Versions: Whiskey Nancy

Subject: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: GUEST,Bron Dumbleton
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 07:53 PM

If any one knows of the words and music for whiskey nancy it would be much appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: artbrooks
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 07:57 PM

Look in the DT under "Calton Weaver", here.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 08:23 PM

A short discussion from the past.

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=3246#15895

Surprised these words are not posted to the DT or Forum The version which I know - from the Gaslighter's in the late 1960's goes:

I am a rover down from Dover,
I am a rover bold and free,
I am a friend to all the women,
Still there's only one for me.

Nancy, Nancy, Whisky Nancy,
Whisky, whisky, Nancy - O.
I am a friend to all the women,
Nancy's everywhere I go.

Whisky is the devil and the devil is Nancy ...etc.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Jimmy C
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 09:01 PM

Gargoyle,

Please post the remainder of this version. I and I am sure some others would like to know them.

Thanks

Jimmy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: The Pooka
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 09:29 PM

Tommy Makem does a version called "Darkley Weaver", recorded on "The Song Tradition", Shanachie 52045. But I didn't find the lyrics on his website (www.makem.com). I've heard him say in concert that it's the Northern Ireland version -- the Original, no doubt :) -- which he learned as a boy growing up in the Republic of South Armagh.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: GUEST,steve
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 09:37 PM

there's a tune called Nancy Whiskey on the Dubliners' "Seven Deadly Sins"--this what you're looking for?

Subject: Lyr Add: NANCY WHISKEY
From: GUEST,travelin man
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 09:41 PM

NANCY WHISKEY

As I walked into Glasgow City,
Nancy Whiskey I chanced to spy.
I walked in, sat down beside her,
Seven long years spent by her side.

CHORUS:
Whiskey, Whiskey, Nancy Whiskey,
Whiskey, Whiskey, Nancy-O.
I've got silver in my pockets
And I'm going to follow wherever you go.

The more I kissed her, the more I loved her.
The more I kissed her, the more she smiled.
I forgot my mother's warning.
Nancy soon had me beguiled. CHO.

As I walked down through Glasgow City
With a heavy, heavy heart and an achin' pain,
So many men all courtin' Nancy,
I'll not leave that lass again.

CHORUS + REPEAT FIRST TWO LINES.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 11:33 PM

"Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

is that one ! for each verse?

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: NANCY WHISKEY
From: Genie
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 02:32 AM

Here's the version I do.  It's a composite of the version I learned from Ian and Sylvia and the one in the DT.
Genie

NANCY WHISKEY      traditional Scots

C        Am            F       G          C         Am              F        G7
I am a weaver, a Calton weaver.  I am a brash and a roving blade.
F       C           F        G            C        Am        F        G
I will wander where I fancy, And I will follow a roving trade.

     C           Am        F         G
  Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy Whiskey
     C           Am         F G   C
  Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy O

As I walked out into Glasgow city, Nancy Whiskey I chanced to smell.
I walked in and I sat down beside her.  Seven long years I loved her well.

chorus

The mair I kissed her, the mair I loved her.
The mair I kissed her, the mair she smiled.
I forgot my mother's teaching;
Nancy soon had me beguiled.

chorus
 

I woke early in the mornin'.
Tae slake ma drought it was my need.
I tried to rise but was not able;
Nancy kicked me in the heid.

chorus
 

"Come, landlady, noo, what's that lawin'?
Tell me what there is tae pay."
"Fifteen shillings is the reck'ning.
Noo pay me quickly and go away!"

chorus

I'll gang back to the Calton weaving,
I'll surely mak' those shuttles fly.
I'll mak more at the Calton weaving
Than ever I did in a roving way.

chorus
 

       C              Am            F         G
So come all ye weavers, ye Calton weavers,
C                     F       G
Weavers where e'er ye be,
      F         C           F       G
Beware of whiskey, Nancy Whiskey.
          C     Am                F       G
She'll ruin you like she blinded me.
 

chorus

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 04:43 AM

We always sang "Nancy had me by the heid" Jim Mclean

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: The Pooka
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 08:39 AM

The oul' ClancyNancy used to go, "Nancy had me by the knees." Experientially recognizable, but didn't rhyme. "Heid" much better. Attsa damnedgood version, there: Genie, yer the Divil. :)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: curmudgeon
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 10:03 AM

I first learned this song back in the late '50s frrom a recording by Ewan MacColl, who had learned it from his father who is also credited with the tune as he "...didnae tak tae the ither yin."

