To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=99894
90 messages

Songs about Whitby??!

14 Mar 07 - 02:03 PM (#1996635)
Subject: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Tap and Spile Whitby

We are currently re-decorating the pub and thought it would be quite nice to display either, some sheet music and/or song lyrics on some of the walls. As we are right in the centre of Whitby, if anyone knows of any Whitby tunes or anything that would be fitting we would be very grateful!

Also thanks to everyone for their continued support and kind words,

Colin.


14 Mar 07 - 02:20 PM (#1996657)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Mrs.Duck

'Three Jolly Fishermen' is a song collected in Whitby ask Jude Knight or Derek Elliott about it. Another written more recently and set to an old hymn tune is 'Whitby Fisherman' written by Bill Sables.

^^ WHITBY FISHERMAN
(Bill Sables)
I'm a fisherman from Whitby, keep my boat down on the shore
And I fish the banks for herring as my father did before
When we leave the land at sunset for to plough the northern sea
It's the peace of moonlit waters that brings thoughts of home to me

Blessed quietness, Holy quietness,
What assurance in my soul
On the stormy sea speaking peace to me
How the billows cease to roll

When I'm standing in the wheelhouse in the subdued compass glow
I can find a peace unequalled, while the crew's asleep below
And the stars are there to guide me and to help me through the night
Mingling with the lights of comrades sailing for the morning light

When we shoot our nets at daybreak praying for a bumper haul
Then the sun shows in the heavens spreading brightness over all
And the seagulls wheel above us as we turn the boat around
'Cos the nets are full of silver and tonight we're Whitby bound

We'll unload our catch in the harbour and make sure all is tied down
Then it's home, a bath, then supper and a stroll down into town
We will pass around the bottle in a pub down on the quay
And we'll praise the Lord's protection and His gift of Peaceful seas

If only you'd mentionned it the other week when I was there I'd have sung it to you :0)


14 Mar 07 - 02:21 PM (#1996660)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Geoff the Duck

Try talking to some of the folky Whitby residents. People such as Derek Elliott would know what belongs to the town.
You could also ask permission from people who have written songs more recently.
Richard Grainger wrote one called Whitby Whaler - he can be tried via the web sites for the Captain Cook/Shanty festivals.
Bill Sables, who is a mudcatter, although I'm not sure how often he looks in these days, wrote one called Whitby Fisherman (to an old American Hymn tune).
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.


14 Mar 07 - 02:21 PM (#1996663)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Tap and Spile

Thank you, it is an idea I only had last night whilst watching the paint dry!!! See you soon, col x


14 Mar 07 - 02:23 PM (#1996665)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Typical

You sit at a different computer for a couple of minutes and your wife gets her posting in first...
Quack!
GtD.


14 Mar 07 - 02:32 PM (#1996678)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Mrs.Duck

Tee hee!


14 Mar 07 - 02:38 PM (#1996689)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Geoff the Duck

Another local resident is Ray Randall who recorded his Polly Swallow CD inspired by the F.M.Sutcliffe photo.
And Charles O'Connor up at the Stonehouse, produced his Resolution Suite and Breaking Waves (for the Bark Endeavour) CDs.
Quack!
GtD.


14 Mar 07 - 02:44 PM (#1996693)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Tap and Spile

Cool, Ray is in tonight so will ask him! Cheers x


14 Mar 07 - 03:13 PM (#1996722)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Blowzabella

You might also want to contact Richard Grainger, who has written many songs about Whitby, including Whitby Whaler, I think. Story goes, he was in the Museum at Middlesbrough, which had a dispaly about ... Whitby - or whaling - and, in a glass case was some sheet music .... for song that he wrote .... He explained the situation ... usual story but with a nice ending - I think that he and the Museum curator are still together   - aaahhhh


14 Mar 07 - 03:17 PM (#1996725)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Jean(eanjay)

The Whitby Lad
^^
Chorus:
Son oh son what have you done
You're bound for Botany Bay

Now come all you wild and you reckless youths wherever that you be
I would have you quit night-walking and shun bad company
And it's

I was born and bred in Whitby town and raised up honestly
Until I became a sporting lad which proved my destiny
And it's

I broke into some lady's house about the hour of three
Two peelers stood behind the door and they got quick hold of me
Crying

It bein' at the March assizes the judge to me did say
Now the jury has found you guilty, lad, you must go to Botany Bay
And it's

Oh to see me aged father a-trembling at the bar
Likewise my own dear mother, she 's a-tearing her grey hair
Crying

It bein' on the twenty-third of March from England bore away
And as we sailed down the Humber we heard the sailors there
Crying

Second chorus:
Boys oh boys there are no joys
Down there in Botany Bay

Now there is a girl in Whitby town, a girl I love so well
And if ever I get me liberty it's with her I will dwell
And it's


14 Mar 07 - 03:32 PM (#1996745)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Lynn W

There is a nice jig called Whitby Pier in the Vickers manuscript (1770). Here it is in abc computer notation-

X:1
T:Whitby Pier
B:Vickers part 3
M:6/8
L:1/8
K:D
A|F2Ad2e|fed cBA|BdB AFD|FAF E2G|F2A d2e|fed cBA|Bgf edcd3D2:|
g|faf d2f|gbg e2g|fed faf|ecA A2g|faf d2f|bag fed|Bgf edc|d3D2:||

If you copy and paste the above into an abc convertor such as the one on Concertina.net -
http://www.concertina.net/tunes_convert.html
just hit the "submit" button and it will give you sheet music to print. PDF will give you better quality.


