Lyr Req: Katie (from Gaberlunzie)

Subject: Lyr Req:Katie by Gaberlunzie
From: Jimmy C
Date: 02 Oct 06 - 11:09 PM

I have a few recordings of a scottish duo ":GABERLUNZIE) - (Gordon Menzies and Robin Watson). On their CD " Rolling Home" there is a song about a Tinkers Wedding. I can't make out the exact wording of one of the verses but it goes something like


Katie and me jumped the bisom
and crossed that wee spot on the ground
When the baby comes we'll be a threesome
All set for the travelling round


What does jumped the bisom and crossing a spot on the ground mean. Is it something to do with the marriage ceremony on a traveller/tinker etc ?,

Any info greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: eddie1
Date: 03 Oct 06 - 03:43 AM

Hi Jimmy C
"Besom" is a broom made from birch twigs. Jumping over one in public was a kind of "marriage" though not accepted by law.
Interesting that there's an R&B song "Let's Jump the Broomstick". Did the same ceremony cross the pond?
What are Gordon & Robin up to these days? They were both policemen in Glasgow I seem to remember.

Eddie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Oct 06 - 06:45 PM

Alan Bell's song about the navvies (Alice White) includes a line about jumping the broom.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: kendall
Date: 03 Oct 06 - 07:18 PM

I caught them in concert in a little pub near Glasgow a couple of years ago, and as far as I know they are still touring.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: GUEST,Scotus (minus cookie)
Date: 03 Oct 06 - 10:26 PM

They're still going strong and still based in Milnathort.

Jack

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: Jimmy C
Date: 04 Oct 06 - 12:37 PM

Eddie 1,

Thanks very much. I had an idea it had something to do with a traveller's wedding. I know a few of the travelling community and will follow this up the next time I am in Belfast. I would like to know how it started and what is the significance of the broom. I imagine it may symbolize sweeping the past out and starting anew ?.


As to what they are doing now I don't have a clue, but I always liked their singing. Their instrumentals were excellent.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: nutty
Date: 05 Oct 06 - 09:10 AM

There's a good potted History here .....

Jumping the Broom

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Kitty by Gaberlunzie
From: Snuffy
Date: 05 Oct 06 - 09:29 AM

Brenda Lee recorded Let's Jump The Broomstick when I were nobbut a lad.