Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)

Subject: RE: Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)
From: weerover
Date: 17 Jul 23 - 08:00 AM

Just back from a couple of weeks in Dumfries and Galloway, where we took in the Newton Stewart and Minigaff Festival, including a couple of song sessions hosted by Jim Bainbridge. Never heard him with the Rattlers, but if you want someone to run a song session, Jim's yer man.

Subject: RE: Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 17 Jul 23 - 05:50 AM

Contd

With its cargo of fine cloth and plate x2

The news of the rescue and the part played by Grace
Was carried all over the world
Men told of her courage and her angelic face
A model for every young girl x2

On the Fifth of September The Forfarshire sailed etc

Tom Patterson

Subject: RE: Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 17 Jul 23 - 05:43 AM

The Wreck of The Forfarshire

On the fifth of September the Forfarshire sailed
Heading for far Dundee Town
She had sailed for a day when both engines failed
And she drifted away to the south x2

A great storm blew up and the seas raged that night
Captain Humble made for Inner Farne
But he misjudged his course and before first light
She hit Harker Rock and went down x2

At a quarter to five the wreck was first seen
By a young girl of twenty-two years
Grace lived with her father off to the north-east
In the Longstone Light washed by the sea x2

At seven o'clock she saw three men or four
Their figures just shadowy forms
The Bamburgh lifeboat would not leave the shore
She'd be swamped by the strength of the storm

Her father was a brave man but never headstrong
He knew the North Sea far too well
In risking bad weather he'd never been wrong
And he'd saved many men from the swell x2

To come from the north was the most direct route
But suicide in the high sea
So they rowed by the island, William and Grace
And they came on the wreck from the lee x2

Grace held the coble as he leapt on the reef
Nine weary souls had survived
Shivering and soaking but glad to be free
They made their way back 'gainst the tide x2

Nine more were saved by a sloop off Tynemouth
From the one boat that had put away
Forty-three drowned when the steamer went down
With its

Subject: RE: Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)
From: GeoffLawes
Date: 16 Jul 23 - 06:10 PM

Link to Mudcat thread Any September Songs? with information and recordings on GRACE DARLING /mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=170186#gracedarling:~:text=Subject%3A%20RE%3A%20Any%20September%20Songs%3F%0AFrom%3A%20Ge

Subject: RE: Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 16 Jul 23 - 04:15 PM

I agree with Jim. I particularly detest "over the waters blue". The sea can look blue on a sunny day, but it wouldn't look blue when a storm was raging.

Subject: RE: Origins: Ballad of Grace Darling (various songs)
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 16 Jul 23 - 03:25 PM

In about 1970, the Marsden Rattlers band from South Shields were asked by Jim Lloyd to contribute a few tracks to a BBC 'Northumbrian' LP- it's the one with a picture of Hadrian's Wall on it.
   The Grace Darling song which was part of the original thread above was one of those, alongside the 'Blaydon Races' etc.
   Her story is one of amazing bravery, but the band read the words of the song, and decided it was an awful piece of doggerel & wanted nothing to do with it & Jim Lloyd accepted that.
Reading it again, I think we were dead right.

Subject: Lyr Add: GRACE DARLING.
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 16 Jul 23 - 02:42 PM

From the sheet music at the University of Tennessee Knoxville:


GRACE DARLING
Music by W. Walmsley, Jr.
Arranged by Prof. J. Drew, P[or]t Burwell, C. W. *
Published by Root & Cady, Chicago, Ill. [no date]

1. Oh, Father dear, the storm is raging,
Cold and damp the night mist falls,
Some helpless crew a prey to danger,
For help, for help, despairing calls!

CHORUS: Trim the lamp; the boat launch quickly, the boat launch quickly.
Though danger threatens, the worst we’ll brave.
The toil heed not, if we but rescue
The shipwrecked wander’s[wand’rers?] from the grave.

2. My child, it would be worse than madness
To tempt the waves this fearful night;
To sleep, to rest, again betake you.
Await, await the morning light.

3. I cannot sleep; their shrieks appall me.
Oh, heard you not that fearful cry?
Afar I see the day is breaking.
Look out, look out, the wreck I spy!

4. The boat is launched ’mid billows breaking,
Like some wild bird that frail boat flew;
The gentle girl with love unshaken
Has saved the hapless shipwrecked crew.

