France's Songs of the Bards of the Tyne - 1850 explained

Songs of the Bards of the Tyne
Author:Joseph Philip Robson (editor)
Country:United Kingdom
Language:English (Geordie dialect)
Genre:chapbook
Publisher:P. France & Co.
Release Date:1850
Media Type:Print
Pages:approx. 560 pages

Songs of the Bards of the Tyne is a chapbook style songbook, giving the lyrics of local, now historical songs, with a few bits of other information. It was edited by J. P. Robson and published by P. France & Co. in 1850.[1]

Details

Songs of the Bards of the Tyne (full title – “France's Songs of the Bards of the Tyne; A choice selection of original songs, chiefly in the Newcastle Dialect. With a glossary of 800 words. Edited by J. P. Robson, Published by P France & Co., No 8 Side, Newcastle upon Tyne – 1849) is a Chapbook style book of Geordie folk songs consisting of approximately 270 song lyrics on over 560 pages, published in 1850.

It is, as the title suggests, a collection of songs which would have been popular, or topical, at the date of publication. There is very little in the way of biographies of any of the writers or histories of the events.

Contents

width=70 abbr="page"pagewidth=300 abbr="title of song"titlewidth=300 abbr="author"songwriterwidth=200 abbr="tune/air"tunewidth=350abbr="comments" commentswidth=70 abbr="Notes"Noteswidth=350abbr="Ref" Ref
ivPublisher's Preface
vEditor's comments
8Index
17Wonderful Tallygrip – (The)J P RobsonBarbara Bell
19short bioJohn Balmbralandlord of Wheat Sheaf Inn
20Wonderful Tallygrip – (The)J P RobsonBarbara Bellencore verses
22Skipper's Wedding – (The) W Stephenson Senior
25Jemmy Joneson’s Whurry – or Gaol and KittyT Thompson
27Canny NewcastleT ThompsonFy, let's off to the bridal
30Pitman's Courtship – (The)William Mitfordauthor given as W Midford
32Cappy – or The Pitman's DogWilliam Mitfordauthor given as W Midford
35Polly's NickstickJ P RobsonX. Y. Z.
39Pitman's Skellyscope (The)William MitfordPolly Parker, Oauthor given as W Midford
41Bonny Keel Laddie (The)not given
42Mayor of Bordeaux (The) – or Mally 's Mistake William MitfordFy, let's off to the bridalauthor given as W Midford
44Collier's Rant (The)not given
45New Keel Row (The) – new versionT Thompson
45(Weel May) The Keel Row – original versionTraditional
47Glister (The)W Armstrong
49Callerforney – A dialogueJ P RobsonAlley Croaker
51Gutta PerchaJ P RobsonThe Campbells Are Coming
54Kittlin' Legacy (The) – or the Clawa in the WillJ P RobsonBarbara Bellthis song marked "Copyright"
54comment onThe story of the legacy
56There's a Grand Time Comin'J P Robsonaccording to Ross in "The Songs of the Tyne c1846" author may be R P Sutherland
57Harry ClasperJ P RobsonFamous Auld Cappy
59Pitman's luck at the races (The)W Mitfordaccording to Farne archives to the tune of 'Cameronians Rant'also indexed as X. Y. Z.
59comment onthe pitman's hobby
62Newcastle SpawEmeryRory O' More
62short bioabout the spring
64Fishwives lament (The) – on their removal from the Sandhill to the New Fish Market on 2 Jan 1827R EmerySleeping Maggie
65April Gowk (The)R GilchristJenny choak'd the bairn
67Steam Soup (or Cuckoo Jack's Petition)EmeryX. Y. Z.
69Pitman's Ramble (The)EmeryThe Kebbuckstane Wedding
71Swalwell HoppingJ SelkirkPaddy's Wedding
74Mally's Voyage to CallerforneyJ P RobsonHydrophoby
77Pitman's Happy Times – (The)J P RobsonIn the days when we went Gypsying
79Keelmen of the Tyne (The)J P RobsonThe Orange and the Blue
