Lyrics & Knowledge Personal Pages Record Shop Auction Links Radio & Media Kids Membership Help
The Mudcat Cafesj

Post to this Thread - Sort Descending - Printer Friendly - Home


Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away

Vibeke 25 Mar 99 - 03:17 PM
Anne 25 Mar 99 - 06:15 PM
Colleen Brennan 26 Mar 99 - 12:05 PM
Colleen Brennan 26 Mar 99 - 05:06 PM
Vibeke 27 Mar 99 - 12:22 PM
Mick Lowe 02 Dec 99 - 07:53 PM
Micca 02 Dec 99 - 08:14 PM
Micca 03 Dec 99 - 06:26 AM
Mick Lowe 04 Dec 99 - 07:20 PM
Mick Lowe 05 Dec 99 - 07:09 PM
Mick Lowe 08 Dec 99 - 08:31 PM
Cailleach 09 Dec 99 - 11:09 AM
Mick Lowe 09 Dec 99 - 07:51 PM
Philippa 09 Dec 99 - 07:59 PM
Mick Lowe 09 Dec 99 - 08:04 PM
Mick Lowe 11 Dec 99 - 07:06 PM
McGrath of Harlow 11 Dec 99 - 08:23 PM
SingsIrish Songs 12 Dec 99 - 10:32 PM
Mick Lowe 13 Dec 99 - 05:57 PM
McGrath of Harlow 13 Dec 99 - 09:28 PM
Mick Lowe 14 Dec 99 - 06:27 PM
SingsIrish Songs 14 Dec 99 - 06:52 PM
McGrath of Harlow 15 Dec 99 - 02:43 PM
Mick Lowe 15 Dec 99 - 08:34 PM
John in Brisbane 15 Dec 99 - 11:31 PM
Mick Lowe 16 Dec 99 - 08:19 PM
McGrath of Harlow 16 Dec 99 - 08:55 PM
John in Brisbane 17 Dec 99 - 01:49 AM
Metchosin 17 Dec 99 - 01:57 AM
Metchosin 17 Dec 99 - 01:59 AM
Metchosin 17 Dec 99 - 02:02 AM
McGrath of Harlow 17 Dec 99 - 02:49 PM
Mick Lowe 17 Dec 99 - 08:41 PM
Metchosin 17 Dec 99 - 10:03 PM
Mick Lowe 18 Dec 99 - 07:47 PM
Metchosin 19 Dec 99 - 01:41 AM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Dec 99 - 01:28 PM
Frank Harte 20 Dec 99 - 05:52 PM
McGrath of Harlow 20 Dec 99 - 07:10 PM
Mick Lowe 20 Dec 99 - 07:23 PM
John in Brisbane 20 Dec 99 - 07:24 PM
Joe Offer 20 Feb 01 - 07:52 PM
Snuffy 20 Feb 01 - 09:02 PM
GUEST,Doug Chadwick 03 Jun 01 - 03:53 PM
GUEST,Brian Kennedy 16 May 02 - 03:17 AM
ard mhacha 16 May 02 - 06:07 PM
GUEST,beachcombers 17 May 02 - 04:08 PM
GUEST,Elsie Townley 13 Jul 02 - 04:18 PM
GUEST,pat rarfferty 31 Oct 02 - 04:19 PM
GUEST,John Scott 26 Nov 03 - 06:05 AM
GUEST,PAT1937 23 Mar 06 - 11:17 AM
Jim Dixon 25 Mar 06 - 01:33 AM
GUEST,RobW 03 Jun 06 - 11:57 AM
GUEST 20 Apr 07 - 08:52 AM
GUEST,essie 21 May 08 - 05:35 PM
Teribus 21 May 08 - 05:53 PM
GUEST, Anne Hennessy 14 Jul 08 - 09:59 AM
GUEST,Carol Everest 29 Jul 08 - 01:32 AM
GUEST,The wild Irish rose. 27 Oct 08 - 11:13 AM
GUEST,John Simpkin 22 Mar 09 - 05:42 PM
GUEST,pg 31 Oct 09 - 05:28 AM
GUEST,pg 31 Oct 09 - 05:47 AM
GUEST,pg 01 Nov 09 - 10:18 AM
GUEST,Old Micky Brannigan's Pup 19 Sep 10 - 08:51 AM
Jim Dixon 21 Sep 10 - 08:33 AM
GUEST 19 Dec 10 - 05:06 AM
GUEST 29 Apr 11 - 02:11 PM
GUEST,john farrell 11 Jul 11 - 09:51 AM
GUEST 27 Nov 11 - 06:31 PM
GUEST,Denis 31 Dec 12 - 05:27 AM
GUEST,Denis 31 Dec 12 - 05:36 AM
akenaton 31 Dec 12 - 05:00 PM
GUEST,999 31 Dec 12 - 10:36 PM
GUEST 31 Dec 12 - 10:39 PM
Jim Dixon 31 Dec 12 - 11:23 PM
Rumncoke 01 Jan 13 - 12:13 PM
GUEST,Bob L 30 Sep 18 - 09:34 AM
GUEST,akenaton 30 Sep 18 - 12:32 PM
GUEST,Observer 01 Oct 18 - 06:52 AM
Share Thread
more
Lyrics & Knowledge Search [Advanced]
DT  Forum Child
Sort (Forum) by:relevance date
DT Lyrics:













Subject: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Vibeke
Date: 25 Mar 99 - 03:17 PM

I'm trying to find the lyrics to a song called O'Rafferty's Pig, as a surprise for a friend who just turned fifty. All I know about it is that it has been sung by a Steve Benbow in 1960, by Gorden Lightfoot (though not recorded) at a concert or live performance, and that it must be quite old as it was sung to my friend as a boy by his mother. I also have some of the lyrics:

Well O'Rafferty's Pig was a wonderful animal
Built like a Battleship solid and stout
His ignorance would have disgraced any cannibal
Impudence written all over his snout
The night he broke loose there was such a commotion
Wi' women all screaming and men turning pale
Running and jumping colliding and bumping
The night that O'Rafferty's Pig ran away

If someone could help me that would be great :)!

