Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,alex
Date: 19 May 14 - 11:15 AM

Hi, We're looking for John Crisp. We're interested in licensing his Bards Of Barleycorn "When grandma used to call" album for doing a high quality LP/CD reissue on our label. Any contact info would be appreciated. Please write to: alex @ guerssen.com (remove spaces)
Thanks,
Alex

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 01 Sep 13 - 05:20 AM

Google is your friend

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,Paul Sibby
Date: 31 Aug 13 - 02:39 PM

I just found this single in my mother's record collection! It was recorded in 1982.Backing musician Pat Brandon.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,Fred Bradshaw LANCS
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 09:54 AM

Hello John,Are you the John Crisp who used to play the guitar with me and Hans etc back in the 1960's & 70's. We had a bit of a folk group going and played at Clitheroe Castle. I've often wondered where you got to , you said you were going back to Norfolk, if it's really you give us an answer please.............. Fred, I played penny whistle

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 08:16 AM

It can be found on You Tube

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,Phill
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 07:40 AM

I bought John Crisps album , 'A weekend in E.Anglia' 30 years ago and being a Norfolkman and true, loved it.

Personally i have always thought John has never been recognised by the National Folk scene for the great singer and social commentator he is.....
His Farmer on a Bike was written at a time when the old National Farm Workers Union was striking and fighting for fairer conditions , and to me and my family ( some of whome were striking) this song summed it all up.
Much can be said the same of the Singing Postman , whos work was and is true East Anglian Folk song.

I would like to ask John if he sees this, to please consider releasing WIEA on CD as it is a great Album , or equally importantly consider giving us the oppurtunity to hear him sing live.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 12 - 03:55 AM

winston the singing farmer has been on a bike actually i've seen him on one at a steam rally.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,joy
Date: 16 Jul 12 - 10:20 AM

My partner is the 'John Crisp' who wrote & sung this amongst others, he has also written a song for me which has been recorded by Lady Antebellum.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 11:52 AM

Just for the record, I knew an engineer from Wichita who left the airplane factory to work on the family farm. His second year, he made $6000.

They returned to Wichita.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 08:54 AM

I am sure The Singing Postman did record it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Aug 11 - 07:55 AM

I don't know if anything is still happening on this site, but I was at school with John Crisp and have seen him from time to time since. One evening when visiting Norfolk I met John and we went for a drink at The Wheatsheaf (?) between Bury St Edmunds and Culford. Several farmers of prosperous appearance were moaning, as farmers do, about this or that and I remarked that my father always said that farmers are always complaining about something and telling people how badly off they are but nevertheless they ride about in big cars and not on rusty old bikes. I think this must have percolated into John's subconscious and emerged by a process of genius as a great song.

Ian M

Subject: Lyr Add: FARMER ON A BIKE (John Crisp)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 06 Feb 10 - 04:16 PM

Found on YouTube. I listened, and I was able to make a few corrections:


FARMER ON A BIKE
(John Crisp)

Old farmer Palmer was on the other day 'bout the price of his sugar-beet drill.
He reckoned he found the little green pound don't pay them big red bills,
And though he's got a private yacht, a race horse and three cars,
He always say the farm don't pay. That's how them farmers are.
But...

CHORUS: I never seen a farmer on a bike.
I never seen a farmer on a bike.
Wherever I been, I never miss a thing,
But I never seen a farmer on a bike.

He do complain about the rain, the green fly or the drought.
He say black spot have ruined his crop but I can't make this out.
I seen him get on a jumbo jet. I seen him on a train,
But that'll be the day I see him bikin' down the lane. CHORUS

I worked for Palmer till I wore my fingers to the bone,
But when I speak of another pound a week, you ought to hear him moan.
And though his combine cost the farm, I'm sure you will agree,
He could dispose of his Volvos and bike about like me.
But... CHORUS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 06:55 PM

Has any one a recording ?I'd love to have a go , but I dont want to fake a tune to a known Song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,Janet
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 03:52 PM

Hello,

I have been looking for these lyrics for years. First heard it on local radio and am missing the the first lines before the chorus. Well done.

