Lyr Req: Brocky Boys

Subject: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: JedMarum
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:37 AM

I am sure that my spelling is wrong - but that is how we might spell it today ....

My friends from Houston, Constant Billy do a lovely version of this song ... I cannot get it out my head. Trouble is, I can;t find it anywhere!!

The song tells a tale of woe; the local boys are lamenting because the Brocky Boys - singers, dancers, or some sort of entertainer troup - come into town and visit, and all the local girls fall for them.

The song has a lovely melody ... Does anyone know the song? Can anyone tell me where I can find out more about the song? Lyrics, history, etc?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 11:27 AM

Brockie Lads, written by Jez Lowe. First recorded in 1986.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: JedMarum
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 02:07 PM

brilliant, Malcolm. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 09:07 PM

And will soon pass into the tradition.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: JedMarum
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 12:35 AM

I've been fooling around with this song all day ... haven't quite decided between banjo or guitar ... sounds good on both.

Subject: ADD: Brockie Lads (Jez Lowe)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 04:08 AM

Just to be complete, I think I'll post the lyrics from the site Malcolm linked to:
http://www.tantobie.com/LYRICS/TwoaRoue/brockie.txt
Can somebody give us a more specific definition of "Brockie Lads"?
I take it that the song is somehow related to "Bedlam Boys."
-Joe Offer-


BROCKIE LADS
Words & Music by Jez Lowe _ LOWE LIFE MUSIC

When the Brockie Lads came back with the first days of summer,
The whole town came out to watch them pass,
In their trailers and vans full of candy rides and pleasure,
And a fond smile for each and every lass.

CHORUS:
The Brockie lads are bad, but the Brockie Lads are bonny,
The Brockie Lads are all they've said and done,
And I never loved but once, she was the fairest of any,
But away with a Brockie Lad she's gone.

The Brockie Lads are black with the ways of the Devil,
They're just tinkers and hawkers at heart,
All their flash clothes and cars hide a fear for to settle,
Because they're born in the creaking of the cart.

And when we'd all had our fill of the racket and the rattle,
And the last time the lights had all gone down,
They packed away their wild world of painted wood and metal,
And went off to work and woo another town.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: GUEST,The Vulgar Boatman
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 05:58 PM

As far as I know, the Brockie Lads were showmen - travelling fairground rides. Perhaps from Brock's Amusements or similar...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 06:15 PM

No connection with Bedlam Boys; I can tell you that much.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Brocky Boys
From: Zhenya
Date: 14 Jul 04 - 05:04 PM

And if you'd like some chords to go with that:

Brockie Lads

(I asked about the chords some time back, which Charley Noble was kind enough to supply. I still love this song, and I've gotten several more of Jez Lowe's albums since then.)

Zhenya