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Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty

09 Dec 98 - 11:37 PM (#48781)
Subject: Nobody loves a fairy
From:

Looking for the lyrics of a music hall song called "Nobody loves a fairy once she's forty"


10 Dec 98 - 08:51 AM (#48826)
Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
From: alison

Hi,

Here you go,

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty. Arthur Le Clerq

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old,
she may still have a magic power but that is not enough
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff
When once your silver star has lost it's glitter
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold
Your fairy days are ending when your wand has started bending
No one loves a fairy when she's old.

Let me know if you need the tune.

Slainte

alison


10 Dec 98 - 09:58 AM (#48831)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Barbara

I need the tune,alison.


10 Dec 98 - 10:45 AM (#48840)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Steve Parkes

There are verses, as well! I can't remember much - it's not one I sing a lot now (I was forty a few yerars ago), but I'll try and find them at the weekend.

Steve


15 Dec 98 - 06:27 AM (#49544)
Subject: Tune Add: NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY^^
From: alison

Hi Barbara,

Here's the tune....... sorry I don't have any of the verses.

slainte

alison

MIDI file: NOBODYLO.MID

Timebase: 480

Name: Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty
TimeSig: 4/4 24 8
Key: C
Tempo: 140 (428571 microsec/crotchet)
Start
1440 1 64 048 0478 0 64 048 0002 1 67 038 0478 0 67 038 0002 1 64 041 0442 1 65 032 0097 0 64 041 0381 0 65 032 0084 1 62 035 0402 1 64 052 0034 0 62 035 0444 0 64 052 0019 1 67 030 0478 0 67 030 0022 1 69 042 0478 0 69 042 0010 1 72 042 0431 1 74 047 0038 0 72 042 0971 1 74 046 0031 0 74 047 2336 1 76 049 0031 0 74 046 0447 0 76 049 0052 1 74 042 0398 1 72 036 0080 0 74 042 0398 0 72 036 0067 1 71 044 0467 0 71 044 0002 1 72 038 0478 0 72 038 0002 1 74 045 0478 0 74 045 0002 1 72 038 0478 0 72 038 0002 1 67 032 0424 0 67 032 0018 1 66 042 0518 0 66 042 0000 1 65 057 3355 1 64 054 0031 0 65 057 0419 0 64 054 0035 1 65 038 0440 0 65 038 0002 1 65 030 0478 0 65 030 0051 1 65 050 0467 0 65 050 0002 1 65 042 0478 0 65 042 0002 1 69 050 0478 0 69 050 0002 1 69 049 0478 0 69 049 0002 1 69 042 0478 0 69 042 0002 1 69 037 0478 0 69 037 0002 1 65 042 0478 0 65 042 0002 1 65 038 0489 0 65 038 0019 1 65 036 0478 0 65 036 0018 1 65 036 0434 0 65 036 0002 1 69 053 1438 0 69 053 0002 1 67 040 0478 0 67 040 0002 1 66 040 0478 0 66 040 0002 1 65 042 0478 0 65 042 0002 1 66 042 0478 0 66 042 0002 1 67 044 0478 0 67 044 0002 1 69 057 0478 0 69 057 0002 1 68 037 0478 0 68 037 0002 1 69 050 0478 0 69 050 0002 1 72 045 0478 0 72 045 0002 1 71 049 0478 0 71 049 0002 1 71 037 0478 0 71 037 0002 1 69 044 0478 0 69 044 0002 1 69 041 0480 0 69 041 0027 1 67 042 1413 1 64 040 0014 0 67 042 0464 0 64 040 0002 1 67 041 0478 0 67 041 0002 1 64 042 0478 0 64 042 0002 1 65 053 0456 0 65 053 0019 1 62 038 0485 0 62 038 0000 1 64 052 0456 0 64 052 0019 1 67 045 0478 0 67 045 0002 1 69 044 0463 1 72 057 0015 0 69 044 0463 0 72 057 0019 1 74 047 0958 0 74 047 0002 1 74 044 1923 0 74 044 0002 1 74 054 0478 0 74 054 0002 1 76 038 0478 0 76 038 0002 1 74 039 0426 1 72 043 0113 0 74 039 0387 0 72 043 0034 1 71 040 0478 0 71 040 0002 1 72 036 0478 0 72 036 0002 1 74 045 0478 0 74 045 0002 1 72 045 0456 0 72 045 0068 1 67 044 0447 1 68 044 0031 0 67 044 0400 1 69 049 0038 0 68 044 3360 1 76 032 0014 0 69 049 0464 0 76 032 0002 1 74 049 0458 1 72 045 0064 0 74 049 0400 1 69 043 0014 0 72 045 0464 0 69 043 0018 1 65 031 0478 0 65 031 0068 1 64 052 0436 1 62 033 0047 0 64 052 0431 0 62 033 0002 1 64 049 0478 0 64 049 0002 1 65 036 0478 0 65 036 0002 1 67 043 0478 0 67 043 0002 1 67 048 0478 0 67 048 0002 1 66 035 0478 0 66 035 0002 1 67 040 0478 0 67 040 0002 1 70 033 0478 0 70 033 0002 1 68 038 1438 0 68 038 0002 1 69 038 0478 0 69 038 0002 1 69 040 0478 0 69 040 0002 1 68 036 0478 0 68 036 0002 1 69 032 0478 0 69 032 0002 1 76 029 0478 0 76 029 0002 1 74 044 0478 0 74 044 0002 1 67 037 0478 0 67 037 0002 1 74 038 0480 0 74 038 0028 1 72 042 1439 0 72 042
End

