Irish Newfoundland lyrics

Subject: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 10:20 AM

I am looking for a link where I can find Irish Newfoundland songs, such as Old Flatrock Hills, Tiny Red Light, Sonny's Dream etc. If someone could direct me to the web site, I would appreciate it. Also any good Irish lyrics would be great as well.

Thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Tim Jaques
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 11:24 AM

As I mentioned in another thread, I have an old Newfoundland songbook. If you will advise me the list of traditional songs you need I'll try to send them to you.

Sonny's Dream is not traditional, as I'm sure you are aware, but written by Ron Hynes when he was with the Wonderful Grand Band. I have it on CD in a newer version by him and I'll post the lyrics once I get a chance to write them done.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 11:29 AM

Tim- If you're sending out traditional songs, please send a copy to this forum-- That way everyone will have them.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Tim Jaques tjaques
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 11:45 AM

Sure thing!

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 12:51 PM

Tim,

My brother is a musician and Irish Nfld. music is what he usually plays. Some of the songs he's looking for are as follows: (Not all of them are just Nfld. songs.)

The Loss of the Marion
Mary from Dunloe
Music and Friends
Bell Island Song
Excursion Around the Bay
Gypsy Maiden
When the Robins Come Home
Long Before Your Time
Michael
Portland Town
The Boston Rose
Saltwater Joys
A Mothers Love is a Blessing
Tribute to Nfld.
Shamrock City
Uncle Dan
Run Runaway
Mari-Mac
The Old Black Rum
McRory
Right all Right
Seasons of a Sailor
Alone by your side
Year my come, Years may go
The orange and the green
Follow the wind
My Old homestead
Carol Anderson
Seven years I loved a sailor
Shall my soul pass through ole Ireland
The Macdonald Name
Maid of the Mountain Brow
My lovely Irish Rose
The rose of Aranmore
Nobody’s Child
My Old Main
For these are my mountains
By Lough Sheilin Side (Eviction)
Among the Wicklow Hills
Star of Logy Bay
Sonny’s Dream
Rubber Boots
Kelligrew's Soiree
Northern Lights of Labrador
Wild Colonial Boy
Northern Lights of Aberdeen
Patsy Fagan
The Broad Black Brimmer

I bet you're sorry you asked!!!!!! Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

HTML line breaks added --JoeClone, 8-Jan-02.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE STAR OF LOGY BAY
From:
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 04:27 PM

I'll look, but I don't recognize many of those there and those that I do are not Newfoundland in origin.

I have to think that many of them are in the database, such as Wild Colonial Boy, which is Australian. Mary Mack is Scottish, I think, as is The Northern Lights of Aberdeen.

Kelligrew's Soiree, as a matter fact, I just e-mailed in to be posted on the database. I don't know when it will be on.

If you wish, e-mail me your snail and I will mail to you a photocopy of the old Newfoundland songbook to which I have been referring. (The book was for free distribution back in 1955) It has the music as well as the words which should be a bonus to your brother. Note, note, note, that I am going away for two weeks so if I don't get your e-mail before then don't be surprised. Eventually I intend to post all the lyrics on the database when I find the time.

Star of Logy Bay I can get to you, though.

THE STAR OF LOGY BAY

Ye ladies and ye gentlemen, I pray you lend an ear
While I locate the residence of a lovely charmer fair
The curling of her yellow locks first stole my heart away
And her place of habitation was down in Logy Bay

'Twas on a summer's evening, this little place I found
I met her aged father, who did me sore confound
He said, "if you address my daughter, I'll send her far away
And she never will return again while you're in Logy Bay."

'Twas on the very next morning, he went to St. John's town
And engaged for her a passage on a vessel outward bound
He robbed me of my heart's delight and sent her far away
And left me here downhearted for the Star of Logy Bay.

How could you be so cruel as to part me from my love?
Her tender heart beats in her breast as constant as the dove
Oh Venus was no fairer, nor the lovely month of May
May heaven above shower down its love on the Star of Logy Bay

So now I'll go a-roving, I can no longer stay
I'll search the wide world over, through every country
I'll search in vain through France and Spain, likewise Americay,
'Til I will sight my heart's delight, the Star of Logy Bay

Now to conclude and finish, the truth to you I'll tell
Between Torbay and Outer Cove 'twas where my love did dwell
The finest girl ere graced our isle, so everyone did say
May heaven above shower down its love on the Star of Logy Bay

"The Star of Logy Bay" is one of the most popular folk songs in Newfoundland, wherein all of the named places can be found. Numerous groups have done this traditional song, but this version is as sung by Jim Payne.

---

Star of Logy Bay (withy MIDI) in DT

Subject: Lyr Add: SONNY'S DREAM (Ron Hynes)
From:
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 05:17 PM

SONNY'S DREAM
(Ron Hynes)

Sonny lives on a farm, on a wide-open space
You could take off your shoes; you could give up the race
You could lay your head down by a sweet riverbed
But Sonny always remembers what it was his Momma said

Chorus
Oh Sonny don't go away, I am here all alone
And your Daddy's a sailor, who never comes home
All these nights get so long, and the silence goes on
And I'm feeling so tired, I'm not all that strong

(Chorus)

Sonny carries a load, though he's barely a man
There ain't a whole lot to do; still he does what he can
And he watches the sea, from a room by the stairs
And the waves keep on rolling; they've done that for years

(Chorus)

Sonny's dreams can't be real; they're just stories he's read
They're just stars in his eyes; they're just dreams in his head
And he's hungry inside, for the wide world outside
And I know I can't hold him, though I've tried and I've tried

(Chorus twice to end)

This is the version as recorded by Ron Hynes on "Face To The Gale", but he's done other versions. He did it originally when he was with The Wonderful Grand Band. Unfortunately, I got my CD second hand and it is missing the liner so I can't give you the proper copyright information. It has also been recorded by other Canadian singers, including Valdy.

Other versions include an extra verse, which if memory serves me correctly goes like this:

It's a hundred miles to town, and Sonny's never been there
He just goes to the highway, and sits there and stares
And the mail comes at four, and the mailman is old
And Sonny still dreams his dreams full of silver and gold.

---

Sonny's Dream (with MIDI) in DT

Subject: Lyr Add: KELLIGREW'S SOIREE (J. Burke)
From:
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 05:20 PM

KELLIGREW'S SOIREE
(J. Burke)

You may talk of Clara Nolan's ball
Or anything you choose,
But it couldn't hold a snuffbox to the spree at Kelligrew's.
If you want your eyeballs straightened
Just come out next week with me
And you'll have to wear your glasses
At the Kelligrew's Soiree.

CHORUS
There was birch rine, tar twine, Cherry wine and turpentine,
Jowls and cavalances, ginger beer and tea
Pig's feet, cat's meat, dumplings boiled in a sheet
Dandelion and crackies' teeth
At the Kelligrew's Soiree.

Oh, I borrowed Cluney's beaver,
As I squared my yards to sail;
And a swallow-tail from Hogan
That was foxy on the tail;
Billy Cuddahie's old working pants
And Patsy Nolan's shoes,
And an old white vest from Fogarty
To sport at Killegrew's.

CHORUS:
There was Dan Milley, Joe Lilly,
Tantan and Mrs. Tilley,
Dancing like a little filly;
'Twould raise your heart to see.
Jim Brine, Din Ryan, Flipper Smith and Caroline;
I tell you boys, we had a time
At the Kelligrew's Soiree.

Oh, when I arrived at Betsy Snook's
That night at half past eight,
The place was blocked with carriages
Stood waiting at the gate.
With Cluney's funnel on my pate
The first words Betsy said:
"Here comes a local preacher
With a pulpit on his head.”

CHORUS:
There was Bill Mews, Dan Hughes,
Wilson, Taft, and Teddy Roose,
While Bryant he sat in the blues
And looking hard at me;
Jim Fling, Tom King,
And Johnson, champion of the ring,
And all the boxers I could bring
At the Kelligrew's Soiree.

The Saratoga Lancers first,
Miss Betsy kindly said:
Sure I danced with Nancy Cronan
And her Grannie on the "Head";
And Hogan danced with Betsy
Oh you should have seen his shoes!
As he lashed old muskets from the rack
That night at Kelligrew's.

CHORUS:
There was boiled guineas, cold guineas,
Bullocks heads and picaninies
And everything to catch the pennies,
You'd break your heart to see;
Boiled duff, cold duff, apple jam was in a cuff;
I tell you, boys, we had enough
At the Kelligrew's Soiree.

Crooked Flavin struck the fiddler
And a hand I then took in;
You should see George Cluney's beaver
And it flattened to the rim.
And Hogan's coat was like a vest --
The tails were gone, you see.
Says I "The devil haul ye
And your Kelligrew's Soiree!"

This is a popular Newfoundland folk song written by Johnny Burke in the 1920's, closely based on an older New York Irish song called "The Irish Jubilee", which documents a similar party and lists the guests and bill of fare. This version of The Kelligrew's Soiree comes from "Old Time Songs of Newfoundland,” 1955 edition.

---

Kelligrew's Soiree (with MIDI) in the DT

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 18 Jul 97 - 05:28 PM

Are you sure the song isn't Patrick Fagan? A music hall song, I think, and the Irish Rovers did a version ages ago.

The chorus, as I recall, and it has been a while, goes

Hello, Patrick Fagan, you can hear the girls all cry
Hello, Patrick Fagan, you're the apple of my eye
You're a decent boy from Ireland and no-one can deny
With a har-em, dare-em diddle-I-air you're a decent Irish boy.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 21 Jul 97 - 11:31 AM

Tim,

Here is my mailing address, soyou can forward a copy of the book. Greatly appreciated.

K. Bradbury P.O. Box 337 Torbay, Nf A1K 1E4

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: LaMarca
Date: 21 Jul 97 - 02:22 PM

Thanks for the words to Sonny's Dream, Tim. I love it, and I've been singing it ever since I learned it from Claudine Languille(sp?) of Touchstone, who used to sing it in concert, including the 4th verse (which she sang 3rd), crediting Ron Hines. I've never heard Ron's own version, but heard Jean Redpath do a simply dreadful rendition on Prairie Home Companion a few years ago (Country-Western just isn't her style...) My husband can't stand the song, so I don't sing it very often...

I have a bunch of song collections from the Maritimes, and will see if I can find any of the other songs requested, too.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 08 Aug 97 - 10:37 AM

Been away on vacation to the Maritimes for the last two weeks, so I am just getting around to checking things.

