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Subject: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Joe Offer Date: 18 Feb 06 - 06:57 PM This is an edited DTStudy thread, and all messages posted here are subject to editing and deletion. This thread is intended to serve as a forum for corrections and annotations for the Digital Tradition song named in the title of this thread. Search for other DTStudy threadsTHE FACTORY GIRL Early one morning as the sun was adorning, The birds on the bushes did warble and sing, Gay lads and young lasses in couples were sporting ln yonder green valley, their work to begin. I spied one among them, she was fairer than any, Her cheeks like the red rose than none can excel, Her skin like the lily that grows in yon valley, And she's only a hard-working factory girl. l stepped up to her, more closely to view her, When on me she cast a look of disdain, Saying, "Young man, stand off me and do not come near me l work for my living and think it no shame." "It's not for to scorn you, fair maid, I adorn you, But grant me one favour, love: where do you dwell?" "Kind sir, you'll excuse me, for now I must leave you, For yonder's the sound of my factory bell." "I have lands, I have houses adorned with ivy, l have gold in my pocket and silver as well, And if you'll go with me, a lady I'll make you, So try and say yes, my dear factory girl." "Love and sensation rules many a nation, To many a lady perhaps you'll do well; For I am an orphan, neither friend nor relation, I'm only a hard-working factory girl." It's true I did love her, but now she won't have me, And all for her sake I`ll go wander a while Over high hills and valleys where no one shall know me, I'll mourn for the sake of my factory girl. Now this maid she's got married, become a great lady, Became a rich lady of fame and renown, She may bless the day and the bright summer's morning She met with the squire and on him did frown. It's now to conclude and to finish those verses: lt's may they live happy and may they do well, Come fill up your glasses and drink to the lasses That attend the sweet sound of the factory bell. From Songs of the People, Sam Henry @courting @work filename[ FACTGIRL TUNE FILE: FACTGIRL CLICK TO PLAY RG FACTORY GIRL As I was a walking one midsummer morning The birds in the branches so sweetly did sing The lads and the lasses together were sporting Going down to yon factory their work to begin I spied one amongst them more fairer than any Her lips like red roses that none could excel Her skin like the lily that blooms in the valley And besides she's a hard working factory girl I stepped up to her, it was for to view her When on me she cast a bright look of disdain "Oh young man have manners and do not insult me For although I'm a poor girl I think it no shame" "It's not for to scorn you, fair maid I adore you Come grant me one favor, love where do you dwell?" "Oh young man, excuse me, for now I must leave you For yonder's the sound of my factory bell" "Oh I have fine houses adorned with ivory Gold in my pocket and silver as well And if you'll come with me, a lady I'll make you And no more will you heed yon poor factory bell" "Oh love and temptation are our ruination Go find you a lady and may you do well For I am an orphan with ne'er a relation And besides, I'm a hard working factory girl" @work @courting recorded by Frankie Armstrong on the Music Plays So Grand filename[ FACTGRL2 TUNE FILE: FACTGRL2 CLICK TO PLAY SOF PLEASE NOTE: Because of the volunteer nature of The Digital Tradition, it is difficult to ensure proper attribution and copyright information for every song included. Please assume that any song which lists a composer is copyrighted ©. You MUST aquire proper license before using these songs for ANY commercial purpose. If you have any additional information or corrections to the credit or copyright information included, please e-mail those additions or corrections to us (along with the song title as indexed) so that we can update the database as soon as possible. Thank You. Here's the Traditional Ballad Index entry: Factory Girl (I), TheDESCRIPTION: The singer sees a beautiful girl, an orphan who works in a factory (linen mill). He courts her, but she must leave to go to work. He offers to marry her. She again rejects him. She eventually marries well -- perhaps to the singer, perhaps to a squireAUTHOR: unknown EARLIEST DATE: 1906 (Gardiner) KEYWORDS: love courting beauty marriage money orphan factory technology FOUND IN: Ireland Britain(England(South)) REFERENCES (9 citations): Kennedy 221, "The Factory Girl" (1 text, 1 tune) Wiltshire-WSRO Mi 563, "Factory Girl" (1 text) SHenry H217, p. 368, "The Factory Girl" (1 text, 1 tune) Morton-Ulster 19, "The Factory Girl" (1 text, 1 tune) Morton-Maguire 41, pp. 129-130,171-172, "The Factory Girl" (1 text, 1 tune) OCroinin-Cronin 157, "The Factory Girl" (2 texts, 1 tune) Graham/Holmes 23, "The Factory Girl" (1 text, 1 tune) DT, FACTGIRL* FACTGRL2 ADDITIONAL: Richard Hayward, Ireland Calling (Glasgow,n.d.), p. 7, "The Factory Girl" (text, music and reference to Decca F-3125 recorded Aug 12, 1932) Roud #1659 RECORDINGS: Margaret Barry, "The Factory Girl" (on IRMBarry-Fairs) Bill Cassidy, "The Factory Girl" (on IRTravellers01) Sarah Makem, "The Factory Girl" (on Voice10) NOTES: OCroinin-Cronin does not end so well for the suitor. The factory girl tells him to "go marry a lady" and leaves him to wander "in some deep valley, where no one shall no me, I'll mourn for the sake of my factory-maid." The date and master id (GB-4733-1) for Hayward's record is provided by Bill Dean-Myatt, MPhil. compiler of the Scottish National Discography. - BS Last updated in version 3.5 File: K221 Go to the Ballad Search form Go to the Ballad Index Instructions The Ballad Index Copyright 2016 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle. |