81Militia (The)J P RobsonThe Campbells are Coming
83Newcastle ImprovementsJ P RobsonOh! 'Tis Love
85Oh, Come, My lovely MaidJ P RobsonThe Swiss Toy Girl
86Little Pee-dee (The)not givenPitman's Courtship (The)
87Skipper's Visit to the PolytechnicEmeryX. Y. Z.
90Sandgate Pant – or Jane Jemieson's GhostEmeryI'd be a butterfly
92Blind Willy's DeathNunnJemmy Joneson's Whurry
93Skipper's Dream (The)T Moor
95Floatin' Gunstan – (The)ArmstrongAbout a "Floating Grindstone"Fr-Tune3
96Newcassel Worthies (The)ArmstrongWe've aye been provided foractually spelt "Newcastle" in this book
99Days and Deeds of ShakspereJ P RobsonThe Old English Gentleman
102Pitman's Candidate (The)J P RobsonJeanette and Jeannottitle actually given as "Pitman" in this book
103Song of the Old Tyne BridgeJ P RobsonThe Old Kirk-Yard
105Maw Wonderful WifeJ P RobsonBarbara Bell
107Noodle – (The)J B GilroyJeanette and Jeannot
109Use and abuse (The) – or the Pitman and the preacherJ P RobsonCanny Newcassel
110Thumping LuckW WatsonGang Nae Mair to Yon Town
112Pigeons' Milk – or A Shy at the QuacksJ P RobsonCalder Fairthis song marked "Copyright"
115Luckey's Dreamnot givenCalder Fairactually spelt "Lukey's Dream" in this bookA-N1
117Cobbler O' Morpeth (The) (Cholera Morbus)McLellanBow Wowrefers to Cholera
119Nancy WilkinsonH RobsonDuncan Davison
120Newcassel Props (The)W OliverThe Bold Dragoon
122Baggy Nanny – or The Pitman's FrolicR EmeryThe Kebbuckstane Wedding
124Coal trade (The)not givenThe Keel RowB S6
127Hamlick, Prince of Denton – Part FirstJ P RobsonMerrily Dance the Quaker's Wife
129Canny Aud SheelsJ P RobsonSprig of Shillalah
132By the Waves of the OceanJ P RobsonThe last rose of summer
132comment onJ P Robsonfrom "Wild Blossoms of Poesy"
133Palestine KnightJ P RobsonDunois the young and brave
134Keelmen's Reasons for Attending Church (The)not givenJemmy Joneson's Whurry
135St. Nicholas' ChurchR NunnAuld Lang Syne
137Sandgate Lass on the Ropery Bank (The)R NunnThe Skipper's Wedding
139Half Drowned Skipper (The)not givenChapter of Donkeys
141Newcastle Noodles (The)James MorrisonCanny Newcasselauthor given in index as "J Morrison"A-M2
142Billy Oliver's Ramble (between Benwell and Newcastle)not given
144Sandhill Monkey (The)William Stephenson (junior)Drops of BrandyAuthor given as W StephensonA-S4
146Hamlick, Prince of Denton – Part SecondJ P Robson
149Hamlick, Prince of Denton – Part ThirdJ P Robson
150Skipper's Almanac (The)J P RobsonX. Y. Z.
153Devil (The) – or The Nanny Goatnot givenWeel Bred Cappyshield songster
155Beggars' Wedding – (The) William Stephenson (junior)BallinafadA-S4
155comment onslight amendments by the editor (J P Robson)
157Betty Beesley and her Wooden Man J P RobsonThe Bold Dragoonthis song marked "Copyright"
160Pitman's return from Calleyforney (The)EmeryOld Dan Tucker
161Parody on the Soldier's TearW GreigThe Soldier's Tear
162Lass of Wincomblee (The)not givenNae Luck About The House
164Mechanic's Procession (The) (or A Trip To South Shields)EmeryThe Bold Dragoon
166Valentine's Daynot givenNewcastle Fairaccording to Farne Archives J P Robson
168Bear Club (The)R Gilchrist
170Lovesick Collier Lass (The)J P RobsonAll round my hat
172Lays of the Tyne Exile – No 1 The DepartureJ P Robson
173Newcastle RacesW Watson
175Donocht HeadGeorge PickeringYe Banks and BraesAuthor given as "R Pickering"
175comment onDonocht Head
176Galvanic RingsJ P RobsonBow Wow