14 Mar 07 - 05:11 PM (#1996851)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Geoff the Duck

From: eanjay - PM
Date: 14 Mar 07 - 03:17 PM

The Whitby Lad


Just curious - it's not a song I am aware of. Do you have any information about the song, origins or collecting/writing credits for it?
Is it originally about Whitby, or just one of those songs where you "insert local place names".
Quack!
Geoff.


14 Mar 07 - 05:24 PM (#1996866)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Lynn W

The Whitby Lad is on the Watersons' Yorkshire Garland. From the sleeve notes-
The Whitby Lad
A big family of highwaymen and poacher songs interbred with a family of transportation songs to produce a large number of offspring all resembling each other closely. A central feature of them all is the lamentation of the aged parents. The Whitby Lad was collected from Mr. W. F. Verril of Staithes some sixty years ago by R. A. Gatty. In other versions the young transportee comes from other parts and sails down other rivers than the Humber. On the face of it the song is modest enough but it has exercised a powerful interest on singers and hearers alike and versions of it quickly became common in Scotland, Ireland and America (where it still flourishes under such titles as The Boston Burglar and The Jail at Morgantown).


14 Mar 07 - 05:53 PM (#1996892)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Susan of DT

Songs in the DT (including update) that mention Whitby:
   North Sea Holes
   Song of the Fish Gutters
   Hermit of Eskdaleside


14 Mar 07 - 05:56 PM (#1996898)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Geoff the Duck

Thanks, Lynn. That covers my query - essentially a mix and match song, but nothing to say that Whitby has any less claim than anywhere else.
Quack!
GtD.


15 Mar 07 - 03:14 AM (#1997224)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: gnomad

The Whitby Maid is even about pubs, to some extent. Sorry, don't know its origin.
^^

There was a maid in Whitby town, she was both fair and clever,
And she would sit by her father's door, no matter what the weather,
And a sailor coming home from sea, his pockets overflowing,
He saw the maiden sitting there, quietly with her sewing.

Chorus:
Blow away you northern winds, blow away so cruelly,
But none so cruel as a pretty maid, for they'll deceive you surely.

Won't you come along with me? My Bonny, Oh my Honey,
And we'll go down to Whitby town and spend a little money."
My Father he would not agree, 't would be against his wishing,"
But with a twinkle in her eye she says "But he's gone fishing."

This couple's gone to Whitby town, and soon were making merry,
At every tavern in the town they spent a little money,
The night came down, the stars came out, the lady says "My sailor,
Oh won't you come back home with me, I feel I must repay you?"

They went back home and went upstairs, the maid turns down the covers,
Saying "Come to bed my sailor boy, let's you and I be lovers."
And the sailor jumped out of his clothes, no faster than he ought to,
When the door broke down, a man came in crying
"Who's this with my daughter?"

The sailor through the window's leaped, and to the ship's gone running,
And he's left behind his coat, his watch, and the best part of his money,
The Father with his daughter's gone down to the kitchen table,
And they've shared the sailor's money out as quick as they were able.

The Father's gone to buy new boots, and a new suit from the tailor's,
And the daughter to the door has gone, to wait and watch for sailors.


15 Mar 07 - 04:29 AM (#1997254)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Pilgrim

Fantastic Gnomad. Refreshing to see a song where the maid deceives the sailor as opposed to the countless ones the other way around.
Have you got the music forrit?


15 Mar 07 - 05:17 AM (#1997270)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,old git

Sue Haithwaite has written songs about Whitby, including The Whitby life boat song and one about mad Maggie(??) a famous whitby witch...and others

e-mail Longwood4@aol.com


15 Mar 07 - 05:22 AM (#1997274)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: fogie

I used to sing a song called Whitby bells about the bells ringing underwater -I cant remember who wrote it but it was a very good song, and I did a terrible thing relating to it! I turned up at the local club in Amersham and sang it ,not realizing that the chap who wrote it was the guest - I'll never forget it. It starts something like. In 1558 by Henry the eighth every abbey in the land was plundered - (the date's surely wrong)- however does anyone remember it well enough to add the rest of the words.


15 Mar 07 - 05:37 AM (#1997280)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: nutty

Don't forget Vin Garbutt's song about the legend of te Penny Hedge


15 Mar 07 - 06:46 AM (#1997321)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Blowzabella at work

Whitby Tailor is another ... Bob Fox sings it (scuse haste)


15 Mar 07 - 12:14 PM (#1997607)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: gnomad

Sorry, Pilgrim, I know the tune but not how to transmit it other than by singing it. How very traditional!

John Squire & John Leonard [yes THAT JL] did a recording of it on their LP Broken-Down Gentlemen, Rubber Records RUB018, in 1976. Hope that may help.


15 Mar 07 - 01:16 PM (#1997672)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Raggytash

Colin/Andy
One of the best people to ask is Valmai, collar her on Sunday if she's in, as for the Whitby Lifeboat song, properly known as the Eighth Wreck I'll tell you the story later and let you have Sue Haithwaites words

Raggytash

(Nick)


15 Mar 07 - 03:38 PM (#1997807)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,squeezeboxhp

while you are looking for things for the pub wall during the festival times we met at the Met and wrote dances for Whitby, Mick Peat leading the session and the books were published during the folk week. most of the dances were named for places in the town like Arguments Yard etc. i will bw coming over at some stage this year and will bring the copies i have if you are interested i usually did the music to test the dances to.
Ken


15 Mar 07 - 04:14 PM (#1997843)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: nutty

I completed this song last year. It has been sung out but not extensively. I hope you like it.

