Subject: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 09 Feb 99 - 08:09 AM
I was just doing a search for black country, looking for songs from the Black Country - the heart of the old industrial English Midlands, when I found this plaintive plea: "why aren't there more black country singers?". Ah, I thought, good question - I'm a singer from the Black Country, but I'm a long way from home most of the time. On the other hand, there are more folk singers and musicians in the Black Country than you can shake a stick at - what's the problem? Reading on, I realised the questioner was bemoaning the melanin-challenged preponderance of proponents of Country music - not the same thing at all. ÿ I ought to sing a bit more of my heritage, oughtn't I? Apart fom a book of songs collected by Jon Raven, with no tunes, I don't actually know any BC songs. Any on yo Black Country lads & wenches out there put me out of my misery? ÿ Steve |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Martin _Ryan Date: 09 Feb 99 - 01:24 PM You would raise this today! I've just packed away my songbooks (among others) as a start to moving house. Lurking among them is a collection called "Songs of the Midlands" which I suspect might help. When it surfaces, I'll post details - if nobody else does so before then Regards |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Joe Offer Date: 09 Feb 99 - 02:00 PM I saw this this thread, and my first thought was, Yeah, that's a good question. There's Charley Pride, and he's really good, but why isn't there any other black country music?Charley Price, born in Mississippi in 1938 is the only black person who is well known in american country music. But that's not what you're talking about, is it, Steve? I think some of us from the Colonies may need a bit of enlightenment. Can you give us a bit of the story of the styles and traditions of Black Country music? for that matter, how'd it get the name "Black Country" in the first place, and how big is the area, and what's it like? -Joe offer- |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Bruce O. Date: 09 Feb 99 - 02:10 PM 'Songs of the Midlands' is by Roy Palmer, EP Publishing Limited, East Ardsley, Wakefield, Yorkshire, 1972. 67 songs with tunes (and a few variants). One might also try 'English County Songs'. I think there may be more than two books of that title, 1- Cecil Sharp and 2- Lucy Broadwood. These two have been reprinted. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Alice Date: 09 Feb 99 - 05:11 PM Charley Pride, a real gentleman, and the person I thought of when I read this thread title. My older brother played in a band with Charley Pride in Helena, MT, when Charley was just starting his singing career. My brother was teaching guitar at the local music store, and they needed a guitarist. Charley was working for a plumbing company. My best friend babysat his kids. Nice family. Alice in Montana |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Liam's Brother Date: 09 Feb 99 - 05:25 PM Hi Steve! About the same time Roy Palmer's book came out, Topic released an LP called "The Wide Midlands." I have it. Also, years ago, someone sent me a tape of something called "Black Country Night Out." I have a copy of each as well as the Palmer book in storage and will try to dig out some details for you... probably Sunday or Monday.
All the best,
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Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: John in Brisbane Date: 09 Feb 99 - 06:08 PM Hi Steve, While living in Melbourne my house was burgled 10 times in 9 years. One of the many possessions which I lost was a vinyl of a group known as the Black country Three, circa early 70's. My best remembered track was a great version of the Corpus Christy Carol, but my memory tells me that they also included some tracks related to local heritage - hence their name. Sorry if this linkage is a bit obscure.
