11 Jul 99 - 12:39 PM (#94120) Subject: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke I am still looking for words to the Ballad of Bethnal Green by Paddy Roberts. I have some words, and used to perform the song myself some years ago while working as a folksinger, but time and inactivity have dulled the memory banks. Anyone please help. |
11 Jul 99 - 02:37 PM (#94142) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Llanfair I used to hear this one regularly in my youth, perhaps if you post the bits you remember, I might remember some other bits. Bron. |
11 Jul 99 - 06:42 PM (#94191) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke As requested, this is all I have. *** denotes missing words.
THE BALLAD OF BETHNAL GREEN.
I tell the tale of a jealous male and a maid of sweet sixteen.
Then one fine day in the month of may she found her big romance.
***
He was brought before a man of the law who said this will not do.
There might even be other verses as well, but this is the way I always sung it. Hope you can help. |
11 Jul 99 - 06:55 PM (#94202) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Legal Eagle I thought if I took the text off to a word processor I would remember some of that but now it's eluding me too. |
12 Jul 99 - 04:47 AM (#94320) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Thanks Keep trying. I am and it's Driving me mad. folkbloke. |
12 Jul 99 - 06:21 AM (#94333) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer I used to know this as well, but never had it on record. I'll ponder over your lyrics and see if I can dredge the rst from my failing memory banks. (What happens if you give someone with Alzheimer's Viagra? A night to remember) |
12 Jul 99 - 06:37 AM (#94336) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer OK, almost got it: Missing words in first verse are I think, "in a place called Bethnal Green" [NOT a "town"] I'm pretty sure of the first two lines of the third verse, the third may be a bit shaky. I don't think there are any more verses. It stared well because he fell for all her girlish charms But he had his doubts when he found her out in somebody else's arms He said:" My dear, [you know, I fear] that is going just a bit too far" The bits in square brackets are doubtful. A amazing what the brain remembers! It must be all the fish I've eaten in the past week. |
12 Jul 99 - 06:41 AM (#94337) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Alan B Don't know why I'm telling you, but I had this record until last year, I've looked everywhere. If it comes to light I'll get back I suppose this is supposed to give you some kind of hope, but in reality it will only frustrate you Good luck anyway in your search Alan B |
12 Jul 99 - 06:51 AM (#94338) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer "started" NOT "stared", of course! Just as the memory recovers, the typing goes to hell! |
12 Jul 99 - 01:26 PM (#94433) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke A HUGE THANKYOU TO ROGER THE ZIMMER WHO HAS COME UP TRUMPS. SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FROM HOW I USED TO SING IT BUT AS SOON AS I READ WHAT YOU POSTED THE OLD GREY CELLS ALL FELL INTO SHAPE. The way I used to sing that 3rd verse as has now come back to me was:
It all went well because he fell for all her girlish charms. My brain can now rest. Hope your typing finger soon mends
Cheers, folkbloke. |
13 Jul 99 - 03:40 AM (#94674) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer Yes, 'bloke. I was unhappy with my first version & was singing it on the way home in the car to try to get it right and I'm sure your version is correct. The joke,of course, is the prim language that a teddy boy wouldn't have used contrasted with "sloshed". |
13 Jul 99 - 10:59 AM (#94742) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke I only wish I could get hold of the words and music to some more of his songs. I m sure he must have written more, and if they are anything like Bethnal Green, they should be heard more. I feel they are definitely a part of our singing tradition.If anyone knows of a publisher who handles or handled paddy's work, or his record label, please let me know. |
13 Jul 99 - 11:19 AM (#94746) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer I agree, he's due for a reissue. I think there was an LP in the "World of" series, it was advertised on the insert to another LP I had, but that was in the days (early '70s)when I had discovered a good source of second hand LPs-mostly jazz & blues- so it was probably already unavailable, or I'd have looked for it then! I learned his songs off the radio (?early '60s?)so they must have been broadcast fairly frequently, though I can't bring any of the other titles to mind. I've just had a quick look at AMG and a couple of UK record store sites and he's "unknown". |