HAUL ON THE SAIL
^^
CHORUS
HAUL ON THE SAIL, BOYS,
HAUL ON THE SAIL
THERE'S A FAST TIDE FLOWING AND THE WIND IS BLOWING FREE
HAUL ON THE SAIL, BOYS,
HAUL ON THE SAIL
TILL WE'RE SAFELY ANCHORED, IN OLD WHITBY


WHEN I SIGNED ON A WHALER, A YOUNG AND FOOLISH LAD
I THOUGHT T'WOULD MAKE A MAN OF ME, WITH CASH I'D NEVER HAD
BUT TWO YEARS ON I KNOW FOR SURE, I'M FINISHED WITH THE SEA
AND LONG TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN , IN OLD WHITBY

FIRST WE MADE FOR GREENLAND, AND SAILED THE SEAS AROUND
THOUGH WE SEARCHED FOR MONTHS ON END - ONE WHALE WAS ALL WE FOUND
SO CAPTAIN SAID, FORGET THE WHALES, AND SEALS WE HAD TO TAKE
WE SLAUGHTERED NEAR ONE THOUSAND THEN, OUR LIVING FOR TO MAKE

I HATE THE ARCTICS STORMY SEAS, THE ICEBERGS AND THE FLOES
I HATE THE STINKING QUARTERS THAT WE LIVE IN DOWN BELOW
BUT MOST OF ALL THE SLAUGHTER - THE ENDLESS BLOOD AND GORE
I HATE IT ALL AND LONG TO BE IN WHITBY TOWN ONCE MORE

I LONG TO SEE THE GREEN, GREEN, GRASS AND WALK THE HEATHER MOOR
AND LISTEN TO THE WATER AS THE WAVELETS LAP THE SHORE
NO MORE I'LL GO TO FROZEN LANDS WITH BLINDING ICE AND SNOW
BUT I'LL STAY WARM IN WHITBY TOWN, WITH ALL THE FRIENDS I KNOW

SO WHEN MY FEET ARE ON DRY LAND, AND THE SHIP'S TIED TO THE QUAY
I'LL TURN MY BACK AND MAKE MY WAY HOMEWARD FROM THE SEA
THANK GOD, I AM A SINGLE MAN NO COMPANY DEBT I OWE
SO MANY MEN MUST SIGN AGAIN AND BACK TO SEA THEY GO.

HAZEL BOLTON SEPT 2006


15 Mar 07 - 07:48 PM (#1998000)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: collierlad

Sue Haithwaites singing "The Eighth Wreck/Whitby Lifeboat disaster"
is featured on the new Tap & Spile CD.

Tap & Spile new CD "Behind Closed Doors"


15 Mar 07 - 08:35 PM (#1998036)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: collierlad

Also Jude Knight singing Three Jolly Fishermen is also on the new Tap & Spile CD.

John Greaves of Little Beck is a good source of local Whitby songs.


16 Mar 07 - 06:36 PM (#1999070)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: McGrath of Harlow

1558 wouldn't be a likely year for Henry the Eighth to be doing anything much, since he was long dead by then. 1538 sounds more likely, and it's more or less accurate historically.
............

Here's a song I write about Whitby during a folk week there a few years ago:
^^
Whitby coming home

Perhaps the seagulls woke me, but I could not sleep that night
So I walked down to the harbour, to see the harbour lights,
And the harbour lights were shining, and the night was calm and clear
But that's aniother reason I'll be coming back next year
To Whitby in the summer, together or alone,
To Whitby, where it's always coming home.

And rising in the morning, I climbed two hundred stairs
To sing there in St Mary's, and to listen to the prayers,
With the bells so sweetly ringing, and the seagulls wheeling by,
And high above the harbour we were singing in the sky
In Whitby in the summer, together or alone,
In Whitby, where it's always coming home.

With the singing and the dancing, and the music in the streets,
And the welcome always shining in the faces that you meet,
Why, Whitby in the summer is like moving through a dream,
But there's something there in Whitby that is deeper than it seems.
In Whitby in the summer, together or alone,
In Whitby, where it's always coming home.

And in the Seaman's Mission, I sat and drank my tea
And those sailormen up on the walls were looking down at me
And standing in the evening on the cliffs above the shore
I seemed to see those little ships go sailing out once more
Go sailing out from Whitby, together and alone
And some of them would never make it home.

And all through the streets of Whitby you can hear the seagulls cry
Don't they say they are the spirits of lost sailors long gone by?
So when we sing the old songs, it is more than just a game,
We wake the memories of the dead, and call them home again
To Whitby in the summer, together or alone,
To Whitby, where it's always coming home.


28 Mar 07 - 11:21 AM (#2009532)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,dredger

Ask Tony Morris he has quite a few Whitby based Poems and Songs.


28 Mar 07 - 03:14 PM (#2009769)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: HipflaskAndy

Didn't know Vin had one about Whitby's Penny Hedge
Here's another! The story of the murdered hermit of Eskdale, Sir Richard de Veron (d.1160).