5. The gentle Grace, so young and lovely,
No silent joy her heart betrays,
Though grateful tears are round he falling,
And hearts are beating to her praise.

- - -
* C. W. = Canada West a.k.a. Upper Canada, which was the term used from 1841 to 1867, after which Ontario was formed—which helps to date the song. Root & Cady operated from 1858 to 1871. So this puts the publication date between 1858 and 1867.

No lyrics writer is identified, but the words parallel some other versions given here.

Subject: Lyr Add: HE CALLS ME HIS OWN GRACE DARLING
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Jul 23 - 04:54 PM

From the sheet music at Baylor University:


“Vesta Victoria’s New Song Successes,
as Featured by the Famous English Comedienne on Her American Tour”
HE CALLS ME HIS OWN GRACE DARLING
Words and music by Lawrence Barclay, ©1899.*
Published by Francis, Day & Hunter, New York & London.

1. I feel just as happy as a girl can be; upon my word, it’s true.
I’m so very happy that I don’t know which or what I’m going to do.
I’m in love and just engaged to a man who ploughs the sea.
He fishes for a living, but he fished last week on land, and he caught me.

CHORUS: And he calls me his own Grace Darling; he says that I’m his pet.
I fill each plaice within his sole; that ain’t no cod, you bet!
When he asked me if I loved him, I said, “What o! not ’alf!
Why, I likes you just for your whiskers, ’cos they tickles me and makes me laugh!”

2. Jim’s got a face you wouldn’t like at first; it grows on you, you see.
Like olives, it’s acquired, but I’m very glad it didn’t grow on me.
He says I’m an angel, yes, an angel without wings.
He’s not very pretty, but upon my word, he does say some nice things!

3. When in the evening on the beach we spoon, I feel so very shy.
He’ll look me straight in the eyeball, then he’ll give a great big sigh.
We’ll be married in a month or so; he won’t forget, won’t Jim!
When the parson says, “Will you wed this man?” I’ll say “Can a duck swim?”

- - -
* The sheet music says: “Copyright MCCCXCIX” but wouldn’t that be 1399? Surely they meant MDCCCXCIX, which would be 1899.

Subject: ADDPOP: Grace Darling (The Strawbs)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Feb 19 - 12:26 AM

Here's a very different song from the Strawbs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAU-mOrBr_A

GRACE DARLING
(recorded by the Strawbs)

[Verse 1]
You have been my lighthouse
In every storm
You have given shelter
You have kept me safe and warm
And in my darkest nights
You have shone your brightest lights
You are my saving grace
Darling, I love you

[Verse 2]
You have been the pilot
Who guides me home
You have been the my rock
As on the seven seas I roam
And when I was becalmed
You were the strength in my arms
You are my saving grace
Darling, I love you

[Interlude]
And when I found my back
Was torn and broken on the reef
You sailed your tiny boat
Across the dark seas of my disbelief

[Verse 3]
You have been the anchor
And I the chain
Straining as we hold ourselves
Together in the rain
I have found you ever there
My constant keeper's daughter fair
You are my saving grace
Darling, I love you


lyrics source: https://genius.com/Strawbs-grace-darling-lyrics - I listed to the recording and found no mistakes

Subject: Lyr Add: GRACE DARLING
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Sep 13 - 09:04 PM

Lyr. Add: GRACE DARLING
Anon.?

Oh! father loved! the storm is raging
And cold and heavy the night falls;
Some hapless crew, a prey to danger,
For help, for help despairing calls;
Trim, trim the lamp- the boat launch quickly,
Though danger threatens, the worst we'll brave;
The toll I heed not, if we can rescue
The shipwreck'd wanderers from the grave.
Oh! father lov'd! the storm is raing,
And cold and heavy the night wind falls;
The boat launch quickly-- the boat launch quickly:
Some hapless crew for help now calls.

-My gentle child, 'twere worse than madness
To tempt the billow, this fearful night;
Again to sleep- to rest betake thee,
Await- await the morning's light.
-I cannot sleep- their shrieks appal me-
Oh, father! heard you that piercing cry?
Arise thee! hasten! the day is breaking!
Look out! look out! a wreck I spy!
Oh! father loved! I fear no danger,
With thee I will boldly breast the wave!
The boat launch quickly- the boat launch quickly:
Yon hapless crew we yet may save.

