“Roll Me Over”

Description

The singer begins with number one, "when the fun has just begun," and progressing to number ten, when "it's time to start again."

Notes

This is perhaps the most popular formula song in the English language. - EC

Hugill thinks this derived from the shanty "Put Yer Shoulder Next to Mine and Pump Away," with which it shares a tune. I wouldn't be surprised if the kinship goes the other way. Even more likely to be a descendant is "Kissing Song (II -- She Just Kept Kissing On)." - RBW

Same tune

  • Put Yer Shoulder Next to Mine and Pump Away (File: Hugi508)

Cross references

Recordings

  • Larry Vincent's Pearl Trio, "Roll Me Over" (Pearl 50, c. 1949)

References

  1. Cray, pp. 325-327, "Roll Me Over" (2 texts, 1 tune)
  2. Randolph-Legman I, pp. 389-392, "Roll Me Over" (4 texts, 1 tune)
  3. Roud #10133
  4. BI, EM325

About

Alternate titles: “Roll Me Over in the Clover”
Author: unknown
Keywords: bawdy shanty humorous
Found in: Australia Britain(England) US(ubiquitous) New Zealand