I sent your song book, K., so you should be getting it soon. There are a bunch in there that I have never heard sung in my life.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 12 Aug 97 - 09:54 PM

Gerald S. Doyle Ltd., purveyors of castor oil and other essentials, published Old Time Songs and Poetry of Newfoundland in 1927, and by 1978 it had gone into its fifth edition. Perhaps this is the book Tim is referring to. The edition I have ('78) has 31 songs and half a dozen ballads. Included are such as Ticklecove Pond, Hard Hard Times, Homeward and Harbor Le Cou, all recorded by Ed McCurdy on an album in the late 50s. Songs like The Old Flat Rock Hills and Tiny Red Light are rarer, but are still sung in parlours around St. Mary's Bay, at least. They can be heard at the annual Rampike Folk Festival in Mt. Carmel, S.M.B., in the beer tent, if not on stage. If you are desperate for the OFRH and TRL words, write to my cousin, Mary Nolan, Box 200, Mt. Carmel, SMB, Newfoundland. Another great live singing source is her brother-in-law, Harold Power, Box 245, Admiral's Beach, S.M.B., Nwfd.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Barry Finn
Date: 12 Aug 97 - 10:15 PM

LaMarca, do you know of Claudine's where abouts these days, she was a friend of my wife & her sisters & hasn't been seen since her Touchstone/Chapel Hill days. Hi John figures you'd be hanging around this thread. Barry

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN THE CAPLIN COME IN
From: John Nolan
Date: 13 Aug 97 - 01:42 AM

I'm still awake, so here, from faulty memory, are a few verses of "When the Caplin Come In," which is a great old Newfie song.

When the Caplin Come In (part)

Well now is the time when the men are all ready
With oilskins and rubbers their work to begin
You bet they'll be busy and work 'til their dizzy
And live on the beach 'til the caplin are in.

There's some are long-whiskered and some are bald-headed
There’s Dicks, Jims and Billies, Joes, Georges and Jacks
There's little wee laddies and big-headed Paddies
All marching along with their nets on their backs

They rush for the water like ducks to a puddle
All floundering around like a crew in a wreck
There’s motor boats steaming while Johnny is screaming
Look, poor Uncle Tom has gone up to the neck.

And here's Uncle Billy, he's fussin' and cussin'
Me net it's all tattered and tangled and torn
A tuck load o' caplin got hooked in a grapnel
And now me old net is gone right from the horn.

He's lost all his fishes, o boy he looks vicious
He’s chawing tobacco; there's juice on his chin
There’s spawn in his whiskers; his hands are all blisters
He’s been on the beach since the caplin come in.

And now it's all over, the men getting ready
To hoist up their catch on their backs with a grin
Come laddies and lassies to the beach with your glasses
There’s sure to be fun now the caplin are in.


There are a couple of other good verses in there somewhere, detailing dip nets and cast nets, bait tucks and boat hooks...and something about twisting and turning like eels in the brook. Bet that Harold Power knows.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 14 Aug 97 - 01:36 AM

It is indeed the same songbook, although mine dates from 1955.

Is it now into a new edition? Do Doyle's still make cod liver oil? Do they still put those amusing ads about "your nerves" into it? I had understood that it was out of print. I got mine by badgering a Newfie to let me photocopy hers which she never lent. It took me years.

The songs have been done by any number of people. Many are verbatim on the CD "Another Time The Songs of Newfoundland". Some, such as Cape St. Mary's and The Badger Drive, are on Stan Rogers "For The Family". Others were done by Ryan's Fancy years ago.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Karen
Date: 18 Aug 97 - 02:32 PM

Thanks, John for your relatives' addresses. I will drop them a line to see what info they can provide me with. Also, thanks Tim again for sending me that book. My brother has read it from cover to cover and is familiar with alot of the songs and thinks it's a life saver. Again thanks very much for you help.

Cheers

Karen

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 28 Aug 97 - 02:41 PM

You must get hold of a copy of "Come and I will Sing You" a collection of Nfld tunes collected by three women ethnomusicologists Morgan (Anita?) and Best ... it may be out of print now, but there's be copies in St John's.

:) dennis

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 28 Aug 97 - 06:03 PM

Another fascinating book is The Last Stronghold, detailing Scottish Gaelic traditions in the Codroy Valley of southwest Newfoundland. It reminds us that all the island's musical tradition doesn't hark back to Ireland. Researched and written in the 1980s by Margaret Bennett, formerly of the School of Scottish Studies, (who is known to many in the U.S. through her singing tours and teaching) the book devotes a chapter to "We Worked and We Sang" and concerns itself with waulking songs and ceilidh music.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 28 Aug 97 - 06:16 PM

Pamela Morgan (formerly of Figgy Duff, that wonderful band) and Anita Best, folklorist and traditional singer.

The songbook "Come And I Will Sing You" was published in the mid-eighties by Anita Best . (She and Pamela did a CD of traditional and not-often-heard folk songs of Newfoundland) Now that you mention it I don't have a copy and will see if my local indie book store can get it for me.

I assume that the title of the book comes from the song that begins that way and lists items 1 to 12, the last being the 12 apostles if memory serves me right. Figgy Duff did a version years ago.

Speaking of Newfs I am off to see Great Big Sea at a local saloon next week. The local Newfs have been sighted buying tickets twenty at a time so I got mine today.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: DrWord
Date: 29 Aug 97 - 02:19 PM

Great Big Sea are fabulous! My folk festival buddies & I saw them at West End Cultural Centre just after "up!" was released. Thanks, Tim, for the correction to Pam & Anita's names, but I was at work & my copy of the book's at home. I will post the ISBN here ... :) dennis

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Cliff Mcgann
Date: 29 Aug 97 - 09:10 PM

Another great book is Paul Mercier's Newfoundland Songs And Ballads in Print 1842-1974 which was published by Nf's Memorial U. Dept. of Folklore and is a fairly exhaustive discography of NF songs in print (no actual songs but a good way to track down printed versions of songs). Copies were still available from MUN (at least when I was there two years ago). If anyone is interested I can send info. Margaret Bennet's book on the Codroy also featured a tape (some copies)of songs which was put together by the school of Scottish Studies and featured Allan MacArthur. A matter of fact if one listens closely to Ashley MacIssac's Hi Hoe are you Today Cd you can hear Alan on one track ("those songs came from Scotland they were my mothers songs"). Anyway Newfoundland is a vurtual treasure trove of song even to this day so many great songs are underperformed and not published. If you can get your hands on the 3 volume Songs of the Newfoundland outports by Kenneth Peacock (a tape by Pigeon Inlet records was also released) you are in for a treat. Loads of great songs. Peacock took some liberty on translations etc. and wasn't fond of locally composed songs but still a good source for NF material.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 12 Sep 97 - 11:34 PM

Karen: Thanks to cousin Mary, I now have the words to that melodramatic gem "The Tiny Red Light." If you still want em, I'll post em.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Sep 97 - 03:35 AM

Please do, John. How about a new thread?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Karen
Date: 18 Sep 97 - 10:08 AM

John, yes I would love to have the lyrics of The Tiny Red Light.

Cheers

Karen

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 18 Sep 97 - 11:08 AM

I am not a musician, but I collect recordings of Irish folk ballads. However, it is almost impossible to find any selection in stores, and most tapes I buy turn out to be bitterly disappointing--either instrumentals or medlies or just plain junk. Is there a good source (like a mail order catalog) for this sort of thing?

Walt Kailey [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 18 Sep 97 - 08:57 PM

Joe and Karen: It's on my must do list for Saturday.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 19 Sep 97 - 09:49 AM

Walt, I don't know where you are but there is a mail-order source in Canada, Back Porch Music, at http://www.bpm.on.ca/ You can order online or by mail. I just found out, to my pleasure, that they have the CD of Archie Fisher's Man With A Rhyme.

When buying CD's, why not concentrate on recommended bands or artists, and get their CD's out of the folk section of the record store. I'm sure many here or on the Celtic music newsgroup could recommend good Irish artists. Many of those anonymous taped compilations are just nonsense recorded for the ordinary person to play on Saint Patrick's Day.

Subject: Lyr Add: TINY RED LIGHT
From: John Nolan
Date: 21 Sep 97 - 08:22 PM

TINY RED LIGHT
(according to Mary Nolan, Mt. Carmel, Saint Mary's Bay, Nwfd.)

"Put a light in the window my darling," she said
As she gazed at the dark dreary night overhead
Her little girl ran with her eager delight
As she placed in the window the tiny red light.

Her father came home from his work with a cold,
Angry and tired cause his fish were not sold.
He said that the oil it must do for the night,
And he took from the window the tiny red light.

"Oh father, dear father, don't take it away,
Think of the poor sailors far out on the bay,
Many will drown on the billow tonight
If you take from the window the tiny red light."

Early next morning came a knock on the door,
There stood a sailor far out on the shore.
Three tiny ships went adrift in the gale,
With tears in his eyes told the father this tale.

"We followed your tiny red light," said the man,
"Till it vanished from sight, on the rocks our ship ran,
Many have drowned on the billows last night,
That could have been saved by your tiny red light."

Well, that's the song, which raises the question: How long was that sailor's arm that he could knock a door and while standing on the beach? But that's a minor point. The song is important because it represents a watershed - it is still loved by the old-time, sentimental, family-oriented, down-around-the bay folks, and thought sappy by St. John's suburbanites, where Water Street is a cacophony of Irish music blaring out of tinny speakers every 50 feet to help sell Newfie kitch. The tune of Tiny Red Light is what has helped to preserve its popularity, at least in St. Mary's Bay, because it is an excellent waltz for the lounge bar crowd. Meanwhile, modern culture ever changes the bays. Last year, when I was home, the latest generation of McDonalds were buzzing up and down the Salmonier Arm on jet skis, driving my old aunt bananas.^^

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Sep 97 - 04:55 AM

John, thanks a lot for the "Tiny Red Light" lyrics. They're great. Now, any chance you can type up a midi file? I don't ask for much, do I???
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 24 Sep 97 - 04:45 PM

Joe, I would certainly oblige with the tune if I knew how to, and probably my Dell has the capability to make a MIDI file - I can certainly play other people's - but I am a dunce who even lacks the knowledge to make verse appear in separate lines. How about singing it over the phone?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Sep 97 - 02:24 AM

Well, asking you to call would be asking a bit too much, John. thanks for offering, though. I'll find it in a songbook or recording somewhere, I'm sure.
someday soon, I'm sure Max will have us all typing MIDI files. It's actually quite easy with Noteworthy Composer, 3 keystrokes or a couple of mouseclicks per note. Your can download the shareware program at this URL:
http://www.ntworthy.com/composer/index.htm
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Nonie Rider
Date: 26 Sep 97 - 06:19 PM

So, do any of y'all know the source/details on the old camp song about canoeing? (Yes, I did check the database first, without luck.) It went something like:

Swiftly the paddles ply,
flashing like silver,
Swift as the wild geese fly,
Dip, dip and swing.