Out On Ye
^^
Now here's a tale of hunting men, three high-born men I'm sure
With staves in hand and hounds a-foot - Out searching of wild boar
- Out searching of wild boar

Before too long the hounds full cry in Eskdale forest rang
As the great boar fled the grass stained red - And men with blood lust sang
- And men with blood lust sang

Ch. Come officer blow your horn - Out on ye, Out on ye
Come officer blow your horn - Out on ye, Out on ye

On a hill sat a man so deep in prayer – the boar ran by his side
Through the open door of the chapel went the boar - and exhausted fell to die
- exhausted fell to die

So Brother Jerome, he closed the way – the hounds at bay, without
The gentlemen fast came to the brow - And called the hermit out
- And called the hermit out

They've opened the door and there looked in – in fury then did fly
They've wounded Jerome with long boar-staves - Now surely he will die
- Now surely he will die

To the church in Scarbro' they did run – and there sought sanctuary
But the Abbot him being a friend of the King - Says bring 'em back to me
- Says bring 'em back to me

And he's brought them face to brother Jerome – on his deathbed he did lie
'I am sure to die of these wounds you gave' - and the Abbot said 'So must they!'
- and the Abbot said 'So must they!'

'Forgive them Lord, a penance I call - in lieu of life and land
On Ascension Eve a hedge they'll build - By their own, or their own kin's hand
- By their own, or their own kin's hand

At nine of the clock with yethers & stakes - at the edge of the Esk beside
Struthers they'll set, or lose all yet - For to stand against three tides'
- For to stand against three tides'

So here's the tale of hunting men, three high-born men I'm sure
With staves in hand and hounds a-foot - Out searching of wild boar
- Out searching of wild boar


28 Mar 07 - 04:34 PM (#2009865)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Lynn W

I think Gus Gomersal wrote Whitby Bells. Can't remember the words though.


28 Mar 07 - 05:06 PM (#2009906)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: nutty

That's the one about the Penny Hedge, Andy.
The penance was to build the hedge and make it strong enough to withstand 3 tides.
It's still being built today.


29 Mar 07 - 02:04 PM (#2010918)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: HipflaskAndy

Well, actually, I hope not Nutty!
The lyric above (and tune that goes with it) is mine!
Written a few years back - I took your post to mean Vin had a different song about it!
Naturally - the words would cover the same subject matter.
If he is doing mine, grand!
But I reckon it's likely another song altogether.
(Would love him to do any of mine actually! - hah! Nearly happened one time!)

It's reminded me of other anecdotes actually - sorry for thread creep!
I went to be guest all t' way down to Leigh-on-sea - sat waiting my turn to do the first set
and a floorsinger did a song based on the 'Floating Brothel' book about first women convicts
sent to Australia - dammit if my opening song was to be my own song on the subject!!!
Floored me (ouch) to say the least!

Then m' old oppo Tom (Bliss) - simultaneously it seems - wrote a song based on one of two Lady pirates from English history
that were 'linked' (shall we say) - without knowing that elsewhere I'd come up with one about the other lass!
(Tom's on Ann Bonney, mine on Mary Read).

Spooky? May be - but I'm now developing a nervous tic!
Cheers - Duncan


29 Mar 07 - 02:09 PM (#2010923)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: HipflaskAndy

PS to Nutty
I went to watch the hedge built in Whitby last year!
There's pix and a sound clip of the horn being blown on m'website.
attempts blue clicky - see 'news page'
Penny hedge pic and sound
As it's a Whitby connection to this thread - I feel it sets things back on track - that OK? Cheers - Duncan


29 Mar 07 - 04:36 PM (#2011056)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: nutty

Sorry Andy .... its so long since I heard the Vin sing the song I just assumed.


29 Mar 07 - 07:58 PM (#2011205)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: HipflaskAndy

No worries matey - it's gotta be more or less the same thing in principle - email me (see website) and I'll send you an mp3 of the song in my version - Cheers - Duncan


29 Mar 07 - 09:08 PM (#2011268)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Bill the sound

I thought McGrath from Harlow might have posted his song "Kippers by Post" which mentions Whitby in the first verse
Bill the sound


30 Mar 07 - 05:53 AM (#2011581)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Cats

Jon Heslop wrote a song called Whitby Garland some years back about when the whalers went out they would hoist a may day garland on May day in the rigging and leave it there until they came safely back in to harbour, which also mentions throwing the shoes into the harbour as they left. I'm sure we have the dots on the computer at home if you can give us an e mail address [pm me]. He also wrote 'Ordinary Sorts of Men' about the Whitby lifeboat crew which is sung all over now and we have the dots for that on computer as well. Also I recorded a wonderful song called 'Bargheist coach' which was written by Jan Outram from Sheffield about the sailors who are buried at the top of the 199 steps and how the coach pulled by 6 black horses comes to take their souls back to the sea after burial.


30 Mar 07 - 08:41 AM (#2011682)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Bill t' bodger

What about a couple of songs by Vin Garbutt:- The old ghost train and the potash song


31 Mar 07 - 07:27 AM (#2012504)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Lady Nancy

Gus Gomersal of Dewsbury wrote Whitby Bells and Squire sang in in the '70s. At that time I sang with Squire. We are resurrecting it now with my new band, Sandrigg... When I get chance I'll post it and its tune in Digitrad - unless our CE comes out first and you can buy a copy and poach it from there...?

LN


31 Mar 07 - 08:53 AM (#2012542)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Mo the caller

Squeezebox,
I've got one of those dance books that I bought at the festival 20 or so years ago. It was a week of dreadful weather (made you glad to be inside, dancing), and all the dances are called Puddles, Sea Mist etc. The one I use still is Whirlwinds (loosely based on Whirligig, but easier).
I also picked up a dance called The Whitby Seaweed Dance, a couple of years ago at a barn dance in Beverley. Did that come from those workshops?


