To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=172680
92 messages

Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?

08 Sep 23 - 12:32 PM (#4180990)
Subject: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I was watching the documentary "The Coal War" from BBC Panorama on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3Cvw5Ybmg

At 4:40 and 5:30, snippets of a song are heard. The lyrics are as follows:
    ""I'm going down, although I am a Durham lad brought up in busty coal.

    I'm going down 'cause here the seams are all worked out and I don't want the dole.

    I'm going down to Nottingham good prospects are my goal.

    I'm going down although it grieves me sore to leave the town and folk I know.

    I'm going down because I am a miner born, I'll stay a miner still."

Comments on the video suggest that it is Ewan McColl singing, but I've not been able to get a title. It's a beautiful song, and I'd love to be able to hear the full version if such a thing exists, but maybe it was something that the singer just improv'd or something, as the lyrics sound like they're contemporary to the events shown in the documentary. But if anyone has any info, it would be most appreciated.


08 Sep 23 - 12:32 PM (#4190115)
Subject: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I was watching the documentary "The Coal War" from BBC Panorama on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m3Cvw5Ybmg

At 4:40 and 5:30, snippets of a song are heard. The lyrics are as follows:
    ""I'm going down, although I am a Durham lad brought up in busty coal.

    I'm going down 'cause here the seams are all worked out and I don't want the dole.

    I'm going down to Nottingham good prospects are my goal.

    I'm going down although it grieves me sore to leave the town and folk I know.

    I'm going down because I am a miner born, I'll stay a miner still."

Comments on the video suggest that it is Ewan McColl singing, but I've not been able to get a title. It's a beautiful song, and I'd love to be able to hear the full version if such a thing exists, but maybe it was something that the singer just improv'd or something, as the lyrics sound like they're contemporary to the events shown in the documentary. But if anyone has any info, it would be most appreciated.


08 Sep 23 - 12:52 PM (#4190098)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

it is Ewan, alright. i will contact jim carroll to see if he knows


08 Sep 23 - 12:52 PM (#4180993)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

it is Ewan, alright. i will contact jim carroll to see if he knows


08 Sep 23 - 02:19 PM (#4180995)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Very likely from The Radio Ballads series, 'The Big Hewer' available on CD. I have some of the Radio Ballads but not this one. As Dick says Jim will know and you can get him yourself on Facebook.


08 Sep 23 - 02:19 PM (#4190125)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Very likely from The Radio Ballads series, 'The Big Hewer' available on CD. I have some of the Radio Ballads but not this one. As Dick says Jim will know and you can get him yourself on Facebook.


08 Sep 23 - 02:56 PM (#4181000)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Reinhard

I thought so at first too, Steve, but I can't find these words in the Big Hewer transcript.


08 Sep 23 - 02:56 PM (#4190122)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Reinhard

I thought so at first too, Steve, but I can't find these words in the Big Hewer transcript.


08 Sep 23 - 03:12 PM (#4181002)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

Also had a quick scan through that album and couldn't find the song in question. Each of the Radio Ballads volumes are on the Internet Archive, in case that's not already known.


08 Sep 23 - 03:12 PM (#4190099)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

Also had a quick scan through that album and couldn't find the song in question. Each of the Radio Ballads volumes are on the Internet Archive, in case that's not already known.


08 Sep 23 - 05:30 PM (#4190126)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Reinhard, I don't have your email address. Can you PM me it please.


08 Sep 23 - 05:30 PM (#4181014)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Reinhard, I don't have your email address. Can you PM me it please.


08 Sep 23 - 05:32 PM (#4181015)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

I'll have a quick check in Lloyd.


08 Sep 23 - 05:32 PM (#4190127)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

I'll have a quick check in Lloyd.


08 Sep 23 - 05:44 PM (#4190128)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in 'Come all ye bold miners'. Probably too recent. Are you sure it's Ewan singing? Gez Lowe wrote quite a few good mining songs.


08 Sep 23 - 05:44 PM (#4181018)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in 'Come all ye bold miners'. Probably too recent. Are you sure it's Ewan singing? Gez Lowe wrote quite a few good mining songs.


09 Sep 23 - 02:09 AM (#4181037)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: r.padgett

Certainly sounds like Ewan singing and a long time ago ~ so unlikely to be Jez Lowe ~ very likely written by Ewan

Ray


09 Sep 23 - 02:09 AM (#4190124)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: r.padgett

Certainly sounds like Ewan singing and a long time ago ~ so unlikely to be Jez Lowe ~ very likely written by Ewan

Ray


09 Sep 23 - 10:11 AM (#4181079)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in MacColl's 'Shuttle and Cage' either.