This program is worth the effort of learning it.

To download the March 10 MIDItext 98 software and get instructions on how to use it click here

ABC format:

X:1
T:Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty
M:4/4
Q:1/4=140
K:C
E8|G2E7/4F5/2D3/2E/4|-E2G2A2c7/4d/4|-d4d4|
-d6e2|d7/4c9/4B2c2|d2c2G7/4^F9/4|F8|-F6E2|
F7/4F9/4F2F2|A2A2A2A2|F2F2F9/4F7/4|A6G2|^F2F2^F2G2|
A2^G2A2c2|B2B2A2A2|G6E2|G2E2F2D2|E2G2A2c2|
d4d4|-d4d2e2|d7/4c9/4B2c2|d2c9/4G7/4^G7/4A/4|
-A8|A6e2|-e8|d8|-d2c7/4A9/4F2|-F/4E7/4D2E2F2|
G2G2^F2G2|^A2^G6|A2A2^G2A2|e2d2G2d2|c8||

^^


15 Dec 98 - 10:55 AM (#49576)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Steve Parkes

Well, now you have the tune. Sorry I can't find the sheet music, ther are two or three verses, all of which I seem to have forgotten.

Steve


14 Aug 01 - 11:00 AM (#527665)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: JudeL

I too would like the lyrics of this song. Having searched the forum I found this thread that was started Dec 98, but still only has the chorus. Maybe since then someone may have found the missing verses..... please
Jude


16 Aug 01 - 08:41 AM (#529101)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: JudeL

refresh


16 Aug 01 - 09:11 AM (#529123)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler

I couldn't track down the lyrics either. Wasn't it Douglas Byng who had the big hit with it? A gay friend who has been known to appear in drag as "Ruby Snatch" does the bit quoted but I'm not sure if he knows any other verses. He's a colleague of my wife's and she helped him get made up for their office Xmas show. "I never thought I'd hear myself say at work :'Get your trousers off and I'll help you on with your tights'" she told me later!
RtS


16 Aug 01 - 09:19 AM (#529129)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Wolfgang

I found it being described as a 'one-verse song' in a search. If that's true, the search is over.

Wolfgang


16 Aug 01 - 09:29 AM (#529136)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler

I e-mailed Herself. She says "Ruby" has just sung her the first verse over the 'phone! He's going to let me know if he comes up with any more but Wolfgang may well be right about it being one verse only (he usually is!).
RtS


16 Aug 01 - 09:33 AM (#529141)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: JudeL

No, its not a one verse song as I've heard it sung in it's entirety before, I just can't remember who or when, although I think it may have been at either Maidenhead FC or Hurga.


16 Aug 01 - 09:47 AM (#529148)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Wolfgang

It is a one-verse song in:

Busking for Special Occasions
Printed: 1981
Publisher: Wise Publications

but that doesn't prove it has not been sung somewhere with more verses. It seems to be a songs that cries for more verses to be added. I'd love to see them.

Wolfgang


16 Aug 01 - 04:10 PM (#529576)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,bigJ

Didn't Tessie O'Shea have a hit with this?


17 Aug 01 - 03:33 AM (#529953)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler

If your PC can do video (I can't) you can see a performance here .
Whether it has extra verses I don't know.
RtS


17 Aug 01 - 06:03 AM (#529988)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler

Sorry, my friend Peter (aka Ruby Snatch) can't remember any more words.(His favourite party piece is a number called;"Let's all be fairies", let's not go there!) There are some recordings out there if you do a Google search.
RtS


19 Aug 01 - 03:49 PM (#531287)
Subject: Lyr Add: NO-ONE LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY ^^
From: JudeL

A friend heard I was looking for it and sent me this!

Jude


NO-ONE LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
(Arthur le Clerq)

For years a fairy queen I've been.
For years I've followed the demon king.
But alas, I'm getting on, the years have flown by somehow,
And I feel that Fairy Snowdrop isn't wanted now.

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
She may still have her magic powers, but that is not enough.
They all want their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff.
When once your silver star has lost its glitter,
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold,
Your fairy days are ending when your wand has started bending.
No one loves a fairy when she's old.