Thank you,

Vibeke from Norway


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Anne
Date: 25 Mar 99 - 06:15 PM

Is this Rafferty have anything to do with the one in Raffertys Motorcar?


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Colleen Brennan
Date: 26 Mar 99 - 12:05 PM

Hello,

I can't help with the lyrics, but as far as I know the song originates from Ireland. I also think the Dubliners might have performed it. Hope this might be of some help, and good luck in finding the lyrics.

Regards Colleen


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Colleen Brennan
Date: 26 Mar 99 - 05:06 PM

Hello again,

I have had a look around, and if it is of any help, Gordon Lightfoot performed the song you are looking for at the Purple Onion in Toronto in 1964, and the full title of it is The Night O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away. Still had no luck with finding the lyrics though.

Regards Colleen


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Vibeke
Date: 27 Mar 99 - 12:22 PM

To Colleen

Still no luck in digging up the lyrics, but thank you so much for trying anyway. I appreciate the effort!

From Vibeke


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 02 Dec 99 - 07:53 PM

Just thought I'd refresh this thread as I'd like the lyrics as well
Cheers
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Micca
Date: 02 Dec 99 - 08:14 PM

Hi Vibeke, Thanks for reviving a memory my mother and one of her Uncles used to sing this to me when I was young ( about 50 years ago) I think one of the verses went something like,
Big Mrs Moore she ran like an Elephant
puffing and blowing with Mrs Maguire
The pig it collided
the Mrs backslided
and I'm afraid thats all ive got for the moment, when I've recovered from a bout of gastric flu' I will try a deep meditation and see if anmore comes back. Many thanks for reviving ahappy memory.
I am sure tho' that the last line of what you've got should be " and everyone making a grab at his tail"


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Micca
Date: 03 Dec 99 - 06:26 AM

Here is some more recovered over night.
Big Mrs Moore she ran like an Elephant
puffing and blowing with Mrs Maguire
she fell on the ground and Begorra the sound
was like the burst of a pneumatic tyre

da da da die da da da
da da da da da Mrs Quin
The pig it collided the Mrs backslided
and shifted her bustle up under her chin


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 04 Dec 99 - 07:20 PM

Hopefully someone out there in Mudcatland knows all the lyrics to this
Come on guys and gals.. put your thinking caps on
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 07:09 PM

Come on guys, you're not trying


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 08 Dec 99 - 08:31 PM

Do I have to say "pretty please"?
Think of it as an early Christmas present to me
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Cailleach
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 11:09 AM

Sorry Mick, but that's what I meant about pearls before swine.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 07:51 PM

Nice pun Phillipa re Pearls and "swine"
It looks as though O'Rafferty's pig has made a clean getaway of it.. depsite my attempts at an APB..oh well you can't win them all
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Philippa
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 07:59 PM

Okay, I'll let the rest of you in on it. The Prof was looking for both this song and the Irish for the Snowy Brested Pearl (for his website). I e-mailed him the latter under the title 'Pearls before Pigs' (as well as posting the lyrics at Mudcat)


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 09 Dec 99 - 08:04 PM

Well at least I've got you out of your shell, though I do apologise profusely for spelling your name incorrectly Philippa.
Heck I can't even spell Michael, which is why I stick to Mick..LOL
Thanks for all your help re Snowy Breasted Pearl
Mikc....doh!!!!


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 11 Dec 99 - 07:06 PM

Perhaps I should have posted this on a Jewish news group instead of here at the cat..
Come on.. any takers?
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 11 Dec 99 - 08:23 PM

Val Doonican had a song called "Rafferty's Motor Car".I can't remember that one too well. But he also sang "Paddy McGinty's Goat", and "Delaney's Donkey", and I think it's likely a pig came into it somewhere.

That should help you know where to start looking.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 10:32 PM

Here's my proposal my dear Mick...

CHANGE THE WORDS TO THE FAMED MARE SONG!!!

ie The Runaway Mare...fondly referred to by my family as "McCarthy's Mare"...you recall that post of yours to help me out. And you already have the music! LOL

It may take awhile, but it will turn up sometime. Perhaps it is a greased pig and that's why we can't get our hands on it..........

Mary


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 05:57 PM

I won't even begin to mention Val Doonican and his awful Aran sweaters (I know a place that makes really good ones if anyone is interested) and his even more awful rocking chair.. all I will say about him is bring back Joseph Locke (and anyone who knows me will get the significance of that remark)..
Now Mary, if I thought for one moment there was somebody domecile in either France or Belgium likely to be reading this, then I would agree re "the Mare", but as us more civilised countries tend to shy away from eating horse meat I don't think we'll get much joy with that..
SO>> come on the rest of you.. what talking pork here.. not BSE.. there's nothing to be afraid of.. be forthcoming..
Thank you for your indulgence
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 09:28 PM

What's at issue here isn't the dread Val Doonican but the song. Unfortunately Christy Moore doesn't seem to have recorded it, so if Vibeke wants the words the Doonican route seems most likely to lead to it. There's probably a sheet music version out somewhere.

