Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You

Subject: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From:
Date: 20 Jun 97 - 07:36 PM

When I lived in Ireland the above song a singer were played on the Walton's programme. I am trying to find the words to the song. When I visited Waltons they didn't have the words. Some of the words are: "...his head is just splitting His said it's the flu But that's not the real reason Between me and you..." Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: celticblues5
Date: 08 Aug 00 - 06:13 PM

This is obviously a very old thread, but I'm reposting it in the hopes that someone might currently be on the list who wasn't when it was originally posted. I'd very much like the complete lyrics & chords too. The song is from the POV of a mother rocking her baby to sleep & singing about the father who goes out drinking too often. The above posting was the only reference I could find to it in the Mudcat search engine. If it is posted on the DT under another name, I'd appreciate knowing about it. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock
Date: 09 Aug 00 - 04:31 AM

I know the song you mean, and all I can remember is the chorus (part of which you mention):

"Rock-a-bye baby so warm in your nest
Your poor daddy's not well and he must have a rest
His head is just splitting, he says it's the flu
But that's not the real reason between me and you"

I can't remember any more, but I think my da knows it, so I'll ask him.

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock
Date: 09 Aug 00 - 05:59 AM

Well, I've checked with my da, and he can only remember the chorus too.
I'll keep asking other family members with a good memory....

...Fib

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,Uncle metal-detector
Date: 09 Aug 00 - 04:50 PM

Hi Fib I remember the song being sung when I was young but the lyrics I'm afraid are lost in the mists of time. I have quite a few cutting from 'Waltons' songs of Ireland, I will have a shifty through them and get back to you. Try further back, ask your Granda. I'll be in touch.

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,celticblues5
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:38 PM

Remembered this song was done by Antoinette McKenna. Managed to find out that it was on an album called "Farewell to Fine Weather," which is apparently OOP. Tried emailing Shanachie to ask if any plans to re-issue or if they knew of any source for the sheet music, but no reply. Does anyone out there have a copy of "Farewell to Fine Weather" who could transcribe the words into the Forum? Thanks in advance.

The one verse I remember, along with the chorus as above, is the last one, which goes something like:

He went out last night, and he hadn't a bob
But he met Tommy Carty, who'd got a new job
They went celebratin', just a pint here and there
And he swears he was poisoned, and I'm sure we don't care

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 11:56 AM

.... "Charlie McGee and his singing Guitar". God be with the days. I'll see if I can find a set.

Regards

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 12:59 PM

Odd that Walton's didn't have it. They published it (1954) in sheet music form. Seems to have been written by Leo Maguire - who of course, presented the programme. I don't recall seeing it in any of their usual (words only) collections - but will check. Incidentally, both titles seem to have been used - "Rock-a-bye baby" and "Between me and you".

Regards

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: chordstrangler
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 05:54 PM

This request really takes me back. I remember the Walton's programme and the announcer, Leo Maguire - the man who wrote "The Whistling Gipsy"- intone "If you feel like singing, do sing an Irish song, the songs our fathers loved".
   I think that I might be able to lay my hands on the full lyrics if given a bit of time. I do remember another verse went.

He went out on monday to buy you some shoes,
and he heard of a gee gee that just couldn't lose.
The money bought new shoes, for that I can vow,
but the bookmaker's daughter is wearing them now.

Will check my musical vaults when the Christmas/birthday/new year hangover subsides.

regards.....M

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 06:04 PM

chordstrangler! A wee bird tells me you've been up to Cookstown a couple of times in the past while. Well, if you're able to make it to Portaferry for the Mudcat meet-up on Friday 30th January - Sunday 1st February, you'd be more than welcome.

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 08:29 PM

Now that I think of it - was it not "Charlie Magee and his GAY guitar"? Long ago days!

Regards

Subject: RE: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Jan 04 - 10:20 PM

I used to have the words to this, I even used to perform it. But that was many years ago and the song has slipped from my head, along with many other useful things. I'll dig around. A friend recently sent me a recording of a Roll & Go drinking songs concert with me singing the song. Maybe I can transcribe that for you. I've been meaning to do it for myself.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,celticblues5
Date: 28 Jan 04 - 10:46 PM

Bringing this back up to the top, since it's been nearly a month, and I'm hoping one of those who thought they might dig around and find this has had time to do so.....? Thanks!

Subject: Lyr Add: BETWEEN ME AND YOU (from J & A McKenna)
From: GUEST,Rob McCausland
Date: 14 Feb 04 - 11:03 AM

Hi y'all... here you go.

Adding some old cassettes to my hard drive, I came across this favorite from a Joe & Antoinette McKenna LP I'd taped back when I had a turntable. Searching, like you, for the lyrics and story of the song, I found this thread, and figured I'd do my part. You guys already had the chorus, and first and last verses, I'm just adding the middle two verses.