'Twas I who helped Aladdin find a cave that wasn't there.
'Twas I who made Dick Whittington* turn round and then Lord Mayor.
I've been Spirit of the Flowers and Fairy Daffodil.
I've been Fairy of the Wind, ay, and suffer from it still.
In satin-coloured ballet shoes I toe-danced through the glen,
Beloved by all the children and run after by the men.
No-one could touch me at the splits; me splits were all the rage
Until the Woodman left his chopper on the stage. (What a mess!)

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
She may still have her magic powers, but that is not enough.
They want their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff.
When you can't cast a spell without it spilling,
And a fairy tale in years you haven't told,
You stand there shouting "What ho!" but they all pass by your grotto.
No-one loves a fairy when she's old.


(*) "Whit Dickington" is sung by Tessie O'Shea
^^


19 Aug 01 - 03:56 PM (#531293)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: JudeL

Don't you just hate it when you miss out a line break! ......Help......
.... Where's a Joe Clone when you need one!


19 Aug 01 - 07:58 PM (#531427)
Subject: Lyr Add: Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty
From: Lin in Kansas

Seems to me this tune, with all 4 verses, really ought to be in the DT...

Lin


19 Aug 01 - 08:19 PM (#531446)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Helen

For a visual image of an ageing female fairy, have a look at one of the imaginary friends in the psychiatrist's waiting room scene of the movie Drop Dead Fred. This song and that fairy dressed in satin are inextricably linked now in my brain.

Helen


16 Sep 02 - 06:29 AM (#784957)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Dave Bryant

I'm sure I've heard a verse with lines which go some thing like

And every elf and every pixie
close their doors and all shout nixie
No-one loves a fairy when she's old


16 Sep 02 - 05:13 PM (#785439)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Crane Driver

There's also a sort of conciliatory last verse, in which the fairy admits she's relieved not to get a length of sitka spruce rammed between her bumcheeks every christmas from now on, but I don't know the actual words - song challenge, anyone?

Andrew


16 Sep 02 - 05:20 PM (#785446)
Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
From: GUEST,Jim McLean

I've been playing this on the piano for years and here are the verses I have:

NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
Words and Music by Arthur Le Clerq
Published by Lawrence Wright

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
She may still have a magic power, but that is not enough.
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff.
When once your silver star has lost its glitter,
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold,
Your fairy days are ending,
When your wand has started bending.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
The face of this immortal one to many has appealed,
But gone is the illusion once you've had it soled and heeled.
When you've lost your little dimples,
And the moth-holes in your dress let in the cold,
The goblins and the pixies
Turn their backs and say "Hi, Nixey."
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
As far as I can see they try to push you off the map,
When once your wand has withered and your wings refuse to flap.
When you can't cast a spell without it spilling,
And a fairy tale for years you haven't told.
You stand there shouting "What-O"
But they all pass by your grotto.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
They don't give you an earthly chance to make a livelihood.
They're building council houses now in my enchanted wood.
When you are past the age for television,
And the air you use is government controlled,
It seems that they would sooner
Listen to a blinkin' crooner.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.

Cheers,
Jim Mclean


16 Sep 02 - 06:57 PM (#785523)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Herga Kitty

I suspect JudeL got the Tessie O'Shea version from me, because that's the version I've sung at Herga, Maidenhead, and Wycombe (and probably Uxbridge too!. The words that Jim McLean has posted have been published by EMI Music Publishing Ltd(with the music) in the Bumper Book of Music Hall Songs.

In the Tessie O'Shea version, I thinks it's "foiled" the Demon King, not "followed". The fairy was with the good guys.

Kitty


17 Sep 02 - 04:28 AM (#785819)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,MCP

Kitty - Close! - in fact she got it from me (e-mailed after Grove last year).

Mick


17 Sep 02 - 04:30 AM (#785820)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Dave Bryant

Jim's version is definitely the one that I've heard before, but I seem to remember some other bit's - there was a sort of intro something like "For years I've lived in Fairy Dell". Can anyone remember a character on the folk scene called Dave Calderhead (he was once my boss) - he used to do a wonderful version of the song.


17 Sep 02 - 07:50 AM (#785920)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Jim McLean

The version I posted has a copyright date of 1934 but the last verse has a reference to television. It seems like there are many 'spurious' versions/verses around. Cheers, Jim Mclean


17 Sep 02 - 11:58 AM (#786018)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Peter T.

This is a great thread. 4 years to the most complete lyrics!! -- I remember when it was first here in 98 (no one loves a mudcatter, etc.). Mudcat gold. yours, Peter T.


17 Sep 02 - 07:32 PM (#786234)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Leadfingers

Contact the Crediton Folk Festival People (that,s the one in March in Devon,U.K.) John and Pete who run the Festival do a very good version,verse and chorus,with John doing a superb falsetto vocal.


