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10 messages

Lyr Req: Loco Fireman / Fireman's Song (D Bilston)

28 Mar 99 - 04:55 PM (#66521)
Subject: Loco Fireman Words Wanted
From: Pete (inactive)

Does anybody have the words to Loco Fireman. The chorus goes

A loco fireman is me trade Boiling water is me grade The driver thinks he runs the show but if i'm not there the train won't go.

Any help would be greatfully recieved.

Pete (Clansfolk)

http://www.fyldefolk.freeserve.co.uk

28 Mar 99 - 09:11 PM (#66558)
Subject: Lyr Add: THE FIREMAN'S SONG (D. Bilston)
From: Pete M

Here you go Pete, from the other Pete.

THE FIREMAN'S SONG

Words and Music D. Bilston

Whenever you see a train go by,
Or hear an engine's whistle cry,
Think of the man on the old footplate
Shovelling coal, the drivers mate.

A loco fireman is me grade,
Boiling water is me trade,
The driver thinks he runs the show,
But if I'm not there the train won't go.

Heaving coal for a hungry fire,
sweating cobs to get steam higher,
Of the colliers harvest that I burn,
With toil and sweat, me wages earn

Chorus

The driver sits there like god,
A decent mate but an idle sod.
Though I'll be shovelling on me knees
Still he'll sit there at his ease.

Chorus

The pick and shovel are tools of me trade
And two strong arms to swing the blade,
Hands with palms as hard as leather,
And nimble feet as light as a feather

Chorus

One day a driver I will be,
Of the pick and shovel I'll be free,
Until that day I'll shift the coal,
Raising stream so the train can roll.

Chorus

Notes.
Don Bilston was presumably still a fireman when he wrote this song, but was later rated as Driver. I believe he was based at one of the Birmingham sheds. But I don't know which one.
Recorded by the Ian Campbell folk group on MFP STEREO 1349

Pete M

29 Mar 99 - 11:17 AM (#66681)
Subject: RE: Loco Fireman Words Wanted
From: Steve Parkes

Blimey, that takes me back! Is Don still around? He was driving diesels when I knew him. If you know any more of his songs, post 'em! For some reason, I never learned any of them completely.

Steve

29 Mar 99 - 04:25 PM (#66754)
Subject: RE: Loco Fireman Words Wanted
From: Sam Hudson

Pete Coe has recorded this, and performed it wonderfully when I saw him recently.

31 Mar 99 - 04:18 AM (#67022)
Subject: RE: Loco Fireman Words Wanted
From: Pete (inactive)

The other Pete!

Thanks for the words..... having posted the messgae twice I was looking in the wrong list and thought no one was listening to me!!! It's old age you know!!

They arrived just in time, we'll be able to sing it at The Falcon tonight......

Many thanks again

Pete (Clansfolk) http://www.fyldefolk.freeserve.co.uk

01 Nov 04 - 04:29 PM (#1313498)
Subject: RE: Loco Fireman Words Wanted
From: GUEST,paul.larkin@btinternet.com

i had a copy of i think it was called songs of the railway and had that song on by don bilston also giving an explantion of the songs between each track

i lost the copy i had on a cassette about 15 years ago
has any body a copy of the LP they would like to sell or can do me a copy

thanks

24 Dec 08 - 07:30 AM (#2523710)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Loco Fireman / Fireman's Song
From: GUEST,don b ilston

I recorded the song on an L.P.circa 1969 extra 1084 i think. FAREWELL TO STEAM the title 14 tracks all footplate related. If you obtain a copy treasure it, its become a collectors item!

24 Dec 08 - 06:15 PM (#2524135)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Loco Fireman / Fireman's Song
From: Susanne (skw)

Welcome to the Mudcat, Don! Did you write all the songs on Farewell to Steam? I only have a recording of the Fireman's Song (as they call it) by the Ian Campbell Folk Group, 1969.

24 Dec 08 - 06:31 PM (#2524142)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Loco Fireman / Fireman's Song
From: Rasener

Here is Pete Coe on Youtube doing Firemans Song

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=kuJt6lbt0_g

You could come and watch him live at Faldingworth Live on Saturday February the 14th 2009

http://www.faldingworthlive.co.uk/events_2008.htm

30 Nov 11 - 01:40 PM (#3266193)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Loco Fireman / Fireman's Song (D Bilston)
From: GUEST

hi uncle don bilston,it's your great niece here...loves you! :)
i'm very proud of my uncle and know all the songs-and bits inbetween off by heart-just want to learn to play them on guitar now...little help unc??haha.xxxxx