DT lists the song as "Between You and Me" under Joe and Antoinette McKenna, but following that link takes you to two other artists, probably a different song. I guessing it's a transposition error on DT's part, and the McKenna's probably title it "Between Me and You." I'll check the vinyl if I still have it and let you know.

On the sunny side,

~Rob McCausland


Rock-a-bye baby so warm in your nest,
Your poor daddy's not well and he must have a rest.
His head is just splitting, he says it's the flu,
But that's not the real reason between me and you.

He went out on Monday to buy us some shoes,
And he heard of a horse now that just couldn't lose.
Well, he bought the new shoes now, for that I can vow,
But the bookmaker's daughter is wearing them now.

So, Rock-a-bye baby so warm in your nest,
Your poor daddy's not well and he must have a rest.
His head is just splitting, he says it's the flu,
But that's not the real reason between me and you.

He went out on Tuesday in the late afternoon
And he just wandered into a billard saloon
The balls run against him, I'm sorry to tell
And that's one of the reasons he's not feeling well.

[chorus]

On Wednesday evening he walked down the street
And big Mickey Daley he happened to meet.
They went to Rings End, just to see the dogs run,
And they hadn't their bus fare when the fun it was done.

[chorus]

He went out last night, and he hadn't a bob.
But he met Tommy Carty, who'd got a new job.
They went celebrating, just a pint here and there,
And he swears he was poisoned, and I'm sure we don't care.

[chorus]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Feb 04 - 12:56 PM

Rob McCausland: I think you have confused the DT with The Folk Music Index. This is the problem I think you meant to describe:

If you go to the Folk Music Index listing for Joe and Antoinette McKenna, you'll see a song listed called BETWEEN ME AND YOU, which they recorded on their 1984 album "Farewell to Fine Weather."

However, if you follow the link from there, you end up at the listing for BETWEEN YOU AND ME, written by Bill Grant, and recorded by Delia Bell & Bill Grant & the Kiamichi Mountain Boys (1988); and by Lulu Belle & Scotty (1976). Like you, I doubt this is the same song.

The Folk Music Index is a usually reliable source of information. I intend to notify them of this mistake. I hope they will correct it.

Meanwhile, have you had a chance to check the vinyl? I'd like to verify the title, and the author, if known.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,GC
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 05:51 PM

I remember that Leo Maguire used to introduce Charlie Magee with the words ... "and now we have Charlie magee and his gay guitar singing [name of song]. I also remember Charlie singing "Ignatius the Leprechaun". Does anyone have the worfs for this.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: MartinRyan
Date: 24 Nov 04 - 06:14 PM

I don't have the words - but I know where there's a copy. Published by Walton's. I'll pick up a set when I get a chance, if nobody produces them here.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: MartinRyan
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 05:37 PM

Forgot the bloody thing..... I'll try next time.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,GC
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 06:30 PM

Any luck?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,Maritn Ryan
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 04:36 AM

Haven't been in the Irish Traditional Music Archive since - but will remember next time.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,Edd Byrne
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:07 PM

Was tickled to come across this thread.Anyone up for seeing how we do with Charlie's song about Mick Maguire's courting of Brigid Donoughue, and the youngster being made to give up the fireside seat?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: MartinRyan
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 06:12 PM

Get up out of that, you imperint brat and let Mister Maguire sit down!

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,rkeefe
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 08:04 AM

my father used to sing, "my goodness my gracious, my name is ignatius, ignatius the leprechaun" i don't know any more

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: GUEST,Ignatius the Leprechaun
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 12:44 AM

I found the comment about someone's father singing "oh my goodness gracious, my name is Ignatius". My dad used to sing me that song, and I've searched everywhere for the full lyrics. My dad has passed away, so if anyone can point me in the right direction, it would mean a lot to me. It started "Oh you'd better be wary for I am a fairy, I prowl from the dusk 'til the dawn. Oh my goodness gracious , my mane is Ignatius, Ignatius the Leprechaun."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: RunrigFan
Date: 18 Mar 11 - 05:05 AM

If that was the case, Jim, then the lyrics be different.

I did find this

http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/b/betweenmeandyou.shtml


Lyrics

---------------------------------------------------------------


BETWEEN ME AND YOU
(Traditional English/Irish 20th Century)

Lulu Belle & Scotty - 1976
Joe & Antoinette Mckenna - 1984
Delia Bell & Bill Grant (with the Kiamichi Mountain Boys) - 1988
Geoff Grainger - 1998


Rock-a-bye Baby, so warm in your nest
Your poor Da-da's not well and he must have a rest
His head is just splittin', he says it's the flu
But it's not the real reason, between me and you


He went out on Monday to buy us some shoes
And he heard of a horse now that just couldn't lose
Well, he bought the new shoes,that I can vow
For the Bookmaker's daughter is wearing them now