17 Sep 02 - 08:39 PM (#786288)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Herga Kitty

Re Dave Bryant's post - not only do I remember Dave Calderhead aka the singing Toby Jug, but I can still sing 6 verses of "A folking I will go". Sadly, I don't remember his version of "Nobody loves a fairy"

Kitty


17 Sep 02 - 09:16 PM (#786310)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Herga Kitty

Re MCP's post..

The recording of Tessie O'Shea, on a compilation of music hall songs called "Music Hall Memories" gives a date of 2 November 1928 (though still Lawrence Wright Music Co Ltd).


26 Sep 03 - 03:58 PM (#1025275)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: GUEST,jill@murfin19.freeserve.co.uk

I am desperately seeking the sheet music or at least the piano part for Nobody Loves a Fairy when she's 40 - - -this is for our school pantomime and I found it on sheetmusicwarehouse.com but they have sold their only copy - - - - I have "Sibelius" software if anyone oculd scan and attach the dots I could probably unscramble it!

PLEASE can you help me please!!!!!!

many thanks
Jill [ frustrated music teacher!]


26 Sep 03 - 06:50 PM (#1025355)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: Long Firm Freddie

I've just emailed a scan of the sheet music to Jill.

I mentioned to her that I've seen this song performed by a (male) member of the Hiss and Boo Music Hall Company.

It was an absolute riot!

LFF


26 Sep 03 - 07:17 PM (#1025372)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: The Fooles Troupe

This is one of my favourite songs.

The goblins and the pixies turn their backs and say "Hi, Nixey,"

I don't get the "Nixey" reference

I assume the turning away expresses disapproval, but is there any connection with the "Nixey" reference?

Robin


26 Sep 03 - 09:15 PM (#1025431)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: LadyJean

A nixey is a water fairy. Check Katherine Briggs.


27 Sep 03 - 05:30 AM (#1025543)
Subject: RE: Nobody loves a fairy
From: John MacKenzie

I'm sure I also remember Dora Bryan doing this. The memory of someone else doing it in drag eludes me, but maybe it will come to me.

Giok


06 Oct 03 - 12:17 PM (#1030615)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,Geoffrey

I too have loved following this thread!
I had the sheet music all ready to send to Jill, when I noticed that
"Long firm freddie' had allready done so.
Freddie: I would be interested to compare our editions. (mine is half hand written)

Geoffrey in Melbourne Australia write to me:


gb@geoffreybaird.com


08 Oct 03 - 07:00 AM (#1031683)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: The Fooles Troupe

I know I have 2 versions of this in print - full pianoforte sheet music - I found one version while looking for something else... :-) as per Murphy...

Nobody Loves A Fairy When She's Forty
Words & Music By ArthurLe Clerq
Copyright 1934 all Countries Lawrence Wright Music Co Ltd.

Arranged by Frank Booth
appears in
It's Easy To Play Music Hall
Copyright 1989
Wise Publications
UK ISBN 0.7119.1363.3
Order No AM59287
Avail from
Music Sales Limited England
Music Sales Pty Ltd Australia

4 Verses
Firstly See Judel 19 Aug 01 message above -

This version first verse is the same as Judel 19 Aug 01 version first full verse - no short intro.
This version 3rd verse is same as Judel 19 Aug 01 3rd verse.
Judel Alladin verse missing from this version - 2 addtl verses.

My data entry is my least talent, but I'll try - eventually...

There's a whole "Easy To Play" Series - 60 (including a Sampler, Swing, 20'-80's, Bluse, Boogie-Woogie, Folk, XMAS, R&B, Pub Songs...) listed on the back of this book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Further down the thread

Jim McLean 16 Sep 02 version.