09 Sep 23 - 10:11 AM (#4190129)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in MacColl's 'Shuttle and Cage' either.


09 Sep 23 - 10:15 AM (#4190130)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in his 'Personal Choice' which is mostly Sc Trad.


09 Sep 23 - 10:15 AM (#4181081)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in his 'Personal Choice' which is mostly Sc Trad.


09 Sep 23 - 10:17 AM (#4181082)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in the MacColl & Seeger Songbook either.


09 Sep 23 - 10:17 AM (#4190131)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

Not in the MacColl & Seeger Songbook either.


10 Sep 23 - 03:47 PM (#4190100)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

I'm guessing it was recorded some time around the late 50s, given the circumstances that are being sung about.


10 Sep 23 - 03:47 PM (#4181255)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

I'm guessing it was recorded some time around the late 50s, given the circumstances that are being sung about.


11 Sep 23 - 07:16 AM (#4181314)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

If it was on 'Panorama' they would have had to obtain clearance, so they will know (unless the BBC have wiped the tapes:)).


11 Sep 23 - 07:16 AM (#4190101)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

If it was on 'Panorama' they would have had to obtain clearance, so they will know (unless the BBC have wiped the tapes:)).


12 Sep 23 - 04:16 AM (#4190102)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

contact Peggy Seeger


12 Sep 23 - 04:16 AM (#4181383)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

contact Peggy Seeger


15 Sep 23 - 03:34 PM (#4181714)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I've contacted Ewan McColl's website. Maybe they'll have further information on the song.


15 Sep 23 - 03:34 PM (#4190103)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I've contacted Ewan McColl's website. Maybe they'll have further information on the song.


15 Sep 23 - 04:43 PM (#4190104)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

GOOD IDEA


15 Sep 23 - 04:43 PM (#4181717)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

GOOD IDEA


19 Sep 23 - 01:59 PM (#4181996)
Subject: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,Sandra Kerr

I've been asked by Peggy Seeger if I could find any information about a song which Ewan MacColl sang on a Panorama documentary called The Coal War, some time in the 80's. We don't have a proper title but I do have the lyrics:
    "I'm going down, although I am a Durham lad brought up in busty coal.
    I'm going down 'cause here the seams are all worked out and I don't want the dole.
    I'm going down to Nottingham good prospects are my goal.
    I'm going down although it grieves me sore to leave the town and folk I know.
    I'm going down because I am a miner born, I'll stay a miner still."

I know there had been some discussion about this piece before on Mudcat, but am unable to find it, so apologies for this request. I'd be very grateful if any one has anything to contribute. I have already been in touch with Jez Lowe and Ed Pickford who have made useful contributions to the search, but nothing concrete yet.
Many thanks and kind regards, Sandra


19 Sep 23 - 01:59 PM (#4190114)
Subject: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,Sandra Kerr

I've been asked by Peggy Seeger if I could find any information about a song which Ewan MacColl sang on a Panorama documentary called The Coal War, some time in the 80's. We don't have a proper title but I do have the lyrics:
    "I'm going down, although I am a Durham lad brought up in busty coal.
    I'm going down 'cause here the seams are all worked out and I don't want the dole.
    I'm going down to Nottingham good prospects are my goal.
    I'm going down although it grieves me sore to leave the town and folk I know.
    I'm going down because I am a miner born, I'll stay a miner still."

I know there had been some discussion about this piece before on Mudcat, but am unable to find it, so apologies for this request. I'd be very grateful if any one has anything to contribute. I have already been in touch with Jez Lowe and Ed Pickford who have made useful contributions to the search, but nothing concrete yet.
Many thanks and kind regards, Sandra


19 Sep 23 - 02:03 PM (#4190134)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: cnd

Previous thread - https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=172680&messages=17

Ironically, this forum was the one that suggested contacting Peggy!


19 Sep 23 - 02:03 PM (#4181998)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: cnd

Previous thread - https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=172680&messages=17

Ironically, this forum was the one that suggested contacting Peggy!


19 Sep 23 - 03:16 PM (#4182005)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,maeve

Sandra Kerr, it is a pleasure to see you here on Mudcat. I am sure someone will come through eventually!


19 Sep 23 - 03:16 PM (#4190111)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,maeve

Sandra Kerr, it is a pleasure to see you here on Mudcat. I am sure someone will come through eventually!