31 Jul 09 - 02:02 AM (#2690847)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Darlodave

Appreciate it's a bit late in the but have just come across this thread whilst doing research but does anyone know how I can get the lyrics to the song 'Eighth Wreck' by Sue Haithwaite or even better a copy of the cd 'Behind Closed Doors'.


31 Jul 09 - 03:43 AM (#2690867)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Banjiman

Songs about Whitby? There's this one:

The Visitor (or Visiter depending on which account you read)


31 Jul 09 - 03:28 PM (#2691220)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Willa

Some catters know Sue and might be able to give you contact details.

The visitor is a stunning song.


31 Jul 09 - 06:54 PM (#2691300)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Steve Gardham

I wrote the Whitby Seaweed Dance as a sort of mock morris using actual kelp stems for a Whitby fringe event about 30 years ago. I then adapted it for country dance. I still use it occasionally, but Roy Atkinson uses it a lot in his calling.

The famous Arthur Wood of Middlesborough and Littlebeck sang 'The Cliffs of Old Whitby' but I think it was just an adaptation of 'The Cliffs of Old Tynemouth'. It's in 'The Songs of the Ridings' by Nigel Hudleston. We have copies for sale from Yorkshire Garland events.


01 Aug 09 - 12:30 PM (#2691656)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: collierlad

The CD Behind closed Door is available through me visit the link below
Behind Closed Doors


01 Aug 09 - 01:25 PM (#2691694)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Georgiansilver

I suppose "Leaving on a JET Plane" doesn't count!!!!!


01 Aug 09 - 02:37 PM (#2691736)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Rasener

Steve Tilston does a wonderful version of "The Fisher Lad Of Whitby", which is on his excellent latest CD called Zigurrat. Well worth buying. Just listening to it at the moment. Brilliant.

http://www.stevetilston.com/


01 Aug 09 - 06:26 PM (#2691851)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Tyke

Redecorating the Station? How about putting some sand down on the floor and a few buckets and spades. Then you will be ready for the tide going out the next time the pub floods.

Seriously I cannot understand why no one has suggested asking Mick Haywood for his input. From what I have noted Mick was collecting songs from the Whitby Locals back in the early sixties.

Lets face it everyone and their dog has had a go at writing a Whitby song. Oh I do like to be besides the seaside besides the sea……………………


02 Aug 09 - 02:55 AM (#2692014)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST

This thread was started over 2 years ago - is it relevant?


02 Aug 09 - 04:04 AM (#2692034)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Tyke

What relavance is there in you posting negative comments as a Guest? Don't bother replying you will be ignord!


02 Aug 09 - 10:41 AM (#2692156)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST

I was not been negative or rude, simply that the redecoration was mentioned 2 years ago, are they still on with it?
    Please note that anonymous posting is no longer allowed at Mudcat. Use a consistent name [in the 'from' box] when you post, or your messages risk being deleted.
    Thanks.
    -Joe Offer-


03 Aug 09 - 01:45 AM (#2692611)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Darlodave

Hi Collier Lad
Re cd 'Behind Closed Doors' looked at the link as stated, maybe I've too much hot air on my brain at the moment as I'm in rather hot humid climes as I write, but I see nowhere where to contact so to obtain a copy. Will be home in UK for Whitby, can I get a copy at The Station Inn or somewhere else when I visit. Note that it's for a very good charity, it's a country I would to visit. look f'wd to some info please. Also can you advise where all the Mudcatters will be hanging out.


03 Aug 09 - 04:23 PM (#2693002)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: collierlad

Hi Darlodave
If you click on the mail order link & fill out and submit the form I will send you one by mail order. Otherwise I will have copies with me at Whitby Folk Week, but will not be there untill back end of the week. You can always find me & other Mudcatters in the front singeraround room in the Station Inn.


04 Aug 09 - 01:31 AM (#2693285)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Darlodave

Hi Collier Lad
I'll make a point of being there also towards end of the week and I'll look into the Station for a copy and a song or two.
Many Thanks


04 Aug 09 - 01:43 AM (#2693289)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Amos

Two songs have been recently written about Whitby -- one about the Station Inn and one about the day-trip boat Whitby's fair Esk Belle.

I can provide them with permission of the people who comissioned them.


AA


04 Aug 09 - 05:13 PM (#2693778)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Steve Lane

I suppose i should mention my song about the Whitby to Scarborough Line for the record. It's more about Ravenscar but hey that's close enough for folk isn't it?
Hear it on myspace.com/stevelanefolksinger


10 Oct 10 - 08:12 AM (#3003689)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Jim Kay

I used to sing a song called "The Whitby to Scarborough Line" more than 35 years ago. I can only remember the 1st verse now and would love to get the rest of the lyrics. It was in a great song book I had with songs of the Railways and Navigators. Included was a song about the King's Cross Strike of the 50's. Wish I could find it again. Anyway, here is what I recall as the 1st verse oof Whitby to Scarborough Line:
                      If you go from Hawsker to Robin Hood's Bay
                      You will find there a railway line hidden away
                      Lost and concealed by the ravage of time --
                      They call it the Whitby to Scarborough Line.
The song also refers to Ravenscar Rock, Filingdales and other places along it's course.
Any help in tracking down the Lyrics would be appreciated.
I never forgot the tune but one verse is not really enough for a performance.
All the Best,
Jim Kay.


