To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=161778
4 messages

ADD/Tune Req: The Midnight Ranger

28 Mar 17 - 11:51 AM (#3847167)
Subject: Tune Req: The Midnight Ranger
From: GUEST,Dave of Mawkin

Hello Guys,

I've been delving into the archives of the Full English and have found an old broadside song called The Midnight Ranger written by Sam Bagnall. Looking for the tune? Any ideas?

cheers

Dave


28 Mar 17 - 12:43 PM (#3847178)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The Midnight Ranger
From: Anglogeezer

Well, there's this ......Midnight Ranger

at the V&A.

Jake


28 Mar 17 - 03:38 PM (#3847217)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: The Midnight Ranger
From: GUEST,Dave of Mawkin

Thanks Jake but thats just the front cover of the music, the actual music isn't in the collection.


28 Mar 17 - 07:51 PM (#3847254)
Subject: ADD: The Midnight Ranger
From: Joe Offer

Well, Mudcat being originally a lyrics Website, many of us are interested in the lyrics. If you find a song that interests you, please consider posting it here. I found a broadside at the Bodleian Library:

THE MIDNIGHT RANGER
(as sung by Sam Bagnall)

I'm a boy that's fond of a midnight lark,
Some folks call me a gay young spark;
The reason is my deeds are dark,
And they call me the midnight ranger!
    Music pealing, oft revealing,
    O'er my senses softly stealing,
    Gas lamps burning, home returning,
    Just before the break of day.

CHORUS
Rollicking about on a starlight night,
Tickling the girls is my soul's delight,
I'm going to be married to the "Woman in White,"
And I really believe she's an angel.

Shouting and bawling with might and main,
Wetting our gills with bright champagne;
I never have a loss, it's always gain,
I find, for the midnight ranger.
    Organs grinding, purses finding,
    Hats all batter'd, torn or lost,
    Umbrellas, drunken fellows;
    To the Station, fines and costs.

Each pal I have is a gay young spark,
And good for a spree, when the night is dark;
Our howling makes the watch dogs bark,
And we laugh to scorn all danger.
    Pebbles flinging, homeward singing,
    Wrenching knockers, ringing bells;
    Shutters marking, peelers chaffing,
    Laughing and larking with the girls.

T. Pearson, Printer, 4 & 6, Chadderton St., Oldham Road, Manchester

Parts of the text at Bodleian are not very legible.

The one at The Full English is much more legible, but I'm still not sure of the word "shutters" in the penultimate line of the last verse. Am I right? Not that the Full English text leaves out some words in the second line of the last verse.