We were told this was a Newfoundland song, but since it had pretty clearly been passed along a few times, I was never quite sure.

Thanks!

--Nonie

Subject: ADD: Harbor Le Cou
From: John Nolan
Date: 27 Sep 97 - 09:42 AM

As I rowed ashore from my schooner close by,
A girl on the beach I chanced to espy,
Her hair it was red and her bonnet was blue,
And her place of abode it was Harbour Le Cou.

Subject: Lyr Add: HARBOUR LE COU
From: John Nolan
Date: 27 Sep 97 - 10:01 AM

Bert: The penny dropped. Thanks a lot. I'll finish off Harbour Le Cou, because I don't think it is in the database.

Harbour Le Cou

As I rowed ashore from my schooner close by,
A girl on the beach I chanced to espy,
Her hair it was red and her bonnet was blue,
And her place of abode it was Harbour Le Cou.

2. Well, boldly I asked her to walk on the strand,
She smiled like an angel and held out her hand,
So I buttoned me guernsey and hove 'way me chew,
In the dark rolling water of Harbour Le Cou.

3. As we walked on the shore at the close of the day,
I thought of my wife who was home in Torbay,
I knew that she'd kill me if she only knew,
I was courting a lassie in Harbour Le Cou.

4. My ship she lay anchored far out on the tide,
As I walked along with the girl at my side,
I told her I loved her, I said I'd be true,
And I winked at the moon over Harbour Le Cou.

5. As we passed a log cabin that stood on the shore,
I met an old shipmate I'd sailed with before,
He treated me kindly, saying "Jack, how are you?
It's seldom I see you in Harbour Le Cou."

6.And as I was parting this maiden in tow,
He broke up my party with one single blow,
Saying, "Regards to your Mrs. and wee kiddies too,
I remember her well, she's from Harbour Le Cou."

7. Well I looked at this damsel a-standing longside,
Her jaw it had dropped and her mouth opened wide,
And then like a she-cat upon me she flew,
And I fled from the furies of Harbor Le Cou.

8. So come all ye young sailors who walk on the shore,
Beware of old shipmates ye've sailed with before,
Beware of the maiden in bonnet of blue,
And the pretty young damsels of Harbor Le Cou.

Tune: Same as Sweet Betsy from Pike, I think.
Harbor Le Cou is on the south coast of Newfoundland.

---

Harbour Le Cou (with MIDI) in DT

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 27 Sep 97 - 07:44 PM

It's usually sung "comrades" rather than shipmates, but that is a trivial variation.

Ryan's Fancy, a Newfoundland band that is no more, used to do a good version of this on their live LP. You'll have it find it in a used vinyl shop as most regretably none of their LP's are out on CD. This is a shame as they were an excellent Newfoundland ( & Cape Breton) Celtic band. Perhaps there is some dipute about the masters.

Fergus O'Byrne from the group has just recently released a CD with Jim Payne but I don't know if this song is on it as I haven't bought it yet.

Subject: Lyr Add: AUNT MARTHA'S SHEEP
From:
Date: 27 Sep 97 - 10:53 PM

Incidentally, as John Nolan says there are other cultural traditions in Newfoundland. I once heard a Newfoundland fiddler who played in a style very much like the Cape Breton style. There are also the French and the English. Many Newfoundlanders trace their heritage back to Devon and that's where some of the songs came from.

I'd like to find a recording on CD of the song The Boarding House on Federation Square.

John, are you related to the Nolan that wrote and sang Aunt Martha's Sheep? Dick Nolan, I think his name was.

Here are the lyrics -- someone can fill in the blank as to place name:

AUNT MARTHA'S SHEEP

Come gather all around me and I'll sing to you a tale
About the boys from ------- who almost went to jail
It happened on a November night when all hands were asleep
We crept up over Joe Topp's Hill [phonetic] and stole Aunt Martha's sheep

Now if you pay attention, I know I'll make you laugh
We never went to steal the sheep; we went to steal the calf
But the old cow she got angry when we woke her from her sleep
We couldn't take any chances so we had to steal the sheep.

We caught the woolly animal, and dragged her from her pen
She said good-bye to little lambs she'd never see again
She knew that those dark strangers soon would take her life
In less than half an hour she felt the dreadful knife.

Aunt Martha she got angry when she heard about her loss
She swore she'd catch the robbers no matter what the cost
So early the next morning she to the office went
And to the RCMP a telegram she sent.

The Mountie got the message, and started in to read
"This is from Aunt Martha, relating an awful deed
Last night my sheep was stolen, by whom I cannot tell
I'd like for you to catch them and to drag them off to jail."

Well just a short while later, about twelve o'clock that night
We had the sheep a-cooking, and everyone feeling tight
The smell of mutton and onions, no man could ask for more
We were chug-a-lugging Dominion when the Mountie walked through the door.

He said "Sorry boys, your party, I really don't want to wreck,
But I smelled the meat a-cooking so I had to come in to check
Aunt Martha's sheep's been stolen, and the thief is on the loose.”
We said "Come right in and join us, Sir, we're having a feast of moose."

He came right in and he sat right down and we gave him a piece of the meat
He said, "This is the finest piece of moose I know I'll ever eat"
At two o'clock in the morning, he bid us all good day
"If we get any leads on the sheep, Sir, we'll phone you right away."

He said "Thanks a lot, you're a darn fine bunch and your promise I know you'll keep
If everyone was as good as you, she wouldn't have lost her sheep.”
After he left we had the piece we had in the oven to roast
Now we might have stole the sheep boys but the Mountie ate the most.

---

See thread on Aunt Martha's Sheep (click)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 28 Sep 97 - 09:46 AM

No relation to Dick Nolan, Tim. My branch of the family are the Tuneless Nolans (save Cousin Mary). My father was very fond of songs and poetry though, and committed a lot to memory when he was working in the lumber camps in Labrador in the 1930s. In fact the lumber camps acted like the Aberdeenshire bothys of the 1800s in being a crucible of poetry and music. In the 1950s, when I was a kid, my father still had fragments of verse stuck in his head like shrapnel. Harbor Le Cou was one. The Little Beggar Man was another - he knew most all of that (except the tune, naturally). He also used to mutter bits of verses from a lumber camp song/poem called "The Double-sledded Lad" sitting up on his logs, "as happy as a king." I asked Dick Swain once, when he was researching woodsmen's songs in Maine, if he has come across it - he hadn't, at least at that time, so it may be localized to Newfoundland/Labrador. Can Tim or anyone throw more light on this one?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Bob Landry
Date: 28 Sep 97 - 11:10 AM

Tim, re Aunt Martha's Sheep, the place names were Carmanville and Joe Tuck's Hill.
In an earlier thread I asked if anyone might have the lyrics to the two sequels to "Aunt Martha's Sheep" (the story may have reached epic proportions in Nfld.) I don't remember the titles but the first was about how the Monutie, who was actually a Newfie boy himself, had feigned ignorance at their first meeting and returned to catch the perpetrators. I heard this tune once while driving through Cape Breton many years ago. The second, which I've never heard and may be only a rumour, sings about the boys trying to pass on to their heavenly reward but finding themselves on trial defending themselves against the poor sheep (who, naturally, had made it to heaven) and other assorted witnesses.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 28 Sep 97 - 04:51 PM

I've never heard the two sequels, although the original song sounds like something the villains might have pleaded in court in hope of a lighter sentence.

I haven't heard that lumbering song, but I am trying to get a couple of Newfoundland songbooks through my local bookstore, which is trying to order them. I'll let you know if it is in there. I am also going to see what my local library has to offer.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Bob Landry
Date: 28 Sep 97 - 11:33 PM

Thanks, Tim. I'll keep an eye on this thread. I've got a few Newfie songbooks and an old Omar Blondahl record at home plus access to two Newfies in exile who are avid song collectors. Are there any tunes that you'd like for your collection?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 29 Sep 97 - 03:14 PM

I left Newfoundland in '75; I haven't been able to find ANYONE in the US or Europe who knows the words to "Butcher Boy" - "In Dubllin city, where I did dwell ..." It was so hauntingly lovely, I world dearly love to be able to pass it on to my children. Does anyone know this?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Sep 97 - 03:55 PM

I KNEW "Butcher Boy" was posted recently, but a forum search under [butcher boy] came up with no results. Then I did a forum search under "butcher" and came up with lots of entries. It's the first entry form Alice in the "Women's song circle" thread. Good song.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 29 Sep 97 - 05:39 PM

I knew it as "In Jersey City"

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 14 Oct 97 - 07:19 PM

I bought the CD Wave Over Wave (Old And New Songs of Atlantic Canada) by Jim Payne and Fergus O'Byrne. It has a version of Double Sledder Lad on it, but unfortunately the lyrics are not provided. I'll try to listen and post.

It's a good CD of eastern Canadian songs and shanties. It's on Duckworth Distribution, 02 50440. I bought it through Back Porch at http://ww.bpm.on.ca -- with which I have no connection except for buying CD's.

Fergus O'Byrne used to be with Ryan's Fancy when they existed.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John Nolan
Date: 14 Oct 97 - 09:11 PM

Thanks, Tim. I look foward to your posting, and may even prise open the sporran and buy the CD.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Nonie Rider
Date: 15 Oct 97 - 01:27 PM

If it's a sporran yuir wearin', don't be puttin' of vibratin' pagers intae't.

This public service warning comes to you via several startled security guards at a convention in Scotland.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 06:42 PM

Refresh so Newfoundland songs don't get put into BC thread.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 14 Jan 00 - 12:42 PM

My father-in-law is from Isle-Aux-Mort NFLD; and has several volumes of NFLD songs. I have asked him to lend them to me. If I can be of assistance to you please drop me a list of the ones you have trouble getting the lyrics for, and I will be happy to look them up for you. Should be in next week. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Barry T
Date: 14 Jan 00 - 03:48 PM

This is a link to what appears to be a fantastic resource about to be published... Songs of the Newfoundland Outports... Kenneth Peacock's collection in CD-ROM format!

When I inquired the manager advised that it would be ready "in the next month or two." I recommended that he drop by ye olde Mudcat forum to tell us when it has been released.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Barry T
Date: 14 Jan 00 - 03:57 PM

Sorry! I should have drilled down one level. Either click on the picture in the url above or Click here to see the actual details of this CD-ROM.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 14 Jan 00 - 07:34 PM

I've always heard it as Patsy Fagan - Patsy's just a short way of saying Patrick, like Christy is short for Chritopher. I know they use it as a girls' name too in places, but Pasy Fagan is, as tye song points out, a fella.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 26 Nov 00 - 09:33 PM

Refreshing this thread even though the content is more broadly related to Newfoundland songs in general.