If we have to abandon songs because the wrong fella sings them, we'll lose a lot of good songs.

And bring back Joseph Locke any time.

Actually, I flash on a vision of a Father Ted episode that never happened in which Joseph Locke and Val Doonican would come to Craggy Island, for a concert with Shane McGowan.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 06:27 PM

Now that would have been an intersting episode of Father Ted.. I'm not sure I can picture in my mind how bringing Val Doonican, Joseph Locke (r.i.p.) and that conservative figure of the establishment Shane McGowan together, would actualy work out.. I supose there have been stranger bedfellows, though I'm hard pressed to think of any at this moment in time.
And I hate having to refer to you as McGrath of Harlow.. I'm Mick by the way..
On a lighter note, any non-Europeans happening to stumble over this particularly inoxuous thread, will probably not know or care that today the British Euro-M.P.'s walked out during a speech by monsieur Shitface, as a demonstration at Les Hoppers still banning British beef.. so what do I have to do in order to get some lyrics about a little porker.. walk out of the mudcat....
Don't answer.. SEG.. just come up with the lyrics.. please..
Thanks to all
MIck


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 06:52 PM

Mick, I didn't realize the pig gets eaten...guess McCarthy's Mare song won't work. smirk

MK


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 02:43 PM

I put "O'Rafferty's pig" into a search engine, and the only thin it came up with was a site about Gordon Lightfoot (whohas abit mkre street cred than Val Doonican I suppose) - it came up with this.

http://www.mmlc.nwu.edu/~mfifer/lightfoot/faqs/faq-7a.html

It's not very helpful, but somewhere in there is a report on a concert years ago where he sang "The night O'Rafferty's pig ran away" along with Woody Guthrie's "1913 Massacre" and Bob Dylan's "Ballad of Hollis Brown". An interesting range of content. Would have done for my Craggy Island concert.

I've been thinking about that too - I can see Val Dooinican as a role model for Father Ted, Shane for Fathr Dougal and Joseph Locke for Father Jack. I suppose to round it out you'd have Sinead O'Connor for Mrs Doyle.<


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 08:34 PM

I can't go on calling you McGrath from Harlow.. and that's not Jean I take it, but...shit.. my geography has just failed me.. Middlesex??? I never really got into Father Ted to "Know" who all ther other characters were.. which one was the mad old sod as opposed to the young mindless F***er?.. I'd have Joseph Locke down for the old wrinklie and possibly Shane for Mrs Doyle.. no I'm not going to elabourate/spread rumours about him... you'll just have to wait until my book comes out
Any suggestions for transplanting characters in Ballyk?.. Now this I do watch religiously
Enough from me and we've still not got the lyrics.. there must be some pig fanciers out there...perhaps it should be called O'Rafferty's Sheep then everyone in Wales would know it.. in the biblical sense that is
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 11:31 PM

Mick, an absolute long shot for you. I have a teeeeny inkling that I saw it in a collection called (ish) 'Songs and Ballads From The Pubs of Ireland', by Healy (Vols I and II). I don't have quick access to a copy, but if someone else would care to check please in order to put us all out of our misery.

If that doesn't work I'll have to pull out the big guns.

Regards, John


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 16 Dec 99 - 08:19 PM

Cheers John
I don't think I ought to ask re you pulling out the big guns.. I know the series of books you mean (never got round to buying them ).. Hopefully someone reading this will have..
Thanks again
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 16 Dec 99 - 08:55 PM

I'm Kevin McGrath. If you look in the bbc rogues gallery there's a photo of me.I suppose if I was French I could be a Jean.

Well it's not in Folksongs and Ballads popular in Ireland. Still no luck.

I could give you "The Peeler and the Goat" (which is in the DT, (but they call Bansha, where my godfather Will Gavin lived "Penshaw"), or "Nell Flaherty's Drake" (and that's in the DT too - but they have Nell living in Clonmel instead of Cootehill, but that's fine by me, because it gives me a Clonmel song which is easier to sing than "The Convict of Cluinmealla"); and "Brannigan's Pup" -which is also in the DT, as "Old Mickey Brannigan's Pup". And the DT's also got "Delaney's Donkey and "Paddty McGinty's Goat".

But the pig seems to have given us all a clean pair of heels, so far.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 01:49 AM

Kevin, was that 'Ballads From The Pubs Of Ireland' by James N Healy that you checked out? Regards, John


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Metchosin
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 01:57 AM

Guys I think its Candadian, Gordon Lightfoot performed it years ago at least a version called The Night O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away. Something about a Mounty ending up eating the evidence of the crime?


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Metchosin
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 01:59 AM

Jeez I can't even spell the name of my own country. A little too much Auchentoshan maybe?


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Metchosin
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 02:02 AM

It also would have helped if I had read the beginning of the thread. You already know that.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 02:49 PM

Naah - it was the Ossian set of four "volumes".