Regards
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Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 09 Feb 99 - 07:18 PM I've got a little booklet - looks very home produced - called 'Folksongs of the Black Country', published by the Wolverhampton Folk Song Club 1964. Edited by J Raven & M Raven, sung by The Black Country Three, foreword by J H Fletcher. Don't think it's the one referred to above by Steve, this has got tunes for 6 of the 9 songs, & one's a poem anyway. Yow wont more details, Steve? PS What do you call a Chinese man who lives between Stourbridge and Quarry Bank? Yow Min Li. ('Scuse my accent, I'm not from thereabouts!) Jo |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jerry Friedman Date: 09 Feb 99 - 11:15 PM Could somebody please explain "Yow Min Li"? |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: katlaughing Date: 10 Feb 99 - 12:46 AM Maybe we'd rather not know, eh? How many Mudcatters are there in Asian countries or of Asian descent? I know of one at least in Japan! And, yes I AM being a bleedy heart! |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: david d. Date: 10 Feb 99 - 01:16 AM There seems to be a lot of confusion about the question - whether we're talking about songs from the Black Country or country songs written by blacks. A couple of the above even took it to mean songs by black singers. I don't know what the real intent of the question was, but I thought I'd add this as food for thought. There are hundreds of "black country" songs, if you take it to mean songs written by black men and performed in the country idiom. Witness: about half of what Jerry Lee Lewis has done over the years; Elvis (essentially a country singer who went mainstream as a 'rockabilly-turned-rock'n'roller') had some of his biggest hits with tunes penned by black men (That's All Right, Mama by Arther "Big Boy" Crudup springs to mind); Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie and a host of others did "white blues" as a sub-field of country music, with many of the songs from the likes of Leadbelly, Bo Carter and others. And then, just to confuse matters a little more, what about Ray Charles, who did at least one whole album of country, plus random cuts on a lot of others? |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Brian Hoskin Date: 10 Feb 99 - 02:51 AM I seem to remember on my last visit to the Black Country Museum, that their gift shop had a number of song books - alongside a plethora of Enoch and Eli joke books (mudcatters from outside the English Midlands, don't even bother asking - we could never explain!). So there must be books out there. Brian |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 10 Feb 99 - 03:57 AM Believe it or not, Jo, I've never heard your "Yow Min Li" joke. I thought it was very funny, but unfortunately I'm working in Milton Keynes right now, and I can't tell it to anybody who'd understand - they cor mek aert what yo'm on abaert! Thanks Martin, Bruce, Dan (Black Country Night Out - heavy going, even without the faggots and paes!), John and Brian too. (Faggots? Oh, I'll explain another time!) The Black Country is a small part of the West Midlands of England, around Walsall, Dudley and that part (apologies if I've missed you out!); where it starts and ends depends largely on who you ask - people often believe themselves to be in it when they're not, or outside it when they are. A bit like the fabled sound of Bow Bells, I suppose. The accent sounds very strange to outsiders, but is actually directly descended from the mediaeval dialect that was spoken by Chaucer, all the way down to London. The region itself was so-called because of the iron founding industry that went on there for so many centuries; there were plentiful deposits of coal, iron and limestone. The industry turned the air and the ground black. Legend has it that when Queen Victoria passed through by train she used to draw the blinds ... There are several Web sites devoted to the Black Country, which I've neglected to copy - sorry! - but they're easy enough to find. Jo: I'll lave it to yo to explaern, aer kid. Kape aert th'oss road! Stave |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 10 Feb 99 - 04:37 AM Here's a couple of links if you want to know a bit more: http://www.theblackcountry.com/home/index.htm http://www.personal.u-net.com/~goodall/bcountry/bc_home.htm Sorry, I've forgotten how to do it, and I can't find my crib sheet - you'll have to cut & paste 'em. Steve Bookmark this page for info on HTML and posting links, Steve. Thanks for the great links. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Alice Date: 10 Feb 99 - 10:30 AM david d., the meaning of the thread was made clear in the first sentence ..."songs from the Black Country - the heart of the old industrial English Midlands..." Joe and I were just being facetious, posting about Charlie Pride. It's a joke, son. At the Mudcat, have to watch out for alot of tongues in cheeks, which you can't see through the computer screen. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Pete M Date: 10 Feb 99 - 03:26 PM Oh come on Kat, if you don't know the accent or area, don't jump to conclusions. If we start to ban puns in case some one might come along and be offended, we'll never hear from Art again. (Jerry, as a hint, have a look at an map of the area!) Pete M |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Melodeon Date: 10 Feb 99 - 06:03 PM I have a record of George Dunn who lived and worked in the Black Country all his life. It is on the Leader Label LEE 4042 and was recorded by Bill Leader in 1971. It has a wide range of songs on it, as well as extensive notes by Roy Palmer + photographs and a discography. I don't suppose it is still available now except at second hand record sales - but it is well worth getting -George Dunn a lovely singer. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 10 Feb 99 - 07:22 PM Ok, Ok, I give in. Lye is a place name, it's between Stourbridge and Quarry Bank (two other places). Thanks for your support Pete! Now, was that really so offensive, katlaughing? Only intelligible to those who've encountered the accent, which I can't actually do very well, it slips into Brummie, sorry, Birmingham, and Black Country folks get very snitty when you think they're from Birmingham! Oi be vrum Deb'n me dears. Um - was anyone interested in the songs in my little book or have you already got them, Steve? Must get practising, friends from Alvechurch arriving on Friday, bit out of the area but they don't like being called Brummies either! |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Joe Offer Date: 10 Feb 99 - 07:30 PM This thread would be a very nice place to post those songs, Jo. We're all waiting, quite politely (you may want to save yourself some typing and check first to see that they're not already posted in the forum or database). But yes, CERTAINLY we'd like those songs. -Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 10 Feb 99 - 07:43 PM Will check now, typing will take a little longer. I can't type very fast, the yard's full of snow, mud & men with yellow machines ripping the roof off, paying guests arriving tomorrow & Friday (eek), brochures, menus & CD covers to design & our web site to finish....in other words it might be a couple of days! Bear with me. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 10 Feb 99 - 08:01 PM Ok, checked, one only there. Will do them all in one go and put in the notes too. Oh no, just realised what I've said, I meant footnotes but I guess you'll want the ABC thingies too... |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Alice Date: 10 Feb 99 - 09:31 PM just start with the words, Jo, the ABC can wait... it sounds like you have enough work to keep you busy without catering to our curiosity, too. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 10 Feb 99 - 10:03 PM Working in Baltimore, which has a strong African-American culture, I thought this was a thread sort of dedicated to February, Black History Month in the USA. Jo, if you're having all that trouble in the yard, I'd simply suggest you move the computer inside. Maybe you could type faster then. Roger in Baltimore |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 11 Feb 99 - 03:39 AM Jo, I've just realised on re-reading this thread that I never did say "yes, please", so: yes, please! I've taken the pig off the wall, and we're both waiting in the study with bated breath. What about the smell? The pig'll just have to put up with it! Steve |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Roger the zimmer Date: 12 Feb 99 - 08:33 AM I was born in Birmingham (UK)though I've lived and worked elsewhere for 30+ years. I have a book called Folklore and songs of the Black Country vol 2 edited by Michael and Jon Ravens and published by the Wolverhampton Folk Song Club in 1966. I seem to have acquired it in the 1970s, long after I left, so must have picked it up second-hand or as a remainder. Inside is a flier advertising a record by the Black Country Three (Transatlantic TRA 140) which I never managed to track down. I'm sure I heard them sing on the BBC Radio at that time , and I think the Ravens were two of the three. I seem to remember on of their songs about pushing canal ("cut" to us!) barges through a West Midlands tunnel (Dudley?) by lying on one's back on the cabin and pushing with feet on the tunnel roof, called "Push, boys, Push"). I had one Irish grandfather (born in India of Irish parents and spending his adult life in Birmingham) who told me Pat and Mike stories and one Cheshire born grandfather (also spent