckingham Palace - Christopher Robin went down with Alice. The Queen put on the Royal Crown "It's time for a party in London Town," Says Alice. The Jubilee's at Buckingham Palace - Christopher Robin went down with Alice. The Red Arrows flew and everyone cheered. "And Louis made faces and covered his ears" Says Alice. The Jubilee's at Buckingham Palace - Christopher Robin went down with Alice. The Queen had tea with Paddington Bear. "But why weren't Pooh and Piglet there?" Says Alice. The Jubilee's at Buckingham Palace - Christopher Robin went down with Alice. Boris and Carrie were met with boos "Winnie the Pooh would've booed him too," Says Alice. The Jubilee's at Buckingham Palace - Christopher Robin went down with Alice. Remember the parties at number 10. "Time for a different PM then," Says Alice. The Jubilee's at Buckingham Palace - Christopher Robin went down with Alice. The Queen put on the Royal Crown "They all love a party in London Town," Says Alice. ======== Notes/References: Photos of 6-yr-old Prince Louis making faces & covering his ears as the Red Arrows fly overhead Video of the Red Arrows Flypass Over Buckingham Palace Absolutely charming video of Queen Elizabeth having tea with Paddington Bear |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 13 Jul 22 - 08:11 PM We Zoom To the tunes of Blue Moon and (last verse) The Parting Glass new words by Vikki Appleton Fielden, written for the occasion of The 100th Mudcat Worldwide Sing We zoom... sing a song, play a tune From our different rooms As we banish the gloom We zoom... we know just what we are here for It is the music we cheer for And that we open our ears for And now one hundred times we've met together To have a laugh and sing a song And many are the themes we've weathered They keep our community strong We zoom... sing a song, play a tune From our different rooms As we banish the gloom Of all the songs on zoom I've crooned I've sung them in good company You lovely lot have kept me sane (nearly!) Amidst the lockdown lunacy We meet each week, from near and far We talk and laugh and have a ball Mudcatters are an act that's class My thanks, and joy be with you all |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 30 Jan 22 - 09:19 PM I've been the guest on a podcast called "Handed Down", talking about "Poor Boy", a song I learned from my mom (so... not a song I've written, but a song I sing, so I'm hoping it "qualifies" for this thread. ;-) ) Here's the description of 'my' episode: There's a lot going on in this American folk song - a lost love, a fight, jail and a miscarriage of justice. This is a song that has wandered its way around the Southern and Western states of the US and was popularised by Burl Ives. It's found in several versions, including one sung by Vikki Appleton Fielden's mother, which has some unique features. Vikki and I talk about memories of her mother who learned the song at a coffee house and sang it at concerts and family gatherings alike. We also chat about the joy of singing Broadway songs, folk dancing, being a Yankee in Yorkshire, and what it's really like to record at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. This is a bumper episode, but it's full of all kinds of interesting stuff. If you want to hear a Bulgarian folk song here's your opportunity. We also get to hear snippets of a couple of Vikki's hilarious parody songs, and a more sober song of modern times. But can you solve the mystery of the song's bridge? It can't be found anywhere on the internet, so where is it from? Send us a tweet if you know! @handeddownpod It's hosted by Jenny Shaw, who is knowledgeable, a lovely singer herself and a good interviewer. The podcast started in Sept '21 and you can find the other episodes here: "Handed Down" |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 09 Jan 22 - 02:37 AM LOL... Indeed! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 08 Jan 22 - 03:14 AM give me £840 & I'll buy enough rolls of decent patterns for lotsa' houses!! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 07 Jan 22 - 05:04 PM Sandra, I know... you couldn't pay me enough to live in that room (then again, £840 per roll of wallpaper might tempt me...). The mind boggles at how much it must have cost to create something so unattractive. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 07 Jan 22 - 04:47 PM another good song! the site you linked to didn't like Ad-blockers, so I closed the window & went looking using Interior Decorator Ms Google - OMG, I've just wasted at least half an hour of my life I won't get back. A lounge in the same pattern as the wall? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 07 Jan 22 - 12:07 AM I'd already written a parody of It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To (after the US elections in November 2020; see the first post in this thread), and don't normally write more than one parody to the same tune, but in this case a UK version was just begging to be written... Background for those who don't live in the UK: It turns out that last year (2020) while the rest of the UK was in lockdown and celebrating Christmas alone, avoiding parties and not visiting their families – even those in hospitals, dying alone – Boris Johnson and most of the Downing Street crew were having Christmas parties right and left (after wisely but hypocritically ordering the country not to). When this info started leaking out, of course the first thing Johnson & co did was deny it. However, when photos started emerging, they maintained that