Janet x

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle
Date: 25 Sep 08 - 05:10 AM

There is a recording of this collected by Neil Lanham from Jack Tarling (I'm almost certain) on Comic Songs of the Stour Valley. I was about to say the late great Jack Tarling, but it is just possible he is still with us, though I reckon he would be well into his nineties. Anyone know for sure?
Also can I plug the work that Neil has done? He gets so much less credit for it than e.g. the Howsons, perhaps because (Jack is an exception)the quality of singer he found was not quite that of Ted Chaplin, Tony Harvey etc. Nevertheless there are some good performers and more importantly he has made a very very thorough job of recording what of the living tradition is still there in Suffolk/Essex.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,germusa
Date: 24 Sep 08 - 09:33 AM

thank you penny! had been looking for these song lyrics for quite some time for my dad!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: RTim
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 01:38 PM

The only connection between the song and The Singing Postman is - I first thought he wrote it, AND that Both come from East Anglia - ie. John Crisp and The Singing Postman. Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 05:11 AM

I think R. Tim got the lyrics from this thread (click), which seemed to indicate a connection with the Singing Postman - is there a connection?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 31 Jul 08 - 04:51 AM

Many thanks to you wonderful Mudcatters, and Tim in particular.
Jon

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: folkwaller
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 04:47 PM

John Crisp was and still is one of Norfolks foremost folk singers. Although not performing as often as he should he teaches both guitar and banjo and still lives in south Norfolk. His recordings are really worth listening to. He doesn't seek publicity, he is one of the true folkies that prop up the folk scene out of sight and without seeking any 'stardom' as do many others. Perhaps one day John will entertain us again. Please.

Subject: Lyr Add: FARMER ON A BIKE (John Crisp)
From: RTim
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 12:07 PM

There is an early thread about this song - but I don't know how to point to it - so here are the words, etc.
Tim Radford


FARMER ON A BIKE
John Crisp

Old Farmer Palmer was on the other day 'bout the price of his sugar-beet drill.
He reckoned he'd found the little green pound don't pay them big red bills.
And though he's got a private yacht, a race horse and three cars,
He always say the farm don't pay. That's how them farmers are.

CHORUS: But I never seen a farmer on a bike,
I never seen a farmer on a bike.
Wherever I've been, no, I never miss a thing,
But I never seen a farmer on a bike.

He do complain about the rain, the green fly or the drought.
He say black spot have ruined his crop but I can't make this out.
I seen him get on a jumbo jet; I seen him on a train;
But that'll be the day I see him biking down the lane. CHORUS

I worked for farmer till I wore my fingers to the bone,
But when I speak of another pound a week, you oughta hear him moan.
And though his combine cost a farm, I'm sure you will agree,
He could dispose of his Volvos and bike around like me. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 11:42 AM

I remember Terry Wogan playing it but that was years ago - don't the British Broad-corping Castration have some sort of 'phone line you can call to find this sort of thing out?
Ray

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: quokka
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 11:07 AM

Sounds like a parody of 'She'll be comin' round the mountain'

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: oldfogie
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 08:36 AM

sounds the sort of thing adge cutler would have written

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 05:16 AM

Well, it's in the repertoire of 'Winston the Singing Farmer', though I doubt that he wrote it himself (I also doubt that he has ever been seen on a bike, in adult life at any rate. His farm is over the road from my Mum's house. Try getting him to do anything about the encroaching vegetation or the rabbits! "Oh, I don't deal with all that. You'll have to write to the Company.")

Ref at http://www.anglianmusic.co.uk/.