his adult life in Birmingham) who told me Enoch & Eli stories. Stripped of the dialect element they were very similar! So now I can bore for England. My father still lives in Birmingham and at 80+ still supports West Bromwich Albion (Soccer) football team (triumph of hope over experience). The other thing my grandparents had in common was that when in funds and in drink they tended to come home with musical instruments they had bought off "a man in a pub". My mother remembers an accordian (which she could play, being an amateur pianist) and a set of bagpipes which she tried...My father remembers an "American organ", harmonium, various banjos etc. Whent they were out of work, often in the '20s and 30s, the instruments were sold on. And now to another thread- the only one I inherited was an italian mandolin, but it had been in the attic so long the glue had dried out. When we bought strings for it ( I would be about 10 or 11 and getting into skiffle) it disintegrated when we tried to tune it, the strips of wood of the "bowl" all came apart. So I never learned an instrument and the world was saved from cacophany: I can empty a room with flat singing, sharp whistling and my kazoo anyway. I met another West Midlander on holiday in the Caribbean last year and embarrassed our wives and mystified the other guests and staff by exchanging Enoch & Eli stories! |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 12 Feb 99 - 07:48 PM I'm still here, been working on it! Titles are Wednesbury Cocking Wedgebury Cocking Come all yew blaids what's married Twice tried, twice hung, twice buried Poem - Our Eynuch Darlaston Dog Fight Jolly Joe the Collier's Son I CAN'T FIND BRUMMAGEM (this one's in the database already)(I don't mean I can't find it, that's part of the title!:-)) Song on a Desperate Boxing Match I will post all these along with the ABCs, and an update of the chaotic yard situation, in a few days. Yours under pressure, Jo |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Art Thieme Date: 12 Feb 99 - 11:36 PM Sam Charters first early book, COUNTRY BLUES, was all about this topic. Blind Lemon, Lightnin', all of the greats. Their songs fit in here nicely. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Ian HP Date: 13 Feb 99 - 05:15 AM I am from Dudley in the Black Country originally, now a few miles down the road in Wolverhampton. I never thought I'd see the Black Country on a thread! Wonderful. Don't forget the wonderful LP of Cecilia Costello by the BBC (from whom The Grey Cock was collected). 'The Wide Midlands' is also worth a listen. I agree that the amount and quality of collecting in our area falls well below what one would hope, historically. Steve, are you the Steve Parkes who used to do comedy and knows Dave Goode? Cheers |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Dr John Date: 14 Feb 99 - 10:44 AM 1. Black Country songs. Jon Raven recorded several albums of Black Country songs in the seventies, mostly on his Broadside Label but unfortunately most of these are no longer available but can be obtained from second hand sources (try Rockinworld) but probably at a fairly high price. He says he may consider rereleasing them on CD in the future. With his brother Mike and Derek Craft he formed the "Black Country Three" which I think made one LP and one EP. The LP is still available on cassette from Mike Raven, Yew Tree Cottage, Jug Bank, Ashley, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9 4NJ England. He has a catalogue of other material too. He loves to hear from people who are interested in his music: he's a first rate guitarist and a good friend of Nic Jones. 2. Black county songs. An interesting subject. What is actually meant by "country" songs? If it's sort of folk music I'd be interested to hear opinions of the cross over between Black and White music. I suspect there is more than is generally thought. We think of Black music as mainly (but not entirely - witness Lead Belly) as the Blues possibly because other forms were not recorded (wouldn't sell?) but there is an awful lot of previously unknown White blues which is now coming to light via the Document label. A P Carter was accompanied by a Black musician when he collected his material. Perhaps this gives folk music USA its richness which other musics don't seem to have. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Liam's Brother Date: 14 Feb 99 - 12:57 PM TO: ART THIEME You're right, Art. Blind Lemon and Lightin' fit in very well here. I have a great picture of Blind Lemon and Leadbelly taken about 1954 on the top deck of a Birmingham Corporation tram (#64 - Erdington) crossing over Salford Bridge just about to ascend Gravelly Hill. My mother is the conductor. My father was a driver for the Midland Red and it was his day off... busman's holiday, you know.
