Info??-Yellow on the Broom

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 10:42 AM

I'm a bit baffled about why folks have trouble finding things. I entered the word broom in the blue DigiTrad Search Box, and the first thing that came up was Yellow on the Broom.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 09:33 AM

Foe ease of harvesting... see Bill's post above for words to The Minstrel Song by Alan Bell.

Tune to be added as and when...

Noreen

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:30 AM

Clever Kat! (Letterland strikes again... Mrs. Duck, are you there??) :0)

Never thought of that, Kat. Let me know if you get anywhere with it, and if not I'll seek out the archive tomorrow.

I'm off to see the Eagles this evening. Nostalgia time!

Noreen

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: katlaughing
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:24 AM

Could get the tune from the archived radio show? If I could capture it, I could take it into Notation and Real Producer and get a midi, I think.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 19 Jun 01 - 10:11 AM

Rash promises-R-Us... I can remember the tune to the chorus but can't be accurate about the tune to the verse, sorry. As I have no recording of the song, it would be best to leave it to someone else to transcribe.

I know Liz t S has the Johnny Collins CD and I'm sure she would be able to do the dots, maybe when she gets back from her hols.

Maybe start a new thread as you suggest, Sorcha, and request the tune?

Sorry, folks.

Noreen

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 01:55 PM

Oh Bill, thank you so much!!! Should I move it to a Lyr Add thread?? or wait for Noreen to do the tune, also?

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: bill\sables
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 12:36 PM

Hi Noreen I can't do tunes so you better try for me thanks
Bill

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 12:32 PM

Champs-Elysées, (because it's nice to think about being there...)

Thanks Bill, for this. Are you able to do something about the tune, or shall I try?

Noreen

Subject: Lyr Add: THE MINSTREL SONG (Adam Bell)
From: bill\sables
Date: 17 Jun 01 - 11:54 AM

The Minstrel Song
Alan Bell

When I was a young lad and eager for the footlights and fortune and fame
I met an old trouper his name it was Sam and he taught me the rules of the game
He showed me the ways of the theatre, how always the show must go on
I learned how to enter, to stand, take a bow whenever I sang his song

Goodbye and adieu and farewell, I've loved you but now I must leave you
With a smile and a song as we part, the show's over it's time to be gone
But perhaps I will see you next year when I'll have some more tales to amuse you
And many more tunes you will hear, I'm a minstrel a peddler of songs

I've worked all the small country theatres and toured round the old music halls
I've died in the first house on a wet Monday night, but lived to take six curtain calls
I've starved like a beggar on Broadway, and been broke down the Champs Elesey
But when the show's over and the curtain came down I could always smile and say

I've courted the girls in the chorus, and lingered in many a late bar
I've gazed up in awe at my name in bright lights to think I had become a star
I once loved a beauty called Nancy whose loving was so sweet and strong
But she wanted a house and some kids and a dog so sadly I sang my song

So I've spent all my life entertaining and lived by the stage door routine
I've had many chances and missed quite a few I'm not yearning for what might have been
Now many long years lie behind me and I hope there are still some to come
When I stand on the stage with the house lights turned down as the audience sing my song


Please excuse my spelling of the French street "Champs Elesey. My love of France and all things French including their spelling is renound!!!>
Cheers Bill

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: GUEST,kim
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 05:33 PM

I don't know if Betsey sang "Yellow on the Broom" shortly before she died, but she did know and sing the song, according to Ed Miller.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 15 Jun 01 - 05:28 PM

It is, Kat. Glad you like it!
However, I'm still hoping for an answer to my question.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 10:46 PM

There is some wonderful informative notes on Yellow on the Broom at THIS SITE. Susanne(skw) is that your songbook site? Very nice!