Maybe someone could ask Gordon Lightfoot for the words, since he's the only person so far identified as definitely having sung it. There must be someone round Mudcat who knows him to ask.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 08:41 PM

Metchosin.. what can I say.. If you're going to drink a single malt then it's got to be Bowmore.. well that's my favourite.. (Like when I can afford it)..
And Hi to you Kevin.. I know what you mean re all the other songs you listed.. i.e. have them, seen them, got the t-shirt.. I wonder why this one is so elusive.. personally I've never heard it (just got someone asking for it).. and a great idea re Gordon Lightfoot.. does anyone here know/converse with him.. for that matter why hasn't he got either his own web site or more's to the point, checking out the mudcat.. after all.. it's THE place to bve seen at
Thanks for all your suggestions and "Revelations".. call me old fashioned if you will.. I always feel more comfortable talking to a "person" rather than a pen-name. I would have said puseodnym if I could spell it.. Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Metchosin
Date: 17 Dec 99 - 10:03 PM

Fortunately Mick the bottle was a gift, although I do experiment occasionally as money permits. I haven't had the pleasure of a Bowmore yet but I will keep it in mind. I did have the distinct displeasure of purchasing a bottle of Laphroaig a while back, which is fine if you like to suck your scotch off a creosote coated piling.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 18 Dec 99 - 07:47 PM

Metchosin...
come on...own up.. what kind of name is that to be hiding behind when we're talking serious stuff.. i.e. single malt whisky..
Laphroaigh I quite like but it has got a distinctive peaty taste about it, which is why my personal favourite is Bowmore.. it's not " extreme" in its quality.. i.e. some may consider it bland as far as single malts go.. I prefer to condsider it sophisticated, it doesn't have any of the "vulgarity" of Laphroaigh or the others.. I like to think of it as refined.. in the cultural sense that is, rather than the images conjured viz oil refinement.
And as how I would like to talk all night re the merits of scotch (i.e. whisky and the only time you use the word "Scotch").. we are not getting any closer to the lyrics I need..
But as it's the season of good cheer, I shall raise a glass to all who have participated to this particular thread..
Cheers
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Metchosin
Date: 19 Dec 99 - 01:41 AM

Not just peaty Mick, it tastes as if you are standing down wind of a heap of burning kelp and so does Lagavulin. I don't mind a hint of the smoke and the sea but there is a limit. But this isn't going to help find O'Rafferty's pig is it?
Lang may your quaich reek,
.......... the stinking whale


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: Lyr Add: NIGHT THAT O'RAFFERTY'S PIG RAN AWAY^^
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 01:28 PM

Got it. I emailed Frank Harte, who has every Irish song ever sung I reckon, and he came back with this:

I recorded this song about twenty years ago in Tallaght but with the echo of the room it was very difficult to decipher it . However Glenn Commiskey filled in the words for me that were missing from the version which I recorded.


THE NIGHT THAT O'RAFFERTY'S PIG RAN AWAY.

O'Rafferty's pig was a wonderful animal,
Built like a battleship solid and stout,
His ignorance it would have disgraced any cannibal,
Impudence written all over his snout.
The night he got loose there was such a commotion,
That women were screaming and men turned pale,
They were running and jumping, colliding and bumping,
And everyone making a grab at his tail.

Then Mickey Malone the heavyweight champion,
Ran at the pig wit a big rolling pin,
He struck it a blow but caught Mrs.Mulroe,
Her bustle was shifted up under her chin.
Widow Malone fell through a shop window,
In pickles and jam and red herrings she lay,
She had salmon and skippers all over he knickers,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

It ran into the police court and looked at each prisoner,
It swallowed the bible, said the judge infra dig,
And because of your actions I'll postpone the case
But the local solicitor said they must all try the pig.
The pig looked at Reilly the principle witness,
Then ran into the grocers next door to McCanns,
He rolled in the butter, then dashed in the gutter,
And that's how he kept slipping right out of their hands.

Fat Mrs. Doyle she ran like an elephant,
Puffing and blowing with Mrs.Maguire,
She fell on the ground and begorra the sound,
Was just like the burst of a pneumatic tyre.
Flanagan he then got the pig in a corner,
He jumped on his back and ran into a drain,
At twenty to seven his home was in heaven,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

A bloodthirsty crowd led by old Denis Cassidy,
Chased it with vengeance from Derry to Cork,
And didn't he swear when the pig with audacity,
Jumped on a tram while he had to walk.
It ran through the legs of old Councillor Duffy,
A man of great standing and lofty ideas,
When they collided old Duffy backslided,
And down went the standing of twenty-five years.

Burke's wooden leg it was broken and shattered,
Her lay on his back shouting for Doctor Lamont,
Barney O'Toole says don't be a fool,
It's a hammer and saw and a joiner you want.
Then came the news that the pig had been captured,
The town had a thanksgiving supper they say,
And cabbage and bacon were lawfully taken,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

^^

As for the tune I'm not sure - it'd go well to Liliburlero. Thank you Vibeke for putting us on to the song. It's a cracker. Should be in the DT. Probably will be.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Frank Harte
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 05:52 PM

Thwe air that the song about 'O'Rafferty's Pig' was sung to was almost the same as the old song.. .Father O'Flynn....

'Father O'Flynn you've a wonderful way with you, All the old sinners are wishful to pray with you, All the young children are wild for to play with you, You've such a way wth you Father avic.' etc. etc


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 07:10 PM

Welcome back to the Mudcat Frank.