10 Oct 10 - 08:22 AM (#3003694)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Ian Hendrie

Hi Jim,
I have the book you refer to with words to 'The Whitby and Scarborough Line'. I'll just go look for them and post them asap. Do you also want the King's Cross Strike song if it's in there?
Ian


10 Oct 10 - 11:20 AM (#3003754)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie

Ah well...

If Filingdales and Ravenscar count, then don't forget the Lyke Wake Dirge.

Mitch wrote a song about having a good time at Whitby called "Old Plough Yard"


10 Oct 10 - 11:28 AM (#3003758)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Amos

If you come down to Whitby's town
Just looking for a frolic
You might drop by a little pub
Where no-one's melancholic!
Not just a common tap and spile,
All sorts get welcomed in,
To lift a glass and sing a tune
At Whitby's Station Inn!


CHO:And oh, we have a jolly time
When the regÕlar crowd comes through,
When Derek sets the singing 'round
And Colin serves the brew
And Andrew fills the mugs again
We make a loverly din
A drinking Sunday night away
At the dear old Station Inn


The crowd comes in to have a pint,
Meandering to the door
But the place is looking spiffy now
So they stay for three or four!
The colour scheme's inviting
The place done up like new
So they often spend the whole night long
A-sipping Andrew's brew.

And oh, we have a jolly time
When the regÕlar crowd comes through,
When Derek sets the singing 'round
And Colin serves the brew
And Andrew fills the mugs again
We make a loverly din
A drinking Sunday night away
At the dear old Station Inn


There's Handsome Jim, when he comes in,
The gals all start to blush
And Emma grabs the largest glass
And fill it with a rush.
Her eyes are bright, her curves are right
Her waistline is the thinnest.
But if you make a bit too free
She'll douse your head with Guinness!

But oh, we have a jolly time
When the regÕlar crowd comes through,
When Derek sets the singing 'round
And Colin serves the brew
And Andrew fills the mugs again
We make a loverly din
A drinking Sunday night away
At the dear old Station Inn



So raise your glass, and health to her,
And honest barkeep Pat,
They keep the tavern running right,
And thanks to them for that!
Now bring a round back to the Snug,
And let the songs begin
Old Whitby's never seen the like
Of our dear old Station Inn!

But oh, we have a jolly time
When the regÕlar crowd comes through,
When Derek sets the singing 'round
And Colin serves the brew
And Andrew fills the mugs again
We make a loverly din
A drinking Sunday night away
At the dear old Station Inn


10 Oct 10 - 08:26 PM (#3004096)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Commander Crabbe

From another thread

THE WHITBY TO SCARBOROUGH LINE

Words & Music by Christopher Rowe

If you go from Hawsker to Robin Hood's Bay,
You will find there's a railway line hidden away;
Ignored and concealed by the grasses of time,
And they call it the Whitby to Scarborough line.

There's a crowd at the platform at Robin Hood's Bay,
The Victorian east coast is off work today;
And they're waving the flags and they're pouring the wine,
To open the Whitby to Scarborough line.

For nearly a century steam engines reigned,
Till the interest of tourists and businessmen waned,
No steel from Teesside and no coal from the Tyne,
Hard times hit the Whitby to Scarborough line.

A North-Eastern railway sign rusts in the sun,
Giving warning of the dangers that trespassers run,
But gorse takes no notice of a forty-bob fine,
And weeds choke the Whitby to Scarborough line.

The viaduct at Scalby, the Staintondale Clock,
The damp, desolate tunnel through Ravenscar rock,
The rest rooms at Fyling where lights never shine,
Now radar guards the Whitby to Scarborough line.

There's a ghost train in the distance and it's garlanded black,
There is dust on the signal and rust on the track;
No oil in the lantern, no paint on the sign,
And the wind rules the Whitby to Scarborough line.

Notes [by Christopher Rowe?]
       "The Whitby to Scarborough railway line opened in 1885 and closed in 1965. Some who saw the opening as children, (when they were given the day off school), also saw the closing when the last train was garlanded in black. In its heyday it was popular with holidaymakers and invaluable to industry further up the coast. But as other communications improved, so its popularity declined, and today it is derelict and overgrown. The area is now better known for the huge radar globes at RAF Fylingdales than for its peaceful scenic railway line.

CC


13 Oct 10 - 07:27 AM (#3005893)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Jim Kay

Many thanks to those who supplied the lyrics to "The Whitby to Scarborough Line" You made my year.
Jim Kay


03 Feb 14 - 09:41 AM (#3597842)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST


03 Feb 14 - 05:29 PM (#3598025)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,David Nuttall , Wakefield.

I wrote this ' poem ' ( which I later set to music ) a few years ago following a true incident in the Black Horse pub in Whitby . My friend and I had sung the Greenland Whale in the crowded pub when an elderly sailor beckoned me across to relate this story which he maintained was true. I am hardly holding this up for its literary worth !! but I hope others may find it interesting and a link with the past and with Whitby . The pencil drawings of the fishermen are still very much in evidence on the wall of this lovely pub which is very welcoming for informal songs and tunes , particularly during Whitby Folk Week and The Moor And Coast Festival.   


                  WHITBY'S LAST WHALE


The pencil portraits on the walls
Of sailors here or drowned
Fail to convey real history
In the Black Horse , Whitby Town .
Their old ways may be passed now
But their stories still remain ......
The catching of Whitby's last whale
Brought tears, remorse and pain.


The weather-beaten fisherman
Sipped ale in smoke-filled bar .
His tears welled up and trickled down,
Made me realise how far
Reality can overcome
Made-up tales beneath the mast !
We'd sung Greenland Whale in harmony
But HIS whale song....unsurpassed !