Sorcha, would you mind emailing me the tune? Thanks!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 10:18 PM

What a mess, lol. I'll wait a few days until Bill has rested up, then ask him. Seems the easiest way.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 09:54 PM

Two different songs there, Sorcha.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 08:50 PM

At least you and I knew what we were talking about, MMario! Sorry for creeping the thread- I realise now it does seem confusing, but I was answering the question-before-last... like the Two Ronnies's sketch? Never mind. Maybe start a new thread about The Minstrel's Song, Sorcha?

Noreen

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 08:47 PM

Well, I thought I had--but it isn't. I thought perhaps it is the one in the DT called Goodbye Fare Ye Well but I guess not, huh? Since that is the MIDI I said didn't work, that is probably the one Jon sent to me that you made dots for, Mario.

Looks like I'll have to wait for Bill to heal up and ask him, huh? Also, I noticed on Johnny's album Pedlar that there are BOTH titles--Goodbye, Fare The Well and another song called the Minstrel's Song------now I am REALLY confoozeled!!

HEY BILL!! WAKE UP!!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: MMario
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 08:41 PM

oh! thought you meant you had found the lyrics to the minstrel's song!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 06:07 PM

Thread creep, Noreen!
Back to 'Yellow on the Broom': I've heard the story that Betsy Whyte herself sang the song at the 1988 Auchtermuchty Folk Festival, was feeling unwell when she left the stage and died very soon after. Very touching, but I can't help thinking it sounds slightly too good (?) to be true. On the other hand it would be very poignant if it was true. Help, anyone?

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 05:34 PM

Oh.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 05:30 PM

Sorcha- we have moved on... to talk about a different song now, The Minstrel's Song/Goodbye, Adieu and Farewell....? Remember? See my post above, 14-Jun-01 - 07:56 AM (I had to check there myself... you confused me!)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 05:11 PM

uh, Mario, Noreen, you're not making sense---back up top of this thread is Mario's post of 13 June, 11:17 AM which links to the lyrics in the DT............???

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 12:29 PM

Yes, post away, Sorch!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: MMario
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 11:46 AM

I'll take the lyrics, iffen ya don't mind there? please?

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 11:40 AM

Noreen, MMario sent me the music. I finally found the lyrics, but that is moot since I won't sing. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 07:56 AM

Sorcha, the lovely song that Bill finished the radio show with is called "The Minstrel's Song" (though others in the folkchat called it "Goodbye, adieu and farewell" and "Pedlar of Songs") and was written by Alan Bell. It has been recorded by Johnny Collins on his CD titled, from the phrase in the song, Pedlar of Songs.

I have searched using Google (and all three titles, and phrases), but the lyrics don't appear to be available. Maybe when Bill returns and has a few minutes... :0)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: GUEST,Scabby Doug at work
Date: 14 Jun 01 - 06:53 AM

Adam McNaughtan (the author) was at Campsie Folk Club last Friday (8 june) and closed with "Yellow on the Broom", the whole room was singing along, and as the last chorus was closing, he made his way to his seat, still singing, and sat down as it ended.

Nice touch...

Great songs.

Cheers

SD

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 08:16 PM

I don't recall ever hearing the song, so I'm afraid I can't help there.  Mind you, anyone wanting to know more about the background should read Betsy Whyte's autobiographical book The Yellow on the Broom (1979), which , together with its sequel, Red Rowans and Wild Honey (1990), explains what it was like to be a Traveller growing up in the North East of Scotland between the wars: more-or-less settled during the winter months, but restless and back on the road "when the yellow's on the broom".  Beautifully written stories.

Malcolm

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Snuffy
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 08:06 PM

That's the tune I've always heard it sung to, Dita.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Dita
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 08:00 PM

I seem to remember that the source of Adam's tune was a slowed down variant of the "Female Drummer."
Malcolm D, are you out there, can you verify.
love john.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 05:24 PM

This one

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Robby
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 01:56 PM

That's how I've learned songs over the years. The PC does have speakers, a voice modem and something called "RealPlayer", so maybe it can handle it. I'll PM you my e-mail and see what happens.
Thanks,
Robby

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 01:24 PM

hmm. Could you learn it by ear? MMario sent a sound file, too, if you computer could handle it. It's 936 bytes, whatever they are........