179Collier's Keek at the Nation (The)R GilchristF-G2
180Fishwives' Carol (The)M RossNae luck aboot the house
182Lovely MaryGilchristSleeping Maggieoriginally "Lovely Delia"
182comment onslight amendments by the editor (J P Robson)
183Newcastle Theatre in an Uproarnot given
186Pitman's Dream (The) – or A description of the North PoleEmeryNewcastle Fairin 2 parts
188Pitman's Dream (The) – or His description of the KitchenEmeryMerrily Dance the Quaker
190Baboon (The)Armstrong
192Skipper's Mistake (The)ArmstrongThe Chapter of Accidents
194Sandgate Lass's Lament (The)H RobsonThe Bonny Pit Laddie
195Coaly Tynenot givenAuld Lang Syne
196New Fish Market (The)William MitfordScots come o'er the Borderauthor given as W Midford
198Local Militia-Man (The)William MitfordMadam Fag's Galaauthor given as W Midford
200Wreckenton Hiringnot given
203Victory (The) – or The Captain Done Overnot givenOh! The golden days of Good Queen Bess
205Bob Cranky's AdieuJ Shield
207Oysterwife's Petition (The) – (on The Removal of the Oyster-Tub From The Quay)EmeryThe Bold Dragoon
207short biothe Oyster-Tub
209Jenny Lind – or the Pitman in LoveJ P RobsonPolly Parker, Odescribed as improved
210Irish Lawyer (The)J P RobsonThe Mistletoe bough
212Bob Stacker's Secret – or how to prove your friendsJ P RobsonCanny Newcasselthis song marked "Copyright"
214Changes on the Tyne (The)not givenMitford Galloway
218Hail, Hail, Jenny LindJ P RobsonI'm afloat
219Geordy's Disasternot givenThe Baboon
222Battle on the Shields Railway (Between A Town Councillor and an Architect and the Pollis)not givenCappy's the Dog
227Sandgate Wife's Nurse's SongRobert NunnA Sailor's Wife has nought to deeaccording to Farne Archives Henry RobsonA-N1
228Euphy's CoronationT MarshallArthur McBride
231More InnovationsRobert GilchristThe Bold Dragoon
231short bioRobert Gilchrist
233Cliffs of Virginia (The)not givenDrops of BrandyShields Songster
235Lays of the Tyne Exile – No 2 Maid of my BossomJ P RobsonThe Beggar Girl
236Nanny Jackson's letter to Lord MorpethJ P RobsonCanny Newcassel
238Newcastle ImprovementsR.CharltonCanny NewcasselAuthor actually given erroneously as "T" Charlton in this book
240Barber's News (The) (or Shields in an Uproar)J ShieldMiss Bailey's GhostFr-Tune 2
245Quayside Shaver (The)W Stephenson Senior
248Eagle Steam Packet (The)William Mitfordauthor given as W Midford
250Tyne Cossacks (The)W MitfordThe Bold Dragoon
253Mally and the ProphetEmeryBarbara Bell
253short bioThe prophet
255When We were at the SkeulJ P RobsonNae luck aboot the house
258Pitman Pilgrim (The) – or A keek at the Roman WallJ P RobsonThe Kebbuckstane Weddingthis song marked "Copyright"
261comment onerrors in the description of the wall
262Skipper's Account of the Orangemen's Procession (The)
264Hydrophobia – or the Skipper&QuakerEmerytitle condensed
266Canny Sheels John Morrisonauthor given in index as "John Morris"
269Famed Filly Fair – or A peep in Pilgrim Street on a Sunday Neetnot given
272Permanent YeastJohn Morrisonauthor given in index as "J Morrison"
272comment onYeast
273Masquerade at Newcastle Theatre (or The Pitman Turned Critic)William Mitfordauthor given as W Midford
276She Wore an Old Straw BonnetJ P RobsonShe wore a Wreath of Roses
278Lays of the Tyne Exile – No 3 Banks of TyneJ P RobsonRoy's Wife
279Height of my Ambitions (The)J P RobsonNancy Dawson
281Come Up to the Scratch – (or The Pitman Haggish'd)Robert EmeryCalder Fair