13 Jul 99 - 02:20 PM (#94788) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Bert He did an album called "Strictly for grownups"(I think) A snippet from one of the numbers goes... When I was a boy scout and you were a brownie We leaned all the regulations, of which there were lots We went to the woods and we practiced them over You did your semaphore while I did my knots. There was another one called "Love isn't what it used to be" Which contains the classic line "Just grab a handful and damn the finesse" Yes we certainly need a reissue. Bert. |
13 Jul 99 - 03:05 PM (#94802) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Legal Eagle There's the one about "I couldn't stand Portuguese in general,and in particular I couldn't stand him" And there's also "The French and the Italians/chase their women round like stalions" - and going on to the "the Englishman with his habituel sang-froid (which translated means his usual bloody cold" |
13 Jul 99 - 04:54 PM (#94843) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke It appears we are slowly but surely tracking the old genius down. Any further information will be greatly appreciated. I would love to be able to bring his work back into the public domain and get him the credit his wit deserves. |
13 Jul 99 - 08:51 PM (#94914) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Martin _Ryan Legal Eagle. On the subject of Portuguese (and even Portugees), have a look at THIS and tell me what you know, pleae Regards |
13 Jul 99 - 08:53 PM (#94915) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Martin _Ryan Sorry about the unclosed thingy - as the bishop said to the actress. It still works anyway (as....) Regards |
14 Jul 99 - 04:38 AM (#95006) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Have not come across that particular song Martin, but I suppose at sometime Mr Roberts might well have done, and phrases stuck in his mind, but how many songs start with "I'll tell a tale of......." or similar. I hate to think. (cue for someone to post a bloody great long list of song titles, but I'll take the risk.) I will check in with my Irish expert and see if there is any Historical background to the song and post if there is. Thanks for the interesting angle. regards, Adrian. (folkbloke) |
14 Jul 99 - 04:44 AM (#95007) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer Bert, thanks for reminding me of those two songs, I think... now I'll be fretting till I can remember the remaining lines, so I may curse you later! :o) |
14 Jul 99 - 05:40 AM (#95015) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: AndyG Ah, Roger, Just to keep you in a fret, you might like to consider The Belle of Barking Creek or The Lavender Cowboy, (which is different from but clearly based on the DT version)
AndyG |
14 Jul 99 - 06:17 AM (#95020) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer Andy, Aaaaaaaargh! |
14 Jul 99 - 06:24 AM (#95021) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: AndyG Roger, Here's your starter for 10
He was just a lavender cowboy,
Andon't like to see a grown man cryG |
14 Jul 99 - 10:46 AM (#95079) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Bert We're getting closer found this site http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/1242/songbook.html#english010 Bert. |
14 Jul 99 - 11:04 AM (#95086) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer Well done, Bert, I can now forgive you for beating me to the "redhair" gag on the pickup line thread! 1959 eh? How time flies! No wonder we can't remember the damn things! I ought to remember some of the Belle of Barking Creek, if not the Lavender Cowboy. I think AndyG is just playing with us and really has those lyrics. Post them, damn you,post them for the love of Max. Paddy had, shall we say, a limited vocal range, that I can cope with, and I can get away with more if the song is both intended to be funny and is less well known! (The "audience" [six goldfish and the odd frog]don't know what it's supposed to sound like!) >:o( |
14 Jul 99 - 11:38 AM (#95096) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: AndyG Roger, I'm sorry but I truly don't have any Paddy Roberts lyrics, though I did once own an album, and it may still exist in my parents house somewhere... Sadly, or I think so anyway, the following couplets from The Lavender Cowboy have occured to me during the day.
