Origins: Boozing

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST,Rossey
Date: 10 Jun 22 - 10:01 PM

I take it back.. the full song earlier listed looks as if it's an anti-temperance song of late 19th century type against the Salvation army etc, I had a look at the Jimmy Crowley songbook and he says in that, he learned it from a cabinet maker, and that it was well known in England and he heard variants in Liverpool.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST,Rossey
Date: 10 Jun 22 - 09:34 PM

It seems to be a variant of a WW1 Parody/Marching or Barrack Room song called Raining and Grousing. The verses and chorus can vary added to as fit.. and the use of bloody can be censored to a less coarse word. It's said to be a parody originating from 'Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty'
                                    
It's Raining, raining, raining,
Always bloodywell raining.
Raining all the morning,
And raining all the night.

Lousing, lousing, lousing,
Always bloodywell lousing,
Lousing all the morning,
and lousing all the night.

Boozing, boozing, boozing,
Always bloodywell boozing,
Boozing all the morning,
and boozing all the night.

Grousing, grousing, grousing,
Always bloodywell grousing.
Grousing at the rations,
And grousing at the pay.

Marching, marching, marching,
Always bloodywell marching.
Marching dl the morning,
And marching al1 the night.
Marching, marching, marching,
Always bloodywell marching;
When the war is over
We'll damn well march no more

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 09 Jun 22 - 08:05 PM

I have somewhat hilarious memories of this song from a fairly local folk festival I was involved in: as part of the festival we used to send a few groups into the local old folks home to give them a few short performances, a taste of the festival. One group slightly misjudged their audience and decided to sing this song! The eyebrows were going up and down like yo-yos at all the « bloodies » not to mention the frequent references to boozing. However, in the wings, they did have a well-stocked drinks trolley, so all the performers and residents got a nice tipple of their choice!

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing, bloody well boozing
From: GUEST,Alan Knight.
Date: 09 Jun 22 - 05:00 PM

Since the band I play in has begun performing this fine song, I did a bit of thinking about its origins. This naturally led me here looking through the various posts discussing the song and where it came from.

I'd like to chuck a suggestion into the mix and mention a very odd group of people in the late 19th century who militantly opposed the aims of the newly formed Salvation Army and turned out to shout them down, and even attack them, in public. They were known as The Skeleton Army and, while I liked the sound of a militant drinking organisation, it became clear straight away that the Skeleton Army were not very nice people at all.

Personally, I think the song has a very complete feel to it. Like one person wrote the lyrics we know and it hasn't been mucked about with much. It has a rough edge to it that makes me feel it's not classic music hall but something a bit angrier.

Here's the Wikipedia link about the Skeleton Army, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeleton_Army

Is it possible that this song originated with them?

Subject: Lyr Add: BOOZING (from Roberts & Barrand)
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 07 Sep 19 - 10:50 PM

For the record, here are the verses as given in the liner notes to the Roberts & Barrand album that has been mentioned before:

Now what are the joys of a single young man?
Why, boozing, bloody well boozing.
And what is he doing whenever he can?
Why, boozing, bloody well boozing.
You may think I'm wrong or you may think I'm right,
I'm not going to argue, I know you can fight,
But what do you think we are doing tonight?
Why, boozing, bloody well boozing.

And what are the joys of a poor married man?
And what is he doing whenever he can?
He comes home at night, and he gives his wife all,
He goes out a-shopping, makes many a call.
But what brings him home hanging onto the wall?

And what do the Moral Majority run down?
And what are they banning in every town?
They go on TV, they rave and they shout,
They shout about things they know nothing about.
But what are they doing when the lights are turned out?

The "Moral Majority" reference only dates back to the late 1970s.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Bill D
Date: 07 Sep 19 - 04:56 PM

"What's the joy and the curse of the whole laboring class?
Why boozing, bloody well boozing!
What is it robs a poor man of his brass?
Why boozing, bloody well boozing!
It stresses (or ruins) the liver, it addles the brain. )
It inspires our singing again and again.
What gives such fair measure of pleasure and pain?
Why boozing, bloody well boozing!"

as sung by me on occasion. It just seemed like it needed a 'finish' verse.