284Sir Tommy Made An Odd FellowGilchristCanny Newcassel
286Blind Willy's FlightR EmeryBetsy Baker
287New Markets (The)OliverCanny Newcasselalternative title "Newcastle Improvements"
289Natural Philosopher (The) (or The Downfall of Learned Humbugs)not givenCanny Newcassel
290Mary DrueT HoustonMy Johnny's Grey Breeks
292Billy Purvis's Bundle – or A Corker for the GeordiesJ P RobsonKing of the Cannibal Islandsthis song marked "Copyright"
296Billy's Grand ShowJ P RobsonBarbara Bell
298Geordie's Letter Frae CallerforneyT KennedyHydrophobie
301Pitman's Description of "La Perouse" (The) – performed for many nights at the South Shields Theatrenot givenBetsy Baker
303Blind Willy Singingnot givenJemmy Joneson's Whurry
305Pardon DeanGilchristThe Banks O' Doon
306Tom Carr and Waller Watson – or Tom and Jerry at HomeW OliverThere was a Bold Dragoon
308Voyage to Lunnen (A)Gilchrist
312Pitman's Draw (The) J P RobsonBarbara Bell
314Ikeybo – or The Wonder of GuanoGeddesBarbara Bell
317Jesmond MillPhill "Primrose" Hodgsonalso "Phil" and "Primrose"
319Lizzie LibertyH RobsonTibby Fowler I' the Glen
320Lays of the Tyne Exile – No 4 in Childhood We WanderJ P RobsonThe old house at home
321Tyne (The) – song number 2Henry RobsonIn Britain's Blessed Island
322Loyal Festivities – or Novel Scenes at NewcastleWilliam MitfordBetsy BakerCalled "Loyal Fishwives" author as "W Midford" in index
322comment onGeorge IV
325Picture of Newcastle (or George the Fourth's Coronation)W MitfordArthur McBride
325comment onWilliam MitfordTown Moor public meeting 11 October 1849
329Bold Archy and Blind Willie's Lament (On the Death of Captain Starkey)not givenThe Bold Dragooncalled "Bold Airchy's Lament"
331comment onMessrs Greenand the balloon Balloon
331Green's Balloonnot givenBarbara Bell
334Nanny of the TyneJ GibsonThe Rose of Allendale
335Softest Flowers (The)J P RobsonThe Young May Moon
336Ye Sons of great ApolloJ P RobsonBritish Grenadiers
337Oh Tell me not the other LandsB. CrowLucy Neal
338Over the Waves of the Soft Flowing TyneJ P RobsonOver the Water to Charlie
339Pawnshop in a Bleeze (The) – or The Spout without WaterJ P RobsonX. Y. Z.this song marked "Copyright"
342Owl (The)EmeryX. Y. Z.
343comment onpublic houses mentioned in "The Owl"
343Northumberland Free of Newcastle – Composed Extempore, on the Duke of Northumberland being presented with the Freedom of NewcastleR Gilchrist
345Parson MalthusH RobsonRanting Roaring Willie
347My Lord 'SizeJ Shield
351Tim TunbellyOliverCanny Newcassel
353Shields Chain Bridge – Humorously described by a pitmanOlivernote archaic spelling of HumorouslyF-O1
356Stars O' Hartlepool (The)Mr W thompsonBarbara Bellthe index erroneously shows J P Robson as author
358Lays of the Tyne Exile – No 5 – Farewell Fair FieldsJ P Robson
358short bioMr W thompson
359Auld Wife's PlaintJ P RobsonThe Old Kirk-Yard
360comment oninclusion of "Auld Wife's Plaint"
361Old Burn (The)B. CrowMy ain fireside
362Prentice's Ramble to the Races (The) – or the House of CorrectionT. JacksonBaggy Nanny
366Sweet TynesideT KennedyKelvin Grove
367Sandgate Girl's Lament (The)not given
369Trip to WarkworthEmeryKing of the Cannibal Islands
369comment onthe works outing to Warkworth
372Bob Crank's Leum'nation NeetJ Shield
375Toon of Other Days – A Parody on "The Light of Other Days"R P SutherlandThe light of other days
377Hymn of the HungariansJ P RobsonScots wha haethis song marked "Copyright"
