The Black Country - part of central England

Subject: The Black Country - part of central England
From: John Owen
Date: 19 May 98 - 05:17 PM

Hello, hello, is there anyone there ?

I live in this damn place and trying to find any lyrics to local traditional songs is a nightmare ! Local libraries are a waste of time.

Can anyone help with any songs, stories or mummers plays ?

I would love to have the words to "Coseley Fellers"*, but I don't even know the singer's name let alone thelyricist, if there is one.

Subject: RE: The Black Country - part of central England
From: Pete M
Date: 19 May 98 - 09:01 PM

If you want local traditions you'll have to be a lot more precise, which village are you talking about? If on the other hand you want songs from the industrial tradition, try the database, The Iron Muse (MacColl and Lloyd), the songs of the Ripley Wayfarers, the Oldham Tinkers etc etc.

Pete M

Subject: RE: The Black Country - part of central England
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 22 May 98 - 08:37 AM

John, Have you tried the Black Country museum? Alternatively, try some of the works of Roy Palmer (folk song collector, historian and singer.).

Subject: RE: The Black Country - part of central England
From: Bill D
Date: 22 May 98 - 05:42 PM

I have "Songs of the Midlands" by Roy Palmer..he says most of them are from Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire...including Birmingham....

It does not have the song you mention, and indeed very few of the songs in the book are something that I haven't seen elsewhere...these are simply songs that were collected in that area..

Be glad to offer you anything from that if it would help..