The boat is launch'd- through breakers roaring,
Like some wild bird the frail skiff flew;
The gentle girl, with love unshaken,
Has saved from death that hapless crew.
The danger past, her heart beats lightly,
Her silent transport no pride betrays;
Though grateful tear are round her falling,
And hearts are throbbing to her praise
The danger past, her heart beats lightly,
Her silent transport no pride betrays:
Though grateful tears are falling,
And hearts are throbbing to her praise.

19th c. Song sheet, H. De Marsan NYC.
American Memory.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Garry Gillard
Date: 27 Aug 00 - 07:45 AM

The words for "Grace Darling" and indeed all of the songs on the CD are linked from my Pence and Spicy Ale file.

hth, Garry

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Aug 00 - 01:57 PM

Thank you most kindly, sir.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: raredance
Date: 26 Aug 00 - 09:48 AM

Joe,

The LP credits Cal Bagby.

rich r

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Aug 00 - 02:27 AM

Is there a tune and a songwriter name for this "Grace Darling" song? It's on the CD Through Children's Eyes (click) by the Limeliters, but the CD notes give no songwriter information at all. It is quite different from the song of the same title that we have in the database.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Alex
Date: 26 Mar 99 - 03:45 AM

I stumbled into this thread because I thought it was on the following beautiful song of unrequited love. (Tune: The Girl I left behind me) which goes: Oh, my Darling Grace, how I love your face, Especially in your nightie. When the moonlight flits across your t*ts, Aw, Jesus Christ Almighty!

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 12:10 AM

Great to see Joe Offer is back at his keyboard. We have missed you, indeed, Joe. --seed

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Margo
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 06:15 PM

Thanks Bert. You're a pal.

Margarita

Subject: RE: Grace Darling: I need words and melody
From: Bert
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 04:52 PM

Margarita,

A Forum Search with grace darling in the body field will turn up several old threads about this great song.

Bert.

Subject: Grace Darling: I need words and melody
From: Margo
Date: 23 Mar 99 - 02:03 PM

Yes, there is a song about Grace Darling in the DT database but the melody won't open. I know there are several songs about her, she being a real person and a heroine. If anyone knows of a recording or has the words and melody to any of the songs about her I'd be grateful.

FYI: She was a lighthouse keeper's daughter. She heard the cries of a shipwrecked crew one stormy night and saved most of the men by rowing out in the storm in a dorry. Wow!

Margarita

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Eric
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 07:31 PM

Dick,

If you need someone to test it (hint, hint), my e-mail is [e-mail]

E.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 05:48 PM

The missing file will appear (mysteriously) in the Spring 1999 edition of the DT. Sorry about that

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Mike Billo
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:19 PM

To Billy J; The recording is available from "Don't Quit Your Day Job' records at http://www.daydj.com/mitford.htm or PO Box 27901-120 San Francisco CA 94127, or by phone at [phone].

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Wolfgang Hell
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:04 PM

For Pence and spicy ale CD (Watersons): Topic 1993 TSCD 462
Wolfgang

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: BILLY J
Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:46 PM

TO BRUCE O MANY THANKS SORRY ABOUT DELAY IN THANKS BUT BEEN VERY BUSY CHASING OYSTERS ALL OVER THE BEACH DUE TO SEVERE STORMS

TO ALDUS WHERE CAN I GET FOR PENCE AND SPICY ALE BY THE WATERSONS

TO MIKE BILLO WHERE WOULD THIS RECORDING BE AVAILABLE

MANY THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

BILLY J N.IRELAND

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Mike Billo
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 04:34 PM

My pal Kathi Goldmark's "Don't Quit Your Day Job" records has a truly remarkable recording of this song being sung by Jessica Mitford as a companion work to her book "Grace Had An English Heart". A web search for Kathi Goldmark should yield results. Tell her Mike Billo sent you.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Eric
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 04:18 PM

In the PC Database, it says the ABC file is GDARLING. However, the file is missing.

I looked at all the ones that started with G and couldn't find it. Any ideas?