Mostly identical all 4 verses with this one in this book.

~~~~~~~~~
Still looking for additional verses, if known.


Best line seen so far
"I've been Fairy of the Wind, ay, an suffer from it still"
which seems to remind me of some other Mudcat Threads... :-)

I seem to remember that were some different verses in the other version I have somewhere...

Robin
(Australia)


24 Feb 04 - 02:06 PM (#1122730)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,HAZEL

hi,

does anyone know where I can get a recording of this song?


24 Feb 04 - 05:30 PM (#1122912)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: Stewie

Hazel, if you do a Google search you will find several on offer such as:

Click Here.

--Stewie.


25 Feb 04 - 05:20 AM (#1123281)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,HAZEL

Stewie you are a diamond - thanks so much!


16 Apr 04 - 12:23 PM (#1163267)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,Tony

Does anyone know where I can get a VHS recording of Nobody Loves a Fairy etc etc?


16 Apr 04 - 11:46 PM (#1163687)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: The Fooles Troupe

This seems like a send up from an anonymous GUEST. The words and the tune, even a place to find a sound recording are clearly stated above. After all a "VHS recording" is to be played back on a TV, and implies that most likely some person is doing the act live, although there may be an animated character version out there. Without a name to look for, we wouldn't know WHO you wanted the recording of.

Robin


23 Apr 04 - 02:13 PM (#1169199)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,Sue Storey

Some friends and I have been performing this little ditty for people who have hit the 40 mark for several years - since we were 40 in fact! We do a little dance and dress in fairy outfits with long wands - which drop suggestively when we reach the line 'Your fairy days are ending, when your wand has started bending..' It's always been a riot and you can suit the age appropriately! I now plan to do it at a friend's 60th in May but have lost my old tape with the music and desperately need the sheet music. Can anyone oblige? Choreography instructions can be provided!!!

suestorey@hotmail.com


24 Apr 04 - 06:22 PM (#1169985)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: The Fooles Troupe

If you read this whole thread, you will find details of some sheet music books above - not all may be currently available, but it is a start to looking, first in music stores, then on the Net.

Robin


27 Apr 04 - 07:57 AM (#1172139)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,MCP

Robin - you seem to be being a bit hard on these guests ;-), so:

Guest, tony - I can't see any video of the song being performed. Tessie O'Shea seems to appear only in videos/DVDs of films, none of music hall performances. The CD referred to above (Music Hall Memories) is still available. There are some music hall videos available, but I can't see listings of song contents. The video clip of NLAF linked to by Roger the Skiffler above seems to exist no longer (even if you correct the link! I did look at it long ago, but it's years out of cache by now).

Sue Storey - there are several book with the song in, some listed above. If you're desperate, then Long Firm Freddie had a scan of it (see post above). If you are a member you can send him a personal message (PM) and ask him if he still has it annd can send it to you.

Mick


27 Apr 04 - 08:04 AM (#1172151)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,MCP

A copy of the 1934 sheet music seems to be available for £8 from The Sheet Music Warehouse - NLAF

Mick


27 Apr 04 - 08:24 AM (#1172167)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,MCP

And the video clip seems to be avaiable at October 2000 performance at
the College of New Jersey's Studio Theater, presented by Shakespeare '70
(scroll down), streaming as Nobody Loves A Fairy - Real player video

Mick


11 Dec 04 - 05:38 AM (#1353826)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: GUEST,Dave Calderhead

I have just found this forum and thread, and must confess that Dave Bryant was wrong and Herga Kitty was right, I didn't sing 'no one loves a fairy ...'. I do still sing the occasional folk and music hall song though. I have a music hall show called 'An Amusening' featuring songs from the music hall and variety eras, and maintaining my philosophy from my singing tobyjug days that a song sung together with the audience is three times as much fun.

However, I would love to get the "folking song" verses from Herga Kitty, as my memory of them is somewhat hazy. I am trying to pass the song on to a enthusiastic Morris musician, who also does a fine rendition of 'The village pump".

link to singing tobyjug

Greetings to all on this very useful site.


11 Dec 04 - 07:15 PM (#1354338)
Subject: Lyr Add: A-FOLKING I WILL GO
From: Herga Kitty

Slightly off-thread, but here are the words of "A-folking I will go" as I remember them (from my schooldays!) You can tell it was written in the 60s by the reference in the last verse to transistors....

A-FOLKING I WILL GO


Of all the cons in England, the folking is the best
For I've got a pad in Chelsea where I'll lay me down to rest

And a-folking I will go, and a-folking I will go

Though I work in the City boys, and in the town was raised
There's country airs in Regents Park, may Cecil Sharp be praised

Though I'm sea-sick on the Serpentine and it hurts my arms to row
When I sing a shanty you can hear the whalefish blow

I've got me a melodeon, a whistle and some spoons
And I'll go round with Morrismen, sight-reading all the tunes

We'll morris dance on every green, and ale in every bar
And then drive round from site to site, in a little Morris car

Now where I get such tunes as this, you may not understand
I've always got a Japanese transistor in my hand.


Kitty


11 Dec 04 - 08:15 PM (#1354372)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: Tobyjug

Thanks a lot, Kitty