And he rounded up cattle, a-riding side saddle
He went out on bender and slugged the bartender
AndyG |
14 Jul 99 - 11:45 AM (#95098) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Ana I thought my problems were solved. I have E-mailed the B.B.C. Record library inthe vain hope they might have some details of recordings but as yet nothing. I'll keep looking though. Keep the thread going and we might get the whole collection together one day. Adrian. (folkbloke.) |
14 Jul 99 - 01:05 PM (#95120) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: SueH someone who is an occasional visitor to our session sings the Portugese song, which has a similar tune to the Ballad of Bethnal Green, I think. I'll try & get the words - it might be a while though. The only place I have been able to find on the Web is the one listed above, Graham Grainger's site. He obviously has the book, Strictly For Grownups, so if you emailed him (his email address is on the site) he might be able to help you. SueH |
14 Jul 99 - 01:37 PM (#95127) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Richard Bridge There used to be a housemaster called Priestwood, I think, at a prep school (UK meaning) near Harrow called Orley Farm School who had a collection and occasionally used to let the kids listen. It should be in the book! Oh, and Dave Bryant, who calls himself the Toto GObbi of the Balls Pond Road and advertises in one of the EFDSS magazines to get gigs also knows at least two of the songs mentioned. Happy hunting. |
14 Jul 99 - 01:38 PM (#95128) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Richard Bridge Ah. With the benefit of hindsight, that should have been Tito Gobbi. |
14 Jul 99 - 06:36 PM (#95213) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Will check into all those, Thanks folks. Keep it coming. The great thing would be to get in conyact with some of his family. I would love to produce a tribute show about Paddy and his work. Look forward to your postings. Adrian. (folkbloke@cwcom.net). |
19 Jul 99 - 03:59 AM (#96762) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer Now I know why I am still married after nearly 30 years !SHE remembers having an EP of Paddy Roberts, alas, long since swiped, she suspects, by a former roommate. However, being MUCH younger than me(as she always tells people), she has remembered more fragments: Love isn't what it used to be No siree No asking papa permission to wed
It's quite apparent that a parent
No shrinking violet too scared to say "Yes"
And the wolf cub song:
When I was a wolf cub and you were a brownie
We'll go to the grotto and get slightly blotto Still some gaps to fill, but it's growing gradually!
|
20 Jul 99 - 03:00 AM (#97247) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: peter bugden - bugden@primus.com.au re the request on Portuguese(Martin Ryan) the song is called "She Loved a Portuguese" and was written by one P.Cosgill. I have it recorded live in UK by Derek Brimstone in 1974. You can contact him on email at: brimo1@cmail.com I hope this helps. |
23 Jul 99 - 11:25 AM (#98484) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Hi Everyone, Thanks for all your help so far. I hope soon to get a copy of the "Strictly for Grown-ups" book. If any of you find any of his records and want to sell them, let me know and if they are within my price range I will be glad to take them off your hands. folkbloke@cwcom.net |
23 Jul 99 - 06:41 PM (#98629) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Legal Eagle 1. Yes, that's the Portuguese one and I'm sure I remember Paddy Roberts singing it. When I say "I'm sure" I mean of course that I'm not. 2. We have Brimmo for the millennium at our club. Must make sure he does it. |
24 Jul 99 - 05:07 AM (#98808) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: George I tell a tale of a jealous male And a maid of sweet sixteen She was blonde and dumb and she lived with her Mum On the fringe of Bethnal Green She worked all week for a rich old Greek For her Dad was on the dole. And her one delight was a Friday night When she had a little rock and roll. CHO.