All the best, |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 15 Feb 99 - 03:42 AM My mother was born on the same day as Leadbelly - 29 January. She was 110 this year. Ian - noe, I'm not that Steve Parkes, although I am noted for my humorous side (ask my mother). I do know of two or three other SPs in the Midlands, though, two of which worked in the steel business in the 70s at the same time I did. I'm actually the SP who sang at the Fitter's Arms in Walsall and partnered Barrie Roberts for several years, knows Cosmotheka, and once had supper with Barbara Dickson at the Happy Gathering in Birmingham. Steve |
Subject: An apology ... From: Steve Parkes Date: 15 Feb 99 - 04:21 AM Sorry, everyone: my mom says to tell you that she is NOT 110, and that I'm not too big for a clip round the ear. Sorry mom. Steve (from the doghouse) |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 15 Feb 99 - 07:42 AM ... and when I say "partnered Barrie Roberts", I mean I used to sing top harmony with him. Yeucch! Steve |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 16 Feb 99 - 06:15 PM Nearly there. Will post the songs tomorrow night. Yard now covered in tractor ruts and mud & more mud, the geese think it's wonderful. The new roof looks lovely though. Yours under pressure Jo PS How do you do those indefinite pause things (can't remember what they're properly called) in ABC - looks like a sideways parenthesis with a dot beneath? |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Liam's Brother Date: 16 Feb 99 - 07:01 PM Hi Steve! I looked at The Wide Midlands LP yesterday. It has 2 recitations, 2 modern songs and the rest, I recall, is traditional music. The disc number is 12TS210.
All the best, |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 17 Feb 99 - 03:22 AM Thanks Dan, I'll try and get hold of a copy. Meanwhile, I'm on the edge of my seat, Jo. Good news about the geese, though. Steve |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Steve Parkes Date: 17 Feb 99 - 03:43 AM Just found another Black Country link by chance; click here to see some examples of BC humour. Steve P.S. I dare say someone can offer a translation if required! |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Pete M Date: 17 Feb 99 - 02:53 PM Thanks Steve, best laugh for ages! Pete M |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 17 Feb 99 - 08:23 PM Get back on your seat Steve, having probs with ABCs! Will get there by tomorrow. Geese are still happy. Jo |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jerry Friedman Date: 18 Feb 99 - 03:02 PM Jo, they're called fermatas. |
Subject: RE: Where are all the black country songs? From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:13 PM What are? Geese? Sorry? Me brain's all addled, bay, carn unnerstand ee. (That's not Black Country, our U.S. friends, it's West Country - quite a different thing). STAND BY!!!!! Jo |
Subject: SONGBOOK: Folk Songs of the Black Country From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:14 PM Here are the songs, poem and text from 'Folk Songs of the Black Country' as promised above. I've split the information into 9 bits, and written out the ABCs. Some of these do not sound quite right, but with the exception of one, for which I have also done an ABC of my own interpretation, they are transcribed exactly as in the booklet. My comments are in blue (I hope I got all the HTML right!), the other notes are all as written in the booklet. Here's the first bit, the foreword and introduction. Only one song is not included here, as it's already in the DT. (See above).(No, further above!) FOREWORD In my work as Tutor Organiser in South Staffordshire for the Worker's' Educational Association I have repeatedly come into contact with men and women who preserve many of the traditions of the Black Country. From them I have collected rhymes, songs and stories which illustrate the harsh history of the transition of this area from an agricultural to an industrial community. Other collectors such as Mr. Tom Langley whose broadcasts have done much to encourage interest in the traditions of the Black Country, have placed their own material at my disposal and have, therefore, helped me to build up a more representative collection. These oral traditions can be readily supplemented by local material preserved in the broadsheets and other transitory publications of the last century. The material so collected is almost unknown to people outside the Black Country and often to those living in the area itself. It is my ambition to see this material made easily available for the entertainment and education of all who wish to understand something of the social life of the people of the Black Country in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is also important that this tradition should be a living one, and in this work the co-operation of the Black Country Three in setting to music and performing these poems and ballads is invaluable. We hope that by the publication and performance of these local songs we may encourage a wider understanding of Black Country traditions and also induce others to attempt to portray events of our own times in a similar manner. The work of collecting these traditional poems can only he done with the co-operation of the people of the Black Country. We therefore appeal to all readers who know of any local rhymes however fragmentary, to contact me at 98, Bescot Road, Walsall, Staffs, (Tel: Walsall 27989). All contributions will be gratefully acknowledged. Suggestions and enquiries concerning this series may also be made to this address or to the Wolverhampton Folk Song Club, The Queen's Hotel, Wolverhampton. Dr John M. Fletcher INTRODUCTION The songs chosen for this first book of Black Country Songs are those which are currently being sung by the Black Country Three in their Sunday night session at the Queen 's Hotel , Wolverhampton.
