Lyr Add: The Tortoise (from The Corries)

Subject: Lyr Add: THE TORTOISE (from The Corries)
From: GUEST,Nickr
Date: 05 May 02 - 09:26 PM

It is called "The Tortoise" and is sung by the Corries on the "Barrett's Privateers" tape. Does anyone know where I can find the melody for this song or a music file. The words are:

THE TORTOISE

He was just a lonely tortoise looking for a home.
His little feet were blistered with the miles he had to roam.
I found him in a pet shop. On his cheek there was a tear,
And painted on his little back was "Twenty pence to clear."

CHORUS: He's a faithful friend, the tortoise. He'll love you 'til the end,
And you won't need a person with a tortoise for a friend.

I took him from the pet shop, tied to a piece of string.
I'm sure that he was happy for I thought I heard him sing.
I took him to my sports car. We had many's the mile to go.
I tied him to the bumper. He was grateful for the tow. CHORUS

In winter he would hibernate. Yes, we'd both retire,
And when his little feet got cold, I'd place him on the fire.
In summer by the swimming pool, I was so proud of him.
I'd throw him in and then he'd sink. I don't think that he could swim. CHORUS

Then came the day that's coming to all creatures great and small.
A drunken driver hit my friend. He smashed him against the wall.
When I arrived, all I could find were little bits of shell.
I made them into plectrums. I know my plectrums well.

Subject: RE: Song about a Tortoise by the Corries
From: Joan from Wigan
Date: 06 May 02 - 01:07 PM

I remember Pat Ryan singing this song many years ago, don't know if she still sings it. I too would love to have the tune if anyone knows it.

Joan

Subject: RE: Song about a Tortoise by the Corries
From: GUEST,NickP
Date: 07 May 02 - 04:40 AM

Um, well, yes I know the tune but am lacking the ability/time/technology to do anything about it quickly and don't check Mudcat every day. If no-one comes up with the goods keep the thread rolling and I'll see what I can do.

How come it you've got it on a tape but with no tune...?

If the worst comes to the worst I'll give you an email to use - or have a clue:

Nick, Stanchester Festival, Somerset

Subject: RE: Song about a Tortoise by the Corries
From: GUEST,patryan
Date: 08 May 02 - 03:31 PM

Yes, I did sing this song many years ago. It was writtten by Ed Pickford from the North East & was on an early record of his. I never recorded it & don't know if anyone else did. I haven't sung it for long time.

Subject: RE: Song about a Tortoise by the Corries
From: Naemanson
Date: 09 May 02 - 11:10 AM

I thought you might be looking for the song about the turtle falling out of the apartment building. Its a parody.

Subject: RE: Song about a Tortoise by the Corries
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 09 May 02 - 04:14 PM

Naemanson

Yup, "May the turtle be unbroken" is a parody of "May the circle be unbroken" and it was written by Les Barker - who hails from the same general direction as Pat Ryan and Joan (North West England). I didn't realise it was a Les Barker when I first heard it, because it was being sung by Debby McClatchy. God help Myrtle as she hurtles through the sky.....

Kitty

Subject: RE: Song about a Tortoise by the Corries
From: breezy
Date: 09 May 02 - 05:30 PM

Brimstone did that one last week at the st.albans folk club, and he was brilliant.Dont come tomorrow for Vin cos we're full, floor spots and auditions next 3 weeks.
Fridays Comfort Hotel holywell Hill St.Albans