Lyr Req: Borneo / Song for Vic / (Ken Cockrell)

Subject: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at Work.
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 04:16 PM

Hi All,
       Trying to trace those that have recorded this.The guy that wrote it is totally gob-smacked that anyone should sing it let alone record it.I know of recordings by Burdett, Simpson & Young and Jinks's Stack but thats all. I know that Dave Webber, Pete Watkins(?) and Johnny Collins sing it but have they recorded It? Would really make Ken happy, he wants to try to put them all together for his family and posterity to show that someone liked it!!!!!!!!!
For the cynical this is not about royalties it really is for Ken Cockrell the writer of the song who still can't beleive it.
Vic Simpson ( for whom the song was written)
www.youngnomore.free-online.co.uk

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Barbara
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:10 PM

Tom Lewis sings it. I know that for a while what was keeping people from recording it was their inability to find Ken (or any other person affiliated with the song). Tom Lewis has changed the last verse(s) a bit, and I think I have his version around someplace. I have heard Dave and Annie sing it, and attribute it to someone other than Ken -- I think -- but I don't believe they have recorded it.
Hey, I live in rural Oregon, US, and I sing it. It's popular at our pub sing.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: SussexCarole
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:13 PM

It's on Pete Watkinson's Hampshire Rose.......wonderful song

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Barbara
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:17 PM

Tom Lewis' email is [e-mail]. I'll go look on my CD to see if Dave and Annie recorded it.
Could you post the right lyrics here Vic, and tell us a bit about how the song came to be written?
Thanks so much, welcome to Mudcat.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 06:31 PM

Vic

It's a favourite in the Anchor Middle Bar at Sidmouth. I remember Young No More singing it at the Wareham Wail a couple of years ago, when you explained the origin.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Snuffy
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 07:47 PM

Chris Gorniak used to sing it quite a bit, to the extent that quite a few of us regard "Song for Vic" as the quintessential Chris Gorniak song, even more so than "Blessed Quietness". On the evening of Chris' funeral, 10 of us gathered in a pub and sang the whole evening in memory of Chris: Derek Droscher sang this song. I'm sending you an MP3 of that performance.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:00 PM

First time I heard the song was in The Swan at Sidmouth, just as I walked in. I've never had tears in my eyes like that before!
I learned the song but it was two years before I could bring myself to sing it in public, the emotions were so deep.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 04:46 PM

Not only did Chris Gorniak sing it, he wrote a parody of it, and very kindly let me have the words.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: ElwynnMaxon
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 05:58 PM

Can you share some lyrics here? I can't get a handle on this other than a Jim Kweskin song some years ago.

E.M.

Subject: Lyr Add: BORNEO / SONG FOR VIC (Ken Cockrell)
From: Barbara
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 12:48 AM

Here's how I have it, from the singing of Tom Lewis. I understand that he changed the last verse, and I think, the second, and that the original does not have a chorus; that what is listed here as chorus is just the first verse.
The problem (if you can call it that), is that the tune is gorgeous, and people want to sing along. So a 'chorus' has evolved.
Hope that's not too upsetting to you who know the original. I have it written out as I know it, but I'd love to see it posted closer to the source than that.
Blessings,
Barbara

BORNEO (song for Vic)
Ken Cockrell
Chorus:
Oh, not for me the sun brings the morning-o
No not for me of patient mind
No more for me long hauls down to Borneo
For I am old and I am blind

Yet in my mind the vision still is clear
Of crow's nest days so long ago
With both eyes peeled for dangers far and near
I hear again the cry: "Sail ho."

They tell me now that ships are twice as long
With masts of steel and hulls of iron
Just 'cause I'm blind you can't fool me, my lads
For they would sink beneath the brine

Now as I sit on foggy ev-en-ings
A plaintive siren taunts my ear
And minds me when I was sailor lad
For that's the sound by which I'd steer

And from my bed November mornings
I'd feel the tremble, hear the roar
And pray for those in peril on the sea
And all my shipmates, gone before

Subject: Lyr Add: SONG FOR VIC (Ken Cockrell)
From: GUEST,MCP
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 04:01 AM

Here's Pete Watkinson's version, which has several differences from Tom's. Perhaps Vic could come back and give us the definitive words! I'll try and post the tune later.