Well all went well because he fell
He went before a man of the law who |
24 Jul 99 - 12:21 PM (#98850) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Thanks George, do you have any more of Paddy's Songs? "Lavender Cowboy" "When I was a Boy Scout & you were a Brownie" etc? Also again, anyone with records or music books of Paddy Roberts songs let me know. Folkbloke |
25 Jul 99 - 03:28 AM (#99015) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Mike Jackson Okay so I'm still getting used to this chat thing. George's version of the lyrics differ severally from my I tell the tale of a jealous male She was blond and and dumb and she with her Mum on the fringe of Bethnal Green It went quite well because he fell because he fell for all her girlish charms but he wasn't so sure when he caught her out in someone else's arms I think it was 'her cha cha cha' The 'cha cha cha' a sort of nudge nudge wink wink euphemism for some un-named naughty part of her. Having commented on the lyrical variations, there seem to be several recordings of the song and at least one version of the 'Strictly for Grown-ups' album with songs like Lavendar Cowboy and the Boy Scout Song censored Regards Mike
|
25 Jul 99 - 03:49 PM (#99085) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca The traditional ballad of Bethnal Green is the one involving the blind beggar and his pretty daughter. That's the only one of which I have knowledge. |
28 Jul 99 - 09:20 AM (#100100) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: AndyG I now have a tape of the album For Adults Only The content is most definitely NOT P.C. Read on in the light of that warning :)
AndyG |
28 Jul 99 - 09:21 AM (#100101) Subject: LyrAdd: LAVENDER COWBOY & BELLE OF BARKING CREEK^^ From: AndyG THE LAVENDER COWBOY (Paddy Roberts)
Yippee-yi, yippee-yay
He was just a lavender cowboy
Every morning they went out together
He was just a lavender cowboy
So the posse was sent out to find him
And they found him a-lying unconcious
So they shot the lavender cowboy
THE BELLE OF BARKING CREEK
Oh woe is me, and alas, alack!
Her hair is yellow as the morning sun
And ev'ry day she wheels her barrow
For a sailor-boy she cannot resist;
One lovely evening when the moon was new
A great big stoker by the name of Bert
And she darned his socks and she fried his bacon
Then he said, "I'm going but I'll soon be back. ^^ AndyG |
28 Jul 99 - 09:47 AM (#100111) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer AndyG Many thanks for coming up trumps again tara a bit Roger |
28 Jul 99 - 09:56 AM (#100117) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Bert I want to make it quite clear to you all that the stoker WASN'T ME. Bert. |
28 Jul 99 - 10:03 AM (#100120) Subject: Lyr Add: THE BALLAD OF BETHNAL GREEN (P Roberts)^^ From: AndyG THE BALLAD OF BETHNAL GREEN Paddy Roberts 1. I tell the tale of a jealous male and a maid of sweet sixteen. She was blonde and dumb and she lived with her mum on the fringe of Bethnal Green. She worked all week for a rich old Greek, for her dad was on the dole, And her one delight was a Friday night when she had a little rock and roll. CHORUS: To my rit-fal-lal, to my titty-fal-lal, To my itty-bitty fal-dal-day. To my rit-fal-lal, to my titty-fal-lal, To my itty-bitty fal-dal-day. 2. Then one fine day in the month of May, she found her big romance. He was dark and sleek with a scar on his cheek and a pair of drainpipe pants. And she thought: "With you I could be so true through all the years to come," For she loved the gay abandoned way he chewed his chewing-gum. CHORUS 3. It started well because he fell for all her girlish charms, But he had some doubt when he caught her out in someone else's arms. He said, "Look here: you know, my dear, this is going a bit to far." Then he went quite white and he sloshed her right in the middle of her cha-cha-cha. 4. He went before a man of the law who said, "This will not do. I've had enough of the sort of stuff I get from the likes of you." And was she peeved when he received a longish term in clink. In a fit of pique, she married the Greek and now she's dressed in mink. CHORUS NB No chorus between verses 3 & 4 on the recording AndyG ^^ |
28 Jul 99 - 11:00 AM (#100149) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: AndyG For Adults Only, track list: I didn't take notes when I made the recording, sorry
The Ballad Of Bethnal Green
?? = I can't remember the title.
AndyG |
28 Jul 99 - 02:07 PM (#100221) Subject: Add: FOLLOW ME & LOVE ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE^^ From: AndyG FOLLOW ME (Paddy Roberts)
When I was a little Wolf-cub and you were a Brownie
Follow me, follow me.
When I was a little Wolf-cub and you were a Brownie
Follow me, follow me.
When I was a little Wolf-cub and you were a Brownie
Follow me, follow me.
Love isn't what it used to be,
Love's getting really up to date,
It's quite apparent that a parent
But now it's a different cup of tea.
They used to do their minuetting
Yes, love used to be just like champagne.