The morrisman will be very grateful, I hope, and I might even add a couplet for him (among other things, he plays whistle with a miniature wireless pick-up, battery-powered receiver, amplifier and speaker on the belt around his waist - sort of Morris meets CIA!).

Best regards

DC


01 Apr 05 - 02:17 AM (#1448648)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy
From: Dave Bryant

Dave (Tobyjug) - oh yes you have, it wasn't in a folk club, it was with theatre group revue somewhere near Marylebone Road.


04 Apr 05 - 08:15 PM (#1452176)
Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
From: GUEST

NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY

1. For years a fairy queen I've been.
For years I foiled the demon king.
But alas, I'm getting on. The years have flown somehow,
And I feel that Fairy Snowdrop isn't wanted now.

CHORUS: Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
She may still have a magic power, but that is not enough.
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff.
When once your silver star has lost its glitter,
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold,
Your fairy days are ending,
When your wand has started bending.
No one loves a fairy when she's forty.

2. For years I reigned in Fairy Dell.
I waved my wand and waved it well.
If I can't do all I did, I'm satisfied because
I'd sooner be a has-been than I would be a never-was. CHORUS
Lyr


08 Apr 05 - 06:25 PM (#1455694)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Tobyjug

Sorry Dave B. - Oh no I didn't!
I did play a fairy Godfather (complete with violin case) in a Christmas revue at the Stanhope Theatre off Marylebone Road (and Captain Hook in the same show) in the mid nineteen seventies, when we were both still working for CMES.

The fairy godmother who sang a version (part parody) of "Nobody loves a fairy ..." in the same show was a lady called Sue (no relation to the boy of the same name) who happened to have celebrated her 40th birthday a couple of years earlier.

Good to see you are posting again.
How's the hand. As I said previously, my Dad had a similar problem shortly after his bypass op. but recovered full movement after about six months.

Hope you are in good voice again. Keep on strumming.

Cheers,

Dave C.


28 Apr 05 - 05:27 AM (#1473005)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,Mark

Does anyone know where I could find a downloadable recording of this song on the net??


12 May 05 - 08:21 PM (#1483744)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST

I have an MP3 which says it is by Billy Cotton and Elsie Carlisle singing it. Lyrics as given by JudeL.
I got it from Limewire, so I'm guessing others can get it there too.


13 May 05 - 01:33 AM (#1483841)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST

Post-POST - and post some more



Particularly post mexxages that limk to your e-mail address and friends beyondsto it links




We've go a brandnew combine farvestor - you have abbuddanm seed

I thing we sould get together and pluck the thorns for the see.



Carnovore more over for the next geneeragetion.


21 Aug 05 - 04:12 AM (#1546459)
Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
From: GUEST,Faerie Annie..Lyrics and Sheet Music.

Nobody Loves a Fairy When She's [Forty] Fifty,Sixty,Seventy,Eighty,90!

For years a Fairy Queen I've been
For years I foiled the Demon King
But alas I'm getting on the years have flown somehow
And I feel that Fairy Snowdrop isn't wanted now

Chorus
Nobody loves a Fairy when she's [forty] fifty (sixty,seventy, eighty,ninety)
Nobody loves a Fairy when she's old


She may still have a magic power but that is not enough
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff
When once your silver star has lost its glitter
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold
Fairy days are ending when your wand has started bending
No-one loves a Fairy when shes old


For years I reigned in Fairy Dell
I waved my wand and waved it well
If I can't do all I did I'm satisfied because
I'd sooner be a Has-Been that I would a Never Was

Nobody loves....
Nobody loves..

The face of this Immortal One to many has appealed
But gone is the illusion once you've had it soled and heeled
When you've lost your little Fairy dimples
And the Moth holes in your dress let in the cold
The Goblins and the Pixies turn their backs and say Hi Nixey
No one loves a Fairy when she's old.

Nobody loves.....
Nobody loves.....

As far as I can see they try to push you off the map
When once your wand has withered and your wings refuse to flap
When you can't cast a spell without it spilling
And a Fairy tale for years you haven't told
You stand there shouting What O.. but they all pass by your Grotto
Nobody loves a Fairy when shes old.

Nobody loves.....
Nobody loves.....

They don't give you an earthly chance to make a livelihood
They're building council houses now in my enchanted wood
When you are past the age for Television
And the air you use is government controlled
It seems that they would sooner
Listen to a blinkin' crooner
Nobody loves a Fairy when shes old.


here is the sheet music link and lyrics!!

http://www.raspberrytarts.com/music.html

Courtesy of The Red Hat Society

I work as a Faerie and grant wishes. I am pleased to have granted all of you the wish to know the words and sheet music. Here i have heard the music. I hope you get a kick out of this as i have in trying to find it all. Its taken me an Hour n Half in looking on here..whooohooo and we all benefitted..
The magic of a Faerie and the wonderment of the WWW. cheers and magic blessings to all...

Faerie Annie


21 Aug 05 - 04:16 AM (#1546460)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,Faerie Annie....easier links

http://www.raspberrytarts.com/music.html



SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF RED HATS HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON



          TUNE!!

THIS WILL TAKE YOU TO THE SHEET MUSIC AND WORDS.

ENJOY!!!!



FAERIE BLESSINGS.....

FAERIE ANNIE


21 Aug 05 - 10:50 AM (#1546575)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: FiddlerOnTheHoof

