Lyr Req: Watercress-O (Roger Watson)

Subject: Water Cress O. Who wrote it?
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 06 May 03 - 02:38 PM

I heard Young Tradition sing Water Cress O at one of their concerts many moons ago.
They said at the time that it was not a traditional song, and they gave the name of the writer.

It has a place in my repertoire now,but I can't remember who wrote it. Can anybody help me out?

Thanks Dave R.

Subject: RE: Water Cress O. Composer please?
From: GUEST,jonm
Date: 06 May 03 - 02:41 PM

Roger Watson wrote it. He of Muckram Wakes etc. fame. One of many neglected songs which could do with reviving, along with the Pick and the Maltshovel, the Christmas Hare, Jack Tattersall et al.

Subject: Lyr Add: WATERCRESS-O (Roger Watson)
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 07 May 03 - 04:56 AM

Thank you jonm.

Yes, I remember now!

It's a good song and here are the lyrics:

These are the words that I have. they may be slightly different from the original.

Watercress O (Roger Watson)

It's five o'clock on a Sunday "neet",
A man comes walking down our street.
You may hear him out in front of the row,
Crying "Tuppence a basket of watercress O".

Chorus:
Watercress O, watercress O
Crying tuppence a basket of watercress O.

Come on mam, it's nearly time for tea.
Go and get me tuppence and give it to me,
So I may go out in front of the row
And fetch a little basket of watercress O.

Chorus:
Watercress O, watercress O.
And fetch a little basket of watercress O.

O kid, you don't know what you're asking of me,
If I'd got tuppence I'd give it to thee,
So you may go out in front of the row
And buy a little basket of watercress O.

Chorus:
Watercress O, watercress O.
And buy a little basket of watercress O.

Your dad's on strike kid, can't you see
He scarce brings home enough to feed us we.
And though it pains me to tell thee no,
You'll have to do without your watercress O.

Chorus:
Watercress O, watercress O.
You'll have to do without your watercress O.

They're all in t'union down our street
And maybe won't go back for another week.
For 'til strike is over, he might as well know
He'll not sell much of his watercress O.

Chorus:
Watercress O, watercress O.
He'll not sell much of his watercress O.

Repeat 1st Verse & chorus.

Subject: RE: Water Cress O. Composer please?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 07 May 03 - 10:32 AM

See also the DT file:  WATERCRESS-O (Roger Watson)