What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily

Subject: What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily
From: GUEST,Teefy
Date: 21 Nov 21 - 11:23 PM

The line is

"Soon he'll be gan thro' the shed for his engine
Soon he'll be driving his train through the night"

I picture a literal backyard garden type shed when I sing this line, but that doesn't quite feel like it fits. I am not sure if "shed" here refers to a train related thing or is a slang term I am unfamiliar with? If anyone has any insight on the line, that would be appreciated. Thank you.

- Teefy

Subject: RE: What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily
From: vectis
Date: 21 Nov 21 - 11:38 PM

The building they used to keep steam trains in at the stations were known as engine sheds. Hence he had to go to the shed for his engine.

Subject: RE: What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily
From: GUEST,Teefy
Date: 21 Nov 21 - 11:59 PM

Ahhhh, thank you very much. There are few things that bug me like singing a line and not knowing what it means, so this helps a lot.

- Teefy

Subject: RE: What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Nov 21 - 06:39 AM

Ooooooo I love Rosie Doonan's version of this on The Mighty Doonan's album.

Subject: RE: What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily
From: GUEST,Teefy
Date: 24 Nov 21 - 07:25 AM

I have mostly been listening to Tim Hart and Maddy Prior's version on Summer Solstice (and, I believe, compiled now with Folk Songs of Olde England, Vol. 1 & 2 of Heydays, in online places). I will make sure to check out the Rosie Doonan version today! Thank you dor the recommendation.
- Teefy

Subject: RE: What Does 'Shed' Mean in Cannily Cannily
From: GUEST,John Bowden ( not a typo!)
Date: 24 Nov 21 - 02:52 PM

A good friend of mine in the USA who is an expert on streetcars (UK trams) talks about "car barns" where we'd say tram sheds) - that6 the sort of "shed" that's meant here