Subject: Lyr Add: DRINKING (from Ewan MacColl)
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Sep 19 - 03:25 AM

A much better song, in my opinion

DRINKING
From the singing of Ewan MacColl who recorded it from Beckett Whitehead sometime in the 1930s

Some people will tell you that drinking's a curse,
While others will tell you it's quite the reverse.
Some drink all their days their time to employ
Some drink when in sorrow and some drink for joy.
Some drink when they’re christened, some when they're wed,
Some are drinking your jolly good health when you’re dead,
Some drink on all these occasions, like I,
For I drunk at my birth and I'll drink till I die.

Ch. For I mean to get jolly well drunk, I do.
I mean to get jolly well drunk, I do
As long as I'm here I'll stick to my beer,
For I mean to get jolly well drunk, I do.

I'll drink till the high price of coals becomes small,
Till ale and roast beef they cost nothing at all.
I'll drink till we have no more reasons for strikes,
Till a man values work just as much as he likes.
I'll drink till the law gives a man no denial
For taking a wife out a month upon trial,
Till the dukes and the lords have to sort clean from dirt
And the big Prince of Wales has to clean his own shirt.

I'll drink till all landlords choke as they guzzle.
I mean to keep drinking till bobbies are muzzled.
Till dandies are worth nowt but the clothes they put on.
I'll drink till old Peabody's money is gone.
I'll drink till the laws of the land are made fair
That punish a poor man for killing a hare.
I'll drink till all wealth is shared out amongst men
And I'll drink and I'll drink till it's shared out again.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 06 Sep 19 - 11:16 PM

Here's a recording by Jimmy Crowley:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl4u5wXRsB8

The priest who used to be at our parish was a thoroughly corrupt bastard, but I have to give him credit for introducing me to his friend Jimmy Crowley. And on the other hand, I found Jimmy Crowley to be thoroughly delightful.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: MickyMan
Date: 13 Jan 04 - 08:11 PM

Back in the late eighties our governor here in CT USA was seen several times asleep in his limo as he was driven around our capital city, Hartford. For some reason it becae a big deal, with everybody saying that if the governor could sleep on the job then they should be able to too. You know, lots of jokes.
Well, we wrote up a humorous parody called "SNOOZIN'", BASED ON YOU KNOW WHAT, and it was a hit with all the gig-crowds we sang it for. I've long since lost the words.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Snuffy
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 08:08 PM

RAC would usually be Royal Armoured Corps. Royal Artillery is just RA.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: breezy
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 07:59 PM

Does Cyril Tawney know where it came from?

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 05:50 PM

Maybe Jimmy Crowley was being careful, or I just misheard. He definitely doesn't sing 'RFC' or 'RUC', but it could be 'RIC', and would fit very well, actually. I'll let you know.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: michaelr
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 02:10 PM

When I have heard it sung, it was always "RUC" (Royal Ulster Constabulary).

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 12:22 PM

I can remember hearing this song sung by John Barker (deceased)of "The Crayfolk" who were the residents at Dartford Folk Club - I'm pretty sure that it was pre-1970.

The "Skiving" parody is by Dave Diamond who was working (for the US government) over here in the UK for quite some time during the late 70's. There are quite a few of his lyrics in the DT - they're worth searching out.

What are the joys of the single young girl - why boozing . . .
And what gets her head in one helluva whirl - why boozing . . .
She starts off on tonic, then to lager gets lead,
She winds up on vodka - right out of her head,
And wakes up next morning in some strange fella's bed - from boozing . . .

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 11:22 AM

I heard it as RIC (Royal Irish Constabulary?)

wr.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 11:17 AM

By the concept, references, terminology and possible mention of the RAC (Royal Artillery Co) it must surely have been penned in the back room of an English pub by a squaddie.

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: curmudgeon
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 11:10 AM

Only my opinion, but everything about this song, text, tune, flavor, mood, just screams out MUSIC HALL !!

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 10:58 AM

The reference to RAC doesn't fit and sounds like a substitution for RFC. WW1 origin maybe?

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 12 Jan 04 - 07:35 AM

Joe,
    I sympathise with your dilemma not knowing the origin of the song, (certainly not one of my favourites since it has been known to clear out folk clubs), but one thing it `aint in the accepted form of the word and that is "Traditional"

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 10:38 PM

This one still bugs me. I mean, it's certainly part of the "Folk Canon" on both sides of the Pond, but we haven't a clue about where it comes from. I don't see it in any songbooks. So, where's it from?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: GUEST,Julia
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 09:59 PM

I'd love to see someone write "Schmoozing" for all those upwardly mobile types...?