Since tunes for the songs were not available well known folk tunes have been used or a tune has been composed. We hope that these tunes will be in keeping with the general style of the songs. While tunes and arrangements are suggested they are not meant to he hard and fast. Some may wish to sing the songs in their original form or with a different arrangement. It is for this reason that we have included one song, Jolly Joe the Co1lier's Son, without suggesting an arrangement.
Whether the songs are good examples of folk song or not will depend on how each individual judges the merits of a folk song. One point is certain - they are part of the Black Country heritage and as such they deserve a greater place in our local folk music than they aspire to at present.
Much work has been done by individuals and organisations on the collection of folk songs but little has been published of Black Country folk song. Dr. Fletcher, Charles Parker and others have accomplished valuable work in collecting and making known the collected material and we hope that this brief selection of songs will show that others have been fired by their enthusiasm.
We would like to acknowledge the help we have received, in obtaining this material, from Dr. John Fletcher of Walsall, Mr. Derek Cherrington of Great Wyrley, Miss Dawtry of Tettenhall and the Birmingham Reference Library. Our thanks also to club members, who have made this venture financially possible.
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Subject: Lyr/Tune Add: Wednesbury Cocking^^ From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:15 PM Here's the first song. Everything (including notes) as written in the booklet. I hereby absolve myself from having anything to do with the subject matter! Wednesbury Cocking Wednesbury - (Wedgebury) Cocking Notes - From an early C19th Broadsbeet - the original sheet can be seen in Birmingham Reference Library. The chorus, line endings of 'me lads' and the tune were added by M. Raven. The version sung by the Black Country Three omits verses 3,4,5,6 ,7,8, & 12, The six main story verses and the chorus will then make a more manageable unit. All letter omissions appear as in the original. A revised version of this song is in existence, enquiries regarding this version should be sent to Dr. Fletcher. For further information regarding this song see J.F. Ede, History of Wednesbury.
1.At Wednesbury there was a cocking,
Chorus -
4. But soon he returned to the pit,
5. Scroggins' breeches were made o' nankeen,
6. The morning's sport being over,
7. The beef it was old and tough,
8. They held him so close to the fire,
9. Then they all returned to the pit,
10. The conflict was hard on both sides, And here's the tune: G2"C"|c2c ccc|ce4e|"G7"ddd ded|"C"dc4e|eee eee|eg4g|"G7"f2f/2f/2 fgf|"C" fe4c|"F"a2a a2a|"C"e2c c2c/2c/2|"F"a2a a2a|"C"gc4c|"F"a2a aaa|"C"gcc c2e|"G7 "d2ed2e|"C"d2eg2e|ccc (cd)e|"F"f2ga2 a/2a/2|"C"eee "G7"d2d|"C"c2z |
Subject: Lyr/Tune Add: Wedgebury Cocking - Black Country From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:16 PM Here's the second song. All notes as in the booklet. Wedgebury Cocking Notes - As sung by Miss Dawtry of Tettenhall. This collected version (J.R. 1964) was passed down from Miss Dawtry's grandfather. He employed young women in his Blacksmith's shop near the Ring O'Bells in Churchfields, West Bromwich, and he learned the song from them. Miss Dawtry's version is of six verses (four lines per verse) each of which occurs in the broadsheet version. We have omitted them since the important points in this version are the tune and the chorus.
Bunny Hide got a lump in his throat
Ril-fol-did-dy Rol-did-dy Fol-did-dy Rol-did-dy Here's the tune, as written in the book - looks very odd - only 2 bar lines & no obvious rhythm - make of it what you will, I'm just copying! :-) dddaaaaaa2|ag^fdd^c^cd2|ddaaaaa2ag^fdde^c^cd2a2 d/2d/2d/2 d/2d/2d/2 dddde^fAAAABcd2d2| Hmm - thought I might suggest this instead: (d/2d/2)|daa|aaa|a3-|az(a/2g/2)|fdd|c2c|d3-|dzd|daa|a2a|a3-|aza/2g/2|fdd|ecc|d3-|dza| d2(d/2d/2)|d2(d/2d/2)|ddd|def|AAA|ABc|d3|d2| |
Subject: ADD: Come all yew blaids what's mariyed From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:17 PM Here's the third song. All notes as in booklet. Come all yew blaids what's mariyed Notes - As sung by Miss Dawtry of Tettenhall. This collected fragment (J.R. 1964) has also been passed down through Miss Dawtry's family.