In working through missing tunes in the DT database. I'm working my way through 'Come And I Will Sing You' as mentioned in a thread above. So far I've come acroos Maid of Newfoundland, Tobacco Song, Wave Over Wave and Maurice Crotty which I've notated, and there'll be a few more. The book is only 15 years old - I figure that it can't be that rare.

I note that there are lots of songs in this book that aren't in the DT and normally I'd just shrug my shoulders and move on. But given the richness of song from this part of the world, and the fact that all of these songs have been collected in the area I thought that it might be best to raise the subject with the locals.

I assume that when the authors issued a CD they would've picked the eyes out of the better songs from the book. If anyone can supply a list of the songs from the CD I'd be happy to post a selection. If there's no particular interest I will assume that the songs are of no great significance.

Regards, John

Subject: Lyr Add: CARROLL BAWN/CARROLL BAN
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 27 Nov 00 - 12:37 AM

'Carroll Ban' was written by John Keegan Casey (Leo), (1846-70), an Irish patriot, concerning the 1798 Wexford Rebellion, one of the many uprisings in which the Irish fought against the oppression and injustice inflicted upon them by their more powerful English neighbours. Casey wrote many popular songs including 'The Rising of the Moon' and 'Maire My Girl.' He died at the age of twenty-three as a result of imprisonment for his involvement in the Fenian Brotherhood.

I've notated this tune from 'Come And I Will Sing You' Ed. Genevieve Lehr.

Carroll Bawn/Carroll Ban

Twas in the town of Wexford they sentenced him to die,
Twas in the town of Wexford they built a gallows high,
And there one sunny morning while beamed a pleasant dawn,
Upon that cursed gibbet they hung my Carroll Ban (Bawn)

O he was true and loyal, O he was proud and fair,
And only nineteen summers shone on his golden hair;
And when his gallant brothers had grasped the pike in hand,
Where the green flag streamed the fairest, he stood for his native land.

I saw him cross the heather with his bold company,
And from the rising hillside he waved his hand to me;
Then on my wild heart settled a load of woe and pain,
Mo bhron (mavrone or marone) it's throbbing told me we'd never meet again.

He fought the Saxon foemen by Slaney's glancing wave,
But brutal strength o'erpowered the gallant and the brave;
And in the fight which followed, that day of misery,
Sore wounded he was taken my Carroll ban mo chroi (carroll bawn ma chree).

O fhior ghear (fear gear) that ever I saw the dreadful sight,
His locks all damply hanging and his cheeks a deadly white.
What wonder if my ringlets would change from dark to grey,
Or if the blessed hand of God would take my life away.

The meadow path is lonely, and the hearth is cold and dim,
And the silent churchyard blossom blooms softly over him;
And my heart that's ever sobbing for the calm rest coming on,
With its weary pulse lies sleeping beside my Carroll ban.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Nov 00 - 06:08 AM

That's loud singing!

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 00 - 06:21 AM

Wave over Wave is a "recent" song. Jim Payne, I think, wrote it and he sings it with a partner.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 27 Nov 00 - 07:46 PM

My apologies for the loud singing. Maybe an elf can quieten the lyrics down, please?

Thanks to MMario I have notated the tunes for Carroll Bawn, Maid of Newfoundland, Maurice Crotty (2 tunes), Tobacco Song, Wave Over Wave (indeed penned by Jim Payne).

I'm part way through Murphy In The Cupboard which is a bit of Irish nonsense.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: MMario
Date: 29 Nov 00 - 09:31 AM

midi's for all the above have been forwarded to Alan of Oz; NWC files for all to DickG.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Vinland
Date: 29 Nov 00 - 11:43 PM

Tim, John, et al,

Many of the songs you're looking for are in 3 songbooks published by Vinland Music . A complete list of the songs in the books follows. Vinland also publishes the songs of Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers and the sheet music for the wedding song "Daughter of Mine" (recorded by John McDermott) . I can post the lyrics of any of the non-copyright songs. The books have piano/ vocal /guitar arrangements.

I believe I'm the only publisher dedicated exclusively to Newfoundland music. If I can be of any assistance, contact me at:

Vinland Music Box 40, Ladle Cove NF A0G 2Y0 Canada Ph. [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

A great source for recordings, information, and songbooks is O'Briens Music Store, St. John's (www.obriens.nf.ca phone [phone]. The owners are very friendly and will help you find anything related to Newfoundland or Irish music.

Cheers, Eric

Songbooks:

Catch Ahold this One (Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador -Volume I)

The Badger Drive, Feller From Fortune, Foggy Dew, A Great Big Sea Hove in Long Beach, The Greenland Disaster, Harbour Le Cou I'se The Bye, Jack Was Every Inch a Sailor, Kelligrews Soiree, Labrador Rose, Let Me Fish OffCape St. Mary's, The Maid On the Shore, The Leaving of Merasheen, The Northern Lights of Labrador, Now I'm 64, Ode to Newfoundland, The Old Polina, Pat Murphy's Meadow,The Ryans and the Pittmans, She's Like the Swallow, Squid- Jiggin' Ground, Star of Logy Bay, Sweet Forget- Me-Not, The Tiny Red Light, Wave Over Wave.

"Sing Around This One" (Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador -Volume II ):

Aunt Martha's Sheep, Cod Liver Oil, Early Spring, Emigrant from Nfld, Ferryland Sealer, Green Shores of Fogo, Hard Hard Times, Lukey's Boat, Music and Friends, Mussels in the Corner, Ode To Labrador, Oh No Not I, Old Mokami, Petty Harbour Bait Skiff, Pride of The Season The Anti-confederation Song, The Cliffs of Baccalieu, The Maid of NFLD, The Moonshine Can, The Titanic, The Wedding In Renews Tickle Cove Pond, We love Thee Place O God, Wings of an Eagle, Woman of Labrador.

"All Together Now" (Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador -Volume III) (mostly contemporay Newfoundland songs)

The Rocks of Merasheen - Al Pittman/Pat Byrne/Joe Byrne, Leave her Johnny, Leave Her - Anon. , Heave Away - Anon. , The Island of Newfoundland. - Bert Cuff , My Father's Old Sou'Wester - Bill Hollett , Your Last Goodbye - Bruce Moss, Outport People -Bud Davidge, West Country Lady - Dermot O'Reilly, Candlelight & Wine - Dermot O'Reilly, Out From St. Leonards - Gary O'Driscoll, Prohibition Way - Glen Breen, This is My Home - Harry Martin , Empty Nets - Jim Payne, The Valley of Kilbride - John MacDonald, Harbour Grace Excursion - Johnny Burke, The Land God Gave To Cain - Pat & Joe Byrne/C. Rose, Fishin' In A Dory - Paul Emberly , Old Brown's Daughter - Johnny Burke / Ron Hynes, St. John's Waltz - Ron Hynes, Sonny's Dream - Ron Hynes, The Little Boats of Newfoundland - Roy Payne, Song for Nfld. - Wayne Chaulk , Saltwater Joys - Wayne Chaulk, By the Glow Of The Kerosene Light -Winston Coles.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: mg
Date: 30 Nov 00 - 12:17 AM

great selection there..one I most heartily recommed to sing is Pat Murphy's Meadow...as in I mowed Pat Murphy's meadow in the sunny long ago...very pretty song...also Petty Harbor Bait Skiff has a beautiful tune but I don't thing I have every heard it sung..I think Gordon Quinton (outstanding guitar player with a web site I think..buy all you can of his CD's) did it..

mg

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Alan of Australia
Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:04 PM

G'day,
Thanks to MMario/John in Brisbane the tune for "Caroll Bawn" can be found here at the Mudcat MIDI site.

Cheers,
Alan

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 25 Oct 02 - 02:57 PM

I was wondering if you could help??? I'm looking for the lyrics to Little Sister by the wonderful grand band!!!! I attended a wedding this fall in NF and heard the song and fell in love with it!!! I've been searching but with no luck.
Thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Oct 02 - 03:15 PM

Guest zak, I'm moving this to a new thread; it will never be seen down here...

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Oct 02 - 03:18 PM

New thread for the request above is here.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,staceyT09
Date: 30 Oct 02 - 02:43 PM

hello.. i was wondering if you could help me i'm looking 4 the lyrics to the islander by kilkenny krew! i heard it once on t.v and i loved it!
thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 16 Feb 04 - 08:32 PM

PLEASE place a request into a NEW thread. With the title in the Subject, people can more easily determine if they know it.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 09 Mar 04 - 02:07 PM

I see that Harbour Le Cou has been harvested from this thread, but we don't have Tiny Red Light in the DT as of yet.^^

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 07:17 PM

Looking for lyrics to The Sixhorsepower Coaker

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 09:32 PM

I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATED FOR SOMEONE TO GIVE ME THE LINKS FOR THE SONGS "WANDA LEE AND THE MAIDENS PRAYER" BY DORYMEN

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 07:57 AM

To: GUEST,[e-mail] (e-mail sent):

It isn't clear from your request, but WANDA LEE and A MAIDEN'S PRAYER are two separate songs. They are both found on The Dorymen's cassette "Tiny Red Light" which is available at shopDownhomer.com (and probably other places as well).

WANDA LEE was apparently written by John Drake, a member of The Dorymen. I couldn't find any lyrics or sound samples of their recording, and I can't find any evidence that anyone else has recorded it.

There are several different songs called A MAIDEN'S PRAYER. I see from The BMI Repertoire that John Drake has claimed one of them, so his might be original, or maybe he did what many people do: take a song in the public domain, make a few changes to it, and copyright the "arrangement." At any rate, you can find various lyrics to A MAIDEN'S PRAYER in these threads:

What makes a clean song dirty
Lyr/Tune Req: Maiden's Prayer

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Geoffrey
Date: 07 Jan 05 - 11:19 PM

I have seen from the previous posts that the song / tune KELLIGREW'S SOIREE commences with "You may talk of Clara Nolan's ball..."

My mother says that her father used to sing the following (I have no idea what the tune would have been)and we are wondering if there is a connection between the two, or if anyone would be able to advise if there actually ever was a Clara Nolan associated with a ball?

Will you come - will you come
Oh forever you'll be happy if you come
Where the bells are ringing
and the birds are singing
and the fiddles and the drums go rum tum tum
There'se squeezing and teasing
There'se room enough for all
Therse courting in the ball room
Where? Miss Clara Nolan's Ball.