they were all "working"– but "just happened to have some wine and cheese on hand" (and a lovely catered buffet!) to keep things cheery. Although other people who broke the rules and held parties in Dec 2020 ended up receiving very large fines indeed, the Metropolitan Police (a.k.a. "The Met") have declined to investigate this particular breach of the law. The Home Secretary, when asked why not, explained that it was in the past and that the police "don't investigate things that have happened in the past". (I am not making this up!) The reference to wallpaper is because one of the first things Johnson and his girlfriend (now wife) did, once he was in office, was redecorate No 10 at great expense (for example, £840/~$1,140 per roll of wallpaper, in spite of which the result was not exactly fetching), but it's ok because the taxpayers didn't foot the bill; instead a rich Tory donor paid for it all. We're sure he expects nothing in return. Party? What Party? I’ll Lie If I Want To To the tune of It’s My Party and I’ll Cry If I Want To new words ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, Dec 2021 I held a party in secret last year, Thought everything would be fine Some lousy snitch let everyone know, Now I’m in trouble, big-time! It’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to, lie if I want to, lie if I want to You always knew I was lying to you Covid 19 had been spreading like mad ’Cos I locked down way too late Why should I care if old people die? Saves lots of dough for the state It’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to... I told the peasants to cancel their fun, Lock down and sit in their homes Then had a spree with vino and cheese While masses died all alone It’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to... There was no party and we broke no rules, Just wanted colleagues to see Our new wallpaper and hey, anyway Rules don’t apply to little me It’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to... Can’t understand why you’re all so upset, Let’s just pretend it’s not true Please don’t forget to castrate The Met, Say it’s too old to pursue It’s my party and I’ll lie if I want to... |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 18 Nov 21 - 02:24 AM NO |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 17 Nov 21 - 10:18 PM Are you surprised? I don't know... does Trump have a kind bone in his body? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 17 Nov 21 - 01:04 AM I didn't know that, but am I surprised? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 16 Nov 21 - 11:45 PM Sandra, Boris Johnson and the Tories are pulling the same s*** here in the UK, even though the incidences of voter fraud here are similarly tiny. Trump and co have a LOT to answer for. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 16 Nov 21 - 10:47 PM And while I'm at it... I wrote this in response to the 2016 US presidential election. It's to the tune of Si Kahn's "Aragon Mill" except for the last verse, which is to the tune of "After the Ball". What Have We Done? to the tune of Aragon Mill and After the Ball ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, Nov 2016 On November the 8th, as I try not to weep The election is close; it's so scary I can't sleep And the chorus that I hear, now that hatred has won, Is a sad, worried wail, crying "What have we done?" Now the polls have shut down; there are tidings of woe Tell us where can we go, tell us where can we go? And the chorus that I hear... All my friends' facebook posts can't believe that it's true Tell me what will we do, tell me what will we do? And the chorus that I hear... And there's no hope at all, just a sense of despair Once Obama is gone, dear God, how will we fare? And the chorus that I hear... In the town of DC, where the sirens are shrill There's a new head man heading for Capitol Hill... After the poll is over After the voters gone After the years campaigning Endless commercials on Many a heart is aching Many's the anguished soul Many the hopes that have vanished After the poll... |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 16 Nov 21 - 10:37 PM Thanks, Joe! But it's actually from a year ago... I wrote this a day or two after the 2020 US presidential election (before Joe had started this thread for me), and stumbled across it yesterday when I was trying to come up with something to sing at my Monday zoom sessions. I'm pretty sure I sang it at one of the Mudcat zooms last November, and in general I try not to repeat songs, but I decided to shamelessly drag it back out, with the excuse that it's (roughly) the anniversary of the events which led to my writing it. ;-) Find Every Ballot to the tune of Climb Every Mountain ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, Nov 2020 Find every ballot Near or remote Absentee or early Please count every vote Find every ballot Search every poll Honor every voter Justice is our goal A goal we extol In the land of the free For it's your right to vote Though you may not agree... with me. Expats and soldiers Black, white and gay Country folk and city All deserve their say Count every ballot Bring more caffeine Honor every voter Justice is our dream |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 15 Nov 21 - 07:07 PM latest from our Federal govt is a straight copy from Trump's USA - an attempt to stop "voter fraud" by legislating that voters carry ID. But as we all know Scott Morrison (shown at his best at COP26) was/is? a close friend of Trump. Fears voter ID laws before Parliament will disenfranchise most vulnerable The Australian Electoral Commission estimates that during the 2019 election, the rate of multiple voting was 0.03 percent ... It told an inquiry into the election that multiple voting is "by and large a very small problem", and usually involves mental health issues rather than deliberate fraud ... I might mention this ballot problem to songwriting friends. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Joe Offer Date: 15 Nov 21 - 06:49 PM The world is waiting to see the lyrics for Vikki's latest, greatest hit: "Find Every Ballot"!! (or something like that) |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 15 Nov 21 - 06:29 PM Sounds very cool, Sandra. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 15 Nov 21 - 06:27 PM my preciouss! new pocket has a black background with white-eyed grey cartoon cats wandering about lines of grey music, must ask a muso friend to play the tune. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 15 Nov 21 - 04:10 PM Good question, Sandra. There are a fair few I've written this year that I've not done anything with yet. The one I think I'll work on next is about when a loved one has dementia. I have the words, but no tune yet. Then again, things come up unexpectedly (as Sir Gav did! Nothing like a deadline to motivate... ;-) ) And Joe, yes; pockets are preciousss! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 13 Nov 21 - 11:53 PM 'tis indeed. one of my current projects it to put patch pockets on my 2 new summer dresses, can't use an in-seam pocket as I did for another summer dress. Having spent winter wearing pocketed fleece waistcoats, & pocketed jackets, where do I put my tissue, keys or my train ticket? Of course I also have a bag, but why should I dig around every time I need something ... pockets rule! so, what's your next song? |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 13 Nov 21 - 07:48 PM Great links, Sandra, thank you! I've checked them all out, and found this very useful resource as well: Dresses With Pockets |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 13 Nov 21 - 04:25 AM oops, I forgot to add this Of All the Ways Clothing Is Gendered, Pockets Are the Most Ridiculous |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 13 Nov 21 - 02:43 AM speaking of pockets, they have been all over Sydney & Australian radio this week since Kaz Cooke released her latest book - You're Doing it Wrong. A history of bad & bonkers advice to women Amongst the questions is this one - As a woman, why can’t I find an item of clothing with real pockets? Kaz is also on twittter @reallykazcooke VIDEO: Author Kaz Cooke serves up the ridiculous myths told to women Back in the 80's my friend's 2 year old daughter demanded pockets in all her clothing, & of course grew into a stylish woman, not a dedicated follower of (transient) fashion, but a woman with her own style & proper pockets in all her clothes! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Joe Offer Date: 12 Nov 21 - 11:05 PM I've always been a major fan of Gollum in The Hobbit, who referred to them as pocketses. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=pocketses |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 12 Nov 21 - 05:20 PM Thanks, leeneia. It IS a remarkably complex plot for a ballad (which is why the original was 50+ verses). Apparently it was the type of ballad that the professional minstrels did, rather than the punters. I'm a major fan of pockets myself, so much so that the last time I bought jeans (which had pockets made of material that quickly wore out and developed holes that let through coins and keys, and were so stupidly small that folded money tended to climb out of them), I took them to a seamstress and had them replaced with nice deep pockets made of a nice strong material (the kind that are standard on my husband's trousers). It was well worth it, as they're deep enough that I can get away without carrying a handback most of the time. That said, I must confess it was my husband who gave me the idea to put the desire for pockets in the song, as when I was working on it I told him it was the ballad with the "what women want" riddle, and he immediately said "Dresses with pockets!". (My husband... I think I'll keep him! ;-) ) |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: leeneia Date: 12 Nov 21 - 01:30 PM That's a remarkably complex plot for a ballad. There's nothing wrong with that, I'm just observing. Vikki, you have touched on a truth which needs more acknowledgement in our world. Women need pockets. I always try to have at least one pocket in my clothes. A breast pocket is so useful to hold the glasses that I take off and put on several times a day. A pants pocket is good for the tissue without which no real lady starts her day. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 10 Nov 21 - 07:19 PM OK, this one needs a bit of background, unless you're already familiar with the plot of Child Ballad 31, "The Marriage of Sir Gawain". Here's a summary: Arthur, apparently some day after Christmas, had been encountered at Tarn Wadling, in the forest of Inglewood, by a bold baron armed with a club, who offered him the choice of fighting, or ransoming himself by coming back on New Year's day and bringing word what women most desire. Arthur puts this question in all quarters, and having collected many answers, in which, possibly, he had little confidence, he rides to keep his day. On the way he meets a frightfully ugly woman; she intimates that she could help him. Arthur promises her Gawain in marriage, if she will, and she imparts to him the right answer. Arthur finds the baron waiting for him at the tarn, and presents first the answers which he had collected and written down. These are contemptuously rejected. Arthur then says that he had met a lady on a moor, who had told him that a woman would have her will. The baron says that the misshapen lady on the moor was his sister, and he will burn her if he can get hold of her. Upon Arthur's return he tells his knights that he has a wife for one of them, and they ride with the king to see her, or perhaps for her to make her choice. When they see the bride, they decline the match in vehement terms, all but Gawain, who is somehow led to waive "a little foul sight and misliking." She is bedded in all her repulsiveness, and turns to a beautiful young woman. To try Gawain's compliance further, she asks him whether he will have her in this likeness by night only or only by day. Putting aside his own preference, Gawain leaves the choice to her, and this is all that is needed to keep her perpetually beautiful. For a stepmother had witched her to go on the wild moor in that fiendly shape until she should meet some knight who would let her have all her will. Her brother, under a like spell, was to challenge men either to fight with him at odds or to answer his hard question. (source – and more info – here: http://71.174.62.16/Demo/LongerHarvest?Text=ChildRef_31 – part of an extremely useful index of the Child Ballads by Ed de Moel) With that out of the way, here are the words for my re-working of Child 31. I call it "Sir Gav Gets Hitched" ;-). Sir Gav Gets Hitched ©Vikki Appleton Fielden "Hey Arfur," said his cousin Gav "You're lookin' kinda down Is something wrong? What happened when You partied in Carlisle town?" "Oh Gavin, you would not believe The trouble I am in I got so drunk I made a bet I don't think I can win "Some spotty kid harassed me and when He threw down the gauntlet I could not resist, and said I knew what women wan-ted "I've really no idea, of course There is no man who does But I'll be bankrupt if I don't Give him an answer, cuz" But Gavin said, "Do not lose hope No point in being bitter Just ask your friends – the female ones On Facebook and on Twitter" So Arfur took this good advice And of women did inquire, all Before he went to bed that night And of course his post went viral So many answers did he get And no two were the same But one did stand out from the rest For its author did proclaim, "I know who asked this question, Guv I know the answer, too But I want something in return: A man who will be true" Although she looked a little fey Our man said, "You're in luck Me cousin Gav's a lovely guy I'm sure you'll want to... marry!" She told him just what words to say And off he went to meet The spotty kid on New Year's Day On a dark, deserted street He tried some other answers first His cousin for to spare But in the end it was no use And so he did declare (big breath) The thing that women really want Should not come as a shock, it's Simply to have their own will – And dresses that have pockets! His enemy said things obscene And proceeded to complain "I bet my bloody sister snitched She really is a pain Although I'm bound to let you go You now are in her debt But if I get my hands on her, Her words she will regret" Then Arfur and his crew rejoiced And went to see this dame With Gav in tow, to be her beau His passion to proclaim When they arrived they were surprised For there in scarlet clad The bride-to-be they did agree Was a very lovely lad Sir Kay exclaimed in great dismay But Sir Gav said "Don't be cruel. I think you'll find I'm so inclined And everything is cool." The bride did coo "Now will you choose For what fate am I bound? A lass by day, and a lad at night – Or the other way around?" Then Gav replied "I cannot decide For I'm happy either way And was it you I walked beside At the Pride March Saturday?" "Oh, yes," they said, "and with those words You have made things better still, For you have healed my mother's curse When you gave me all my will." And now these two are so in love It is time to end this tale Let us all be kind to those we find And may love never fail And if someone should ask you what A woman's heart requires Just remember that it's pockets in A dress she most desires You can hear it here: https://soundcloud.com/user-878817332/sir-gav-gets-hitched-child-ballad-31 Superb medieval-sounding guitar part devised and played by the excellent Lynne Morley. All other instruments played by the brilliant Jon Loomes, who also engineered the sound. BIG thanks to Lynne & Jon for making this track sound so fabulously medieval! They're both also on SoundCloud, so do check them out. Note: This was written for Thank Goodness It's Folk, Sheffield's wonderful local folk radio show, at the request of James Fagan, for their weekly spot which focuses on a different Child Ballad each week (brilliantly named "Friday's Child", because the programme airs every Friday). There are some ballads that have not been recorded much/at all, and/or have some problematic content, so James put out a call to see if anyone could help out by writing/recording new versions (starting with Child 30, "King Arthur and King Cornwall", which resulted in some excellent new songs/interpretations). James suggested I have a go at Child 31 the following week (I think because it's a bit misogynistic), put me in touch with Jon Loomes, and this song was the result. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: GUEST Date: 17 Oct 21 - 05:40 PM Just added this on the Lyr req: Londonderry Air thread, and thought I might as well post it here as well, while I'm at it... I wrote this one a few years ago (not really sure how long ago, so the date below is a guess), just for fun. Thought of the pun and wrote the rest of the song to make it work; it's in Franglais: London Derrière © Vikki Appleton Fielden (~2015?) When Ah was young Ah left mah 'ome in gay Paris Ah crossed La Manche To leeve in Angleterre To mah soorpreeze Zee lovely girls of Lohndohn Sont tres gentil Et belle beyond compare So when Ah go to bed Mah rose Anglaise Oh voulez vous Ahccompahnee me zayre For zo j'adore Les jolies filles Francaises Zere's nossing cahn soorpass a London derriere (For those who may not know, "la Manche"("the sleeve") is what the French call the English Channel, Angleterre = England and Anglaise = English woman.) |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 09 Oct 21 - 07:02 PM Thank you very much, leeneia! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: leeneia Date: 02 Oct 21 - 10:36 PM Thanks for two more fine songs, Vikki. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 29 Sep 21 - 08:24 PM Thanks, Sandra! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 28 Sep 21 - 11:44 PM well, done! |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 28 Sep 21 - 07:11 PM In March 2018, Sergei and Yulia Skripal – and a police officer – were hospitalised in Salisbury, UK, after being poisoned with the nerve agent Novichok. (In June, two more people were hospitalised (one of whom died) after finding a discarded perfume bottle which had contained Novichok). I wrote this parody in September, after UK authorities charged two Russian nationals with the poisoning. These men – and the Russian government – claimed they were being unfairly maligned; they were simply innocent sports nutritionists on holiday, visiting Salisbury in order to see the historic cathedral's famous spire, although they never quite managed to get there. Apparently, they had trouble finding it (even though it's so tall it can be seen from anywhere in the town), zig-zagging all over the city, then abruptly cutting short their visit – because the weather was too nasty (Russians being very unused to harsh weather, natch!). Are You Going to Salisbury Town? ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, Sept 2018 TTO Scarborough Fair Are you going to Salisbury town? Ricin, novichok and strychnine We look for friend to show us around He once was a comrade of mine We come on holiday, just to admire Ricin, novichok and strychnine One hundred twenty-three-metre spire He once was a comrade of mine Spire much harder to find than we thought Ricin, novichok and strychnine We spend two days taking 'special' shortcut He once was a comrade of mine Weather so bad we decide not to go Ricin, novichok and strychnine Russians not used to half-inch of snow He once was a comrade of mine I am a simple man – just ask my wife Ricin, novichok and strychnine Sports nutrition is my whole life! He once was a comrade of mine This all so silly – what is big fuss? Ricin, novichok and strychnine Hey, why you not feel sorry for us? He once was a comrade of mine And if you still think we telling you lie Ricin, novichok and strychnine Here is good perfume that you must try He once was a comrade of mine |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 19 Sep 21 - 01:48 AM I sang this during Monday's (13th Sept) Mudcat Worldwide Sing. It's a fairly new song, just written this past August, about the steel town I now live in and love, and its rich industrial and musical heritage. Sheffield Sings ©Vikki Appleton Fielden, August 2021 The music of Sheffield begins with the rivers Porter Brook, Rivelin, Loxley and Sheaf They meet in the Don and they daily deliver The power that brought Sheffield glory and grief chorus Sheffield sings with mills and mettle Open hearths and open hearts Forging songs of love and sorrow Burnishing the flats and sharps The music of Shepherd Wheel turns with the story Of men doubled over to grind Sheffield blades Crucible steel sounds a fiery new anthem Tempering tunes and transposing the trades chorus The music of war brought a new pride and purpose Bugles and marching and medals in bronze Factory girls making bullets and ammo Stealing the thunder from siren and bomb chorus The music of forges and factories faded Leaving their hallmark on all who remain But even the silence belongs to the symphony Soon we'll be singing and blooming again Sheffield sings with mills and mettle Open hearths and open hearts Forging songs of love and sorrow Burnishing the flats and sharps Forging songs of love and sorrow Burnishing the flats and sharps Rough recording of me singing it here: https://soundcloud.com/user-878817332/sheffield-sings |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: YorkshireYankee Date: 10 Sep 21 - 10:43 PM Thanks very much, leeneia! Interesting theory about Murdoch. My own theory is that he simply doesn't care who he hurts or how much damage he does, as long as he's making money. |
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Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Songs of the Yorkshire Yankee From: leeneia Date: 08 Sep 21 - 10:07 AM Good for you, Vikki. That's very hard-hitting. My own theory about Murdoch and the foxes is that Murdoch is jealous of America. Jealousy is the crazy emotion. |
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