Subject: Lyr Add: POLLY GARTER'S SONG (Dylan Thomas) From: Gareth Date: 21 Jul 01 - 12:33 PM As promised here is the text of :- POLLY GARTER'S SONG Dylan Thomas 1953.
I found a copy of the BBC published text in the Public Library Reference section
Not very easy to transcribe, as the song cuts in and out of the script in various places at different strengths and tempos. If Catters want the Score and arrangement there are GIF files at http//www.gareth72.fsnet.co/polly1 (and /polly2 and polly3) But give me a few moments to process and upload. (Gareth 1800 hrs GMT) I am including the text as I copied it. I also include my editing to produce a continuous song. I hope it makes sense.
I suspect that the BBC holds the copyright. POLLY GARTER'S SONG.
Taken from the original 1953 BBC Script.
I loved 'a man whose name was Tom
Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
Now men from every Parish around
Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men { Break in script song interlude continues}
Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men { Break in script song interlude continues}
And I'll never have such loving again
Now when the farmers boys on the first fair day { Break in script song interlude continues}
But I always think as we tumble into bed POLLY GARTER'S SONG.
Gareth's attempt to put it together as a continuous song
I loved 'a man whose name was Tom
{Chorus} Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men
Now men from every Parish around {Chorus)
Now when the farmers boys on the first fair day
Oh Tom Dick and Harry were three fine men Well it took a lttle time, but here it is, and a long way from Cwmdonkin St. Gareth |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Malcolm Douglas Date: 21 Jul 01 - 01:40 PM The text of the play was published by J.M. Dent in 1954; the "Everyman" paperback edition is probably still in print. Copyright is held by "The Trustees for the Copyrights of the late Dylan Thomas". |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Matthew Edwards Date: 22 Jul 01 - 08:32 AM Gareth, thanks for taking the trouble to collate the song. It is a lovely song. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Gareth Date: 22 Jul 01 - 07:14 PM Aaaargh ! HTML trouble - sorry I am more used to using Hot Metal when writing to the net ULR for the JPGs http://www.gareth72.fsnet.co.uk/polly.htm My gross error. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 07 Aug 03 - 06:38 PM Gareth's link above does not appear to work any more. The lyrics for Polly Garter's song (I Loved A Man) are widely available on the web (I have found them on English, German, Italian and Polish language sites), but a tune to go with them seems impossible to come by. Most of the recordings seem to be long out of print:
There also seems to be a tradition of writing new tunes for each production! But I can't find any of these on the net:
Does anyone know where I can get hold of a recording, or the dots, or an ABC or any other rendition of any of the tunes that have been used for this song? Or will I have to follow the tradition, and write my own tune? Perhaps I'll just wait to tape Radio 4's new production in November. WassaiL! V |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Gareth Date: 07 Aug 03 - 06:50 PM Sorry - (I've just Pm'd Snuffy) - I had a ' Puter Crunch some months ago and will have to search (and find) the back ups. All will be revealled. even if I have to go down to Newport and retreive the original document I took the originals off the website after 18 months - but fear not it will return. Gareth |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Micca Date: 07 Aug 03 - 07:49 PM Snuffy, I have a CD of the Richard Burton BBc recording, if you need it i can transfer the relevent part to a tape or CD for you..if Gareth cant solve it..:o) |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Art Thieme Date: 07 Aug 03 - 08:41 PM I can hear it being sung as I read the lyric. It was a lovely small tune as it was sung in the early '60s by DODI KALLICK---the mother of KATHY KALLICK the bluegrass singer, group leader and musician. This was at the old original No Exit Coffeehouse on Foster Street---west of the elevated station---in Evanston, Illinois. I just ran to check Kathy Kallick's new CD called MY MOTHER'S VOICE. But that song isn't on it. It is a grand CD anyway. Can be had from www.coppercreekrec.com Art Thieme |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Skipper Jack Date: 08 Aug 03 - 05:38 AM Snuffy There is a recording of Polly Garter's song on The BBC Radio Collection Double CD of Dylan Thomas' "Under Milk Wood". You obviously missed the performance of the Polly Garter Song performed by the Swansea Youth Theatre at Swansea's Maritime Festival last month? It's the Mumbles Maritime Festival this weekend!! Cheers, Dave R. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MCP Date: 10 Aug 03 - 05:46 AM Snuffy - I have the BBC (Burton) version and the original NY premiere recording (Dylan Thomas and 5 American actors). I'll have a listen and see what I can do. Incidentally the notes on the NY recording say: "...when Nancy Wickwire came to Polly Garter's song, Thomas fully expected the song to write itself. He had no notion at all of what he thought he would hear: Make something up, he told Nancy. She did; and he was so moved by it that when she sang it at the end of the play, slowly, mournfully, he inserted into his script the direction, A Long Pause" Mick |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: gnomad Date: 10 Aug 03 - 06:00 AM The "all Welsh performers" production with the Elton John version, mentioned by Snuffy, is available from EMI on CD. UK CD SXCD 6715 CDS 7 91232 2 A source for the BBC version has been mentioned. There is a recording of the first ever performance with DT as first voice. It was available on vinyl (Argo??) and is well worth hunting for. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MCP Date: 10 Aug 03 - 06:35 AM gnomad - my vinyl copy of that is Caedmon TC2005 Snuffy - I've got both versions on disk now. If you'd like MP3s e-mail me at MCPearce0ATaolDOTcom (with suitable substitutions, and that's a zero at the end of my name). Mick |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 12 Aug 03 - 09:15 AM Thanks to everyone who replied, you've been very helpful, especially MCP who has sent me MP3s of the New York and 1954 BBC versions. Skipper Jack - I couldn't make Mumbles as I was at Saltburn FF this weekend, but I remembered the Gower by singing Phil Tanner's Lass of Swansea Town at the final singaround on Sunday night. WassaiL! V |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MMario Date: 12 Aug 03 - 09:27 AM Gareth - if you can find the gifs send them to me at lpola@edutech.org and I'll get them posted as midi and abc! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Gareth Date: 12 Aug 03 - 02:15 PM MM ! I think I am going to have to rephoto and scan. It will be done, but but not untill I can find the book again - Libuary tomorrow. Gareth |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MMario Date: 12 Aug 03 - 02:18 PM *grin* hey, no problem! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 09 Nov 03 - 05:44 AM Dylan Thomas died 50 years ago today (9 Nov 1953) in New York. The BBC are broadcasting a season of TV and radio programmes on his life and work. The new production of Under Milk Wood will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 next Saturday (Nov 15) from 2.30 to 4pm GMT. Details of their whole Dylan Thomas season are available on the BBC Wales pages. WassaiL!V |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Gareth Date: 09 Nov 03 - 06:17 PM Er Cross ref to Dave Bryants post in this thread. Click 'Ere Gareth |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Dave Bryant Date: 10 Nov 03 - 06:58 AM I've been trying to get Linda to learn this song for a while now. I have the original Burton BBC recording both on vinyl and CD. The CD version is from POLYGRAM, it has a catalogue number of 522 140 2 and an ISBN Number of 1858497760. Gareth - if you do have the dots from the original version I'd be happy to make them into a MIDI/ABC for posting. If not I could produce a score/MIDI/ABC from the recording, although with my speed of notation, it could be a while. Incidently although the chorus is quite a simple tune, that of the verse is a bit more complicated. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 10 Nov 03 - 08:19 AM Which original version, Dave? MCP sent me MP3s from both the 1953 New York stage production and the 1954 BBC radio production. WassaiL! V |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Dave Bryant Date: 10 Nov 03 - 01:30 PM The 1954 BBC radio production, the vinyl recording of it was by DECCA. According to the notes, the songs were set by Daniel Jones. Polly Garter was played by Diana Maddox. How does the tune one the NY recording compare ? |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Chris in Wheaton Date: 10 Nov 03 - 01:42 PM I saw on the Radio Cymru site that there is a Welsh language version of Under Milk Wood. Does anyone know where I could get a copy? Diolch, Chris in Wheaton, IL |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 10 Nov 03 - 02:02 PM Under Milk wood was on BBC4 last night in glorious colour,the last time I heard it was on the Wireless, Third Programme a long time ago. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,Symlog Date: 10 Nov 03 - 02:39 PM Chris in Wheaton The Welsh language version of Under Milk Wood (Dan y Wenallt)is by T. James Jones and was first published by Gwasg Gomer, Llandysul, Ceredigion, Wales, SA44 4QL in 1968, but has been reissued I think fairly recently. You might get in touch with Gwasg Gomer, or alternatively Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru (The Welsh Books Council)which has a website called gwales.com. Cofion gorau a phob dymuniad da! |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 10 Nov 03 - 07:44 PM I think every production of UMW uses a new original score. For the 1953 New York production Dylan just told Nancy Wickwire to make it up, and was gobsmacked at the result. Same only different. The BBC version says "Songs set by Daniel Jones" |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Chris in Wheaton Date: 11 Nov 03 - 12:57 PM Symlog, diolch yn fawr - Chris |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 12 Nov 03 - 12:51 PM A star studded cast took part in that BBC 4 production, Richard Burton, Peter O`Toole, Elizabeth Taylor and a large Welsh cast of top actors, The lady playing Polly Garter was good, maybe someone would have her name. Sorry I missed taping it. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Herga Kitty Date: 12 Nov 03 - 03:16 PM The BBC have digitally remastered Richard Burton's 1963 reading with new recordings of the other parts (Sian Phillips as Second Voice) and are broadcasting it on Radio 4 on Saturday afternoon, 15 November at 2.30pm GMT. They reckoned (says next week's Radio Times) that apart from Burton, the original actors had old-fashioned vocal styles and quaint posh Welsh accents. Kitty PS the new Polly Garter is Eiry Thomas. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 12 Nov 03 - 03:40 PM Sorry I should have also added Sian Phillips. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Dave Bryant Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:17 AM I'm working on a MIDI of the Daniel Jones tune from the 1954 BBC radio production - as sung by Diana Maddox. I'll post it as soon as I've finished. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 13 Nov 03 - 04:59 PM Gareth, Now see what you missed by not watching TV, Polly`s singing and good looks would have done you good. Anyone know when the BBC first produced this version, Peter O`Toole and Co, looked to be in their prime. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MCP Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:45 PM I think that's the 1973 version. Ann Beach was Polly Garter. See cast list at Under Milk Wood 1973 (you can refuse the ActiveX control). Mick |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Gareth Date: 13 Nov 03 - 06:55 PM Er Ard M - TV ? A play for voices ? Unfortunatley the Newport Gwent copy of the script is out on long term loan. Somewhere in the attick I have a copy of the rereprit of the Edition Malcolm Douglas quotes earlier. And seeing that I went 'Arse over Tit' this morning trying to photograph a Council Rubbish Tip - Sorry - Walking back to get the shot I did not see the hole, my rather bent ankle precludes any ladder work for the next week or so. - Fortunatley it was not my drinking arm. Gareth |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 14 Nov 03 - 03:40 PM Thanks MCP, spot on, that`s the cast, and what a sight to see Ruth Madoc and Susan Penhaligon almost down to the bare bones, Ann Beach was a perfect peach. I have to agree with Gareth, it is a play for the oul Wireless, Dylan finished Under Milk Wood in 1953. What a great speaking voice Dylan had, if anyone could put me on to his readings from the works of Sean O`Casey I would be grateful, these are a rare treat. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MCP Date: 15 Nov 03 - 06:18 AM On great speaking voices, in the late 70s/early 80s I saw (twice) a version by a Welsh Theatre company (I think) with Sion Probert as the 1st voice and thought he was extremely good. I don't know if they ever made a recording of it. Mick |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Herga Kitty Date: 15 Nov 03 - 07:26 PM Sion Probert is credited as Mr Ogmore in the new version.... |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Celtaddict Date: 15 Nov 03 - 07:37 PM I am at work, so don't have details at hand, but the wonderful Caedmon recordings of Dylan Thomas reading his works and other material as well have been gathered together and released as a boxed set of (I think) 13 CDs and it is hour on hour of fabulous listening. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 16 Nov 03 - 07:31 AM Celtaddict, If and when you get the details, I would be grateful if you PM me or add some useful culture to this Thread. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Leadfingers Date: 16 Nov 03 - 07:42 AM Just to confuse myself (I spell culture with a K) I listened to Under Milk Wood on Radio Four yesterday, while getting sorted for the evening Gig .Great stuff and ought to be available for a week on line on BBC Radio four. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Celtaddict Date: 16 Nov 03 - 02:36 PM Ard Mhacha, I will be here at work until morning but will be glad to send you and this thread all the information off my set, which is a treasure. |
Subject: Tune Add: POLLY GARTER'S SONG (Daniel Jones) From: Dave Bryant Date: 16 Nov 03 - 03:50 PM Here is the promised MIDI of the Daniel Jones tune for Polly's song (1954 BBC Radio version). I've had to approximate the rhythm somewhat as of course in the production she's washing the steps at the same time.