E.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Aldus
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 03:47 PM

Words and music for this can be found on For Pence and Spicy Ale by The Watersons. Song is based on a true story. Grace died shortly after this event and a statue has been erected in her honour. A book was written about Grace by one of the Mitford sisters.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Bruce O.
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 03:44 PM

Levy sheet music collection is in Mudcat's links. 'The Grieg-Duncan Folk Song Collection' is 7 volumes, (last, 8th volume, general index, yet to be published) available from Mercat Press, Edinburgh (use search engine on 'Mercat Press' to find). You can order by e-mail on some credit cards.

The Grieg-Duncan collection is the songs noted by Gavin Grieg and Rev. James B. Duncan around Aberdeen in the early 20th century. Edited from the manuscripts under the general editorship (and sometimes specifically) by Emily Lyle. Almost all traditional texts, some with tunes, and some without. 1515 different songs and ballads in the 7 volumes, with multiple versions of some.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: BILLY J
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 03:14 PM

TO BRUCE O

WHERE WOULD I LOOK FOR THE LEVY SHEET MUSIC COLLECTION OR THE GREIG DUNCAN COLLECTION

BILLY J N IRELAND

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Bruce O.
Date: 29 Dec 98 - 03:30 PM

Sorry, that should have been #30 in the Greig-Duncan collection.

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Bruce O.
Date: 29 Dec 98 - 03:27 PM

DT gives a ballad of Grace Darling from the Levy sheet music collection, Box 181, items 105-7. There's a different one in Box 56, item #30. There's yet a 3rd in the 'Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection', I, #31, "Grace Darling, Our Langoleen".

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Mike Billo
Date: 29 Dec 98 - 10:25 AM

Many thanks to Joe Offer for the repairs. Mike Billo

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From:
Date: 29 Dec 98 - 07:15 AM

I used to know this song but now I can't remember the tune. I looked it up in the database and it has 'CLICK TO PLAY' then ..RG and nothing happens. HELP..... What is RG and what do I do to get it?

Silli Billi

By the way.. when I first heard it I wondered what GREY STARLING meant....

Sorry about that

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: Mike Ireland
Date: 29 Dec 98 - 06:19 AM

Hi Billy

I told you it was worth posting your question here and using this goldmine of information.

Mike

Happy New Year

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING ^^
From: Mike Billo
Date: 28 Dec 98 - 01:18 PM

Thank my wife, Marian, for this one.

  VERSE
  G                       D 
  'Twas on the long stone lighthouse
                         G
  there dwelt an English maid
                  D
  pure as the air around her
   
  of danger ne'er afraid
      C               G
  one morning just at daybreak
                           C 
  a storm tossed wreck she spied
                           G
  and up spake brave Grace Darling
       A                 D 
  I'll save the crew she cried
  
  CHORUS
         G
  So she pulled away on the rolling sea
                  D
  over the waters blue
  
  "help, help" she could hear the cry
                     
  of the shipwrecked crew
       G 
  but Grace had an English heart
  
  and the raging storm she braved
      C                    G
  she pulled away o'er the rolling sea 
          D         G 
  and the crew she saved
  

Verse

They to the rock were clinging
a crew of nine all told.
Between them and the lighthouse
the seas like mountains rose.
Said Grace "Come help me father,
We'll launch the boat" said she.
Her father cried "'Tis madness,
to face that raging sea"

Chorus But she.........

One murmured prayer 'heaven guard us'
and then they were afloat
Between them and destruction
the planks of that frail boat.
Then spoke the maidens father
"Return or doomed are we"
But up spoke brave Grace Darling
"alone I'll brave the sea"

Chorus So she......

They bravely rode the billows
and reached the rock at length
they saved the storm tossed sailors
In heaven alone their strength
Oh tell the wide world over
what English pluck can do
and sing of brave Grace Darling
who nobly saved the crew

Chorus When she......
^^

Subject: RE: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 28 Dec 98 - 12:29 PM

Lyrics are in the DT database (top of this page). Search for [Grace Darling] the square brackets indicate that it's a phrase.

Subject: BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING
From: BILLY Ireland
Date: 28 Dec 98 - 10:14 AM

Would anyone have the lyrics and chords for the BALLAD OF GRACE DARLING for guitar. Ta

Billy

Happy new year.