Andy's Gone With Cattle

Subject: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Franz S.
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:50 PM

I'm browsing Utah Phillips' Loafer's Glory program #55, "Down Under". He says he doesn't know who is singing the recording he plays of "Andy's Gone With Cattle". The only recording I could find reference to on the Net is Priscilla Herdman's 1977 one on her Water Lily album. Since I don't have the album I can't compare. The voice on the Loafer's Glory recording is female, and has that accent that is not American but may not be English (Irish? Aussie?). As nearly as I can tell, the instrumentation of the Loafer's Glory version is not incompatible with what I know about the Priscilla Herdman recording.

So my question is: Is the recording played on the Loafer's Glory program that of Priscilla Herdman? And if not, who is it?

I thank you for your kind attention.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: mg
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 07:57 PM

Couldn't tell you but she is the most wonderful singer and that is the most wonderful song -- I think it is one of the all time great love songs. She put a lot of tunes to H. Lawson's words...I can't say for sure on that one though. mg

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: mg
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 07:57 PM

Oops. Wrong song. I was thinking of the Drover's Sweetheart. But Andy's Gone for Cattle is also very nice. But not as wonderful I don't think. mg

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 11:25 PM

G'day Franz S (& mary garvey),

Andy's Gone With Cattle is one Henry Lawson poem that was collected with its own long-established traditional tune - so I think it unlikely that someone like Priscilla Herdman would compose a new one ... assuming that is who sings in this instance. I think I have the cassette version of the Water Lily album - at home - so I'll have a quick listen when I go home.

I do know of several Australian women who have recorded this song ... but Priscilla Herdman sounds more likely on your Utah Phillips program. When you say are "browsing" the "Down Under" program - is that on-line ... or simply on some recording you have?

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Padre
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 12:15 AM

Rock Creek recorded the song on its privately released cassette done about 1980.

Padre

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: JennieG
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 06:37 AM

Lawson also wrote another poem, "Andy's Return" - my choir sings the two together as a medley.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 08:24 AM

G'day again Franz S,

I've checked my Priscilla Herdman Cassette ... and she does use the 'traditional' tune (as reported by folklorist John Manifold " ... the one I learned as a boy (c. 1930?) and published in the Bandicoot Ballads (c. 1951)". Her version is a little brisker than I'm used to ... maybe a matter of climate? ... and varies in internal rhythms - but pretty well Manifold's 'trad' tune.

That doesn't help you much in identifying the singer ... I guess that, to me, Priscilla doesn't sound "typically American" - her North-east ... verging into Canada accent might be taken as "... not American but may not be English ..." if not exactly: " ...(Irish? Aussie?)".

Nice song anyway - good luck sorting out who sings it on Utah Phillips' program.

JennieG: What tune does your choir use for Andy's Return?. The c. 1966 Bush Music Club LP Songs from Lawson used what was euphemistically described as " ... one of their favourite tunes ... " - The Ball of Kerriemuir!

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: JennyO
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 08:38 AM

I've found two other women mentioned as having recorded this:

Shirley Power

and Jean Redpath

Could it be one of these?

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Franz S.
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 10:44 AM

Thanks for the info, folks. Bob, I have all 100 of the Loafer's Glory programs, and I'm about halfway through making a playlist (database) for each program. Each program has about 20-25 items, classified as story, song, comment, or poem, and for each I'm trying to provide a title, origin (author, etc.), performer, and approximate time (from start of program and running). It has been great fun reviewing the programs, and most info, even when Phillips doesn't provide it, is pretty easy to find using Google and the online indices. Some, like this, is difficult. Phillips says the recording is on a tape that came to him out of the blue, and it would require someone being familiar with both the program recording and all the available recordings. I have the program but not the Herdman or other things for comparison. Just thought I'd give it a shot, and I always learn a lot even if my questions are not fully answered.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Backstage Manager(inactive)
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 11:35 AM

I know, for a fact, that Utah Phillips is very familar with Priscilla Herdman and with her recording of "Andy's Gone With Cattle." So, if he doesn't identify the singer from a tape that came to him out of the blue, I'd be pretty certain that it's not Priscilla.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Franz S.
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 01:04 PM

JennyO, thanks for the references. I'm checking both of them (and contributing to the economy at the same time).

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Zhenya
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 02:29 PM

It was also sung by Ann Mayo Muir on the Bok/Trickett/Muir album "A Water Over Stone."

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Franz S.
Date: 08 Jul 04 - 11:55 PM

THanks to all of you. I haven't nailed down the recording that was played, but I have heard and will hear often some wonderful music. None of the recordings match Phillips' broadcast, but they're great discoveries for me nonetheless.   So I think I'l l just let the mystery be.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 11:56 PM

what the hell is the meaning of this poem...i am doing an assignment and i cant find the meaning anywhere...so can you help?

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 12:18 AM

Looks like you'll probably fail if your english comphrension skills are that poor then... this is poetry as simple as it gets...