And when our song was finished
He beckoned me across..
Relating in slow , measured way
His sense of hurt and loss.
I filled his glass.He wiped his eye.
From his mouth there trickled truth.
No sentimental claptrap here...
No imaginings of youth !


He told me how in recent times
Whilst hauling in their net ,
Twelve miles from Whitby Town his mates
And him were shocked, upset .
They'd dragged a whale exhausted ,
Reluctant from the tide,
Tried quickly to revive it
For such slaughter they'd deride !


Cracked voice choked with emotion
As salt tears filled his eye !
He knew that this great creature's death
They could never justify.
For catching indiscriminately
Had always been the way
But on that craft,that time, that place...
A price the whale would pay.


Tough men , openly weeping
Helped it slip back to the deep..
No spark of life, flourish of tail,
No breath...perpetual sleep !
But the memory had not faded
For him to the present day ...
Acknowledging it had been hard
He'd been glad to have his say.

Now when I hear a whaling song...
Can't think of sharp harpoon.
For of his tale - my vision's strong....
I see Black Horse salt - and soon
I then recall what him befell,
The look in that whale's eyes ...
Its NOT the manner of the kill
But the WHALE and its demise .


The pencil portraits on the wall
Of sailors lost or drowned
Fail to convey real history
In the Black Horse,Whitby town .
Their old ways may be passed now
But their stories will remain....
The catching of Whitby's last whale
Brought tears, remorse and pain .

DAVID NUTTALL


04 Feb 14 - 06:19 AM (#3598134)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Paul Davenport

There are also two songs on the Yorkshire Garland website of recent origin that pertain to Whitby. One is Wendy Arrowsmith's song about pulling the lifeboat, 'The Visitor' and the other's my own 'Freeman's Waistcoat'.
http://www.yorkshirefolksong.net


04 Feb 14 - 08:07 AM (#3598170)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST

How about Old Whitby harbour written by Stan Graham and sung by Martin Windham Reed amongst others.


04 Feb 14 - 12:13 PM (#3598249)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Steve Gardham

Hi Paul,
Gus Grenfell's 'Whitby Bells' is also on the website, sung by Hilary Simpson.


20 Mar 14 - 02:40 PM (#3611241)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,whitby

mrs sally supner windmill primary school by sally chamber choir for singing and other with Elizabeth AND Beeston can join go round the ring aswell ching a ring ching chaw zzzzzzzzzzzz loove


20 Mar 14 - 09:05 PM (#3611335)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Hrothgar

The Spinners had a song which I think was called "The Whitby Smuggler's Song". Might have to find the LP. I suspect I can remember the words. Can't find it on the web.


21 Mar 14 - 09:56 AM (#3611501)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,guest Wail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9k0HmPElec


21 Mar 14 - 09:58 AM (#3611503)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Wail again

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9k0HmPElec


21 Mar 14 - 10:00 AM (#3611505)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST

Whitby fisher lad by steve tilston?
Not a really trad o e though!


02 Dec 15 - 05:07 PM (#3755217)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Guest

John Connolly (AKA Anon!)wrote a couple about Malcolm Storey including "Bold Admiral Storey" - but that probably has nothing to dowith Whitby.

Oh, and Stanley Accrington also mentions Whitby and said Mr Storey in lots of his instantly written (and just as instantly fogotten) songs.


25 Jan 16 - 01:36 PM (#3768023)
Subject: ADD: Whitby Harbour (Stan Graham)
From: GUEST,Stan Graham

I've had lots of requests for the lyrics over the years, so here they are, enjoy. I play this in DADGAD, but Martyn Wyndham-Read plays it in Dropped D, others play it in standard tuning.


Whitby Harbour

WHITBY HARBOUR
(Stan Graham)

1.
Blow the north winds across old Whitby harbour,
Tether the boats from the oncoming storm,
Bright is the light that shines on the water,
Coal from the Tyne keeping families warm.

2.
Ghosts of old sailors in windswept old whalers,
Finding safe harbour from Greenland's cold shores,
Young boys are racing to pull down the ribbons,
Then head for the Straights to go whaling once more.

3.
Sailor beware the red skies of morning,
Unless you are willing a high price you'll pay,
Strong arms are waiting and all for a shilling,
King George's navy will take you away.

4.
An old Whitby Cat she glides through the darkness,
3000 gallons lie deep in her hold,
Bound for the market and houses of Church Street,
Gin, rum and tea to be traded for gold.

5.
Blow the north wind across old Whitby Harbour,
Captain James Cook has weathered the storms,
Young men of Whitby sailed on the Endeavour,
South to Australia and round the Cape Horn.

Chorus
Build me a ship to sail across oceans, give me fair wind and I'll answer the call, further than any man ever before me south to Australia and round the Cape Horn


26 Jan 16 - 01:07 PM (#3768331)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: The Sandman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9k0HmPElec written by richard grainger


26 Jan 16 - 08:59 PM (#3768423)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: BobKnight

I've written a song about Whitby, It's called, "The Slender Dark-Eyed Beauty That I Met In Whitby Town."

You can hear it here - www.youtube.com/bobknightfolk

I'm delighted to say that I've been booked for Whitby Festival this year 2016. Maybe see some of you there. :)


21 May 23 - 03:01 PM (#4172741)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Greum

There's a song called Whitby Bells but not Gus Gomersal's. I have the song sung by Graham and Sheila Nelmes.