Any advice would be appreciated,

Sincerely,

Geoffrey Keed.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 08 Jan 05 - 03:08 PM

Hi, Geoffrey ~ The Lyrics for Miss Clara Norton's Ball were posted by Jim Dixon 05 Jul 04 at: http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=68767#1219534.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,gloria
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 12:48 PM

Hi
I am looking for the words to the song popcorn pudding.
it was sung by the moonshiners.
my email address is [e-mail]
I am from newfoundland/canada.
thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:52 AM

According to O'Brien's Music Store, POPCORN PUDDING appears on a cassette called "Our Nfld. Breed." That's all the info I was able to find.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 01:45 PM

http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/

Here's a site where I get my Newfoundland
lyrics to...check it out....

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From:
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:51 PM

Hi I am looking for the song and chords to the gospel song ( When The Robins Come Home ). I would appreciate it if you could help me .I know that the artist Brian Finn sings it but cannot find it any where.
                            Thanks Connie

Please e-mail it to me if you have any luck.

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN THE ROBINS COME HOME
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:04 AM

Copied from http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/13/robins.htm

WHEN THE ROBINS COME HOME
Brian Finn

'Twas just after Christmas. I remember the year.
A boy and his sweetheart sat there on a pier.
Tomorrow he was leaving for over the foam,
And he said, "I'll be back when the robins come home."

CHORUS: I will be back when the robins come home.
I'll have enough money to make you my own.
Don't be too lonely, now, while I am gone,
'Cause I will be back when the robins come home.

The winter passed slowly. Sometimes he was sad.
He said in his letters the weather was bad,
And that he missed her while out on the foam,
And prayed for the day when the robins come home. CHORUS

The schooner she waited for was coming at last,
But joy turned to sorrow for her flag was half-mast.
Teardrops were falling on the first day of spring.
As her tears hit his casket, the robin did sing. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 08:21 PM

I think I've asked this before without success, but can anyone tell me where I can get the rest of the words (and a tune) of a song quoted in Alistair MacLeod's story The Tuning of Perfection, from the collection The Lost Salt Gift of Blood.

The words have defaulted back from Gaedhlig to Irish in my mind, but go roughly:

Is ann ar chúl na mbeantann ard
Atá teach chónaithe mo ghrá
Fear a bhfuil a chroí i mbláth

(It is there, at the top of the high mountain is the dwelling-place of my love, a man whose heart is in flower).

Subject: Butcher Boy
From: GUEST,Jimbo
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 04:25 PM

I am new here and this is my first post. Eventually, I will figure out how this forum operates and start using it.

I did see someone request the lyrics for The Butcher Boy...

http://www.makem.com/discography/recordings/lyricpage/butcherboy.html

That whole site is awesome if you like Makem & Clancy actually.

Anyways, hope it's of some help.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Amos
Date: 17 Feb 05 - 06:00 PM

Thanks, Jimbo, and welcome to the Cat. I hope you enjoy it and stay on as a member!!

>Here's a blue clicky.

A

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Mary Belle
Date: 06 Nov 05 - 07:46 AM

I amlooking for the words to The Rose of Aranmore.
Thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Chris Farrell
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 02:21 PM

I am looking for the lyrics to "Headin' Home" by John Drake of the Dorymen.

Subject: Lyr Add: COME AND I WILL SING YOU (10 COMMANDMENTS
From: GUEST,Seiri Omaar
Date: 30 Jan 07 - 04:27 PM

To anyone looking for Newfoundland music, it is of interest to check out the music of Christina Smith and Jean Hewson: CLICK HERE
Jean taught me and some others a version of what was originally "Green Grow the Rushes-O"... highly non-sensical sometimes, but meh. I learned it orally, so I have no idea if what I have written is correct, nor do I have a way of getting the tune across... oh well. Here it is.

Come and I Will Sing You (The Ten Commandments)
Singer A: Come and I will sing you
B: What will you sing me?
A: I will sing you one-o
B: What will the one be?

Ten for the Ten Commandments
Nine for the nine bright shiners
Eight for the Gabriel angels
Seven for the seven stars under the sky
Six for the six bowl wager (?)
Five for the Flem boys under the bush (?)
Four for the gospel creatures
Three of them were drivers
Two of them were lily-white babes clothed (pron. clowth-ED) all in green-o
One the one lives all alone, forever more shall be so.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics (Chris Farrell)
From: GEST
Date: 31 Jan 07 - 12:10 PM

For Guest, Chris Farrell ~

Here are the lyrics for the late (1936-2006) John Henry Drake's song Headin' Home, courtesy of GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador and your friendly neighbourhood Mudcat Café. :-)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Pauline Russell
Date: 01 Feb 07 - 09:36 PM

I would love the lyrics to "My Little Island Home On The Hill"
Thanks, Pauline

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 02 Feb 07 - 08:55 PM

Can you remember any bits of the lyrics at all, Pauline? Or where you first heard the song? The title is nearly the same as that of a Bill Monroe song Little Cabin Home On The Hill.
GEST's Newfoundland song site has lyrics for My Homestead By The Sea, My Island Home, and My Little Home Across The Sea.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,lyrics for the sond wild Irish Rose
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 02:18 PM

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics [Guest,lyrics]
From: GEST
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 03:19 PM

Guest ~ Did you go to the top right of the Mudcat pages and use the links found there to browse the DT Lyrics or perform a search? Not sure which specific song you are looking for, but here is My Wild Irish Rose right out of the DT Lyrics.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 07:15 PM

Here's Ode to Newfoundland. I'm not too keen on the way it's sung, but there are some great pictures of Newfoundland on this YouTube clip, and it's a lovely anthem.

Sometimes you can get homesick for a place you've never been too.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 06:22 PM

Ok so this may be beating General Taylor's dead horse here, but I'll say it again! Great Big Sea! (I know it seems that's all I talk about here but it is desevedly so!) The latest CD they put out."The Hard and The Easy" was almost all traditional songs from Newfoundland. All of thier CDs have at least a few traditional songs. check out their website at greatbigsea.ca many of the lyrics are there. Also you will most definitly get a kick out of listening to WCJYQ from St. Johns Newfoundland and you can listen at Radionewfoundland.net it takes a while for the link to build in to listen now, and often you may ahve to keep trying because of the limited server capacity but the music is well worth it. Somtimes a very odd mix but lots of Celtic and maritime tunes in the mix, some trad, some contemporary, great stuff realy!
Whack Fall The Day
Nick

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 06:25 PM

Plenty of Great Big Sea clips in YouTube.

They aren't Figgy Duff, but fair enough.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 07:30 PM

Is/Was Figgy Duff From Newfoundland?
Whack Fall The Day
Nick

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 07:32 PM

You betcha.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 07:32 PM

Answers is yes!

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Feb 07 - 07:52 PM

And here's the recipe too.

No Figgy Duff clips on YouTube, but that's not the only place to look. This site has a number of Figgy Duff video clips and audio clips - including one video clip where they are accompanying legendary Newfoundland French musician Emile Benoit (Christina's Dream)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Feb 07 - 10:43 AM

I've just noticed I missed out the link on that site with the Figgy Duff clips and so forth. - here it is http://www.ambermusic.ca/media. htm Lots of good stuff in there.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Looking for a song
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 12:58 AM

Hello out there. I've just stumbled across this website and it looks great. I'm looking for the lyrics to a song that my mother sang to me while growing up in Newfoundland. I only remember the Chorus. It goes like this:

and the ship went down to the bottom of the sea,
and the mermaids there watched over me,
tra la la la, la la la la
tra la la, la la la la la
the ship went down to the bottom of the sea,
and the mermaids there watched over me.

I've always loved that song. My mom knew it by heart but she's gone now and I've been racking my brain trying to find it. If anyone out there recognizes the Chorus and knows the song, I would be tickled pink if you could post it.
Regards
Catherine

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,meself
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 05:27 PM

Okay, SamantaBig - you've given us the words, now can someone give us the tune?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 09:16 PM

It struck me there might be a better chance of tracking down this song in a separate thread - so I've started this one for it: Newfoundland Mermaid song

I hope that helps, Catherine.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Peace
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 10:20 PM

Catherine, hello. Roughly how long ago did your mom sing it for you? Was she a Newfoundlander or an immigrant to The Rock from elsewhere? What part of Nfld were you in? Had you heard other people sing it too? Have you ever heard it anywhere else? Absolutely any piece of info could be helpful in finding the lyric. Had your mom learned the song from her mom? Etc.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Seanie26
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 11:48 AM

Hello folks!! I'm trying to find the name/singer to a song...... its irish and speaks of Newfoundland.... however the only lyrics that comes to mind and should ring a bell with someone are: 'Deres and Dose and Dese and Dats!'..... Can anyone out there help me with this one?!?! Thanks in advance!

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Peace
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 05:05 PM

Google

GEST Songs Of Newfoundland And Labrador

Lower on the first page there's a place you could e-mail the folks at GEST. That would be your best place to look for an answer. Those folks know Nfld music.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest...Catherine
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 11:34 AM

Re: Looking for a song

Thank you "Peace" and "McGrath of Harlow". I've found it. I couldn't believe my eyes. I came across an old scrapbook that I had put in a box when Mom passed away. I opened it up and lo and behold, there it was on the first page. I think Mom is watching over me.

ps: "Peace"...Mom was born and raised in Grand Falls, Newfoundland and her and Dad raised 9 children there. She is the only person I've ever heard sing it. She may have learned from her father who sang quite a bit and I was often told stories about Saturday night card parties and singalongs.   

The song is called "The sailor and his Bride". Perhaps you've heard it. If not, I could include the song for you.

Thanks everyone...I would never have found this if I hadn't taken the time to check out your website and to post a message. I've never done this before. Thank you.

I also found a few more interesting songs in her scrapbook including another of my favourites "His days work was done" (old Irish song, I think).

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 12:47 PM

Here's a link to the song on the other thread.

Glad you found it and came back to tell us, Catherine. I've never heard that song - it looks as if it'd be a good one to sing. And that's a lovely story to go with it.

It's a bit reminiscent of this song, which exists in a number of versions - but this is clealry a different sonmg.

I'm know if you'd care to share some of those other songs with us here people would welcome that.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Catherine
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 07:04 PM

Oh! That's beautiful. I've never heard it before. I sure would love to know the tune to that one but since I don't have a sound card just yet, guess I'll have to wait.

Thank you...I would love to share some other songs with your chat room. Give me a chance to type them up and then paste them into my reply.
You'll hear from me soon.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE MERMAID
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 06:40 PM

Catherine,

Is the song that you're looking for "The mermaid Song"?

Here's the lyrics.

Twas Friday morn when we set sail
And we were not far from the land
When the captain, he spied a lovely mermaid
With a comb and a glass in her hand

O the ocean's waves will roll
And the stormy winds will blow
While we poor sailors go skipping to the top
And the landlubbers lie down below (below, below)
And the landlubbers lie down below

And up spoke the captain of our gallant ship
And a well-spoken man was he
I have me a wife in Salem by the sea
And tonight she a widow will be

And up spoke the cookie of our gallant ship
And a red hot cookie was he
Saying I care much more for my pots and my pans
Than I do for the bottom of the sea

Then up spoke the cabinboy, of our gallant ship
And a nasty little lad was he.
I'm not quite sure I can spell "mermaid"
But I'm going to the bottom of the sea.