Subject: Lyr Req: I've never seen a farmer on a bike
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 04:44 AM

Has anyone come across a ditty entitled "I've never seen a farmer on a bike"?
I heard someone sing it recently but cannot find the lyrics anywhere.
Can anyone help, please?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: folkwaller
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 04:39 PM

I know John Crisp quite well he gave me banjo lessons a few years ago. He still lives in South Norfolk and as far as I know doesn't perform any more. A big loss to the folk scene.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (John Crisp)
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Feb 08 - 01:00 PM

where do i go for guitar sheets for all these great old songs

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (The Singing Postman
From: RTim
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 08:35 PM

Thank you Penny Black - whomever you are.
I have been looking for these words for some years.
I learnt it once years ago to sing at a club run by a farmer friend of mine (who has since passed on).
I rememberted the tune but had lost my copy of the words.

Regards - Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (The Singing Postman?)
From: The Sandman
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 07:05 PM

thankyou guest jon,I enjoyed those snippets. apparently he was a big jimmy rodgers fan, you can hear it in the guitar, a very underated writer. Ithink.

Subject: Lyr Add: FARMER ON A BIKE (John Crisp)
From: GUEST,Penny Black
Date: 08 Sep 06 - 03:10 PM

FARMER ON A BIKE
Recorded by: John Crisp on Ampersand Music Farm 101


Old Farmer Palmer was on the other day 'bout the price of his sugar-beet drill.
He reckoned he'd found the little green pound don't pay them big red bills.
And though he's got a private yacht, a race horse and three cars,
He always say the farm don't pay. That's how them farmers are.

CHORUS: But I never seen a farmer on a bike,
I never seen a farmer on a bike.
Wherever I've been, no, I never miss a thing,
But I never seen a farmer on a bike.

He do complain about the rain, the green fly or the drought.
He say black spot have ruined his crop but I can't make this out.
I seen him get on a jumbo jet; I seen him on a train;
But that'll be the day I see him biking down the lane. CHORUS

I worked for farmer till I wore my fingers to the bone,
But when I speak of another pound a week, you oughta hear him moan.
And though his combine cost a farm, I'm sure you will agree,
He could dispose of his Volvos and bike around like me. CHORUS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (The Singing Postman
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 07:02 PM

"Oi shot a rabbit up a tree"

There is a sound clip on this page

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (The Singing Postman?)
From: The Sandman
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 06:58 PM

My favourite Smethurst songs are ,my little miss from diss , mind yer head, was the bottom dropped out and Nicotine girl.
did he write one called have you ever seen a rabbit up a tree.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (The Singing Postman?)
From: Scrump
Date: 07 Sep 06 - 04:16 PM

It should be "Eastern Counties Bus" on the flip side.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Farmer on a Bike (The Singing Postman?)
From: GUEST,ca1rider345
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 05:04 PM

do any one know if john crisp is still singing i last heard of him in the early 80s i think as i can remember his song social security blues. as the 80s was my dole years/as im 43 and norfolk born but i never heard of him since. any one got any information?
   thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Singing Postman
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Mar 06 - 12:46 AM

Several British web sites that sell used singles list FARMER ON A BIKE, performed by John Crisp. The flip side is EASTERN COUNTIES.

Subject: RE: The Singing Postman
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 07:54 PM

The Anglian Music website lists all of Allan's songs and that aint one of 'em ! I was told about the song - My Old Mum heard it and said I should look out for it , but couldnt remember the singer .
I would be interested in hearing it myself !

Subject: RE: The Singing Postman
From: Mr Happy
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 06:52 PM

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1084637.stm

Subject: RE: The Singing Postman
From: Mr Happy
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 06:38 PM

The Singeing Postman: would that be Hotmail???


SORRRY!










CUdn't resist!

Subject: The Singing Postman
From: GUEST,Tim Radford
Date: 14 Mar 06 - 05:58 PM

Does anyone have the words to - (I never seen) A Farmer on a Bike - by The Singing Postman - ie, Allan Smethurst. I cannot find the copy of the words I had.