“Riley”

Description

"Riley, Riley, where are you, Wo, Riley! Wo, ma-an!" "Riley's gone to Liverpool... Riley's gone an' I'm goin too." "Wish I were Cap'n Riley's son... I'd lay around and drink good rum." "Thought I heard my cap'n say... Tomorrow is our sailin' day."

Notes

This is a pastiche of verses from various songs, e.g. "Leave Her, Johnny," "Ginny's Gone to Ohio" (which also has some resemblance in the tune), etc. Lomax related it to "Stormalong" (a connection I don't see). You can probably find other relatives if you look hard enough. - RBW

References

  1. Lomax-FSNA 278, "Riley" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. BI, LoF278

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1935
Found in: US(So)