Rock-a-bye Baby, so warm in your nest
Your poor Da-da's not well and he must have a rest
His head is just splittin', he says it's the flu
But it's not the real reason, between me and you

He went out on Wednesday, in the late afternoon
And he happened to pass by a billiard saloon
The balls ran against him, I'm sorry to say
And that's one of the reasons he's not feeling gay

Rock-a-bye Baby, so warm in your nest
Your poor Da-da's not well and he must have a rest
His head is just splittin', he says it's the flu
But it's not the real reason, between me and you

He went out last night and he hadn't a bob
But he met Tommy Carty who'd got a new job
They went celebratin', just a pint here and there
And he sears he was poisoned, and I'm sure we don't care

Rock-a-bye Baby, so warm in your nest
Your poor Da-da's not well and he must have a rest
His head is just splittin', he says it's the flu
But it's not the real reason, between me and you

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby by Charlie Magee
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Mar 11 - 04:55 AM

Any chord suggestions?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST,Joe K
Date: 25 Jan 13 - 07:18 AM

In relation to Charlie Magee, I'm wondering does anybody have the lyrics to "What part of old Ireland do you come from"
The only bit I can remember from the Waltons Programme is
"From the moment that you shouted faugh o ballagh and swung out left and right with your ciotóg, we could tell that you were Irish and we all hate Irish stew bur we all love your Irish brogue"
Thanks for thr rock a bye baby, another good one.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 03:24 AM

That last line being from a cannibal on a desert island, of course! I might be able to dredge up some at least of the words from a corner of my memory. Wonder did we look at it before?

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 03:33 AM

Joe K

I've started a new thread to find the lyrics of What part of old Ireland..... For openers, I've posted a link to a Youtube video of a friend of mine singing it!

Click here to switch to the new thread.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jan 13 - 11:30 AM

Hi Martin,
I don't think the ITMA have a copy of Leo Maguire songbook. However, if you go the the National Library you will find a copy called "Songs with Words and Music by Leo Maguire. Here is the list of contents:
Table of Contents:
Aboard a whaler.
Avourneen O.
Between me and you (rockabye baby)
The big fellow (Michael Collins)
Bold Jack Donohue.
By the light of the moon.
Come to the céilí.
Dan Dooley.
Dawn over Dublin bay.
Deeper deeper.
Dreamy Shannon river.
The drums are out.
Dublin saunter.
The farmers boy.
The floor at Balnarinka.
Home to Tyrone.
Ireland to John Fitzgerald Kennedy.
Irish Molly O.
The Irish washerwoman.
An Irish yodel.
Kilcock.
Lake of Coolfin.
MacCarthy.
The man me mother married.
My colleen from Ballinasloe.
Ould Killarney hat.
Over the mountain track.
Patsy Dargan.
Pretty Polly.
Pretty Sal.
Reilly's gate.
Roger Casement.
Sing us a song of the old land.
Slán agus beannacht.
A song from the green fields of Erin.
Strolling guitar.
The twilight waltz.
What part of old Ireland do you come from?
The whistling gypsy.
You needn't be nervous of Nolan.
The book has long been out of print,

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST,Joe K
Date: 29 Jan 13 - 05:52 AM

Hi Martin and other guest,
Thanks for the help on the lyrics to this song. It was great to hear it sung again by Barry Gleeson on the link you posted. I had forgotten the Russian verse completely and it was brilliant to hear it again. I can get the words from the link as I won't be near the National Library for a while, thanks again.
Joe K

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST,Joe K
Date: 05 Feb 13 - 06:22 AM

I e-mailed the National Library and Bríd there sent the words and music to me. I have put the words up on the thread Martin has set up.
Thanks for the Library tip.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jul 14 - 09:25 AM

Did anyone ever find the lyrics to Ignatius the Leprechaun?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 18 Jul 14 - 11:16 AM

From the U.S. via Peggy Seeger

Rock-a-bye-baby on the treetop,
When you grow up you'll work in a shop,
When they grow, up your kids will work too,
So that the rich will have nothing to do

Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST,foxyloxy
Date: 06 Jul 17 - 03:32 PM

U.S.Recordings listed on google come much later than Charlie McGee's plays on the Walton's program on Radio Eireann which I seem to remember in the early 1960s. I found a verse about the errant Daddy going to Ringsend "to see the dogs run" so I guess McGee or some other Irish person wrote this to bring a bit of Dublin colour into the song. I hit many internet sites but never got more than
"20c trad. Irish/Scottish". I don't see how they'd know if they can't quote a source for such "information". Apart from the Ringsend reference, the source could be anywhere men drink pints of booze.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Rock-a-bye baby? / Between Me and You
From: GUEST,tokelly
Date: 27 Jan 18 - 04:24 PM

Here is Charlie singing the song. I noticed that on the record Leo Maguire is credited with writing the song

https://youtu.be/NrCs4UfkfHw