Then three times around went our gallant ship
And three times around went she
Three times around went our gallant ship
And she sank to the bottom of the sea

Wayne

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 06:49 PM

Sean26,

I believe the song you're looking for is called "Nothing Like a Newfoundlander". It was sung by the Carlton Showband back in 1975.

It contains the line "Dem and Does and Dese and Dat".

Wayne

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 06:52 PM

Oops, guess I should have read ALL of the thread before submitting the bit about the "Mermaid Song".

Sorry everybody.

Wayne

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 22 Feb 07 - 06:53 PM

Read back the last three or four posts, Wayne.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Tammy Canning
Date: 28 Jul 07 - 11:33 PM

Doing some research about places and I'm looking for the song that they sang for come year in newfoundland in 1966 the only word that I can remember are COME HOME TO NEWFOUNDLAND IT'S COME YEAR I would appericate it very much Thank you

Tammy, you will get a quicker and probably better response by asking for the lyrics in their own separate thread. I have started one for you HERE.
joe clone

Subject: Lyr Add: A NEWFOUNDLAND COME HOME SONG (Scammell)
From: Jim Lad
Date: 29 Jul 07 - 01:12 AM

A Newfoundland Come Home Song
(Arthur R. Scammell)

We've spanned the Great Island, we've bridged the wide streams,
Building the new Newfoundland of our dreams;
We welcome our kinfolk, and all those who roam,
Back to the firesides, the warm hearths of home.

Then come in your thousands our first Come Home Year,
Give us your blessing and join us in cheer;
Though letters and phone calls we always enjoy,
You in the flesh is what we want, me boy!

So bring all the family and park them on us,
Junior and Senior, we don't mind the fuss;
Leave all cares behind wherever you are,
Start the cruise homeward, our doors are ajar.

You don't have to linger if boats are stormbound,
Don't have to wait till the steamer calls round;
There's rivers to fish in with dry or wet fly,
Guides to instruct those who Seldom-Come-By.

Discover once more in the land of your birth,
Sweet simple pleasures and sources of mirth;
There'll be lots of weddings, there's one at Renews —
Jig a few codfish and cook your own brewis!

We'll sing the old songs, there's some new ones just out,
Try out your tonsils and make a glad shout;
Nobody may ask you, so just Come-By-Chance,
Join the soiree at the Keliigrew's dance.

Our time spent together will ebb like the tide,
Distance may part us but never divide;
We want you to know we are proud that you came —
Some things have changed but the folks are the same.

Arthur R. Scammell

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,tyler odriscoll
Date: 08 Oct 07 - 06:02 PM

gary odriscoll is my uncle

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,albert_smith_1964
Date: 03 Dec 07 - 09:54 PM

dick nolan didnt write aunt martias sheep.It was Winston and Elles    Coles.Who happens to be my uncles from Carmensville newfoundland

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Mar 08 - 03:40 PM

I am looking for the lyrics for the song "Popcorn Pudding" by the "Moonshiners" thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle
Date: 03 Mar 08 - 05:26 AM

There was a fantastic vinyl isuued by Folkwats in the 1960s called Songs From The Outports Of Newfoundland. It consists of field recordings made by McEdward Leach. My precious copy is entombed in a box somewhere, but from memory there are at least two Irish songs on it - Finnigan's Wake and another song with a similar subject.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 04 Mar 08 - 04:06 PM

Courtesy of GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador, here are the lyrics to Popcorn Pudding. :)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Brenda Daley
Date: 06 Mar 08 - 04:20 PM

hi ,
i'm looking for the lyrics of 7 years i loved a sailor by the Dorymen :)


thankyou

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 12 Mar 08 - 10:31 AM

To give credit where credit is due, I was just informed that Popcorn Pudding was written by Charlie Reardon of St. Anthony, NL.

GEST
GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Fergus O'Byrne
Date: 24 Mar 08 - 12:53 PM

Just a note to all hands that Jim Payne and I Payne released a CD How Good Is Me Life ( www.Singsong Inc.ca ). One of the songs I rewcorded is Carroll Ban from the Come and I Will Sing You collection.
Fergus O'Byrne

Subject: RE: i am looking for the song labrador rose
From: beth008
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 01:40 PM

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 20 Apr 08 - 08:39 PM

Dick Gardiner of Labrador City, NL, wrote this song which was recorded by the Flummies (Songs of Labrador, 1988). :-)

http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/03/rose.htm

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,mainland newfie
Date: 05 May 08 - 03:23 PM

hey all, looking for the lyrics to "Candlelight & Wine" if anyone can help me, it would be greatly appreciated

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 05 May 08 - 08:48 PM

Here's the love song Dermot O'Reilly wrote for his wife, Candlelight And Wine, courtesy of GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador. If you want to watch a YouTube video of the song, go to the bottom of the GEST Ryan's Fancy Artist Listing Page where Candlelight And Wine is the second song on a Dermot O'Reilly tribute video. :-)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,BF
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 02:41 PM

i cannot find the lyrics to west moon as done by the byrnes and baxter wareham on towards the sunset...if you could help it would be appreciated...drop me a line at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 08:31 PM

Guest BF ~ From your post it apears your search criteria may be off. I haven't seen any lyrics, but here are some information sources via Google: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&sa=2&q=%22West+Moon%22+%2BWareham%22

GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Jason Quilty
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 10:57 PM

Long ago I heard an old traditional song about 3 brothers who had went hunting game with their father and had strayed from him and they eventually froze to death and there was a funeral with 3 white caskets. In the song I think the boys names were willy, billy, and nick... Has anyone heard of such a song????

Love to have the lyrics for it..

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jason

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Crystal - Arnolds Cove
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 12:59 PM

what is the song that goes....?
"I see the light, across the bay...
I see the light, not far away...."
?????
thats all I can remember and google is not helping much, anyone know what this song is???

please and thanks alot for you help. :)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 05:19 PM

How about Portland Town by Steve Romanoff of Schooner Fare? :-)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: skarpi
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 05:35 PM

Banks of Newfoundland

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 01:34 PM

I am looking for the song about Aunt Martha feeling sorry for the boys and taking them some meat.She ends up in jail next to the boys because she took them moose and didn't have a tag for it. I heard the song once and have been looking for it ever since. Anyone know the name of the song, any lines in it, anything, so I can try to find it?

Subject: Lyr Add: AUNT MARTHA'S SHEEP (Ellis Coles)
From: CET
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 02:56 PM

That's "Aunt Martha's Sheep" by Ellis Coles and first recorded by Dick Nolan:

Come gather all around me and I'll sing to you a tale,
About the boys in Carmanville who almost went to jail.
It happened on a November's night when all hands were asleep,
We crept up over Joe Tulk's hill and stole Aunt Martha's sheep.

Now if you pay attention I know I'll make you laugh,
They never went to steal the sheep, they went to steal the calf.
The old cow she got angry 'cause they woke her from her sleep,
We couldn't take any chances so we had to steal the sheep.

We caught the woolly animal and dragged her from her pen,
She says good-bye to the little lamb she'd never see again.
She knew that those dark strangers soon would take her life,
In less than half an hour she felt that dreadful knife.

Aunt Martha she got angry when she heard about the loss,
She said she'd catch the robbers no matter what the cost.
Next morning just at sunrise she to the office went,
And to the R.C.M.P. a telegram she sent.

The Mountie got the message and started in to read,
This is from Aunt Martha telling an awful deed.
Last night my sheep was stolen by whom I cannot tell,
I'd like for you to catch them and take them off to jail.

Just a short time later about twelve o'clock that night,
We had the sheep a'cooking and everyone feeling tight.
The smell of mutton and onions no man could ask for more,
We were chug-luggin' Dominion[1] when a Mountie walked in the door.

Said sorry boys, your party I really don't mean to wreck.
I smelled the meat a'cookin' and I had to come in and check.
You see the sheep was stolen and the thief is on the loose.
I said, Come right in and join us, sir, we're having a piece of moose.

He said thanks a lot and he sat right down and I gave him a piece of the sheep.
This is the finest piece of moose I knows I ever eat.
About two o'clock in the morning he bid us all good-day,
If we get any clues on the sheep, sir, we'll phone you right away.

He said thanks a lot, you're a darn fine bunch, and your promise I know you'll keep.
And if everyone was as good as you she wouldn't have lost her sheep.
After he left we had the piece we had in the oven to roast,
We might have stole the sheep, boys, but the Mountie ate the most.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 09:10 AM

Sounds like our guest is looking for a different song, however, a parody or "answer song" to "Aunt Martha's Sheep", similar to the song "You Can't Fool A Newfoundlander" which may be found on GEST's site.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Charmion
Date: 01 Jan 09 - 11:53 AM

Right you are, Bob. I knew "Aunt Martha's Sheep", which was a big hit in Halifax during the 70s, when I was hangin' out in the bars, but I never heard the "reply" song.

That GEST site is excellent.

That was me posting under CET's name -- too lazy to change the cookie.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Margaree Girl
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 07:56 AM

Hello,

Would any of you have the lyrics to "Candlelight and Wine" by Dermot O'Reilly?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Bob the Postman
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 09:42 AM

Good old GEST does it again. Search for your song in the alphabetical song title list. Now with video link. New. Improved.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 10:13 AM

Or you could type Candlelight and Wine into the onsite search engine here ('Lyrics and Knowledge Search' at the top of every page); you'd find that it has been posted here twice:

Lyr Add: CANDLELIGHT AND WINE (Dermot O'Reilly) (1998)
Lyr Add: CANDLELIGHT AND WINE (Dermot O'Reilly) (2003)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 08:12 PM

i am looking for the lyrics to Tracks to Knob Lake, Bonny Bunch of Roses-O and Hard, hard times .
could you please also say the names of who sings these songs ?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 10 Jan 09 - 10:18 PM

Here are all three of your requested songs, Guest, Guest, courtesy of GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador:

http://wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/16/track.htm
http://wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/12/bunchroses.htm
http://wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/01/hard.htm

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Paul
Date: 13 Jan 09 - 10:57 AM

Can someone please tell me where Joe Tulk's Hill is. It's mentioned in Aunt Martha's Sheep and I can't seem to find it anywhere. Is it a real place?
Thank You.