I think that just about all the versions currently sung derive from this source, but very few, if any, contain all of MacColl's verses.

Beware o' whisky -- Tom

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From: Genie
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 09:22 PM

Glad you liked my version, Pooka. I think this song could have endless permutations (especially after you've been hanging around ol' Nancy for a while). ;-)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: The Pooka
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 01:06 AM

Genie - Yeh, tell me aboot it. ;} *g* "Permutations! They're crawling up me legs! Arrrrgh!"

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LONGFORD WEAVER
From: Barry Finn
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 01:52 AM

From an older thread. My favorite version:

Subject: RE: Lyr: Longford Weaver
From: Wolfgang
Date: 02-Dec-99 - 03:14

Close, but far from perfect. Perhaps it helps
nonetheless, Barry. Here is the version from Andy
Irvine's songbook 'Aiming for the heart'. It says "Words & Music trad., arr. Andy Irvine.

Wolfgang

THE LONGFORD WEAVER
^^

These five long quarters I have been weaving
and for my weaving I was paid down.
I bought a shirt in the foremost fashion,
all for to walk up thro' Longford town.
I walked up and thro' Longford city,
where Nancy's Whiskey I chanced to smell.
I thought it fun for to go and taste it,
these five long quarters I've liked it well.

I entered into a little alehouse
begged Nancy's pardon for making free
and Nancy met me at every corner,
You're hearty welcome, young man, says she.
We both sat down at a little table,
we looked at each other a little while,
we both sat down at a little table
and Nancy's whiskey did me beguile.

I found meself then in a little parlour,
I found meself then in a little bed,
I tried to rise, but I was not able
for Nancy's whiskey it held down me head.
When I arose, aye, the following morning,
I asked the reckoning I had to pay.
It's fifteen shillings for ale and porter,
come pay it quickly now and get away.

I put the moneys out on the table
saying I'll leave this money down with the rest
and I'll drink a health to every young man
and the wee lassie that I love best.
And I'll go home, I'll begin me weaving,
I'll steer me shuttle another while,
and if I live for another season,
it's Nancy's whiskey will not me beguile.

Barry

Subject: Lyr Add: NANCY WHISKEY
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 05:32 AM

NANCY WHISKEY

As I roved out in Glasgow city,
Nancy Whiskey I chanced to smell.
I went in sat down beside her.
Seven long years I loved her well.

CHO: Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy Whiskey,
Whiskey, whiskey, Nancy-O.

The more I kissed her, the more I loved her.
The more I kissed her, the more she smiled.
I soon forgot my Mother's teachin'.
Nancy soon had me beguiled.

I tried to rise. It was early in the mornin'.
To quench my thirst it was my need.
I tried to rise but I wasn't able,
For Nancy had me right by my knees.

I'm going back to the Carlton weaving.
I'll surely make those shuttles fly,
For I've earned more as a Carlton weaver
Than e'er I will as the rovin' kind.

Come, all ye weavers, ye Carlton Weavers.
Come, all ye weavers, where'er you may be.
Beware of Whiskey, Nancy Whiskey,
Or she'll ruin you like she ruined me.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: Jim McLean
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 08:56 AM

'Tae slake ma drouth' is correct and what about whisky without the 'e' as we're obviously talking about Scotch? Jim Mclean

Subject: Lyr Add: DARKLEY WEAVER / NANCY WHISKY
From:
Date: 27 Mar 04 - 04:27 PM

Here's what I made out from CBC's broadcast of Tommy Makem and Evans and Doherty with the Nova Scotia Symphony. Some words I can't quite make out, but here is what I have. If someone can help with the missing words, I'd appreciate it. Darkley Weaver/Nancy Whisky