The Englishman (with his usual bloody cold)
Now the Englishman is noted for his sang-froid
Now the Englishman could not be called romantic
Now the Englishman has lots of little foibles ^^ AndyG |
28 Jul 99 - 03:11 PM (#100236) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Bert Is it just me or can anyone else see a similarity to Noel Coward in this stuff? Bert. |
28 Jul 99 - 04:03 PM (#100247) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke Dear Andy G, Well done and thanks. Brilliant. I don't know how you did it but I owe you one. You say you have a tape of the album. Any chance of running a copyand snail mailing it to me so I can get the dots down? If you can, E-mail me on folkbloke@cwcom.net and let me know. Also let me know where to send the cash for a tape. Thanks again, Adrian (folkbloke) |
28 Jul 99 - 04:14 PM (#100252) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Bert WHen you've finished with the tadpoles Folkbloke, would you send them along to Dick? |
29 Jul 99 - 03:47 AM (#100394) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the zimmer AndyG, You're what my friends in South London would call a diamond geezer! Many thanks for the transcriptions, I can now recall the ones I knew at the time. Some of them I never knew, must have been banned from the radio! RtZ |
29 Jul 99 - 05:02 AM (#100407) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: AndyG A copy can be done but not immediately I'm afraid. As I said earlier the album is in Manchester whilst I'm in Cambridge. The recording I've got was made in Manchester, is almost drowned by background hiss and is also very quiet. I'll have to get the album back to Cambridge to make a better recording but this won't happen for a couple of weeks yet.
AndyG |
29 Jul 99 - 06:23 AM (#100413) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Folkbloke O.K. Andy Thanks. I've waited this long, another couple of weeks won't hurt. By the way, I am in Hove, Sussex. If you are ever coming down this way let me know. There's a couple of pints waiting here with your name on. Cheers, Adrian. (folkbloke) |
17 Jul 00 - 07:32 PM (#259572) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Snuffy Refresh. Joe, have you harvested these? |
13 Dec 00 - 08:31 PM (#356871) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Joe Offer Now I have, Snuffy. Spent all afternoon on them. great stuff. -Joe- |
18 Dec 00 - 01:07 AM (#358868) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: John in Brisbane Refresh. |
18 Dec 00 - 01:09 AM (#358869) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: John in Brisbane I posted the following to a similar thread. I've come across two thin volumes for sale of Paddy Roberts songs including Barking Creek and Tattooed Lady. They are quite frankly very expensive for what they are and I'm loathe to buy them just to post the lyrics and tunes for the DT. Does anyone else have these please that I might be able to draw upon at some time in the future? Regards, John |
18 Dec 00 - 06:03 AM (#358921) Subject: Lyr Add: TATTOOED LADY (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,Malcolm Smith Some fragments from memory, apologies if someone has posted better versions and I've failed to spot them.
Dreary biographical note: my cousins in Southend were big Paddy Roberts fans c. 1960, and I can remember my acute embarrassment as my mother, with me in tow, discussed with the man in the record shop whether this would be suitable material for the eleven year old me.
TATTOOED LADY
Oh, I was a bit of a lad, I admit.
I immediately saw there were pictures galore
On the back of each knee was a small chimpanzee.