The tune is a very beautiful one and it is possible that the originator of the song borrowed the tune from elsewhere. The pauses marked, Miss Dawtry says, were often quite long and the singer would use them for dramatic effect and to see how his audience was reacting to the song.
Come all ye blaids what's mariyed (pause) Ri-too-ler-oo-ler-oo Ri-too-ler-oo And the tune (the rests that look like 7's should have that indefinite length symbol over them but I couldn't work out how to do those...no bar lines in the original): CFG_A2F((3G/2F/2G/2)C2z/2CFG_A_Bc_B_AGF2CFG_A2 F/2G/2F/2 GC2CFG_A_Bc2z/2|!CFG/2_A/2FGFGC2CFG_A_Bc_B_A2G/2A/2G/2FFF2CFG_A_Bc2_BG_AF2
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Subject: Lyr/TuneAdd: Twice Tried Twice Hung Twice Buried^^ From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:18 PM Here's the fourth song. Notes as in booklet. Twice tried, twice hung, twice buried. Notes - The material for this song, written by J. Raven, was obtained from Mr. Derek Cherrington, of Great Wyrley, Cannock. Booth, an infamous forger, lived on Squire Gough's Farm at Perry Hall (now known as Booth's Farm). A tunnel was supposed to lead from the farm to the Hare and Hounds at West Bromwich where he transacted his business. Suspected of two murders and tried for a third he was finally caught while attempting to burn the evidence of forgery and was tried and sentenced to death at Stafford Assize in 1812. The executioner bungled and Booth had to be revived and was hung again two hours later. After burial the Staffordshire/Warwickshire boundary was altered and Booth's remains dug up and re-buried in the right county. Twice tried, twice hung, twice buried was the reputation he earned for himself.
The above story came to light in 1956 when Mr. Cherrington discovered a hoard of coins in the garden fo his Birmingham, Perry Bar, home and took them to Birmingham Museum. The remaining coin is in Mr. Cherrington's possession.
Sing the verses to the tune of The Greenland Whale Fishery. Sing the chorus to the tune of MacPhersons lament.
1.At West Brom's Hare & Hounds they say,
Chorus:
2. His brother's life and a pedlar's too
4. At Stafford court he was arraigned
5. Revived and hung just two hours gone And here's the tune: G|"C"c2c2e3c|"G7"d2(ed)"C"c2de|"F"f2f2"C"e2(dc)|"G7"d6ef|"C"g2e2c2de|"F"fedcA4-|A6cd|"C"e2g2"G7"fed2|"C"c2A2"G7"G2GG|"C"e2g2"G7"fed2|"C"c6|G|"C" c3cc3c|"G7"(d3cd2)(ed)|"C"c3c(e2g2)|"F"a6a2|"C"g3e2e2c|"G7"d3cd2( ed)|"C"c2c2"F"(A3c)"C"c6z |
Subject: ADD: Our Eynuch - Black Country Song From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:19 PM Here's the fifth item (poem)- don't ask me to translate! Notes as in booklet. Our Eynuch.
Notes -
Our Eyrnich bay quite jed,
Our Eynuch left is mark,
Our Eynuch med big chains
No Eynuch bay quite jed, |
Subject: Lyr/Tune Add: The Dog Fight (Darlaston)^^ From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:20 PM Here's the sixth song. Notes as in booklet. The Dog Fight (Darlaston). Notes - From Dr. Fletcher's collection of Black Country songs. The chorus and the tune were added by M. Raven. The version sung by the Black Country Three omits verses 3, 7 and 10.The first two lines in verse 5 are joined with the last two lines of verse 6 to make one verse. As in the Wednesbury Cocking, the omissions and the addition of a chorus are effected to make a more manageable unit.