DARKLEY WEAVER / NANCY WHISKY

Chorus
Ah the whisky, Nancy Whisky
Ah the whisky, Nancy oh
 
I'm a weaver, a Darkley weaver
I'm a rash and a rakish blade
And to buy me a suit of clothin'
In to Ceilidh my way I make
 
Well I came in by the Ceilidh Monument
And Nancy Whisky I chanced to spy
I was tempted to go and try her
For seven long years now I had been dry
 
Well I went in and sat beside her
I had a small one, I wanted more
And the more I tasted, the more I wanted it
Till all my senses flew out the door
 
Early, early in the morning
I awoke in a stranger's bed
There beside me on the pillow
Was a toothless and dirty ugly old hag
 
Well she awakened, she wanted money
For her services she'd have her wage
I said I'm sorry I'd only sixpence
I said that's fine dear, here's tuppence change
 
So come all you weavers, you Darkley weavers
You Ceilidh weavers, and ____ too
___ Nancy Whisky
She ruined me, and she ruined you
 
I'll go back to Darkley to my trade of weaving
Where balls spin and the shuttles fly
I'll settle down there with decent people
Bid Nancy Whisky a long good bye

Any corrections would be appreciated.

Subject: Lyr Add: NANCY WHISKY (from Bodleian)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 Mar 04 - 07:44 PM

There are many variations of this old song, perhaps dating from the 18th c., but certainly popular in the first half of the 19th c. Two versions in the Bodleian Library date from 1790-1850 by their estimate, but the type font suggests 1820-1850 would be a closer range.

Lyr' Add: NANCY WHISKY
^^
For seven long years I have been a weaver,
All for to weave a suit of clothes,
And when I got a little money,
I took a ramble as you may suppose,
As I was walking up London City,
Miss Nancy Whiskey I chanced to smell,
I thought proper to call and see her,
For seven long years I had loved her well.

I boldly tapt at the window
I asked pardon for making free,
She said young man you are kindly welcome,
You are welcome in my sweet company;
Then we sat down and drank together,
The more we drank the more we lov'd,
Till Nancy Whisky, till Nancy Whisky,
Till Nancy Whisky, did my ruin prove.

O then I called for the landlord,
I ask'd him what I had to pay,
Only six and thirty shillings,
Come pay it down and go your way.
I put my hand into my pocket,
And the ready rino* I put down,
And when I had paid off all my reckoning,
It brought my store to one half-a-crown.

As I was walking up London-street,
With a bonny boy I chanc'd to cross,
With him I spent two and twopence,
Which brought my store to one and fourpence,
O then I called for a parlour,
Saying d---n fourpence go with the rest,
So here's a good health to Nancy Whisky,
For she is the girl I do love best.

Now I will go into my loom,
I will weave for a long time,
If Nancy Whisky comes to look,
'Tis in my loom she may me find.

Bodleian Library, Jennings, Fleetstreet, London. Ballads Catalogue, Harding B 25(1314), 1790-1840 [more likely ca. 1820).
Spelling preserved. *Rhino (rino), a cant word for money, dates to the 18th century in England.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 27 Mar 04 - 07:52 PM

The version in Sam Henry's "Songs of the People" has the title Long Cookstown, the home of the weaver. In this version, the weaver also "chanced to smell" Nancy Whiskey. After his adventure, he returns to the loom to earn more pocket money, "For Nancy Whiskey did me beguile."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: Maryrrf
Date: 28 Mar 04 - 01:28 AM

A couple of corrections to George Seto's transcription of Tommy Makem's version of Darkley Weaver

It's "Keady" not Ceilidh - "Keady" is the town where Tommy comes from in South Armagh and there is a monument in the center of town.

And I think it's "Where "bobbins" spin and shuttles fly..

Subject: RE: Darkley Weavers
From:
Date: 28 Mar 04 - 12:28 PM

Thanks, Maryrrf. That helps.