Pete's notes say: "A song that instantly appealed to me the first time I heard it. Written about a fictional mariner, by a writer of contemporary songs who was challenged to write a song for traditional singer, Vic Simpson. In memory of John Purdy."

Mick

---

SONG FOR VIC
(Ken Cockrell)

  Chorus:
  Oh, not for me the sun brings the morning-o.
  No, not for me of patient mind.
  No more for me long hauls down to Borneo,
  For I am old and I am blind

They tell me now that ships are twice as long,
And that the hull's all made of iron.
Just 'cause I'm blind you can't fool me, my lads,
For they would sink beneath the brine

Now as I sit on foggy ev'nings
I hear that deep voice booming clear,
And if I were a brave young sailor lad
Then that's a sound I hold most dear.

And from my bed November mornings
I feel the tremble, hear the roar,
And I say a prayer for those out dying
And all the drowned men gone before.

(Last line of final chorus repeated)


Source: Pete Watkinson CD Hampshire Rose

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 04:23 AM

Like many others this song stirred me when I first heard it being sung by the Late Chris Gorniak in the middle bar. It is for me Chris's Song. I at last have had the courage to sing it and it still breaks me up if I listen to the words as I sing. A very powerful song indeed.

Andy

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BLIND SAILOR (Ken Cockrell)
From: GUEST,Vic at Work
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 08:42 AM

A heartfelt thanks to all, Ken will be overjoyed.

Words as written by Ken Cockrell in the late 60's. It never had a title but Ken did have a working title of 'the blind sailor'.

It's not for me the sun brings the morning-o
it's not for me of patient mind
no more for me long hauls down to Borneo
for I am old and I am blind.

You tell me now the ship's are twice as long
and that the hulls all made of iron
just 'cos I'm blind you can't fool me, me lad
for they would sink beneath the brine.

And as I sit on foggy evenings
I hear that deep voice booming clear
If I was a young and single sailor lad
it is a voice I'd hold most dear.

And as I lie, November mornings
I feel the tremble, hear the roar
I say a prayer for those out dying
for all those drowned men before.

Repeat 1st verse but begin with So, it's not for me   


The song didn't have a chorus.


Written by Ken for me because, and this is a bit long winded, Ken had all the necessary requirements to 'pull birds' i.e. a car and a bedsit and we would often end up at his place trying to charm young women. Ken would end up playing guitar (he was pretty good) as part of the charm offensive but everything would go down the tubes because I would stick my finger in my ear and try to make like Ewan McColl. Exit Females.
He got so hacked off with this that he said he would write me a song in the traditional idiom IF I WOULDN'T SING IT when women were present. At the time I wasn't too happy about it but over the years came to realise what a gift I had been given.

Snuffy - will reply personally to your message asap and thanks for the E-mail.

Barbara - Tom and I spoke about this a while ago, please keep an ear down for any other recordings and Keep on singing it, you will make two old men very happy!

Sussex Carole - How do I get a copy of Pete's Hampshire Rose?

To all others - Thanks again. My own feelings about the song? It is the only song I have ever performed where the audience has been so silent you could hear a pin drop and the applause comes that moment later and I think 'You'll do' and that is praise enough for any song.
And it still gives me goose bumps!

Vic (also overwhelmed by the response)

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 09:08 AM

Vic

Thanks for coming back with the definitive words. Pete's CD can be obtained via Dave & Anni at Old And New Tradition (follow the links - price £12).

Mick

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Snuffy
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 09:10 AM

Vic

CD is in the post. I'm off to Ireland tomorrow for a week, so may be slow in replying.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at Work
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:28 AM

3rd attempt to get this right
Thanks Snuffy, enjoy Ireland. Will pm later.
Vic.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 03:00 PM

Of course, Dave and Anni also sing it!

Nice to see that you've posted as a member MCP!

Kitty

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: ElwynnMaxon
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 08:50 PM

Is it recorded then?

