Donkey Riding Explained

"Donkey Riding" is a traditional work song or sea shanty originally sung in Canada, Scotland and the Northeastern United States. It has also become popular as a children's song. The earliest written record of the song dates to 1857. The tune and words are an adaptation of "Highland Laddie".^[1] It is generally, but not universally,^[2] agreed that the "donkey" of the song title is a reference to the steam donkey, a kind of general-purpose steam engine.^[3] Stan Hugill, a sea-music historian, said that he had been informed that the song was also sung in the Gulf Ports as well as being popular at sea.^[4]

Recordings

Recordings of this song include:

• Great Big Sea on the albums Play and Road Rage^[5]
• Being a well-documented song publicised by Mudcat,^[6] and Mainly Norfolk,^[7] the song was recorded by Jon Boden and Oli Steadman for inclusion in their respective lists of daily folk songs "A Folk Song A Day"^[8] and "365 Days Of Folk".^[9]

Notes and References

1. http://www.csufresno.edu/folklore/BalladSearch.html CSU Fresno Ballad Index
2. Douglas Coombes (1974) Songs for singing together: fifty songs from around the world taken from the BBC's music programme for schools 'Singing Together' , BBC Publications
3. Web site: Alliance Music Publications Inc. - Donkey Riding . Alliancemusic.com . 2013-08-31.
4. http://www.shanty.org.uk/archive_songs/donkey-riding.html Shantypedia
5. "Great Big Sea Embraces Stylistic Mix" (June 14, 1997) Billboard p.46
6. Web site: Donkey Riding on Mudcat.org. 24 February 2024.
7. Web site: Donkey Riding. 24 February 2024.
8. Web site: A Folk Song A Day: Song List. 24 January 2024.
9. Web site: 365 Days Of Folk: Song List. 24 January 2024.