“Bob Cranky's Adieu”

Description

"Farewell, farewell, ma comely pet! Aw's forced three weeks to leave thee; Aw's doon for parm'nent duty set." The singer must obey the sergeant during the long parting -- but if the girl wishes to see him, they can always meet in the "yell-house"

Supplemental text

Bob Cranky's Adieu
  Partial text(s)

          *** A ***

From Stokoe/Reay, Songs and Ballads of Northern England, pp. 91-93.

Farewell, farewell, ma comely pet!
  Aw's forced three weeks to leave thee;
Aw's doon for parm'nent duty set.
  O dinna let it grieve thee!
Ma hinny! wipe them e'en, sae breet,
  That mine wi' love did dazzle;
When thy heart's sad, can mine be leet?
  Come, ho'way, get a jill o' beer
  Thy heart to cheer;
An' when thou sees me march away,
  Whiles in, whiles oot,
  O' step, nae doot;
"Bob Cranky's gyen," thou'lt sobbin' say,
  "A-sougering to Newcassel!"

(3 additional stanzas)

Notes

According to Stokoe, "This song is a parody on the popular song of the Peninsular War period, entitled 'The Soldier's Adieu.'" - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "Bob Cranky's 'Size Sunday" (character)

References

1. Stokoe/Reay, pp. 91-93, "Bob Cranky's Adieu" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. ST StoR091 (Partial)
3. Roud #3148
4. BI, StoR091