“The Collier's Rant”

Description

As the singer and his marra/marrer (workmate) go to work, they meet the devil; the singer knocks off his horns and feet. The lights go out, the workmate goes the wrong way, and "Old Nick got me marra and I got the tram." He regrets the loss of his friend.

Long description

As the singer and his marra/marrer/marrow (workmate) are going to work, they meet the devil; the singer knocks the devil's horns and feet off with his pick. He breaks his bottle and spills the drink; the lights go out, the workmate goes the wrong way, and "Old Nick got me marra and I got the tram." He regrets the loss of his friend. Cho: "Follow the horses, Johnnie me laddie...Hey, lad, lie away, me canny lad-o"

Recordings

  • Bob Davenport, "The Collier's Rant" (on IronMuse1)
  • Pete Elliott, "The Collier's Rant" (on Elliotts01)

References

  1. Stokoe/Reay, pp. 74-75, "The Collier's Rant" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. MacColl-Shuttle, p. 15, "The Collier's Rant" (1 text, 1 tune)
  3. DT, COLRRANT
  4. Roud #1366
  5. BI, RcTColRa

About

Author: Tommy Armstrong ?
Earliest date: 1812 (Bell)
Found in: Britain(England(North))