The first time I heard this song I was only half listening to it (on background TV). I misheard the lyric as 'Nobody Loves a Fairy when she's Farted'. Now that would be a song!!


04 Nov 05 - 02:03 AM (#1597058)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST

Guest Julie.

A friend of mine wants to perform this at a Christmas Show, she is certain she has seen a version by Jim Davidson ( the comedian)somewhere, probably a lot ruder that the original verses, that she thinks he performed in Panto.

Can anyone help


22 Apr 06 - 06:04 AM (#1724513)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,kj402@gre.ac.uk

Hi,

I am also having trouble finding the sheet music to this song for my university choir summer concert, please could you e-mail it to me, time is running out now for rehersals!

Thanks
Jane


22 Apr 06 - 08:13 AM (#1724564)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: The Fooles Troupe

If this GUEST is not a request for address harvesting, you might choose to look at the message above

Foolestroupe
Date: 08 Oct 03 - 07:00 AM

which mentions some books which may be still available.

If it really is somebody called Jane, well then please look up teh thread. As previously stated

From: Foolestroupe
Date: 24 Apr 04 - 06:22 PM

If you read this whole thread, you will find details of some sheet music books above - not all may be currently available, but it is a start to looking, first in music stores, then on the Net.

Robin


22 Apr 06 - 02:43 PM (#1724784)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Joe Offer

Ah, Robin - I don't think there's reason to be quite so untrusting. I e-mailed a link to the requestor.

Sheet music here (click)

-Joe Offer-


23 Apr 06 - 01:09 AM (#1725088)
Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY
From: Joe Offer

There are some problems with the transcriptions above. Here's what I see in the sheet music:

NOBODY LOVES A FAIRY WHEN SHE'S FORTY [Fifty, Sixty, Seventy, Eighty, Ninety!]
Words and music by Arthur LeClerq, 1934)

1. For years a Fairy Queen I've been.
For years I foiled the Demon King,
But alas, I'm getting on, the years have flown somehow,
And I feel that Fairy Snowdrop isn't wanted now

CHORUS: Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty [fifty sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety],
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.
She may still have a magic power, but that is not enough.
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff.
When once your silver star has lost its glitter,
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold,
Your fairy days are ending
When your wand has started bending.
No-one loves a fairy when she's old.

2. For years I reigned in Fairy Dell.
I waved my wand, and waved it well.
If I can't do all I did, I'm satisfied because
I'd sooner be a Has-Been that I would a Never Was.

CHORUS 2: Nobody loves....
Nobody loves....
The face of this Immortal One to many has appealed,
But gone is the illusion once you've had it soled and heeled.
When you have lost your little Fairy dimples,
And the moth-holes in your dress let in the cold,
The Goblins and the Pixies
Turn their backs and say, "Hi Nixey."
No one loves a fairy when she's old.

CHORUS 3: Nobody loves....
Nobody loves....
As far as I can see they try to push you off the map,
When once your wand has withered and your wings refuse to flap.
When you can't cast a spell without it spilling,
And a fairy tale for years you haven't told,
You stand there shouting, "What-O,"
But they all pass by your grotto.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.

CHORUS 4: Nobody loves....
Nobody loves....
They don't give you an earthly chance to make a livelihood.
They're building council houses now in my enchanted wood.
When you are past the age for television,
And the air you use is government controlled,
It seems that they would sooner
Listen to a blinkin' crooner.
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.


23 Apr 06 - 01:14 AM (#1725091)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Peace

The address is at Greenwich University.


15 Feb 08 - 05:31 AM (#2262896)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,Donna Isabella

Ive edited the words from Tessie O'Sheas recording taken from a disc of 49 Golden Treasures - Disc 1 and they are as Follows:-

For years a fairy queen I've been

For years I've foiled the demon king

But alas I'm getting on, the years have flown somehow
And I feel a Fairy Snowdrop isn't wanted now

Nobody loves a fairy when she's forty
Nobody loves a fairy when she's old.

She may still have her magic power, but that is not enough
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff,
When once your silver star has lost it's glitter
And your tinsel looks like rust instead of gold
Your fairy days are ending when your wand has started bending
No one loves a fairy when she's old

Twas I who helped Alladin find a cave that wasn't there
Twas I who made Wick Dittington turn round and then Lord Mayor
I've been Spirit of the Flowers and Fairy Daffodil
I've been Fairy of the Wind,      ay , an suffer from it still
In satin-coloured ballet shoes I toe-danced through the glen
Beloved by all the children and run after by the men.
No-one could touch me at the splits, me splits were all the rage
Until the nice Woodman left his chopper on the stage    (What a mess!)

No-body loves a fairy when she's forty
No-body loves a fairy when she's old

She may still have her magic power but that is not enough
They like their bit of magic from a younger bit of stuff
When you can't cast a spell without it spilling
And a fairy tale for years you haven't told
You stand there shouting "What ho!" but they pass you by your grotto
No-one loves a fairy when she's old


13 Jun 09 - 04:47 PM (#2655770)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Peter T.

A perennial favourite site.
Peter T.


10 Aug 09 - 06:16 PM (#2697279)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Mark Ross

Nobody Loves A Fairy