19 Sep 23 - 04:38 PM (#4190117)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Helen

A new thread opened on same topic:

Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
    Threads combined. -Joe Offer-


19 Sep 23 - 04:38 PM (#4182012)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Helen

A new thread opened on same topic:

Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
    Threads combined. -Joe Offer-


19 Sep 23 - 08:12 PM (#4182034)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Robert B. Waltz

I no more know what this song is than anyone else here, but I have a suggestion for where to look if someone can find the book: The Thomas Armstrong songbook ("25 Popular Songs"). Armstrong (1848-1920) was a labour poet with a strong interest in mining, author e.g. of "The Durham Strike." He was a miner who was born in Durham. There is a short biography here: http://www.pitmanpoet.org.uk/TommyArmstrong/TommyArmstrong.htm.

That's not a guarantee, but he seems a reasonable candidate for the author.


19 Sep 23 - 08:12 PM (#4190135)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Robert B. Waltz

I no more know what this song is than anyone else here, but I have a suggestion for where to look if someone can find the book: The Thomas Armstrong songbook ("25 Popular Songs"). Armstrong (1848-1920) was a labour poet with a strong interest in mining, author e.g. of "The Durham Strike." He was a miner who was born in Durham. There is a short biography here: http://www.pitmanpoet.org.uk/TommyArmstrong/TommyArmstrong.htm.

That's not a guarantee, but he seems a reasonable candidate for the author.


20 Sep 23 - 07:33 AM (#4182058)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

I used to have Tommy's book and indeed sang some of the songs. Unfortunately I lent it out long ago and never got it back. From what I can remember most of Tommy's songs concerned the social side of the miners. There is also an album to look out for which I think is simply titled 'Tommy Armstrong of Tyneside' and features The High-Level Ranters.

Use of the word 'busty' might be relevant here as I'm sure Tommy used the word in his songs 'gannin doon the Busty pit'.

Surely there must be some Durham lads on here can give us chapter & voss.

Another writer more recently on the Durham pits is Gez Lowe.


20 Sep 23 - 07:33 AM (#4190132)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

I used to have Tommy's book and indeed sang some of the songs. Unfortunately I lent it out long ago and never got it back. From what I can remember most of Tommy's songs concerned the social side of the miners. There is also an album to look out for which I think is simply titled 'Tommy Armstrong of Tyneside' and features The High-Level Ranters.

Use of the word 'busty' might be relevant here as I'm sure Tommy used the word in his songs 'gannin doon the Busty pit'.

Surely there must be some Durham lads on here can give us chapter & voss.

Another writer more recently on the Durham pits is Gez Lowe.


20 Sep 23 - 01:17 PM (#4190105)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

Morrison Busty was a colliery in NW Durham- the Busty seam was a very prolific coal seam which ran through the Durham strata & was a major coal source for many of the local collieries


20 Sep 23 - 01:17 PM (#4182092)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST

Morrison Busty was a colliery in NW Durham- the Busty seam was a very prolific coal seam which ran through the Durham strata & was a major coal source for many of the local collieries


20 Sep 23 - 01:33 PM (#4182093)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Dave Sutherland

It could be worth checking out the songs of Jock Purdom as he had written about North East miners having to move to Nottingham in Farewell to the Cotia. This was set in the early to mid sixties long after Tommy Armstrong.
Also try some of Johnny Handle's lesser known songs if they are available.


20 Sep 23 - 01:33 PM (#4190120)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Dave Sutherland

It could be worth checking out the songs of Jock Purdom as he had written about North East miners having to move to Nottingham in Farewell to the Cotia. This was set in the early to mid sixties long after Tommy Armstrong.
Also try some of Johnny Handle's lesser known songs if they are available.


20 Sep 23 - 03:05 PM (#4190133)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

I think all of Johnny's pitman songs are about the North Tyne pits. Benny Graham would be a good source too.


20 Sep 23 - 03:05 PM (#4182101)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Steve Gardham

I think all of Johnny's pitman songs are about the North Tyne pits. Benny Graham would be a good source too.


20 Sep 23 - 04:53 PM (#4182102)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

As mentioned, I've written to Ewan McColl's website, and I've been told that the song has been passed to Ewan's son, Callum, for an ID. Hopefully will hear back in the coming days.


20 Sep 23 - 04:53 PM (#4190106)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

As mentioned, I've written to Ewan McColl's website, and I've been told that the song has been passed to Ewan's son, Callum, for an ID. Hopefully will hear back in the coming days.


21 Sep 23 - 01:29 AM (#4190107)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

Jez Lowe is the correct spelling of his name.


21 Sep 23 - 01:29 AM (#4182112)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

Jez Lowe is the correct spelling of his name.