One evening I found as I ambled around,
Some things I found out I just won't talk about;
On one of her feet you are liable to meet
I loved all the ships on one side of her hips,
For this was much more than a man can endure, |
19 Dec 00 - 11:58 PM (#360200) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: John in Brisbane I bought the two Paddy Roberts books 'Strictly For Grown Ups' and 'Paddy Roberts Tries Again'. Also advertised is a third LP 'Paddy Roberts Strikes Again' (presumably it also had a printed song album associated with it). UK publisher was Essex Music. I'll attempt to fill in the lyric blanks and notate the tunes sometime after Christmas. If too much time elapses please PM me if you need anything more specifically. Regards, John |
13 Jul 03 - 11:31 AM (#982363) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Nigel Parsons WHY DID IT ALL BEGIN Paddy Roberts (fom memory) Why did it all begin? How did I get in this mess I'm in? I guess I'm in the stew, Cos you're awful snooty with me my beauty, And I'm awful tired of you. We'd done a little drinking, And the pair of us were stinking And our first embrace was underneath the table It was really rather thrilling, You were ready, you were willing, And I very soon discovered you were able Why did I have to fall? Guess I intended to have a ball, But now It's all in vain, Lumbered with you, dear, My whole life through dear, Oh, Why did it all begin? We had done a little drinking And the pair of us were stinking, And on top of that the lights were pretty shaded. It was't 'til the morning When the sun came up at dawning That I found my little rose was rather faded. Then, without any doubt, You pulled a fast one and caught me out, You poured me out a gin. And I had to sign on the dotted line Oh why did it all begin? Look what is on my plate How did I get in this awful state? This dreadful state I'm in Lumbered with you, dear, My whole life through dear, Oh, Why did it all begin? Tell me, Why did it all begin?! (Taken from memory, with assistance from Malcolm Smith's notes above) Nigel |
14 Jul 03 - 02:38 AM (#982742) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Gurney Late into this one, as usual. I have the LP 'Paddy Roberts Tries again", with the Dennis Wilson Octet, which has the following tracks: S1 1/ Let me introduce the boys. (Musical introduction, obviously) 2/ I gave my love a cherry. 3/ You're a square 4/ We've never had it so good 5/ I wanna go home 6/ The belle of Barking Creek 7/ Why did it all begin S2 1/ An awful lot of bull 2/ I love Mary 3/ The pie-eyed piper 4/ Tattooed lady 5/ We've got to thank Columbus 6/ Whats all this fuss about love It is Decca Record Co London # LK 4358 1960 |
19 Jul 03 - 10:29 AM (#986547) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: cobber The Ballad of Bethnal Green was on an album called the World of British Comedy and it also included a song in similar vein by Marty Feldman. Most of the rest was sketches by people like Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. I think I've still got it. I'll see if I can look it out and maybe make an MP3 of the track. |
22 Jul 03 - 04:25 PM (#988348) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: GUEST Dear All, About 40 years when we bought our first record player (mono of course) having very few records, we borrowed several from a neighbour, one was I think an "EP" (extended play", like a longish single, played I think at 45 rpm) by Paddy Roberts. As well as the Ballad of Bethnal Green (words below according to my memory, a little different from those suggested above, with uncertain words in square brackets) I can remember "The Englishman with his Sang Froid", "Love Isn't what it used to be" and "When I was a Little Wolf Cub and You Were a Brownie" (Thase may not have been the exact titles). Indeed I could probably if pushed remember large bits of the others and certainly the tunes. Not that I thought the tunes or words were out of this world, but as someone (?Noel Coward) once said "How extraordinary is the potency of cheap music" (or similar)! THE BALLAD OF BETHNAL GREEN I tell the tale of a jealous male and a maid of sweet sixteen. She was blonde and dumb and she lived with her Mum on the fringe of Bethnal Green. She worked all week for a rich old Greek for her dad was on the Dole. And her one delight was a Friday night when she had a little rock and roll. CHORUS: To my rit fal dal to my titty fal dal to my itty bitty fal dal day To my rit fal dal to my titty fal dal to my itty bitty fal dal day. Then one fine day in the month of May she found her big romance. He was dark and sleek with a scar on his cheek and a pair of Drainpipe pants. And she thought "With you I could be so true through all the years to come." For she loved the Gay Abandoned way he chewed his chewing gum. CHORUS. It started well because he fell for all her girlish charms [But he had some doubt] when he caught her out in someone else's arms He said "Look here, you know my dear, this is going a bit too far" Then he went quite white and he sloshed her right in the middle of her cha cha cha. CHORUS. He went before a man of the law who said "This will not do. I've had enough of this sort of stuff, By Gad, from the likes of you. And was she peeved when he received a longish term in clink. In a fit of pique she married the Greek and now she's dressed in mink. CHORUS |
