“Nancy Whisky”

Description

The weaver sets out to sample the pleasures of drink and a roving life. After extensive drinking, he finds himself broke and despised. He vows to return to weaving, and warns others of the evil of drink

Notes

One title for this song is "The Calton Weaver"; Calton was a village, swallowed up by Glasgow in the early 20th century. - PJS

Also collected and sung by Ellen Mitchell, "The Carlton Weaver" (on Kevin and Ellen Mitchell, "Have a Drop Mair," Musical Tradition Records MTCD315-6 CD (2001)) - BS

Same tune

• It's Very Strange (per broadside NLScotland, RB.m.143(125))

Broadsides

• NLScotland, RB.m.143(125), "Nancy Whisky," Poet's Box (Dundee), c.1880-1900

References

1. Kennedy 279, "Nancy Whisky" (1 text, 1 tune)
2. SHenry H745, pp. 47-48, "Long Cookstown/Nancy Whiskey" (1 text, 1 tune)
3. Ord, pp. 372-373, "The Calton Weaver" (1 text)
4. Silber-FSWB, p. 234, "The Calton Weaver" (1 text)
5. DT, CALTONWV
6. Roud #883
7. BI, K279