21 Sep 23 - 02:00 AM (#4182114)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

how about contacting Johnny Handle


21 Sep 23 - 02:00 AM (#4190108)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

how about contacting Johnny Handle


21 Sep 23 - 04:45 PM (#4190112)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,Brian_M

Who contacted Peggy about the song? I got in touch with Ewan McColl's website, run by Calum McColl and his wife Kerry about the song. I'm just wondering if they also asked Peggy, because if they did, and she, or someone acting on her behalf, is pinging the search back to this site, then this thing is sort of turning into a bit of an Ouroboros.


21 Sep 23 - 04:45 PM (#4182162)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,Brian_M

Who contacted Peggy about the song? I got in touch with Ewan McColl's website, run by Calum McColl and his wife Kerry about the song. I'm just wondering if they also asked Peggy, because if they did, and she, or someone acting on her behalf, is pinging the search back to this site, then this thing is sort of turning into a bit of an Ouroboros.


21 Sep 23 - 05:24 PM (#4182165)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I have also contacted BBC Panorama.


21 Sep 23 - 05:24 PM (#4190109)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I have also contacted BBC Panorama.


22 Sep 23 - 01:48 AM (#4190113)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,RJM

could it be a song by johnny handle?


22 Sep 23 - 01:48 AM (#4182187)
Subject: RE: Origins: Request for information re: miner's song
From: GUEST,RJM

could it be a song by johnny handle?


23 Sep 23 - 12:12 PM (#4190118)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Tattie Bogle

We’ve got Jez Lowe coming to our folk club as guest next Tuesday: will try to remember to ask him if he can shed any light on it.


23 Sep 23 - 12:12 PM (#4182255)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Tattie Bogle

We’ve got Jez Lowe coming to our folk club as guest next Tuesday: will try to remember to ask him if he can shed any light on it.


23 Sep 23 - 12:44 PM (#4182257)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

Mick Jones? composer of all along the Rossendale


23 Sep 23 - 12:44 PM (#4190110)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

Mick Jones? composer of all along the Rossendale


24 Sep 23 - 04:54 AM (#4182308)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler

Just to point out that the wording in "All along the Rossendale" really annoys the residents of Rossendale. There is no valley called "Rossendale". The area is Rossendale which is composed of 5 valleys. "All throughout all Rossendale" would be acceptable.

Perhaps I'll start a thread on mislabled geography in folksong.

Robin


24 Sep 23 - 04:54 AM (#4190123)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler

Just to point out that the wording in "All along the Rossendale" really annoys the residents of Rossendale. There is no valley called "Rossendale". The area is Rossendale which is composed of 5 valleys. "All throughout all Rossendale" would be acceptable.

Perhaps I'll start a thread on mislabled geography in folksong.

Robin


29 Sep 23 - 07:21 PM (#4182718)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Tattie Bogle

Well, I asked Jez: definitely not one of his, and he didn’t know whose it was, although I think he had heard of it. I tried!


29 Sep 23 - 07:21 PM (#4190119)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Tattie Bogle

Well, I asked Jez: definitely not one of his, and he didn’t know whose it was, although I think he had heard of it. I tried!


11 Oct 23 - 07:20 AM (#4183406)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Dave Sutherland

I saw Benny Graham last night and mentioned this to him but the song didn't ring any bells with him. However he did suggest that the songs or repertoire of Roger Watson could be explored especially regarding the Nottingham/Mining connection.


11 Oct 23 - 07:20 AM (#4190121)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this coal mining song?
From: Dave Sutherland

I saw Benny Graham last night and mentioned this to him but the song didn't ring any bells with him. However he did suggest that the songs or repertoire of Roger Watson could be explored especially regarding the Nottingham/Mining connection.


07 Nov 23 - 04:58 PM (#4185498)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Joe Offer

I combined the two threads on this song, and cleaned things up a bit. Still no answer. Anybody have ideas?
Am I safe adding MacColl's name to the thread title? It's certainly his voice, isn't it?
https://youtu.be/7m3Cvw5Ybmg?t=272
-Joe-


07 Nov 23 - 04:58 PM (#4191960)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Joe Offer

I combined the two threads on this song, and cleaned things up a bit. Still no answer. Anybody have ideas?
Am I safe adding MacColl's name to the thread title? It's certainly his voice, isn't it?
https://youtu.be/7m3Cvw5Ybmg?t=272
-Joe-


08 Nov 23 - 02:17 AM (#4191957)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

yes, it is his voice


08 Nov 23 - 02:17 AM (#4185527)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

yes, it is his voice


08 Nov 23 - 10:47 AM (#4185549)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

Roger Watson told me he did NOT write it


08 Nov 23 - 10:47 AM (#4191958)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

Roger Watson told me he did NOT write it


08 Nov 23 - 03:05 PM (#4191961)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

GUEST,Brian_M Date: 21 Sep 23 - 05:24 PM said: "I have also contacted BBC Panorama. "

Was there any reply or useful info from BBC?