I am struggling to catch all the words but the first goes:

By Henry the Eighth in 1539
Every abbey in the land was plundered
Lead, glass and gold they were taken away
And the anger of God rang out on the day
For his churches all were spoiled
And the heavens they did thunder.

The chorus is

And how the flowing tide did make those sweet bells chime.


21 May 23 - 06:05 PM (#4172756)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,rjm

Above
was the composer Dave Totterdell


22 May 23 - 02:27 AM (#4172785)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,Greum

Dunno. I'll ask Graham. I can't find this song anywhere on the interwebz.


22 May 23 - 02:55 AM (#4172787)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,RJM

Cot.711                Dave Totterdell        Whitby Bells ?(LP, Album)


22 May 23 - 02:57 AM (#4172788)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,RJM

I remember Dave well, he was a singer, concertina player and song writer. I think he died about 10 years ago


22 May 23 - 02:59 AM (#4172789)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,RJM

THERE IS A N OBIT HERE ON MUDCAT
2011 Obit: RIP Dave Totterdell


22 May 23 - 03:39 AM (#4172791)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Greum

Thanks, yes. Given the name I found that thread and I also found mention of his 1977 album and song on Discogs, but no recordings or lyrics.


22 May 23 - 12:51 PM (#4172818)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Greum

Okay, I have transcribed the lyrics. Hope they're reasonably accurate!

By Henry the Eighth in 1539

Every abbey in the land was plundered
Lead, glass and gold they were taken away
And the anger of God rang out on the day
For his churches all were spoiled
And the heavens they did thunder.

Chorus:
And how the flowing tide did make those sweet bells chime.

Whitby Abbey tower had five strong bells
They were loaded onto a boat
And the townsfolk watched as the ship left shore
With sadness in their hearts for they never thought
The bells would leave the town
On a ship afloat.

She sailed out south down to Black Nab Bay
The sails all a-swell in the gale
But the seas fell calm and the winds dropped low
And the sunlight place started to show
At the Abbey ruins tower door
And the sky it grew pale.

Now the seas fell wind bound as still as death
And the ship rolled onto its side
And she sank in sight of the folk on shore
Down through the waves to the salt sea floor
And the Abbey ruins tower door
And the plunderers they died.

Now the bells lie still on the salt sea bed
Untouched by flying time
But their music peals through the sunlit seas
Down through eternal centuries
At night on Whitby shore
You can hear their chimes.


23 May 23 - 07:58 AM (#4172888)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: Greum

If anyone is interested, this is indeed by Dave Totterdell.


24 May 23 - 10:49 AM (#4173010)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,RJM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9k0HmPElec
whitby whaler written by Richard Grainger


27 May 23 - 07:05 PM (#4173294)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GeoffLawes

THE TAILOR’S BRITCHES sung by John Greaves on The Yorkshire Garland. http://yorkshirefolksong.net/song.cfm?songID=49


28 May 23 - 08:59 AM (#4173325)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GUEST,henryp

Jack Beeforth, a retired farmer of Wragby Farm and the adjoining Cook House Farm, interviewed by Dave Hillery in 1974, recalled going to hire staff at the hiring fair in Whitby. And he also had a story about the hiring fair, published by Roy Palmer in his book, The Sound of History (1988).

A lad goes to t'hirings and meets a farmer who says, 'Ista for hiring?' 'Aye', says t’lad. 'What can you deea?' says t'farmer. 'Oh, ommost onnything on a farm', says t'lad. 'Well thoo looks a likely lad', says t'farmer. 'Wheer were you last?’ ‘Wi' him over theer', says t'lad. 'Can you get yourself a character?' says t'farmer 'and then I'll hire you'. So the lad goes over to t'feller he were wi', and asks him for a character. 'Nay, lad, you deeant want to go wi' him. He'll hunger yer and work yer and you'll have a right bad time'. So the lad goes back to t'farmer. 'Well, have you got a character?' says he. 'Why,' says t'lad, 'I haven't got one for me, but he's just given me a right one for thee'.

As Roy Palmer wrote, hiring was a very speculative and hazardous enterprise for both parties.

The Whitby Farmer by Henry Peacock
Tune; The Man in the Moon - see The Full English on youtube

A farmer he goes to the Martinmas Fair
To see the farm workers who all gather there.
Lad, ista for hiring? Hasta got a strong arm?
Says the lad, I can do onnything on a farm.

Chorus;
Now you may be a farmer or follow the plough,
But in this rough world we must rub along now.
Wherever you go and whatever you do,
In all of your dealings be honest and true.

Well thoo looks a good lad. Wheer were you last year?
Says the lad, Wi’ t’feller as stands over theer.
Now if he will put in a good word for thee,
Then I’ll hire thee this year – tha can come wham wi’ me.

Chorus

So the lad he steps over to get a good word.
Nay, says his owd master, Lad, have yer not heard?
You deean’t want to go wi’ him and mek a new home.
He’ll hunger thee and work thee reet dahn to the bone.

Chorus

So the lad he goes back to the farmer again.
Have you got a good word, lad? the farmer says then.
Nay, says the lad, I’ve not got one for me,
But he’s told me to never go working for thee!

Chorus


28 May 23 - 11:40 AM (#4173337)
Subject: RE: Songs about Whitby??!
From: GeoffLawes

Link to THE WHITBY LAD posted in Mudcat thread Any June Songs     /mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=169898&messages=150#whitbylad:~:text=Subject%3A%20RE%3A%20Any%20June%20Songs%3F%0AFrom%3A