And the words of Father O'Flynn are in the Digital Tradition at push for a priest

The DT doesn't have the tune. I think I know it though. Which reminds me - are there any words to "The Musical Priest"?


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Mick Lowe
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 07:23 PM

What can I say.. well maybe lots knowing me..
First off I need to apologise for my awful memory (people laugh when I say it's getting worse day by day.. but it ain't no joke.. Metchosin.. I realise now we've had the conversation before re your pen name before.. How could I forget a stinking whale?.. I should like to put the blame on the pressures of Christmas, but.. heck.. I know what my memory is like.. none existant..
Before getting onto the mega thanks for the lyrics,, I want to say this.. i.e. Father O' Flynn .. the song... If you're in an Irish session then the tune is refered to as "Top of the Old Cork Road".. if you're going to be pedantic about it, the then the tune is actually "Yorkshire Lassies"
That aside.. thanks for the lyrics..
Mick


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 20 Dec 99 - 07:24 PM

I had to remind myself what Father O'Flynns sounds like. Having listened to the jig in AABB format I assume that that each verse is sung as AB. I've downloaded the MIDI from the Jordan-O'Connell site and will re-aarange it to AB unless anyone believes otherwise, before posting to Alan's Mudcat Midi site. Regards, John


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: O'Rafferty's Pig - seeking tune
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 07:52 PM

OK. I'm confused. The tune for this one is supposed to be the same as for Father Flynn, which is supposed to be the tune of Top of Cork Road, which is supposed to be the same as for Humours of Whiskey which would be this tune (click). For the life of me, I can't imagine how the tune fits the words. Is it the right tune, and can anybody send me a Noteworthy file that fits the lyrics (correctly) to the tune?
Thanks.
-Joe Offer-


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: Snuffy
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 09:02 PM

Joe

I posted an ABC of a tune of Father O'Flynn in this thread Tune Add: Please Post Tunes Here I . It doesn't fit exactly as is, but it shouldn't be too hard for you to fit the words to this tune. (Well, it works for me with a bit of juggling)

Wassail! V


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: GUEST,Doug Chadwick
Date: 03 Jun 01 - 03:53 PM

Hope you don't mind me coming late into this thread !

In my experience, comedy songs such as "Paddy McGinty's Goat", "Delaney's Donkey" and "O'Rafferty's Pig" tend to use very well known tunes. I seem to recall O'Rafferty's Pig being sung to "The Irish Washerwoman". Other than verse 3, the lyrics posted by 'McGrath of Harlow' on 22-Dec-99 seem to fit well enough with a little careful editing. Verse 3 doesn't really seem to fit to any tune that fits the other verses.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'R's Pig - variation on Harte's version
From: GUEST,Brian Kennedy
Date: 16 May 02 - 03:17 AM

My Grandad used to sing this one to us -thanks for bringing it back to me. In his version he has

"But the local solicitor said they must all KISS the pig"

which I remember well, as subversion is dear to the heart of all wee boys and girls...


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: ard mhacha
Date: 16 May 02 - 06:07 PM

Sorry i`m late , and yes McGrath Val Doonican sang this song a few times on his TV programme, and believe it or not, my old Kilkenny School Master taught us this song. Frank Harte is right the air is akin to Father O`Flynn, just a wee bit slower, Ard Mhacha.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: GUEST,beachcombers
Date: 17 May 02 - 04:08 PM

Hey, hey hey, easy on you lot, what has old Val ever done to you that you should take the piss so?? Val has been working in the music business since the 40s he was never an overnight success , he worked damn hard to make a living both in Ireland and later in Britain after he emigrated and even when he did "make it big" there, if only for a few short years, he never forgot his people or his roots and the people of Waterford are , generally, proud of him. A fine singer and an excellent musician he won't , I suspect, be too put-out by remarks like those in these postings.

beach

BTW Val never wore an "Aran sweater" , that was Liam Clancy you were thinking of.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: GUEST,Elsie Townley
Date: 13 Jul 02 - 04:18 PM

The bit I remember was: ? laid hold of his head, ? laid hold of his tale Murphy stood with a knife in his hand while Biddy, she held the pail ............while Docherty danced a jig, I'll never forget the fun we had when Rafferty killed the pig.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: O'Rafferty's Pig - Could anyone help please?
From: GUEST,pat rarfferty
Date: 31 Oct 02 - 04:19 PM

my grandfather also used to sing this one ,but i seem to remember the line "she had eggs and tomatoes all over her garters the night that old rafferty's pig ran away"


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: O'Rafferty's Pig
From: GUEST,John Scott
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 06:05 AM

Alternative Part?
Widow Malone fell thorugh a shop window
Among pickles and jam and red herrings she lay
There were eggs and tomatas all over her garters
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: O'Rafferty's Pig
From: GUEST,PAT1937
Date: 23 Mar 06 - 11:17 AM

Many years after you, I too have been searching for the song my Dad used to sing and which does not appear on any other site or book I've searched. Thank you one and all, I have all the words now.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: O'Rafferty's Pig
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Mar 06 - 01:33 AM

WorldCat.org says THE NIGHT THAT O'RAFFERTY'S PIG RAN AWAY was written by William Hargreaves and Charles Collins, © 1919. The British Library has a copy of the sheet music.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: Lyr Add: THE NIGHT THAT O'RAFFERTY'S PIG RAN AWAY
From: GUEST,RobW
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 11:57 AM

My, but this is a long running discussion. I have a copy of "The Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away" dated 1923. I guess it is probably as close to the original as one is likely to get. There are some subtle and some not so subtle differences but I think that generally it is a better version than the one previously published in this thread.