1.Down Sewerage Street where the smell ain't so sweet,
5.Old Reuben made referee of the match, And here's the tune:G2|"C"cc3c2|e2e2e2|"G7"d2c3d|"C"c4e2|ee3e2|g2g2g2|"G7"f2e2f2|e4g2|"F"a2f2a2|c'4a2|"C"g2e2g2|"Em"'b6-|'b4e2|"C"ce3g2|g3ec2|"G7"d2e2d2|"C"c2g2e2|c 6-|c6|"F"f6-|f6|"C"g6-|g6|"G7"d2e2d2|c4e2|"F"f2a2f2|"C"e4e2|"G7"dc3d2|"C"c4 |
Subject: Lyr Add: Jolly Joe the Collier's Son^^ From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:21 PM Here's the seventh song. Notes as in booklet. Jolly Joe the Collier's Son. Notes - From an early C19th Broadsheet - the original sheet can be seen in Birmingham Reference Library. The song is printed in its original form without chorus or suggested verse omissions. Selection of a tune will depend on the singer's interpretation of the song. It could be considered tragic or light-hearted. In the former case the tune of Mary Hamilton (also called the Four Marys) will fit the song if each verse is divided into two. In the latter case the tune of North Country is a useful one. 1. I am Jolly Joe the collier's son, Near Oldbury town I dwell, I courted lasses many one, And Lov'd them all right well: I courted Nancy & young Kate, And buxom young Nelly too, But Rachael is the girl I adore, And that you soon shall know. 2. Come all you colliers in this row, Who delight in a bonny lass, Who loves to drink good ale that's brown, And sparkles in the glass: My parents they do frown on me, And say I am to blame, For keeping Rachael's company, Who liveth in Mash-Lane 3. When I rose up one morning, At the dawning of the day, I like to hear the small birds sing, See the lambs to skip and play: I took a walk to Oldbury town, Round by the Bilston Hill, And there I spied my own true love, With Jack of Armlow mill. 4. I hid myself behind a shade, A distance from whence they came, He gave her kisses one, two, three, Not knowing I was there: I boldly stepped up to them, Saying rogue what hast thou done? I am Jolly Joe the collier's son, So you must either fight or run. 5. Hold your hand, dear Joe, she said, And no more of that let's have, I will be thy servant, slave and wife, Till we both go to one grave: Then to the church young Rachael went, Right sore against her will, So maidens all pity my downfall, By Jack of Armlow mill. |
Subject: Lyr/Tune Add: A Desperate Boxing Match^^ From: Jo Taylor Date: 18 Feb 99 - 07:22 PM The eighth song, "I CAN'T FIND BRUMMAGEM" is in the DT. Here is the ninth - all notes as in the booklet. Henry Griffiths of Birmingham and Benjamin Baylis of Wednesbury near the town of Sutton On Tuesday, October the 15th, 1816 Notes - from a C19th Broadsheet - the original sheet can be seen in Birmingham Reference Library.
I. For staunch and firm bottom there never was known
Chorus:And it's come, all ye who listen to me
2. October the fifteenth at one in the day,
4. No shuffling ner tricks, ner a moment's delay,
5. The seconds and urnpires unable to say,
6. May Birmingham and Wednesb'ry henceforth agree, And here's the tune: F2|"A"C2E2E2|FE3E2|"D"c B3A2|"A"E6-|E4E2|"E"B2B2B2|B2A2B2|"A"c2c3B|A6-|A 4E 2|C2E2E2|F2E3E|"D"cB3A2|"A"E6-|E4E2|"E"B2B2B2|B2A2B2|"A"c2c3B|A2A2F2|"E" E 6|G6|d4E2|G4B2|"A"A2A2F2|E4E2|"A"cc4c|"E7"d2B2G2|"D"A2A3A|"A"A4| |
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