Subject: Lyr Add: LOSS OF THE MARION (Simani)
From: GUEST,Harrison
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 08:36 PM

I love singing our newfoundland music. So here's some songs and more to follow when I get some more spare time


LOSS OF THE MARION
(by Simani)

In {G}1915 on the {C}tenth day of {A}June   
At {D}Burk's wharf the Marion {G}lay
Prepared for the {G7}banks as was cus{C}tom to {A}do   
All loa{D}ded with caplin for {G}bait.

The wind fron the northwest a fine summer's breeze
As Ike Jones from St. Jacques he steered
While the boys in the folks hole made plans for that night   
When they'd all go ashore in St.Pierre.

Some were uneasy, there'd be trouble they said   
'Cause Ike Jones was noted to fight.
At the Cafe de France on the last trip he made   
A Frenchman had threatened his life.

The challenge to fight was issued that night   
While the cheap French liquor ran free
The French captain then warned the Marion's men   
He would answer their challenge at sea.

Next day the Marion set sail again   
And so the story relays
The French beam trawler weighed anchor as well   
And followed close by in her wake.
Chorus # 1
She's a {D}Fortune Bay schooner heading {G}out for the banks
With {C}fine hardy {A}Fortune Bay {D}men
But some {G}on the cape were rum{C}oured to {A}say
She'd {D}never be heard from a{A}gain

The fate which befell the Marion's crew   
And their schooner will never be known.
No trace or good tidings were ever again   
To be heard by those waiting at home

Some say the Frenchman was true to his word,   
Some say he confessed 'fore he died,
That he scuttled the Marion and settled the debt   
Not taking one man 'oer the side.

Families of Skinners and Vallis and Miles   
Grieved for their loved ones on shore,
And the Newfoundland story of loss to the sea   
Was told as so often before

Chorus # 2
She's a Fortune Bay schooner heading out from St. Jacques
With a fine crew of Fortune Bay men.
But never no more will she pass by the light
With her jib flapping into the wind.

Subject: Lyr Add: MUSIC AND FRIENDS (Simani)
From: GUEST,Harrison
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 08:38 PM

MUSIC AND FRIENDS
(Simani)

I've done a lot of living and I've found
No matter where you go the whole world round
They always go together hand in hand
Where there's one there'll be the other music and friends

When blue skies turn to grey and hide the sun
When tired hands their daily work has done
Nothing seems to turn things round again
And make the whole world right like music and friends

Music and friends it's so good to bring together music and friends
Side by side no one can break them
when we take the time to make them
Nothing else can take the place of music and friends

Music and friends it's so good to bring together music and friends
Side by side no one can break them
When we take the time to make them
when there's one there'll be the other music and friends
Nothing makes the whole world right like music and friends

Subject: Lyr Add: EXCURSION AROUND THE BAY
From: GUEST,Harrison
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 08:40 PM

EXCURSION AROUND THE BAY

It was early Monday morning and the day been calm and fine
To the Harbor Grace excursion with the boys to have a time
And just before the sailor pulled the gang way from the pier
I saw some fella haul me wife aboard as a volunteer

O Me O My I heard me poor wife cry
O Me O My I think I'm gonna die
O Me O My I heard me poor wife say
I wish I'd never taken this excursion around the bay

We had three hundred souls on board, oh what a splendid sight
Both strong and regimental to make our spirits bright
With me self being in the double with the funny things they'd say
And they'd choke themselves from laughing when they see us in the bay

Chorus: O Me O My

Now me wife she got no better She turned a sickly green
I gave her soap and candy fat pork and gasoline
Castor-oil and sugar of candy I rubbed hair oil on her face
And they said she'd be a dandy when she reaches Harbour Grace

Chorus: O Me O My


My wife she got no better, my wife my darling dear
The screeches from her trolly you could hear in Carbonear
I searched every place in Harbor Grace, searched every store and shop,
To get her something for the cure or take her to the hop.

Chorus: O Me O My

She died below the Brandy's as we were coming back
We buried her in the ocean wrapped up in the Union Jack
And now I am a single man in search of a pretty face
And the woman who says she'll have me, sure I'm off for Harbour Grace.

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: SALTWATER JOYS
From: GUEST,Harrison
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 08:43 PM

SALTWATER JOYS
Buddy Wasisname And The Other Fellers.
Capo on 5th fret

Just to {C}wake up in the {G}morning to the {Am}quiet of the {F}cove
And to {C}hear Aunt Bessie {G7}talking to her{C}self
And to {C}hear poor Uncle {G}John mumbling {Am}wishes to old {F}Nell,
It {C}made me feel like {G7}everything was {C}fine.

I was {G}born down by the {Am}water, It's {F}here I'm gonna {C}stay;
I've {G}searched for all the {Am}reasons why {F}I should go {C}away,
But I haven't got the {G}thrist for all those {Am}modern-day {F}toys,
So {C}I'll just take my chances with those {G7}salt-water {C}joys.

{C}Following the little {G}brook as it {Am}trickles to the {F}shore
In the {C}autumn when the {G7}trees are flaming {C}red,
Kicking {C}leaves that fall around {G7}me, watching {Am}sunset paint the {F}hills,
It's {C}all I'll ever {G7}need to feel at {C}home.

{G}This this island that we {Am}cling to has been {F}handed down with {C}pride
By {G}folks who fought to {Am}live here, taking hard{F}ships all in {C}stride,
So I'll compliment her {G}beauty, {Am}hold on to my {F}goodbyes,
{C}Stay and take my chances with those {G7}salt-water {C}joys.

{C}How can I leave those {G}mornings with the {Am}sunrise on the {F}cove
And the {C}gulls like flies sur{G7}rounding Clayton's {C}wharf?
{C}Platter's Island wrapped in {G}rainbow in the {Am}evening after {F}fog,
The {C}ocean smells are {G7}perfume to my {C}soul.

{G}Some go to where the {Am}buildings {F}reach to meet the {C}clouds,
{G}Where warm and gentle {Am}people turn to {F}swarm in faceless {C}crowds.
So I'll do without their {G}riches, the {Am}glamour and the {F}noise,
And I'll {C}stay and take my chances with those salt{G7}water {C}toys.

{G}Some go to where the {Am}buildings {F}reach to meet the {C}clouds,
{G}Where warm and gentle {Am}people turn to {F}swarm in faceless {C}crowds.
So I'll do without their {G}riches, the {Am}glamour and the {F}noise,
And I'll {C}stay and take my chances with those salt{G7}water {C}joys.

---

Harrison, you'll notice I moved your lyrics into separate posts, one per song; and I titled each post with the title of the song. It works better that way for indexing.
Thanks for posting all the songs.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 23 Jan 09 - 10:16 PM

It doesn't seem to make much sense to be cluttering this thread with copies of song pages from Frank White's old Web site, the remnants of which reside at http://nfldsongs.tripod.com/ when GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador has been expanding Frank's old site since he retired seven years ago with an additional 2,000 songs and now almost 500 YouTube videos. All people have to do is go there and visit their local archivist - GEST

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jul 09 - 10:31 AM

the name of that song is portland town the one with i see the lights across the bay i see the lights not far away by the masterless men

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,karen
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 06:11 PM

Im looking for lyrics to song by Ed and Baxter Wareham Toward The Sunset Please help me
Thanks

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,sheila wiseman
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 06:41 PM

Hi guys my name is Sheila born and breed in St. John's, there is no place like home or our great songs but could someone post the words of the answer to Aunt Martha's Sheep thanks so much.
Sheila Wiseman
Edmonton, Alberta

---

Hi, Sheila - try this thread (click). -Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Darryl
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 03:59 PM

I just started learning how to play, I can find most songs with chords on the internet but I cannot find one of my favourites, McRory.. Can someone post them on this site if they have it...
Thank you kindly

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Jimmy
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 02:13 PM

I'm looking for the lyrics to "I'm A Cape Breton Newfoundlander".

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,jenille
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 09:38 PM

i think that it should be a sailor stood pointing far out on the shore

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Jeff
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:28 PM

Anyone out there got lyrics and chords from these?

My angel - Celtic Connection
candlelight and wine - Punters
nancy Spain - masterless men

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Steve Romanoff
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 02:54 PM

This "arrangement" of "Portland Town" is the original version as written by its author, Steve Romanoff of SCHOONER FARE and recorded by SCHOONER FARE. It was subsequently recorded by Barleycorn, The Masterless Men, The Landsmen, etc.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: gnu
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 02:57 PM

I don't quite follow Steve???

Subject: Lyr Add: CAPE BRETON NEWFOUNDLANDER
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 04:50 PM

I see a request for these lyrics from last year: (from the Cape Breton Song Collection)


CAPE BRETON NEWFOUNDLANDER

Lend an ear, me byes, and if you're wise
Your minds they won't meander.
You won't make fun, you son-of-a-gun; (Cuz)
I'm a Cape Breton Newfoundlander.
Chorus:
Cape Bretoners rule the coal mines deep
And we're the seas' commanders.
We fish today out of old Glace Bay
And we're Cape Breton Newfoundlanders.

From Ingonish down to Morien Town
We sail the seas gigantic
On Snappers fast and Newfoundland Jacks,
The pride of the Atlantic.
They serve our swordfish round the world.
There's lobsters and tomatoes,
And who can beat that Island treat,
Salt herring and potatoes?
        (chorus)
We sail the Atlantic high and low
While the miners work down under.
From the crack of dawn we carryon
Through lightning, storms and thunder.
When times were right and the wharf packed tight
With boats from Newfie and farther,
What more could you wish than a hold of fish
A-sailing into the harbour?         
(chorus)

But now she's rough and a schooner ain't enough;
You can't keep up with the trawler.
So I'll fish a bit and work in the pit
And maybe I'll earn a dollar.
Now if you're in the Bay, hurry down I say;
Come aboard and take a gander.
We might be loud but we're bloody well proud
That we're Cape Breton Newfoundlanders.         
(chorus)

*-Snapper: a small motorized boat used for in-shore fishing.
Newfoundland Jack: a small schooner often used for sword. fishing off Glace Bay

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 14 Mar 11 - 05:01 PM

Another lyric request from last year was for Candlelight And Wine. It was written by the late great Dermot O'Reilly of Ryan's Fancy. The lyrics are here on Gest's site along with a recording of Dermot singing it. Just look under "c" in song titles.

GEST

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 08:10 AM

Looking for the lyrics to a song that goes something like this- Herring and potatoes herrng and potatoes herring and potatoes and a big stong come of tea, I went down to boston ??????? the price of which was costing too much for the likes of me.
Does any one have these lyrics? Know who sings it or can be of any help?

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 06:37 PM

Hi there, looking for the chords for the Roy Payne Song: "I Wouldn"t Take A Million Dollars For A Single Maple Leaf". I have the words, but can not locate the chords anywhere. I've tried viewing covers of the song on You Tube to see if I can pick them up. I've a few (I think) but can't get them all. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Key of G, if not no big deal, I can transpose. God Guard Thee !!