Herewith in full :-

THE NIGHT THAT O'RAFFERTY'S PIG RAN AWAY.

O'Rafferty's pig was a wonderful animal,
Built like a battleship solid and stout,
His ignorance wouldn't disgrace any cannibal,
Impudence written all over his snout.
The night he broke loose there was such a commotion,
Women were screaming and men turning pale,
Running and jumping, colliding and bumping,
And everyone making a grab at his tail.

Mickey O'Toole the heavyweight champion,
Ran at the pig with a big rolling pin,
He hit him a blow but the piggy upended,
And kicked him a buffet right under his chin.
Fat Mrs Doyle she fell in a shop window,
In pickles and jam and red herring she lay,
A dish of tomatoes all over her garters,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

He ran into the police court and looked at each visitor,
Kelly with doctoring the butter was charged,
He fought for the case of the local solicitor
Dispersing the judge and the jury at large.
The pig looked at Reilly the principle witness
A resemblance so striking he couldn't withstand
He ran back to the gutter and what with the butter
Was how he kept slippin right out of their hands

Fat Mrs. Doyle she ran like an elephant,
Puffing and blowing all over the mire,
She fell on the ground and begorra the sound,
Was just like the bust of a pneumatic tyre.
Flanagan stopped the pig in a corner,
He jumped on his back and ran into a drain,
At twenty to seven his soul was in heaven,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

A bloodthirsty crowd headed by Dennis Cassidy,
Chased him with vengeance from dairy to park,
But didn't they swear when the pig with audacity,
Jumped on a tram and sat watching them walk.
It ran through the legs of old Councillor Duffy,
A man of great standing and lofty ideas,
When they collided old Duffy backsided,
And down went the standing of twenty-five years.

Both wooden legs were broken and shattered,
He lay on his back shouting "doctor I want",
Barney O'Toole said "don't be a fool,
It's hammer and chisel and joiner you want".
Then came the news the pig had been captured,
The town had a thanksgiving properly played,
Ending with bacon and lawfully trading,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: O'Rafferty's Pig
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 08:52 AM

now


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,essie
Date: 21 May 08 - 05:35 PM

God that brings back many memories, I do seem to have a mixture of lyrics from both threads but bit I thought better was:
'Then the pig ran into the court, swallowed the bible and danced a jig. Stop the case said the clark of the court for we must make the witnesses all kiss the pig'


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: Teribus
Date: 21 May 08 - 05:53 PM

Flanagan stopped the pig in a corner,
He jumped on his back and ran into a drain,
At twenty to seven his soul was in heaven,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

Shouldn't that be:

Flanagan stopped the pig in a corner,
He jumped on his back it ran under a Dray,
At twenty to seven his soul was in heaven,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST, Anne Hennessy
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 09:59 AM

My great -grandad . His mother used to sing it to him as a child . She was called Mary -Anne Hannigan. From Kingstown as was ( God bless him) used to sing this to me 40 years ago ! I have never known anyone else here in England who knew it . In his version , it was "There were eggs and tomaters all over her garters " the night that O Rafferty's pig ran away .


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,Carol Everest
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 01:32 AM

Old Rafferty's pig was a wonderful animal,
Built like a battleship sturdy and stout,
With manners that would disgrace any cannibal,
Ignorance written all over his snout.

The night he broke loose there was such a commotion
The women were screaming, the men turning pale.
When Mickey Malone, the heavyweight champion
Made a grab at Old Rafferty's tail

Now Mrs. Malone fell through a shop window,
In pickles and jam and red herrings she lay,
With eggs and tomatoes all over her garters
The night that old Rafferty's pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,The wild Irish rose.
Date: 27 Oct 08 - 11:13 AM

I think that we now have a complete version or two of O'Rafferty's Pig, if my memory serves me correctly. The one I remeber is where Mickey Malone, the heavyweight champion with the rolling pin, missed his first blow and hit Mrs. Mulroe (I thought it was Munroe, but who cares?) and shifted her bustle right under her chin. However, the pig kicking Malone is also colourful enough to be original. It's a great song, and what do you have against Val Doonican?


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,John Simpkin
Date: 22 Mar 09 - 05:42 PM

This song was my dad's Christmas party piece. We still have the traditional family christmas I am desperate to hear and learn this song
Lyrics I remember as a boy in the sixties are

She'd eggs and tomatoes all over her garters the night that O'rafferty's pig ran away,

Help for the rest would be much appreciated

Regards
JLS


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,pg
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 05:28 AM

im fotunate enough to have this song by steve benbow.....on 45 belonged to my dad..............bless him


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,pg
Date: 31 Oct 09 - 05:47 AM

when they all heard the pig had been captured they all had a thankgiving supper they say with cabbage and bacon vindictively taken the night that o raffertys pig ran away


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: Lyr Add: THE NIGHT THAT O'RAFFERTY'S PIG RAN AWAY
From: GUEST,pg
Date: 01 Nov 09 - 10:18 AM

These are lyrics to Steve Benbow's version:

O'Rafferty's pig was a wonderful animal,
Built like a battleship, solid and stout.
His manners disgraced the very worst cannibal,
Impudence written all over his snout.