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Robby
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 01:21 PM

Sorcha,
Technologically challenged that I am, I have no clue what you just asked me. Anyway, all I have is just a little 1.5 to 2.0 Gig PC using Windows 95. And just to complicate matters, I'm musically challenged as well. Can't read sheet music. But thanks for offering.
And Les,
I'm a firm believer that bushes should always begin with a small "b". Unless the talk concerns Bush's Baked Beans.*bg*
Robby

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 12:36 PM

OK, I'll do a new thread with the ABC. Robby, can you read/translate ABC?

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Les from Hull
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 12:28 PM

I'm sure that people would appreciate the ABC, Sorcha. I know the tune well enough in my head, but I don't really have any skill with them dotty things.

In the meantime, Robby - Yellow's on the Broom

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 12:19 PM

I don't think so.

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 12:17 PM

OK, I've got the dots now. Robby,Les, if you will PM me your e mails I'll forward MMario's e mail to me that has them. MMario, have they ever been posted here in ABC? I could do that, too.........

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Les from Hull
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 12:14 PM

Yes, broom is a bush (Americans, note small b) with yellow flowers that bloom in Spring.

Another much older saying is 'Don't cast a clout til May's out', meaning 'Don't leave off your outer garment til the Hawthorn flowers appear.'

As to the tune, as I never sing 'Brennan on the Moor', I can't really help. The refrain part of the song is nice for people to join in on and I'm sure that someone will find a way of submitting the tune to this lovely song.

Les

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Robby
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:59 AM

After finding and reading the lyrics I have two questions which I hope someone will be kind enough to answer.

Am I correct in understanding that the phrase "yellow on the broom" is a reference to Spring?

Also, the rhythm of the verses and chorus suggests to me that this could be sung to the same tune as "Brennan on the Moor". Whether our not you would use that tune, am I correct on this observation?

Thanks,
Robby

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:35 AM

I think I found Wedding Waltz--it's a Finnish piece called Hāāvalssi, minor key, lots of accidentals?JC's has several choices, but I think they are all the same tune in diff. keys.

I can't find dots for Sally G (all I get is either one of the Salley Gardens tunes), Rubenstein, and the Goodbye,Farewell song Bill did. I think I found the lyrics in the DT (if it's the right one) but the tune won't play in WinMedia. Invalid format..........

No point in even looking for the Galician medley stuff--I couln't play it if I found it, LOL!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Bill D
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:28 AM

There's sort of two ways to approach the song, one is a spirited, lilting version that I have heard on CD, and there is a slower, more thoughtful way, similar to the way they did it on the show....my wife does it even a bit slower yet, making it very moving, comtemplative and, to my mind, more powerful....so as you learn it, try it at different paces and see what suits....

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:26 AM

payback for the times you find stuff no one else can? *grin*

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:25 AM

(I just put broom in the supersearch)

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Noreen
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:22 AM

Beat me, MMario. What can't you find that you want, Sorch?

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:22 AM

Beats the poop out of me, Mario. I tried everything I know of, and no results. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: MMario
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:17 AM

yellow on the broom

e-mail me. I have it in Noteworthy, or midi or can try and send you a graphic.

Subject: Info??-Yellow on the Broom
From: Sorcha
Date: 13 Jun 01 - 11:14 AM

Hi all. Last night on the Radio Show the Boyz played "Yellow on the Broom." I have a couple questions:

1. "If it's in the numachi mirror, it's in the DT". Oh really? Where? Super Search doesn't find it, title index doesn't find it, but it is at numachi, here. Lyrics only, which leads to the next question:

2. If Sam n'Ian n' Bill play it, could we get the tune off them? Can't find it on the net. Thanks!

Sorch, who is not having much luck finding the tunes they played!