"Andy, a well loved family member has tried to earn some money by working as a drover raking cattle to market. His family and friends miss him. "

The above opinion of this poem is mine and Copyright, so you better not use it without written permission AND ATTRIBUTION!!!

I'm sure your teacher will find this by Googling! :-)

There is also another famous follow up poem where a letter is received from him.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: freda underhill
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 12:38 AM

Here is a link to a version sung by Bernadette Robinson

Andy's Gone with Cattle

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 05:46 AM

This song was also recorded by Martyn Wyndham Read on an early album entitled appropriately 'Andy's Gone'. Released on the Broadside label in 1979, but no longer available. Martyn of course specialises in Australian songs of this ilk.

Also recorded by Eddie Murphy singing with the wonderful Salmontails in 1980. Their LP is now highly collectible.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 09:22 AM

I first heard it sung by the late Red Sullivan back in 1968 although I don't know if he ever recorded it. I always thought that considering all the tasks that Andy is expected to do around the place he isn't so daft to bugger off (lol). You can have that one GUEST

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 10:18 AM

There is also a nice version by a female singer on the Overlanders, the first of Ted Egan's Faces of Australia series. The accompanying songbook credits the music they used to John Manifold.
- Phil

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Larkin
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 02:47 PM

I've sung it myself for years but   I think the lyrics are And may the rain (showers) in torrents fall and all the tanks run over.

not

Oh may the showers in tomorrow fall
And all the tanks run over

What a gorgeous song

larkin

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 06:37 PM

And now GUEST has let the ilks loose in this thread....

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: gnomad
Date: 05 Nov 06 - 07:27 PM

Martyn has also released this one on the Emu Plains recording [dunno whether he re-recorded or used the old one] definitely "torrents" in his version.

Lovely track, but I suspect MWR could make the phone book sound good too.

Subject: Lyr Add: ANDY'S RETURN (Henry Lawson)
From: Hrothgar
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 05:13 AM

Andy's Return
1888
Henry Lawson


With pannikins all rusty,
    And billy burnt and black,
And clothes all torn and dusty,
    That scarcely hide his back;
With sun-cracked saddle-leather,
    And knotted greenhide rein,
And face burnt brown with weather,
    Our Andy's home again!

His unkempt hair is faded
    With sleeping in the wet,
He's looking old and jaded;
    But he is hearty yet.
With eyes sunk in their sockets—
    But merry as of yore;
With big cheques in his pockets,
    Our Andy's home once more!

Old Uncle's bright and cheerful;
    He wears a smiling face;
And Aunty's never tearful
    Now Andy's round the place.
Old Blucher barks for gladness;
    He broke his rusty chain,
And leapt in joyous madness
    When Andy came again.

With tales of flood and famine,
    On distant northern tracks,
And shady yarns—'baal gammon!'
    Of dealings with the blacks,
From where the skies hang lazy
    On many a northern plain,
From regions dim and hazy
    Our Andy's home again!

His toil is nearly over;
    He'll soon enjoy his gains.
Not long he'll be a drover,
    And cross the lonely plains.
We'll happy be for ever
    When he'll no longer roam,
But by some deep, cool river
    Will make us all a home.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Howard Jones
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 07:21 AM

I don't have it to hand, but I'm fairly sure that the version on the BBC's "Folk on Friday" album (dating from the late 1960s) was by Red Sullivan.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 06 Nov 06 - 09:55 PM

G'day GUEST (of 04 Nov 06 - 11:56 PM),

If you are having trouble with some of the Australian vernacular terms in the text, there is a glossary of Australian terms in the the Mudcat's "Quick Links" at the top of the page. One 'click' down in the drop box it turns up as "Aussie Glossary" and was compiled keeping in mind that people might like to know what the heck we were all singing about!

Regards (errr... good luck with the assignment!),

Bob

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,hannah ma
Date: 13 Feb 20 - 07:23 PM

I heard Jean Redpath's version first and still like it best. The words are slightly changed and there is an extra verse:
Auntie's growing thin and white
And Uncle's cross with worry:
Poor old Blucher howls all night
Since Andy left MacQuarrie.

It's available on Google music on the album "Summer of My Dreams".
Redpath was a Scot, and a wonderful singer.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Bruce D
Date: 13 Feb 20 - 09:14 PM

There are a ton of recordings of the Henry Lawson Poem "Ändy's Gone With Cattle"

Its proberly one of the most recorded poems of Henry Lawson because its simple to put to music.


Lawson re-wrote the poem a number of times, with Ruddick books on Henry Lawson listing most of the variations.

These is a second poem by Henry Lawson as a follow up called "Andy's Return", which has been also recorded by a lot of Artists.

I do have copies of all the variations to "Ändy's Gone With Cattle" as published by Ruddick, but to find it, I'll have to dig the book out of the back of the caravan.