23 Jul 03 - 04:04 AM (#988618) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Roger the Skiffler "I get" NOT "BY Gad" As posted alredyd by AndyG (where are they now...)in 1999...the correct words. By one of those spooky coincidences I was singing it (in my head) while on my daily walk yesterday (the forest rangers have requested I don't sing out loud, too many deer are throwing themselves in front of traffic). RtS (formerly RtZ) |
07 Sep 03 - 02:09 PM (#1014426) Subject: RE: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: Nigel Parsons Slight variation to Andy G's quote of "The Belle of Barking Creek" I remember (from the EP version) the verse: "And all day long she wheels her barrow And behaves like a good girl ought And she'll only stray from the straight and narrow When the fleet is home in port" as: "And every day she wheels her barrow Selling whelks and winkles by the Court*/Quart* And she only strays from the straight and narrow When the fleet is home in port." *(unsure, probably quart),and her trade is reminiscent of one Molly Malone! Nigel |
02 May 05 - 01:52 AM (#1476240) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Still looking for Ballad of Bethnal Green From: GUEST,sonja . . . . . She was blonde and dumb and lived with her Mum on the fringe of Bethnal Green Looking over all the other submissions, I think that about does it. Looks like you gottem all now. |
04 Mar 07 - 12:13 AM (#1985505) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: TRUBRIT An English mudcatter visited Sinsull (Barry - I think) and he and I reminisced about the song 'Ballad of Bethnal Green' - when he went back to England this dear man found the words and sent them to me and I have sung it since........great stuff |
04 Mar 07 - 01:01 AM (#1985523) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Robert From: Sandra in Sydney I wonder what happenned to John in Brisbane's books. I hope they went to a good home. .................. From: John in Brisbane - PM Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:58 PM I bought the two Paddy Roberts books 'Strictly For Grown Ups' and 'Paddy Roberts Tries Again'. Also advertised is a third LP 'Paddy Roberts Strikes Again' (presumably it also had a printed song album associated with it). UK publisher was Essex Music. I'll attempt to fill in the lyric blanks and notate the tunes sometime after Christmas. If too much time elapses please PM me if you need anything more specifically. Regards, John |
04 Mar 07 - 07:05 PM (#1986293) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: AJR if anyone wants details of the other Bethnal Gtreen" (The blind beggar's dauhter of Bednal Green" as I noticed someone asking, I can supply this having resarched its history. |
08 Jul 07 - 05:50 PM (#2097241) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Robert From: Celtaddict I have heard bits of 'Lavender Cowboy' off and on for years and am glad to see words. One question though: I have heard another verse (maybe more). There was some mention of his purse. And at some point the sheriff and a posse were after him (for stealing the strawberry gin?) and there was something about the sheriff saying "I'll getcha!" and the lavender cowboy saying, "Ooo, I'll letcha!" Was this perhaps added by someone else along the way? |
08 Jul 07 - 06:09 PM (#2097253) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,Chris Murray There are several Paddy Roberts' CDs on sale at Amazon.co.uk I'm a lifelong fan. |
24 Nov 07 - 11:55 AM (#2201335) Subject: RE:Lyrics of the Belle of Barking Creejk) From: GUEST,Jenny to Andy G I distinctly recall that the line was "her age had been a steady 21 since 1942" At the time (1963) I worked out that she was 42. That was the only line I could recall and I was reminded because I just turned 60 and someone described it as "the 39th anniversary of my 21st birthday" |
08 Apr 08 - 08:20 AM (#2309963) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,Silvertonsiren Can anyone provide the full lyrics for Belle of Barking Creek? Thanks! |
09 Apr 08 - 04:39 PM (#2311423) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: Gurney There you go, Silversiren. Look at the 'lyric add' posting. |