This program is worth the effort of learning it. To download the latest version of MIDItext and get instructions on how to use it click here
|
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 16 Nov 03 - 07:07 PM I don't know about anyone else, but in the new production I found Polly's song quite disappointing - far too robust, where it should have been plaintive. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 17 Nov 03 - 10:02 AM Thanks Celtaddict, I will certainly add Dylan`s gems to my collection. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Dave Bryant Date: 17 Nov 03 - 10:35 AM On the record of the 1954 BBC Radio version, Diana Maddox seems to sing "Little Willie Weasel was the man for me". |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 18 Nov 03 - 03:57 PM Celtaddict, Any luck yet. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Snuffy Date: 18 Nov 03 - 08:15 PM I think 'Weasel' normally replaces 'wee' only once. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,MCP Date: 19 Nov 03 - 09:13 AM The Dent edition shows 'Little Willy Wee was the man for me' in the 1st chorus and 'Little Willy Weazel is the man for me' in the second chorus. The Everyman Definitive edition shows 'Little Willy Weazel is the man for me' both times. The notes there say: "In MS this line was typed 'Little Willy Weazel was the man for me' both times it occurs, but in the second occurrence (that is, the last line of the song) the 'was' was crossed out and 'is' interlined, and this was followed by the BBC typist. The typist typed the twelfth line as 'Little Willie Wee was the man for me'; Thomas altered this in the Yale TS by crossing out 'Wee was' and interlining 'Weazel is'." (MS = Rosenbach Library manuscript and typescript, formerly in the possession of Douglas Cleverdon of the BBC Yale TS = Yale Library typescript, mimeographed at the BBC, formerly in the possession of Elizabeth Reitell of The Poetry Center, NY). Mick |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Celtaddict Date: 24 Nov 03 - 11:24 PM Hi, I was out of the country. Here is the scoop: Dylan Thomas: The Caedmon Collection UACD 95(11) Caedmon (An imprints of Harper Audio, a division of HarperCollinsPublishing 10 East 53rd St. New York, NY 10022 $49.95 U.S. or $74.95 Canadian Haven't checked any websites for it yet. This set contains 11 CDs, about twelve and a half hours of listening, recorded in 1952-53. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: ard mhacha Date: 25 Nov 03 - 06:00 AM Good on you Celtaddict, I will check out the Music Centres here in Armagh and see if they are awake. Thanks. Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: Songster Bob Date: 25 Nov 03 - 10:13 PM I borrowed the Caedmon LP of Under Milkwood as read by Dylan Thomas some number of years ago. 1950s, I'd think. Not later than 1961 or so. Hadn't remembered it till this thread. And Polly's song was incredible in its impact, as I recall. I also recall this, though I can't remember who wrote it: Dylan Thomas is dead and gone, Dead and gone, Dead and gone. Dylan Thomas is dead and gone, His blood has turned to words. Bob |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: GUEST,celtaddict at work Date: 26 Nov 03 - 06:02 AM Dylan Thomas was quoted (by John Malcolm Brinnin I think but would not put a bit on it) as saying that, or nearly that, himself, as what would be said about him after he was in fact dead and gone. |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: BK Lick Date: 10 Oct 10 - 10:32 PM Just stumbled on this old thread and thought to add this link to the Obit: Dodi Kallick thread, wherein there's a link to an mp3 of Dodi's version as Art remembered it. —BK |
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Polly Garter's Song From: BK Lick Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:04 AM And here's a clip of Caroline Sheen (I think), singing Polly Garter's song at the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Wales. |
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