Any idea what the words might have been where I have the underscores. I couldn't make those out at all.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 15 Jul 06 - 02:50 PM

This is a request for Gargoyle to post the additional lyrics, if possible, begun in his post of 22 Aug. 02. Thank you. Sheila

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Jul 06 - 11:42 PM

SORRY - Cannot post the ETC....thankyou for asking. They ARE readily available.

Being, perhaps, A Gaslighter proprietory, original rendering, and not TRAD....the warning in Today's Thread http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=93008
has my tail-between-my-legs.

If the bait smells TOO good... it is time CrawFish.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: Lyr Add: LONG COOKSTOWN (from Niamh Parsons)
From: Stewart
Date: 15 Jul 06 - 11:43 PM

LONG COOKSTOWN (NANCY WHISKEY)
A version of "Nancy Whiskey" sung by Niamh Parsons.
Recorded by Niamh Parsons on "The Old Simplicity"

For three long quarters I have been weaving
And for my wages I was penned down.
As for to buy a new suit of clothing,
I made my way on to Long Cookstown.
As I walked up through Long Cookstown,
Oh Nancy whiskey I chanced to smell.
Says I to myself 'I'll come and taste you,'
These three long quarters I've loved you well.

I entered into an alehouse tavern
I asked their pardon for making free
But Nancy met me at every corner,
'You're heartily welcome, young man,' says she.
But when I woke up all in the morning,
I found myself in a strange bed,
I strove to rise but I was not able,
For Nancy whiskey ran in my head.

I then called on to the landlady,
To see what reckoning I'd have to pay,
'There's fifteen shillings for ale and brandy
And after that you may go or stay.'
I put my hand into my pocket,
That was the money I did pay down.
And looking back into my small purse,
Now all remained was one bare half-crown.

I put my head out of the window
A charming lassie I chanced to spy,
With her I spent my two and two pence,
Now all remained was the fourpenny boy.
So I'll go home and I'll join my weaving,
My little shuttle I'll steer a while,
And I will earn more pocket money,
For Nancy whiskey did me beguile.

The melody (noteworthy composer file, and midi) are on my web site here.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 15 Jul 06 - 11:46 PM

You will notice that the threads referenced have been deleated.

A deletion frequently occurs if there is a request from the publisher/label/author

Don't want to step on a Clone's ol' Bones.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 11:03 AM

I THINK I understand some of what you said, Gargoyle. I've seen other versions, but liked the one you posted. Thanks anyway.

Sheila

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST,Máire
Date: 28 Jan 19 - 12:06 PM

Gargoyle, would you perhaps be able to post the entire lyrics for the version of 'Whiskey Nancy' that begins with 'I am a rover, down from Dover'? It's the version my dad used to sing, and yours is the only allusion to that version than I can find online. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: voyager
Date: 28 Jan 19 - 01:35 PM

I live with Nancy (NC) and cats Shackleton and Whiskey.
Met NC back in the day when I sold her a pint of Bushmills.
There's a song in there.
Somewhere.

voyager

Subject: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST,GUEST,Erin
Date: 22 Aug 21 - 10:57 PM

Gargoyle (or anyone else), could you please post the entire lyrics for the version of 'Whiskey Nancy' that starts with 'I am a rover, down from Dover'? Also, can you tell me how you learned the 'I am a rover' version? That's how my dad used to sing it , and I can't find anyone else who is familiar with that version. Maybe you learned it from my dad ....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Whiskey Nancy
From: GUEST
Date: 23 May 22 - 12:27 AM

My parents had an album and the whiskey Nancy song started as: I am a rover down from Dover I am a rover bold and free. I am a friend to all the women still there is only one for me. Nancy Nancy whiskey Nancy whiskey whiskey Nancy O. I would love to find this album so my grandchildren could hear this if anyone can guide me I would be appreciative. Thank you

Subject: RE: Versions: Whiskey Nancy
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 29 May 22 - 09:44 AM

Many recordings on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nancy+Whiskey+song