378comment onanniversary of Battle of Bosworth
379England, the Anchor of Hope to the WorldJ P RobsonHearts of Oak
381Lays of the Tyne Exile – No 6 Exile's Return (The)J P RobsonThe Keel Row (slow)
382Ale, Ale, All AleJ P RobsonThe Sea Serpent
385comment on authorshipof Ale, Ale, All Ale
386Royal Visit (The)W OliverX. Y. Z.
388St. Nicholas' Great Bellnot givenThe King of the Cannibalsaccording to Farne Archives J P Robson
390Dames of EnglandDr David Ross Lietch
391Clock Face (The)OliverThe Bold Dragoon
392Dance To Thy DaddyW WatsonThe Little Fishy
394Dutchess And Mayoress (The)not givenThe Young May MoonWritten in September 1819
396Till the Tide Came InH Robson
396New Song For Barge-Day 1835 (A)GilchristSung on board of the Steward's Steam-boat
398Moralto Barge song
399Brittania's ReproachJ P RobsonThe Death of Nelson
400Land of Sad Hibernia (The)J P RobsonThe Old English Gentleman
402Nice Old Gill (The)J Jackson
402Comment on the "political" society
405Pitman's Ghost (The)incognitoSprig of Shelalah
410Hell's Kitchennot givenMiss Bailey's Ghost
412comment onHell's Kitchen contributed by Mr R Emery
412Bonny Geatsiders 1805 (The)J ShieldBob Cranky
415Sim of Dundeenot givenNewcastle Races
415short bioCapt John Sim
416comment onThe waggon-way
416Song of ImprovementsGilchristCappy's the Dogsung by the author at a dinner in the New Butcher Market 22 Oct 1835
418I'm A Snobnot givenI'm Afloat
419To Kelvin Grove we'll go – The Lassie's ReplyH Robson
420Water of Tyne (The)not given
421Home in early Years (My)T F DavidsonThe Rose of Allendale
422comment onEditor's praise for author
423Come Awake!, Oh AriseJ P RobsonThe Swiss Boy
424Byron, the first in the songJ P RobsonWhile the Lads of the Village
424comment onThe editor's early work
425Her soft Melting EyeJ P RobsonHer mouth with a smile
425Moderate Man (The)T KennedyJemmy Joneson's Whurry
428High Level Bridge (The)J P RobsonDrops of Brandy
430Ether Doctor (The)J P RobsonCaller Fair
432Tell it not in GathB. CrowCaller Fair
432Comment onlocal details
434Cut at Wor Toon (A) – or Billy Thompson's SmiddyJ P RobsonBarbara Bellthis song marked "Copyright"
438Newcastle is my native placenot givenWe hae always been provided for
439Scene at Jesmond Gardens (A)incognitoLukey's Dream
443Sweet Tibbie DunbarD ----The Boys of Kilkennya proposal
444Northern Minstrel's Budget (The)H Robson
451Young Mary, Queen of Hearts!D ----The Boatie Row
452Sign of Ducrow (The)not givenGallant Huzzar
454Lass I Lo'e Sae Dearly (The)T Kennedy
455Lass that shed a Tear for Me (Thew)W Stephenson JuniorThe lass that made the bed for me
456Collier's Farewell (The)J P RobsonFy, let's off to the bridal
458Newcastle in a StoureJ P RobsonBetsy Baker
460Parody (A) – on the Red, Red Rosenot givenThe Red Red Rose
461Visit to Billy's Show (A)incognitoTallygrip
462Gateshead Lass's Lament (The)not givenJessie of Dumblane
464EllenW Stephenson JuniorRobin Adair
465Canny Wife (My)D ----There's nae luck about the house
466Native Hills (My)J P RobsonMary Blane
467Contented Player (The)J P RobsonJohn Jones
469Washing-Day – (The)Thomas Wilson
471Peter Allen's Deathnot givenJohn Anderson my Jo !
473Mally's DreamEdward CorvanA parody on the "Wife's Dream"R-C1
475Banks of the North (The)S E Preston
476Marsden RockJohn PeacockJockey to the FairAuthor actually given erroneously as "T Peacock" in this book
478Itinerant Confectioner (The)W Stephenson SeniorBob and Joan