08 Nov 23 - 03:05 PM (#4185564)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

GUEST,Brian_M Date: 21 Sep 23 - 05:24 PM said: "I have also contacted BBC Panorama. "

Was there any reply or useful info from BBC?


08 Nov 23 - 03:27 PM (#4185566)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

I just watched the credits at the end of the Panorama show (which was linked in the original post by GUEST,Brian_M) but found no info on the music credits, but I think I found a slight lead at 4.04 mins. The part in which the song is used is in an old piece of footage with the title The Mining Review with an RCA Sound Recording brand below the title.

This is a page from The National Library of Scotland archives (may all the gods, Celtic and others, bless archivists and librarians including retired ex-librarians like me! Sorry! Couldn't stop myself!):

The Mining Review

That link refers to a specific episode but a search of their film archive may reveal the correct footage and if you are really lucky the credits will give the answer to our mystery. If it is not in the Scottish archive it may be in another one.


08 Nov 23 - 03:27 PM (#4191962)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

I just watched the credits at the end of the Panorama show (which was linked in the original post by GUEST,Brian_M) but found no info on the music credits, but I think I found a slight lead at 4.04 mins. The part in which the song is used is in an old piece of footage with the title The Mining Review with an RCA Sound Recording brand below the title.

This is a page from The National Library of Scotland archives (may all the gods, Celtic and others, bless archivists and librarians including retired ex-librarians like me! Sorry! Couldn't stop myself!):

The Mining Review

That link refers to a specific episode but a search of their film archive may reveal the correct footage and if you are really lucky the credits will give the answer to our mystery. If it is not in the Scottish archive it may be in another one.


09 Nov 23 - 03:24 AM (#4191963)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

This song just popped into my head, and although the melody is not the same as the mystery song in this thread the chord progression seems similar, and this page states that Ewan MacColl wrote it:

School days over

I might be barking up the wrong tree, but is it possible that Mr MacColl rewrote the lyrics to fit the topic of the documentary? It might also explain why it is so difficult to track down. It could be a one-off, project-related song.

(And just as an aside, I did an internet search for the phrase "down to Nottingham good prospects are my goal" and found the same request for info on Reddit, also posted by our GUEST,Brian_M, and the two AI/ChatBots said they could find nothing on the song and that ended the discussion, so we humans can pat ourselves on the back for caring enough to search for the answer to the mystery, even if we don't solve it. :-D )


09 Nov 23 - 03:24 AM (#4185596)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

This song just popped into my head, and although the melody is not the same as the mystery song in this thread the chord progression seems similar, and this page states that Ewan MacColl wrote it:

School days over

I might be barking up the wrong tree, but is it possible that Mr MacColl rewrote the lyrics to fit the topic of the documentary? It might also explain why it is so difficult to track down. It could be a one-off, project-related song.

(And just as an aside, I did an internet search for the phrase "down to Nottingham good prospects are my goal" and found the same request for info on Reddit, also posted by our GUEST,Brian_M, and the two AI/ChatBots said they could find nothing on the song and that ended the discussion, so we humans can pat ourselves on the back for caring enough to search for the answer to the mystery, even if we don't solve it. :-D )


09 Nov 23 - 02:22 PM (#4185618)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

i would agree with you


09 Nov 23 - 02:22 PM (#4191959)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,RJM

i would agree with you


28 Jan 24 - 07:14 PM (#4196306)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

We'll probably never know. Although I had heard from Maccoll's people that they were looking into it, I never got an answer, so if they don't know, then I expect noone else will.


28 Jan 24 - 07:30 PM (#4196307)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: Helen

Oh well, it was fun researching it! But please let us know if you find the answer to the mystery.


31 Jan 24 - 06:03 AM (#4196435)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Iains

https://www.reddit.com/r/NameThatSong/comments/16d94kg/folk_song_about_coal_mining_sung_by_ewan_mccoll/
4.41 minutes in


20 Feb 24 - 08:38 AM (#4197587)
Subject: RE: Origins: What is this MacColl coal mining song?
From: GUEST,Brian_M

I posted that Reddit thread. Note the username.