Lyr Req: Old Bachelors (toasts)

Subject: Old Bachelors
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 11:32 AM

I just finished reading Old Sturbridge Village's quarterly "Visitor" publication this morning and in the article on "Squantum Festivals" were references to two songs. The first was "Old Bachelors" -- "Like hooks without bait, they take no fish." And another was "Our Fishermen" -- "May they successfully pursue their honest calling and never be devoured by the sharks of sea or land."

I've checked the DT of course, and tried a Google search, but with way too many responses, so I figured I'd cut to the chase and ask here and probably get a response with more information than if I contacted Old Sturbridge Village, where their focus is not really on music, however much in era.

Thanks!
Bat Goddess

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Bachelors
From: marymarymary
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 12:51 PM

I looked at the OSV article you're talking about, and I'm pretty sure that those are just toasts, not songs.

I have several books of "men's ettiquette" from the late 1800's and early 1900's, and and they include hundreds of these sorts of punning toasts ("To the shoemaker -- long may he last!", "To the gentlemen -- may you never scold a wife or wife a scold!"); apparently, they used to be very common at public gatherings.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Old Bachelors
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 02:55 PM

You're right -- a second look does make them look more like toasts than songs. Ooooh, but what an interesting song we could write with that line about old bachelors! (I'll sic Jeri on it.)

Your books sound pretty intriguing, too. I've collected mostly late 19th century and early 20th century books of things for boys (generally) to do or make -- lots of lost information there.

Bat Goddess