The night he got loose, there was such a commotion,
The women were screaming, the men turning pale,
All running and jumping, colliding and bumping,
And everyone making a grab at his tail.

O'Rafferty got the ol' pig in a corner.
He jumped onto his back and ran into a drain.
At twenty past seven, his home was in heaven
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

O'Rourke's wooden leg lay all splintered and broken.
He lay on the ground calling Doctor Lamont,
When Paddy O'Toole, said, "Don't be a fool.
It's a hammer a saw and a joiner you want."

He slid round the side of the greengrocer's barrow,
Right into the grocers shop, next to McCann's.
He fell in the butter, and slid in the gutter,
And that's how he kept slipping out of our hands.

He shot round the corner, met Councillor McDuffy,
A man of long standing and lofty ideas.
The pig he collided; McDuffy backslided,
And down went the standing of 45 years.

The widow Malone was knocked through a shop window.
In pickles and jam and red herrings she lay.
She had egg and tomato all over her garter,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

Then fat Mrs. Dyer, she ran like an elephant,
Puffing and blowing with Mrs. McGuire.
She fell on the ground, and begorra the sound,
Was just like the burst of a pneumatic tyre.

Then Paddy McNichol, the heavyweight champion,
Ran at the pig with a big rolling pin.
He struck it a blow which hit Mrs. Munro,
And lifted her bustle right under her chin.

At last when they heard the pig had been captured,
They all had a thanksgiving supper they say,
And cabbage and bacon vindictively taken,
The night that O'Rafferty's pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,Old Micky Brannigan's Pup
Date: 19 Sep 10 - 08:51 AM

I am looking for the lyrics and music to Old Micky Brannigan's Pup. Would really appreciate any help or advice. All the best! Mary Duffy


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 Sep 10 - 08:33 AM

The lyrics to OL' MICKEY BRANNIGAN'S PUP are in our Digital Tradition Database (Click). There is also a MIDI file—see the bottom of the page.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Dec 10 - 05:06 AM

what a great song my mate use to sing it lord love him,does any one know paddyou are a toucht of a rogue you morst alluring paddy,your ways are distacting to me,that is part of the song
please help
t,fallon


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Apr 11 - 02:11 PM

O'Rafferty's pig was a terrible animal, built like a battleship solid and stout.
Its ignorance would have disgraced any animal, impudence written all over its snout.

The night it broke loose, it caused a commotion. Women were screaming, men turning pale,
Running and jumping colliding and bumping everyone making a grab at its tail.

Fat Mrs Doyle ran like an elephant, puffing and blowing like Mrs Maguire,
Fell on the ground, begorah the sound, was just like the burst of a pneumatic tyre.

Finnegan trapped the pig in a corner, fell into a ditch and ran into a dray,
At twenty to seven his home was in heaven the night O'Rafferty's pig ran away.

Then came the news the pig was captured, the town gave a thanksgiving supper they say,
At twenty to seven the pig was in heaven, the night the pig ran away.

THERE ARE OTHER VERSES BUT I HAVE FORGOTTEN THEM!


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,john farrell
Date: 11 Jul 11 - 09:51 AM

Yes my mother taught me all the verses when I was very young but like guest I have forgotten all except the first verse. Thanks to a guest I have a few more. I'm perfecting on the whistle the music of the first verse is repeated through the song.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 06:31 PM

If you had been in Wigtown town centre on a saturday night in
the 1930 and 1950 era you would have heard it sung by Andy Harvey
Andy used to sing it on stage too .Along with Daved stewart and
his concert party they travelled all over Wigtownshire and not
only did he sing O Rafferty`s pig but also Maggie Gaw , Phil o   
Flutter`s ball and Maggie Murphy`s Home . When he ran out of
words out would come the mouth organ and believe it or not ' IT
was always Irish music he would play. Yes it brings back happy
memories His son carried on the same tradition doing concerts
in the same style as his Dad .


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,Denis
Date: 31 Dec 12 - 05:27 AM

end of 1st verse
for running and bumping colliding and jumping
and everyone making a grab for his tail
2nd verse
He ran through the legs of old councellor Duffy
a man of upstanding and lofty ideals
and when they collided old Duffy back slided
and down came the upstanding of seventy five years


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,Denis
Date: 31 Dec 12 - 05:36 AM

3rd verse goes somethng like;
He ran into the grocery store next to McCanns
he rooled in the butter then rooled in the gutter
and thats how he kept slipping out of their hands


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: akenaton
Date: 31 Dec 12 - 05:00 PM

Not traditional I think.
My uncle used to sing old variety and music hall songs back in the forties and fifties and ORP was one of them.
Could it even be Irish American in origin?


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,999
Date: 31 Dec 12 - 10:36 PM

???


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Dec 12 - 10:39 PM

A friend of mine
Was going to write
But now he hasn't
Now he won't

A friend of mine
Was going to write
But now I tell him
That he don't

bm


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 31 Dec 12 - 11:23 PM

akenaton: Look above in this thread at 25 Mar 06 - 01:33 AM.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: Rumncoke
Date: 01 Jan 13 - 12:13 PM

I must have heard Val Doonican singing it, as I know the tune and the words are familiar, but some seem not quite right - but near enough, the spirit of the song is there.

I think the cabbage and bacon were surreptitiously taken, not vindictively.