E.M.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Barbara
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 09:27 PM

Say Mick, would you be willing to post us a tune? I have it written out, but I doubt that I'm right about it. Besides the usual things that happen to tunes when they travel a distance of time and space, I have it written mostly in 5/4...

Vic, I can ask my friends if we can make you a tape or something from here, if you want.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 03:37 AM

Me again.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at Work
Date: 15 Apr 05 - 03:45 AM

I've got gremlins! I keep submitting without meaning to.
Anybody recorded this (or singing this) in Australia?

Elwynn Maxon - Yes By me on a Burdett, Simpson & Young CD, byPete Watkinson and by Jinks's Stack.Possibly others but no definative info. yet.

Barbara - I would be delighted if you would.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 16 Apr 05 - 08:50 AM

Still wondering if there is anything from Australia, possibly in the Perth area as I sang it over there on a number of occasions?

Barbara - I only have e-mail at work so my contact is [e-mail]. If you do ever get a tape together please let me know.

Kitty - I would be interested in Chris's parody, please contact with the words.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at Work
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 10:10 AM

refresh as Ken may visit.

Subject: Lyr Add: FISH AND CHIPS (Chris Gorniak)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Apr 05 - 03:43 PM

Vic

It probably wasn't one of Chris's best parodies, but he (allegedly) misheard Jim Mageean setting a theme for his next Whitby lunchtime maritime singaround - Jim said that tomorrow's session would be "of fish and ships". So Chris came up with this.....

FISH AND CHIPS
Chris Gorniak (with apologies)

Oh not for me the rosy red saveloy,
No not for me the chicken pie,
No more for me any kind of meat dish you know,
For I have fish and chips today.

They tell me now the queue is twice as long,
They've had a run on chips today,
And while we wait, they put the prices up,
But only for Folk Week they say.

And as I sit in a dimly lit corner,
I hear the loud voice booming clear,
And if I were but 'Number 44'
My fish and chips would soon be here.

And from my bed in the early morning,
I feel the tremble hear the roar,
And I think 'My God, I have taken the tummy ache,
Like many diners gone before.'

Here's to diners gone before...

Kitty

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 18 Apr 05 - 10:40 AM

Thanks Kitty.
Vic

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Gervase
Date: 26 May 05 - 11:43 AM

If anyone wants to hear Chris Gorniak singing Borneo, they can access a streaming MP3 file at www.ic-musicmedia.com/Middle_Bar_Singers .

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Tony Burns
Date: 11 Sep 07 - 11:56 AM

I first heard this wonderful song a the Celtic Roots Festival (Goderich, Ontario, Canada) this summer. It was sung from the main stage by Doug Eunson and Sarah Matthews. It is on their 2007 CD On Shining Wings.

I'm just learning it now and glad I came across this thread. I like the changes Tom Lewis has made and will probably learn that version.

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: North/South Annie
Date: 11 Sep 07 - 06:17 PM

'Vic at Work' - I live near Pete Watkinson and will be seeing him shortly. If you'd like to PM me your contact details I'll ask him to contact you regarding sending a CD. I've got a copy and I'd recommend it.

Annie

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Emma B
Date: 11 Sep 07 - 06:19 PM

Hey Vic! how are you keeping - keep in touch (are you going to Bedworth?)

Subject: RE: Borneo, Kens Song, Song for Vic
From: Barbara
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 06:07 PM

refresh.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Borneo / Song for Vic / (Ken Cockrell)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Oct 15 - 08:28 PM

Just come across this while lyric-hunting. It is also on Alan Whitbread's CD "Soaring enchanted" RGBCD027.

Great song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Borneo / Song for Vic / (Ken Cockrell)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 27 Oct 17 - 10:10 AM

Just by way of keeping interest in the song - and closing a circle I guess - Capstan Full Strength (who featured Chris Gorniak in their line-up for some time) will be singing "Song for Vic" (as we know it) at the Everyman Folk Club (Suffolk) tonight.
I've suggested to the guy who will be leading it that he mentions the lovely story about its origins.   
Thanks Vic!
John Wright

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Borneo / Song for Vic / (Ken Cockrell)
From: GUEST,OldNicKilby
Date: 30 Oct 17 - 05:53 AM

John , are you the Jews Harp player?