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: MickyMan
Date: 11 Jan 04 - 09:39 PM

This is great stuff. Many thanks. It is so much more interesting to sing songs when you know some more about their background. Keep looking everybody!

Subject: Lyr Add: BOOZING
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 07:06 PM

The song is on an album called Live at Holsteins a CD reissue of a 1983 LP by John Roberts and Tony Barrand. The notes say John heard "Boozing" at a folk club in England around 1970, sung by Tim Hart and Maddy Prior. My usual sources came up with no hits - Folktrax, Ballad Index, Greig-Duncan, and Plymouth Song Index. Darn.
There has to be more information on this.
-Joe Offer-

---

For the record, I think I'll post the two entries from Susanne's mysongbook. Both are just slightly different from what is in the DT and what has been posted before. Her notes say this: The song was very popular in Cork in the 1920s. (Notes Jimmy Crowley, 'The Boys of Fair Hill')

Boozing

• Trad

  Boozing, boozing when you are dry
  Boozing, boozing suits you and I
  Some does it open and more on the sly
  But all of us likes to go boozing

  Where do you think I have been all the day?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  Where do you think I've been spending my pay?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  Don't say I am wrong for you know I'm not right
  Don't argue the point for you know I can't fight
  Where would you like me to take you tonight?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing

  What are the joys of the labouring man?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What is he doing whenever he can?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  Comes home on a Saturday, gives his wife all
  She goes off to the market, makes many a call
  What brings her home clinging onto the wall?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing

  What do the Salvation Army sure drown?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What are they preaching in every town?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What they preach they don't practise, of that there's no doubt
  For at the street corners they stand and they shout
  What are they doing when their lights are gone out?
  But all of us likes to go boozing

  What are the joys of jolly Jack Tar?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What are the joys of the bold sons o' war?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  And what makes England the land of the free
  And if another French war were to be
  Where would you find all the bold RAC ?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing

  As sung by Jimmy Crowley

  ---

  Boozing, boozing, just you and I
  Boozing, boozing when we get dry
  Some do it open and some on the sly
  But we're always bloody well boozing

  Where do you think we have been all the night?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  And how do you think that we've got all so tight?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  You may think me wrong or you may think me right
  You may think me dim or you may think me bright
  But what do you think we'll be doing tonight
  Boozing, bloody well boozing

  What is the thing I love more than my tea?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What makes you keep whippin' off for a wee?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  Your pocket gets empty and your bladder gets tight
  You're gargling this beer the best part of the night
  Your nose goes blood red but your face goes all white
  Boozing, bloody well boozing

  What is the thing that the clergy pull down?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What do they preach about in every town?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  They curse it and they call it and they holler it about
  They're talking about something they know plenty about
  For where do you find them when all lights are out?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing

  What is the thing I love more than my wife?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  What is the thing that's the plague of my life?
  Boozing, bloody well boozing
  As you roll home in the morning she starts moaning at you
  Says, lad, you're buggered - tomorrow you'll rue
  She rolls down the bed, sayin', There's nothin' doin' for you
  You've been boozing, bloody well boozing

  As sung by Hamish Imlach

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: NH Dave
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 06:43 PM

And tailgating on this request, how about the parody/take off called "Skiving",the British term for screwing off, or doing less than what is expected of you at work.

Dave

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 04:23 PM

The link above links in turn to the mudcat thread Boozing


Nigel

Subject: RE: Origins: Boozing
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 03:27 PM

More verses here: Boozing

Trad? No one seems to have owned up to 'composing' this one.

Subject: Origins: Boozing
From: MickyMan
Date: 10 Jan 04 - 02:58 PM

Is this song traditional or composed? You know..."Boozing, Boozing, just you and I , Boozing, Boozing, when we are dry". The digitrad listing says it was "recorded by John Roberts and Tony Barrand??" If somebody has their recording of it (if indeed there is one) I'll bet they have some info on its' sources. They are the types who definately value that kind of thing. Maybe somebody could share that info or other song origins on this thread?   Many thanks.