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 10:01 PM

Herring and Potatoes is a Cape Breton, not Newfoundland song, to the air of Ho Ro Mo Nighean Donn Boidheach. I have the words at home but I won't be back there for a couple of weeks. One verse goes something like this:
When I went up to Boston
They served me fish with frostin'
But heavens it was costing
Too much for a man like me
Give me herring and potatoes
There's nothing tastes as great as
Herring and potatoes
And a good strong cup of tea

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest Diane
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 02:31 PM

I was looking for the lyrics to There's gonna be a time tonight. Thank you for all your help.

Subject: Lyr Add: HERRIN' AND POTATOES
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 17 Dec 11 - 12:22 AM

For Guest of Nov.14/11 from The Cape Breton Song Collection:

HERRIN' AND POTATOES*

1.In old Cape Breton, over,
I'm livin' right in clover
With herrin' and potatoes
And a good, strong cup of tea.

2 Oh, my goodness gracious,
There's nothin' tastes as great as
Those herrin' and potatoes;
They're good enough for me. (piano fill)

3 When I went up to Boston
They served their fish with frostin'.
But, Heavens, it was costin'
Too much for the likes of me.

1st Chorus:
Give me herrin' and potatoes,
Oh, herrin' and potatoes.
Those herrin' and potatoes
Are good enough for me. (piano fill)

4. I got out of that place pronto,
Says, "I'm goin' to Toronto."
But, if you want to know where I'm gone to,
I'm back in ole C.B., with ... (1st chorus)

5.I found a job in Mira;
That's where I met Elvira.
So now she's Mrs. Ira
And we're happy as can be,

2nd Chorus:
Eatin' herrin' and potatoes,
Good herrin' and potatoes.
Those herrin' and potatoes
Are good enough for me.

6.We just had supper cookin'
When a girl arrived from Brooklyn.
You ought to see her look
When she saw what we had for tea.

3rd Chorus:
'Twas herrin' and potatoes,
Good herrin' and potatoes,
And herrin' and potatoes
Are good enough for me.

7.She called my wife a joker
And tried to grab the poker.
But the bones began to choke her,
So the Island she did flee,

4th Chorus:
Because of herrin' and potatoes,
Good herrin' and potatoes.
More herrin' and potatoes
Is what this country needs.

8. I'm happy in Cape Breton
And the risin' costs I'm beatin'
Cause I'll tell you what I'm eatin'
And it's good enough for me:

5th Chorus:
It's herrin' and potatoes,
Good herrin' and potatoes.        
It's herrin' and potatoes
And a mighty darn good feed!        
*(based on Lloyd Maclnnis' version of Mrs. Protheroe's song)

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GEST
Date: 05 Feb 12 - 09:23 AM

As a reminder, over 2,000 videos and 3,000 songs of Newfoundland and Labrador can be found at GEST Songs of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Cheers, GEST

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 15 - 05:14 PM

You should listen to VOCM radio on saturday mornings. many of these are played regularly and anything else you can request.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,# Re some unanswered song requests
Date: 27 Apr 15 - 02:37 AM

"Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Mary Belle
Date: 06 Nov 05 - 07:46 AM

I amlooking for the words to The Rose of Aranmore."

Go to

http://sheetmusic.lyco.org.au/Rose%20of%20Aranmore/

Subject: Lyr Add: SEVEN YEARS I LOVED A SAILOR
From: GUEST,GUEST,# Re some unanswered song requests
Date: 27 Apr 15 - 03:01 AM

"Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Brenda Daley
Date: 06 Mar 08 - 04:20 PM

hi ,
i'm looking for the lyrics of 7 years i loved a sailor by the Dorymen :)"

Seven Years I Loved a Sailor

A pretty fair maiden,looking out her window
When a frisky young sailor, she chanced to see
He looked at her,as if he knew her
Saying pretty fair maiden,won't you marry me.

To marry you sir, a man of honour
A man of honour, you seem to be
To marry you sir, and love another,
Your wedding maid sir, I never will be.

Foolish maiden, I did not ask you
Only to be, my blushing bride
I'll have servants, to wait upon you
While you and I in, our carriage ride

I have a sweetheart, of my own sir
Seven years now, he's gone to sea
Seven more and I'll still wait longer
Till he returns for, to marry me.

Foolish maiden, O why so foolish
To waste your love, on any young man
Perhaps he's or, perhaps he's married
And maybe dead in, some foreign land.

If he's sick sir, I'll wish him better
If he's married, I'll wish him joy
If he's dead sir, I'll wish him Heaven
For he was once my, true sailor boy.

When he saw how, she'd been so loyal
When he saw how, she'd been so true
He put his hand, in his coat pocket
said here's the ring love, I took from

Seven years dear, you have been loyal
Seven years now and your still true
Seven more and, you'll wait no longer
For I've returned for, to marry you.

****************
I found that on a Tripod site, just as is.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,# Re unanswered requests on this thread
Date: 27 Apr 15 - 03:09 AM

"Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,BF
Date: 13 Aug 08 - 02:41 PM

i cannot find the lyrics to west moon as done by the byrnes and baxter wareham on towards the sunset...if you could help it would be appreciated...drop me a line at [e-mail]"

The GEST site has it. You can get there via

http://www.wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/01/west.htm

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,# Re unanswered requests on this thread
Date: 27 Apr 15 - 03:20 AM

"Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Darryl
Date: 23 Mar 10 - 03:59 PM

I just started learning how to play, I can find most songs with chords on the internet but I cannot find one of my favourites, McRory.. Can someone post them on this site if they have it...
Thank you kindly"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4KEhdK8DkM

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,# Re some unanswered requests on this threa
Date: 27 Apr 15 - 03:32 AM

"Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 14 Nov 11 - 06:37 PM

Hi there, looking for the chords for the Roy Payne Song: "I Wouldn"t Take A Million Dollars For A Single Maple Leaf". I have the words, but can not locate the chords anywhere. I've tried viewing covers of the song on You Tube to see if I can pick them up. I've a few (I think) but can't get them all. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Key of G, if not no big deal, I can transpose. God Guard Thee !!"

http://play.riffstation.com/?v=Tpox5T7n0u0

It's done in D, but it shouldn't be difficult to transpose to G.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,# Re some unanswered requests on this threa
Date: 27 Apr 15 - 03:36 AM

"Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest Diane
Date: 16 Dec 11 - 02:31 PM

I was looking for the lyrics to There's gonna be a time tonight. Thank you for all your help."

https://www.gugalyrics.com/lyrics-1279994/ray-lake-there%5C%27s-gonna-be-a-time-tonight.html

Lyrics there, and there are some renditions on YouTube,

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,Guest - Martemus
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 01:57 AM

Would like to know the female artist that sings a song called (I think) "Say A Prayer For Ireland". that is the main chorus lyric and the song ends with a very cool Irish scat/rap and bodhran finish.
First heard 10 years back on the (then) great CJYQ in St Johns. Any help is welcome. Newf by proxy in Texas.

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 06:15 AM

To extend the original point, I am searching out Irish versions of Child Ballads and have found the Newfoundland (and Canadian in general) collections, along with the early US ones (particularly the NE States) an unbelievably rich source
When I've complete the job I intend to circulate it (recordings included) to anybody interested
I have access to most of the major collections, but would appreciate information of any from local or National Journals or private collections
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: sciencegeek
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 07:09 AM

Jim, Mike and I have been on a similar quest and have started to catalog our accumulated hoard... I intend to donate the majority to the Blunt Library at Mystic Seaport Museum so it will be available to any interested, since they will have a nautical or maritime component and there is the shanty singing program there... here is the link to what is in their collection so far:

https://research.mysticseaport.org/info/ib93-2/

most of their wish list will be filled by our donation this spring along with others not mentioned.

I am also working on compiling a lost of websites that provide access to songs... but this is slow going for me

I'm still trying to figure out the best home for my copy of Creighton's Gaelic Songs in Nova Scotia since there's only a few maritime ones in the printed collection which feature the old tongue and translations by Calum MacLeod. It's a bt disheartening at how many we've found came as library discards... so the right home is critical if it's to remain available for new folks that don't have tons of money to spend on books

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 09:46 AM

Delighted to hear it and am happy to pass on anything I find
One of the problems I am finding with both Canadian and American songs is that often there is no background information of the singers so it's difficult to establish where they learned their songs or in some cases, whether or not they were Irish
I don't know if Edith Fowke's songs fall within your remit - if they do, please PM me and I may be able to help
I knew and admired the work of John Shaw when he lived in the UK
Best wishes
Jim

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: sciencegeek
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 01:10 PM

Kenneth Peacock's collection done from 1951 - 1961 or so has a 3 vol. book setfrom 1965... and Anna Kearney Guigne has two books that build on the collection... I do have some of Fowke's works and the Smithsonian/Folkways recordings as well...

forgottenBooks.com has quite a list of public domain volumes that is worth checking out... I'm a dinosaur and prefer to get my hands on print material or recordings... lol

the GEST site has tons of material in an assortment of forms and some have more background than others

one book I read in our library was printed in the 1960s with a title about Songs of Irish Emigration - can't recall exactly- that I've never been able to track down again... it included Sally Munroe which I had learned from an early Boys of the Lough album and gave the history of the wreck....

I'll be sure to PM you with questions as they come up lol

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 01:24 PM

" a title about Songs of Irish Emigration -"
Think you mean Wright's Ballads and Songs of Irish Emigration ( a doorstep of a book)
You're welcome to a digitised copy with my edited index which were unusable in the original)
Have got the 3 Peackoch Books and the McEdwards Leach Lower Labrador Coast one, but have never heard the recordings - I think there was an album of Peacock ones
I was given a copy of 'Jerome, Just one More Song' a rather enjoyable book of songs (with CD) of a Newfoundland Irish singer, Jerome Downey, my its author, Margaret Bennet, a couple of years ago
PM me with your e-mail address
Jim

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: sciencegeek
Date: 15 Feb 19 - 01:28 PM

try Brian Miller at the Center for Irish Music in St Paul, Minnesota has been researching songs and their history in the Great Lakes basin area and done some recordings that are on youtube ... many songs traveled west from the Atlantic shore

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,roger roberts
Date: 09 Sep 20 - 09:39 AM

I am looking for a Roy Payne song called Living ain"t no fun now a days .Anyone out there have the lyrics i would appreciate if you could post them here or send them via facebook messenger my name is same on messenger ,Thank you

Subject: RE: Irish Newfoundland lyrics
From: GUEST,The Rambler
Date: 10 Sep 20 - 09:12 AM

The Shores of Newfoundland.
There's a thread about it here;
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=122141#2674644