10 Apr 08 - 04:31 AM (#2311845) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Robert From: GUEST,Ray Just in case anyone is still interested - The Ballad of Bethnal Green was released on a Decca EP (DFE6584) "Strictly For Grown-ups" and first published in 1959. The other songs were - L'anglais avec son sang-froid, Follow Me and Love isn't what it used to be. This was followed in 1960 by (DFE6641) "Paddy Roberts Strikes Again" - with the songs The belle of Barking Creek, I love Mary, Tattooed Lady and Why did it all begin. Ray |
10 Apr 08 - 02:05 PM (#2312218) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Robert From: TRUBRIT The Belle of Barking Creek was a good one -- don't know the rest.....except of course Ballad of Bethnal Green which was hugely popular... |
16 May 09 - 08:24 PM (#2633608) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,Moriarty the dentist For the princely sum of 79p you can download the track ( or £7.99 for the entire album) from the itunes store. Just search 'Paddy Roberts'. My memories of Douglas Hastie singing the song around a BB campfire are re-kindled. |
02 Apr 10 - 02:05 PM (#2878258) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,Tom Lewis It went quite well because she fell for all his boyish charm but she had some doubts when she found him out in someone else arms Then she said look here you know my dear this is going a bit too far then she turned quite white and he sloshed her right in the middle of her cha cha cha. |
02 Apr 10 - 02:10 PM (#2878261) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,Tom L THE BALLAD OF BETHNAL GREEN. (Paddy Roberts) I tell the tale of a jealous male and a maid of sweet sixteen. She was blonde and dumb and she lived with her Mum on the fringe of Bethnal Green. She worked all week for a rich old Greek for her Pa was on the Dole. And her one delight was a Friday night when she had a little rock and roll. CHORUS: With my rit fal dal to my titty fal dal to my itty bitty fal dal day. Then one fine day in the month of may she found her big romance. He was tall and sleek with a scar on his cheek and a pair of Drainpipe pants. She thought with you I could be so true through all the years to come. For she loved the Gay Abandoned way he chewed his chewing gum. CHORUS. It went quite well because he fell for all his girlish charms but he had some doubts when he found her out in someone else arms. Then he said, look here you know my dear this is going a bit too far, then he turned quite white and sloshed her right in the middle of her cha cha cha. CHORUS. He was brought before a man of the law who said this will not do. I have had enough of the kind of stuff I gets from the likes of you. And was he peeved when he received a longish time in clink. In a fit of pique she married the Greek and now she's dressed in mink. CHORUS. |
24 Feb 13 - 12:34 PM (#3483272) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Ballad of Bethnal Green (Paddy Roberts) From: GUEST,jim bainbridge For me, another of Paddy Roberts' little gems was in French, and to the unlikely !! tune of 'A wee Deoch and Doris- 'Bonsoir ma cherie, comment allez-vous?' 'Je suis tres bien, merci beaucoup' 'Etes-vous fiancee?' 'Ca fait rien' 'Voulez-vous promenade avec moi ce soir?' 'Oui oui' 'Combien?' sorry about the lack of accents- don't know how to do that but you can see that all those daytrips to Boulogne have paid off... |
04 Mar 13 - 05:24 PM (#3486383) Subject: Lyr Add: WHY DID IT ALL BEGIN? (Paddy Roberts) From: Nigel Parsons WHY DID IT ALL BEGIN Paddy Roberts Why did it all begin? Why did I get in this mess I'm in? I guess I'm in the stew. You're awful snooty with me, my beauty, And I'm awful tired of you. Look what is on my plate. Why must I suffer this dreadful fate, This awful state I'm in? Lumbered with you dear, my whole life through, dear, Oh why did it all begin? We'd done a little drinking, And the pair of us were stinking. And our first embrace was underneath the table. It was really rather thrilling, You were ready, you were willing, And I very soon discovered you were able. But now that I'm on the spot, 'Spose I deserve ev'ry thing I've got. This sotted clot was I, But I'll bet a nicker I'm through with liquor, From now 'til the day I die. Why did I have to fall? Guess I intended to have a ball, But now it's all in vain. Oh what a night, had the ball alright, yes, Got me a ball and chain. You'll find you're not so choosy When you get a little woozy, And on top of that the lights were pretty shaded. It wasn't 'til the morning, When the sun came up at dawning, That I found my little rose was rather faded. Then, without any doubt, You pulled a fast one and caught me out, You poured me out a gin. And I had to sign on the dotted line. Oh, why did it all begin? Tell me, Why did it all begin? Transcribed from "Paddy Roberts tries again" NP |