480Merry Lads of Gyetshead not givenSunny Banks of Scotlandactually spelt as "Gateshead" in this book
481Northumbrian's Farewell (The)not givenAdieu my native land adieu
483Homeward BoundJ P RobsonBlack Ey'd SusanA story from the "Chronicle"
484Canny Newcastle AgainT Oliver
485comment onnature generally
485Oh, I'll never ForgetJ P RobsonThe Bridal Ring
487Queen's visit to Newcastle 1849 (The)J P RobsonPolly's nickstick
488comment onlack of clergy in church
490Yon Orb is SinkingThomas Oliver
491Young DonaldJ P RobsonOn the Banks of Allen Water
492Shields RacesSongsterThe de'il cam' fiddling through the toon
494Jenny Lind – or the Pitman in LoveJ P RobsonMrs Clarkdescribed as original
495Answers from Alice GreyJ P Robson
496Age of EightyW Stephenson SeniorAge of Eighty
497Stream of a Thousand Fallen AdieuT Oliver
499Systems of Life (The)J P RobsonMerrily Dance the Quaker's Wife
500Summer hath come againJ P RobsonBlow the wind Sutherly
502Night with a Jovial Set (A)J P RobsonA life on the Ocean Wave
503Willy WierD ----Lass o' Gowrie
503comment onLochmaben
503Town Clerk's Safety Valve (The)not given
505Canny Wife's reply to page 465D.Auld Lang Synesee "My Canny Wife" from page 465
506Opening of the Marketsnot given
508Old Nick's Visit To H---'s KitchenEmeryThe King of the Cannibal Isles
510Charley's Return from the OceanValentineI'm oftentimes Drunk, and Seldom Sober
512Hail, Hail, to the OrderJ P Robson
513Smiling BetsyW Stephenson JuniorDainty Davy
514Wail of the Fallen (The)J P Robson
515Common Sensenot givenMaggie Lauder
516Newcastle on Saturday NightW Stephenson SeniorNewcastle Ale
520Tyne Fair 1813–14W MitfordIn commemoration of the frost
523Wor new Gaol and Kittynot givenJemmy Joneson's Whurry
524Skipper's Voyage to the Museum (The)D CBarbara Bell
526comment onNichol's shop
529Fire and Water – or Nervoni disappointednot givenDuke Willey and a nobleman
531Happy DaysJ P RobsonMary Blane
532IsabelJ P RobsonA Rose Tree full in Bearing
533He Thought on the MaidJ P RobsonThe flower of Dumblane
534Lover's Tear (The)J P RobsonThe Soldier's Tear
535O Far Awaynot given
536Staffordshire WareW MitfordOne New Year's Day
537Bewildered Skipper (The)William MitfordThe bewildered Maidauthor given as W Midford
538Hangman and the Calf (The)William MitfordThe Dey of Algiersauthor given as W Midford
540Tyne HeroesW MitfordCanny Newcassel
542empty
543Glossary
552Printed by A S Crow, 32 Sandhill, Newcastle

Notes

A-M2 – according to George Allan's Tyneside Songs and Readings of 1891, the writer is James Morrison
A-N1 – according to George Allan's Tyneside Songs and Readings of 1891, the writer is Robert Nunn
A-S4 – according to George Allan's Tyneside Songs and Readings of 1891, the writer is William Stephenson (junior)
Br-S6 – according to Brockie'sThe Shields Garland", the writer is John Stobbs
F-G1 – according to Fordyce's Tyne Songster of 1840, the writer is John Gibson
F-O1 – according to Fordyce's Tyne Songster of 1840, the writer is Oliver
Fr-Tune2 – according to France's Songs of the Bards of the Tyne – 1850, the tune is "Miss Bailey's Ghost"
Fr-Tune3 – according to George Allan's Tyneside Songs and Readings of 1891, the tune is "Derry Down"
R-C1 – according to Ross' Songs of the Tyne of 1846, the writer is Edward Corvan

See also

Geordie dialect words
P. France & Co.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: France's Songs of the Bards of the Tyne. River. Tyne. 1850.