Bruce D

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 13 Feb 20 - 10:43 PM

The Loafer's Glory programs are available for listening and download here. Andy's Gone With Cattle starts in at about 30:30, and you can skip directly to it. I'm sure that's not Priscilla Herdman, it doesn't sound at all like she does on Water Lily or any other album. It's the same tune Herdman uses. Phillips attributes the tune to Slim Dusty, but I think he was mistaken. Bob Bolton, upthread, and Chris Kempster, in The Songs of Henry Lawson, both write that the tune is trad, collected by John Manifold.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,Henry Piper (of Ottery)
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 06:21 AM

Re Hannahs post above. "Bluchers" were a brand of stout waterproof boots much favoured by"Swagmen" and outback workers generally, …..not sure how they would Howl !!!!!

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: The Doctor
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 06:48 AM

I have two recordings by women, Phyl Vinnicombe on Bullockies, Bushwackers & Booze, and Margaret Monks on Folksongs of Australia (Denis Gibbons). I also have Redd Sullivan singing it on the Folk on Friday LP.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 12:58 PM

As noted, a number of folks have recorded the song. I also have Gerry Hallom's version.
"Gerry Hallom sang Andy's Gone With Cattle in 1981 on his Fellside album Travellin' Down the Castlereagh. This track was also included in 1996 on his anthology CD Undiscovered Australia."

Having heard various people sing it, I have a strong objection to it being sung mechanically in a sprightly waltz tempo. Gerry Hallom and Jean Redpath, in my opinion, do it 'right'.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Helen
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 05:44 PM

Here is the version by
Priscilla Herdman on her Water Lily album.

Or the version by
Ann Mayo Muir

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Hagman
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 08:31 PM

Lots of really good background here, as usual, from Reinhard https://mainlynorfolk.info/wyndham-read/songs/andysgonewithcattle.html

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Reinhard
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 10:15 PM

From Jean Redpath's album notes:

Blucher - a name commonly given to blue cattle dogs because as pups they often slept in their owners' Blucher boots

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 10:21 PM

Henry Piper, just because Blucher is a kind of boot doesn't mean it can't also be a dog's name.

Doctor, Phyl Vinnicombe has been going by Phyl Lobl for many years now.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Bruce D
Date: 14 Feb 20 - 10:30 PM

In this case "Blucher" is a dog (line 23).

Most likely howling because of nearby dingos.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,akenaton
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 05:11 AM

Well Blucher is obviously a dog in the context of the song, but it's sad that so few comment on Lawson's overriding theme in most of his writing.
A regret for the passing of a way of life, the people it produced, their fallibility and their moral strength.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 09:23 AM

Probably got sod all to do with this thread But!

I have been in North Queensland for the last couple of weeks and while driving down from Cairns to Townsville actually passed three people on horseback driving cattle - presumably changing pastures.

Hope springs eternal!

Please don't get me going on green issues - especially regards Oz.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 09:49 AM

Eilis Kennedy did a lovely version with William Coulter on gtr.

Andy's Gone

This version can also be heard on her excellent "Time to Sail" CD.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Helen
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 03:45 PM

The tune reminds me of another older song and I can't for the life of me remember what it is or even any of the lyrics.

I can't even get a fix on whether it is a British Isles trad song or whether it is a light classical song or anything.

Please someone help me to eject this earworm. It has been bugging me for a couple of days.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 03:53 PM

Hey Helen,

The beginning sounds a little like Sweet Thames Flow Softly to me.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Helen
Date: 15 Feb 20 - 06:53 PM

Thanks Mr g, I can hear a bit of similarity but the other tune which is just out of reach of my conscious brain is a really familiar old tune, and maybe even a Christmas carol.

And to make it even more difficult, it's like a B part which isn't in the versions linked to here but which would follow on from the Andy tune and fit well with it.

If only my silly old brain could latch onto some of the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Helen
Date: 16 Feb 20 - 09:04 PM

I finally worked it out. The melody of Andy's GWC reminds me of the Christmas carol, O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum.

I kept hearing the part where the melody goes up but it has taken me a couple of days to finally identify the tune.

This is what I kept hearing in my head as a kind of melody break which isn't actually in Andy's GWC but the rest of the Tannenbaum melody seems similar to the Andy song - well, it does to me, anyway.

X:1
T:Mystery earworm
C:Unknown
M:6/8
K:D
L:1/4
Q:1/4=180
AAF c3|BBA A3|AAF d3|ccB B3|

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 16 Feb 20 - 11:12 PM

I wonder whether I could get away with singing Andy to the tune of Tannenbaum at the next meeting of our folk club....

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Helen
Date: 16 Feb 20 - 11:27 PM

Yeah why not give it a go. See how long it takes for anyone to notice.

Or just throw in the high bit at random.

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 09:38 AM

gerry, you're booked!

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: Helen
Date: 17 Feb 20 - 03:10 PM

Well I honestly thought you guys would tell me I was imagining the similarity to O Tannenbaum.

Gerry, if you do perform Andy's GWC to that tune I'd like to see the video clip. Especially if there is footage of the confused looks on the faces of the audience. LOL

Subject: RE: Andy's Gone With Cattle
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Mar 20 - 02:48 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5w75f_Lz_A