I think it went

he ran into the grocery next to Mc'Cann's
Then shot off down the gutter
all covered in butter
And that's how he kept slipping out of our hands.

after it ate the bible -

The clerk of the court said 'and now kiss the pig'

Now I have a head full of Irish songs - probably thanks to Mr Doonican - I soon bet the master entirely at drinking, not a wake nor a wedding for five miles around - the day Delaney's donkey won the half mile race - oh drat.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,Bob L
Date: 30 Sep 18 - 09:34 AM

O’Rafferty’s pig was a wondrous animal
Built like a battleship solid and stout,
His ignorance would have disgraced any cannibal
Impudence written all over his snout.
The night he broke loose there was such a commotion
The women were screaming and men turning pale,
Running and jumping colliding and bumping
And everyone making a grab at his tail.

Micky Malone the heavyweight champion ran at the pig with a big rolling pin,
Struck it a blow, caught Mrs Monroe and shifted her bustle right under her chin.
Widow Malone fell through a shop window
In pickles and and jam and red herrings she lay
She’d eggs and tomatoes all over her garters,
The night that O’Rafferty’s pig ran away.

It ran in the police court and looked at each visitor
Swallowed the Bible, the judge infra dig
Said ‘Postpone the case.’ but the local solicitor
Said ‘Let the witnesses all kiss the pig.’
The pig looked at Riley the principal witness
Then ran in the grocers next door to McCann's
Rolled in the butter then dashed in the gutter
And that’s how he kept slipping out of their hands.

Fat Mrs Doyle she ran like an elephant
Puffing and blowing with Mrs McGuire,
Fell on the ground and begorra the sound
Was just like the burst of a pneumatic tyre.
Flanagan got the pig in a corner
He jumped on its back and ran into a dray,
At twenty to seven his home was in heaven
The night that O’Rafferty’s pig ran away.

A bloodthirsty crowd headed by Denny Cassidy
Chased it with vengeance from Derry to Cork
And didn’t they swear when the pig with audacity
Jumped on a tram and and stood watching them walk.
It ran through the legs of old Councillor Duffy
A man of great standing and lofty ideals
When they collided old Duffy backslided
And down went the standing of twenty-five years.

Burke’s wooden leg was broken and shattered
He lay on his back shouting Doctor Lamont
Barney O’Toole said ‘Don't be a fool,
It’s a hammer and saw and a joiner you want.’
Then came the news the pig had been captured
The town had a thanksgiving supper they say
Of cabbage and bacon unlawfully taken,
The night that O’Rafferty’s pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,akenaton
Date: 30 Sep 18 - 12:32 PM

Yes, I think I was correct in 2012 about the song thanks Bob L
In 1919 it would have been produced to be performed in the music halls which were very popular at the time.
My Uncle had a large repertoire of these Irish comedy songs which he learned in the 20's and 30's. Also Scottish music hall favourites by people like Will Fyffe.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Night that O'Rafferty's Pig Ran Away
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 01 Oct 18 - 06:52 AM

The following was the version I heard:

O’Rafferty’s pig was a wonderful animal
Built like a battleship solid and stout,
His ignorance would have disgraced any cannibal
Impudence written all over his snout.
The night he broke loose there was such a commotion
With women all screaming and men turning pale,
Running and jumping colliding and bumping
And everyone making a grab at his tail.

Micky Malone the heavyweight champion ran at the pig with a big rolling pin,
He attempted a blow, but caught Mrs Monroe and shifted her bustle right under her chin.
Widow Malone fell through a shop window
In pickles and jam and red herrings she lay
She had salmon and kippers all over her knickers,
The night that O’Rafferty’s pig ran away.

It ran in the police court and looked at the prisoner
Swallowed the Bible, said the judge infra dig
And because of these ructions the case is stood over
But the Clerk of the Court said, "We must try the pig"
The pig looked at Riley the principal witness
Then ran in the grocers next door to McCann's
He rolled in the butter then dashed into the gutter
And that’s how he kept slipping out of their hands.

Fat Mrs Doyle she ran like an elephant
Puffing and blowing with Mrs McGuire,
She fell on the ground and begorra the sound
It was just like the burst of a pneumatic tyre.
Flanagan then got the pig in a corner
He jumped on its back, it ran under a Dray,
At twenty to seven his home was in heaven
The night that O’Rafferty’s pig ran away.

A bloodthirsty crowd led by old Dennis Cassidy
Chased the pig with vengeance from Derry to Cork
And didn’t they swear when the pig with audacity
Jumped on a tram while they all had to walk.
It ran through the legs of old Councillor Duffy
A man of great standing and lofty ideals
When they collided old Duffy backslided
And down went the standing of twenty-five years.

Burke’s wooden leg was broken and shattered
He lay on his back shouting Doctor Lamont
Barney O’Toole said ‘Don't be a fool,
It’s a hammer and saw and a joiner you want.’
Then came the news the pig had been captured
The town had a thanksgiving supper they say
Of cabbage and bacon unlawfully taken,
The night that O’Rafferty’s pig ran away.


Post - Top - Home - Printer Friendly - Translate
  Share Thread:
More...

Reply to Thread
Subject:  Help
From:
Preview   Automatic Linebreaks   Make a link ("blue clicky")


Mudcat time: 24 April 10:31 PM EDT

[ Home ]

All original material is copyright © 2022 by the Mudcat Café Music Foundation. All photos, music, images, etc. are copyright © by their rightful owners. Every effort is taken to attribute appropriate copyright to images, content, music, etc. We are not a copyright resource.