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Subject: ADD Version: Factory Girl (The Roches) From: Peace Date: 18 Feb 06 - 07:23 PM Factory Girl As I went out walkin' one fine summer's mornin' the birds in the branches they did gaily sing the lad and the lasses together were sportin' goin' down to the fact'ry their work to begin I spied a fair damsel far fairer than any her cheeks like the red rose that none could excel her skin like the lily that grows in yon valley she's my own bonnie Annie my factory girl I stepped did up to her just thinkin' to view her but at me she cast a proud look of disdain sayin' "Stand off me young man and do not insult me for although I am poor sure I think it no shame" "It's not to insult you fair maid I adore thee ah pray grant me one favor it's where do ya dwell?" "Kind sir forgive me it's now I must leave you for I hear the dumb sound of the factory bell" Now love is a thing that does rule every nation good mornin' kind sir and I hope ya do well my friends and relations would all frown upon it besides I'm a hardworkin' factory girl Oh it's true I do love her but now she won't have me for her sake I'll wander through valley and dell and for her sake I'll wander where no one can find me I'll die for the sake of my factory girl (Traditional Irish) from www.roches.com/lyrics/nurds.html |
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Subject: ADD Version: The Factory Girl From: Joe Offer Date: 18 Feb 06 - 07:27 PM These lyrics are very close to the Frankie Armstrong version found in the Digital Tradition, FACTGRL2 (above) - but the tune is quite different. The Factory Girl As I went a-walking, one fine summer's morning The birds on the branches they sweetly did sing The lads and the lasses together were sportin' Going down to yon factory, their work to begin I spied a wee damsel, more fairer than Venus Her skin like the lily, not one could excel* Her cheeks like the red rose that grew in yon valley She's my own only goddess, she's a sweet factory girl I stepp-ed up to her, it was for to view her When on me she cast a proud look of disdain Stand off me, stand off me, and do not insult me For although I'm a poor girl, I think it's no shame I don't mean to harm you, I'm sure I would scorn it But grant me one favour: Pray where do you dwell? Kind sir, you'll excuse me, for now I must leave you For yonder's the sound of the factory bell I have lands, I have houses adorn-ed with ivy I've gold in my pocket and silver as well And if you go with me, a lady I'll make you So try and say yes, my dear factory girl O love and sensation rules many a nation To many a young girl perhaps you'd look well I am a poor girl, without home or relations And besides I'm a hard-working factory girl It's true I did love her but now she won't have me And all for her sake I'll go wander awhile Over high hills and valleys where no one shall know me I'll mourn for the sake of my factory girl Now this maid's she got married and become a great lady Become a great lady of fame and renown She may bless the day and the bright summer's morning She met with the squire and upon him did frown Well now to conclude, and to finish these verses This couple got married, and both are doing well So, lads, fill your glasses, and drink to the lasses Till we hear the sweet sound of the factory bell Click to play#221 in Peter Kennedy's Folksongs of Britain and Ireland singer: Sarah Makem, 1952 You'll find a 1967 Sarah Makem recording of this song on Volume 10 of the Voice of the People CD series, What's That At My Bed Window? *alternate: Her skin like the lily that grows in the dell. **Alternate: I don't mean to harm you or yet, love, to scorn you (both alternate lines are from the 1967 recording, which is somewhat shorter than the version in the Kennedy book) |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Peace Date: 18 Feb 06 - 07:53 PM Joe. I don't know how to link to this properly, but there are two sheetmusic and sound things at www.8notes.com/digital_tradition/t.asp
-Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: masato sakurai Date: 18 Feb 06 - 09:10 PM Broadside versions at Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads are: factory girl [title] fortunate factory girl [title] |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: rich-joy Date: 19 Feb 06 - 08:25 PM I love singing this song (having originally learnt it from the LP "The Female Frolic", as sung by Sandra Kerr) and I thought it may be of interest to post what is written with the words and music in a book entitled "My Song is My Own : 100 Women's Songs" by Kathy Henderson, Frankie Armstrong and Sandra Kerr - Pluto Press, London 1979 : " Primarily a love song, but also a declaration of independance. The theme of this Irish song is an old one - rich man pursuing poor girl and being refused - but the Industrial Revolution gave it a new context and resonance. Waged work for women dealt several blows to the idealised image of woman and not the least shocking to the establishment was the defiant independance of these workers, newly released from home. As the "Leeds Mercury", worried by a strike of 1500 women card setters, put it in May 1832 : "Alarmists may view these indications of female independance as more menacing to established institutions than the education of the lower orders." Words : based on a collation by Karl Dallas from three Irish versions; Tune : as sung by Mrs Sarah Makem of Keady, Co. Armagh. " Cheers! Rich-Joy |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: rich-joy Date: 19 Feb 06 - 09:00 PM Sandra Kerr's version on LP "The Female Frolic" (Argo, 1968) - has these cover notes : " In songs prior to the Industrial Revolution, a squire might set his fancy on a shepherdess or milkmaid and, through her sense of class pride and her consciousness of the consequences in social terms, he might be rebuffed. This theme has extended itself into industrial song - it is a kind of sense of fitness and knowledge, that certain class attitudes would never mix even in the marriage bed. Although "The Factory Girl" is primarily a love song, it is also an expression of this declaration of independance - i.e. that a woman, no matter how poor or humble, is still her own master and needn't marry to have money or piece of mind. The first printed version of this song was called "The Country Girl", published in 1843. The text here however, is probably earlier than 1843 and is from the singing of Mrs Cunningham of Annalong, Co. Down - verse 4 and the melody is from Robert Butcher of Downhill, Co. Derry. " I recall reading somewhere, that this song most likely refers to the linen mills of Northern Ireland - but I cannot now recall the origins of that reference ... Cheers! Rich-Joy |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Malcolm Douglas Date: 19 Feb 06 - 11:34 PM It's certainly the case that the song has been found most often in oral currency in the North of Ireland, though it has also turned up in England and Scotland. As we already know, it was printed on broadsides from -at any rate- the late 1830s; pretty much throughout England according to listings in the Roud Index and the index of the Madden broadside collection. Presumably it was also issued in Ireland, though where it actually started out can't be said for sure at the moment. It's unclear where Sandra Kerr got her date of 1843. There is a broadside at the Bodleian, The blooming goddess. Or Country girl (Harding B 19(119b)) which has the right opening line, but there are no details of date or printer, and no image is available. The broadside editions tend to have a happy ending, as do a fair few of the oral versions; so it's unsafe to draw conclusions that are too generalised, as Sandra and others seem to have done. As usual with folksong, it's not quite that simple; and the imposition of modern political sensibilities, which may in some situations enhance our understanding, may in others cloud it. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: The Sandman Date: 02 Jun 08 - 12:23 PM here is a versionhttp://ie.youtube.com/user/dickmilesmusic |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: RTim Date: 02 Jun 08 - 12:31 PM I Recorded this version of the song way back in 1973 - On Folk Songs Of Hampshire on Forest Tracks, (Now re-released on CD) THE FACTORY GIRL. The sun was just rising one fine summer's morning The birds from the bushes so sweetly did sing. And the lads & the lasses so merrily were moving To yonder large building their work to begin. I spied a fair damsel more brighter than Venus Her cheeks like the roses that none could excel Her skin like the lilies that grows in yon valley This blooming young damsel was a factory girl. I stepp'd up to this beautiful creature She cast upon me a proud look of distain. Stand back sir she cried & do not insult me I'm poor but in poverty there is no sin. I stood in a flutter knowing what was the matter The God of love Cupid my heart had trepanned I said lovely fair maid if you'll not be my bride My life I will waste in some far foreign land. What pleasure or treasure is love when tis wanton Your love upon me has now cast a spell I'll marry you speedily & make you my lady If you'll be my own dearest factory girl. She gave her consent & licence was purchased That very same day the bells merrily did ring To church then they went & when they returned The brave men & maidens so sweetly did sing. From David Clements - Basingstoke Collected by Dr. George B. Gardiner |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Bearheart Date: 02 Jun 08 - 04:49 PM The Bothy Band recorded the version I learned, the words are most like Frankie Armstrong's but I think the tune is different from all of these? (At least, the pacing of it makes it seem different to me.) Have always loved this song. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: ard mhacha Date: 02 Jun 08 - 05:15 PM The song was associated with the linen mills in the north of Ireland, my mother who was born in 1896, always sang this song, I remember some of the old people say that the song was from Dromore in County Down. Wherever it`s from it is a lovely song. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Connacht Rambler Date: 02 Jun 08 - 06:06 PM Margaret Barry sang a beautiful version of this song. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: ard mhacha Date: 03 Jun 08 - 05:25 AM The Margaret Barry version I have is short and sweet,unlike the other versions of this, song Margaret`s lady takes no time in heading off with her suitor. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: The Sandman Date: 05 Jun 08 - 06:44 AM I believe Margaret Barry used a different tune from Sarah Makem. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: ard mhacha Date: 06 Jun 08 - 04:26 AM It is the same air on my recordings, I have always heard it sung to the same air, singers like Triona ni Domhnaill use the same tune. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: The Sandman Date: 06 Jun 08 - 05:26 AM I just have a vague recollecton of hearing two different tunes for it,I may be mistaken. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Abdul The Bul Bul Date: 06 Jun 08 - 08:25 AM I got my version from June Tabor and Oysterband, from their Big Session CD and performance. Think I'll add the last couple of verses now tho. Al |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: RTim Date: 06 Jun 08 - 10:26 AM Regarding the version of this song above that I have recorded - I should have added that it uses the same tune as that used by Frankie Armstrong, and is published by Frank Purslow in one of his books (from David Clements of Basingstoke). I note that Jim Carroll has made NO comment about this song - which I believe he collected several versions of in Ireland! Tim Radford |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: Jim Carroll Date: 06 Jun 08 - 03:08 PM Sorry Tim, Didn't see the thread - was pinned down in a trench on another topic. What can I add? It was extremely popular with Irish Travellers - one of the best renditions we recorded was from Bil Cassidy from Wexford, also from a relative, Andy Cash, also from Wexford. I feel a bit of a traitor to them both by admitting that my favourite version by far is that of Sarah Makem. There was a beautiful television film of her, where the camera followed her around her home while she constantly sang. Somebody told me recently taht she never ever sang outside her home. Jim Carroll |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: ard mhacha Date: 06 Jun 08 - 03:15 PM I seen that BBC programme Sarah was no different from most of her generation, like my mother and the other ladies in our district they sang as the worked in the home. This practice has long since disappeared, mores the pity. |
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Subject: RE: DTStudy: Factory Girl From: danensis Date: 07 Jun 08 - 06:57 AM Didin't Ralph McTell do a "Factory Girl" song? All I can remember is "Hurrying across the yard, before the siren's ......" John |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE FACTORY GIRL From: Jim Dixon Date: 30 Dec 10 - 12:30 AM From an article "A Glance at the Minstrelsy of the Middlesex Border" by George Gilfillagain, in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 22 June 1855, page 356: THE FACTORY GIRL. The sun was just rising one fine May-day morning, The birds from the bushes so sweetly did sing, Where the lads and the lasses so merrily moving, To yonder large building their labour begin. I spied a fair damsel more brighter than Venus, Her cheeks like the roses none could her excel, Her skin like the lily that grows in yon valley, This blooming young goddess, the factory girl. I stepp'd up to her this beautiful creature, She cast upon me a proud look of disdain, Stand back sir she cried and do not insult me, Tho' poor I am, poverty is no sin. I said my fair damsel no harm is intended, But one favour grant me pray where do you dwell, At home sir she answered, was going to leave me, I am but a hard working factory girl. I stood all amaz'd while on her I gaz'd, Such modesty and prudence before ne'er did see, I said my sweet charmer my soul's great alarmer, If you will go with me a lady shall be. She said sir, temptations are used in all nations, Go marry a lady and you will do well, So let me alone sir, the bells are a ringing, I am but a hard working factory girl. I stood in a flutter, knew not what was the matter, Young Cupid the goddess my heart has trepan'd, I said lovely maid if you'll not be my bride, My life I will waste in some foreign land. What pleasure in treasure where love it is wanting, Your beauty upon me has now cast a spell, I'll marry you speedy and make you a lady. If you will be mine, dear factory girl. She gave her consent and a licence was purchas'd, The bells they did merrily echo and ring, To church then they went, and as they were returning, The bridesmen and maidens so sweetly did sing. This lovely young couple lives happy together, She blesses the hour that she first saw her swain, This factory girl she is made a rich lady, And married a squire of honour and fame. |
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