Here's the link to YouTube with umpteen versions.

Mark Ross


30 Dec 10 - 01:26 PM (#3063931)
Subject: : Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty - sheet mu
From: GUEST,Clare

Hi. I see that Freddie sent a scan of the sheet music of 'Nobody loves a fairy when she's 40' in 2003. I'd really appreciate a copy for my Mum who wants to teach it to a bunch of elderly residents of Cape Town. Not sure how this website works so do you need my email address?


01 Jan 11 - 03:26 PM (#3065146)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Jim Dixon

Well, the last time Long Firm Freddie posted a message at Mudcat was June 2010. You might have to wait a long time for him to see this message, or for someone else to see it who happens to own the sheet music.

Besides the original sheet music, WorldCat.org lists 3 songbooks that contain the song.

Click here. That will show you the book titles. Following more links might show you where to find it in a library near you, or you might be able to order a used copy online somewhere.

If you can't figure out how to use that information, print out that page and show it to a librarian.


01 Jan 11 - 04:01 PM (#3065175)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Jim Dixon

The Internet Archive has a recording by Jack Jackson and His Orchestra. It doesn't give the date or say who the female vocalist is. She sings Verse 1 and Chorus 1 (as posted by Joe Offer above), followed by some recited patter, and finally Chorus 4.

Here's the spoken part in the middle:

How many times have I dared(?) to say(?) by one and all,
"'Tis I, your fairy godmother. You shall go to the ball."
I made their rags seem beautiful. Expense to me was nix,
And now I've got to make a shilling seem like one and six.
How often have I waved a wand and something would appear!
Last night I tried to wave it and I smashed the chandelier.
I wished beside the wishing well that I was young and thin.
I hadn't finished wishing when some goblins pushed me in.
The managers in ——(?) seem to think I'm past my prime.
They've offered me the dragon's part in next year's pantomime.
I feel I want to say to them, "When you was little, lads,
I was your fairy godmother, you rotten lot of cads!"


01 Jan 11 - 05:12 PM (#3065209)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: JohnInKansas

Guest,Clare asked:

Not sure how this website works so do you need my email address?

Posting your "personal info" in a thread is sort of up to you, but not really recommended unless you're very much "into the business" and have an email address that you really want everyone to know.

If you register here, as a "member" people can send you a PM (Private Message) and you can PM back to exchange information of kinds you might not want to have showing up in your local TV News. PMs are seen only by the person who sends them and the person they're addressed to.

The membership is free, and requires only that you give mudcat a valid email address and pick a name and password. Mudcat will NOT DISTRIBUTE your personal info, but needs an email address to know how to get information to you in the event that you forget your password, or if your membership "account" gets mangled for some reason.

It's a good idea to post your request in a thread like this one, and once you're a registered member you could send a Personal Message to someone who might have what you want, or others could PM you to "set up a deal" that doesn't require exposing personal info here.

Every page here, up at the top, has a box that usually says "Quick Links." If you click the arrow (little triangle), it should roll down a menu where you can click "Login" to get to the place to join. There's also a "Membership" link just below the box that should get all the details as well.

C'mon in and j'in up.

John


02 Oct 15 - 03:30 PM (#3741390)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,Kirsty

Has anyone still got the sheet music for this song as I would love to perform it at my current drama school.
desperate for the PDF of the sheet music..would be so grateful.
Thanks,
Kirtsy


03 Oct 15 - 04:20 AM (#3741445)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Megan L

Kirsty I thought I had found a copy for you but the PDF link must have been broken found one digital one but it cost£2.49.will keep looking


03 Oct 15 - 11:07 AM (#3741513)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,leeneia

What a stupid song! Many women of forty are attractive and loveable. And one doesn't have to be attractive to be loveable.


04 Oct 15 - 07:19 AM (#3741683)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: GUEST,.gargoyle

Leenia,

You missed the point it is best prformed by a man in drag, a little bedraggled, 55 years plus with three days of beard stubble.

The flower wand has a string that lets it go limp.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle



Very Camp


04 Oct 15 - 08:26 AM (#3741709)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Nobody Loves a Fairy when She's Forty
From: Megan L

Leeneia this song was written in the early 30's it was sung by the amazing Tessie O'shea musician, singer, actor and dancer one of the last Old time music hall acts.

I'm not sure what paradise you were brought up in but in 1930's Glasgow working class women of forty were on the whole worn out ghosts of what might have once been beautiful young girls. constant child bearing hard work and poor nutrition due to poverty took their toll. The life expectancy for woman at the turn of the 20th century life expectancy for a woman was in general 50 by the 1930s it had risen to about sixty but you have to bear in mind that this also included those from affluent areas where good food was the norm and medical care was easily afforded. In the inner city tenements with hunger and disease endemic and childbearing without the recourse to medical aid without payment the average age was considerably lower.

free medical treatment was not available till the National Health Service bill was introduced in 1947 with the service coming into use in 1948.