Jon recalls, “Sharron Kraus used to sing this at the Half Moon – always brought the house down. I’ve read a few strange articles claiming that this has something to do with Jesus. I suspect not.”
Hmmm. I’d tend to agree with that last comment too. I know Jesus was supposed to be the fisher of men, but the last time I looked he wasn’t proposing marriage or wearing gold chains, mind you it might be metaphorical marriage and gold of course. This one seems to be known widely across the country with both Harry Cox and The Coppers having it in their repertoire. Jon’s source for this, however, was Maddy prior and Tim Hart and they raise the Christian allegory theory, whilst slyly noting that “…it could be a very classic love story.” Mainly Norfolk covers this well and efforts to turn up much more of merit have faltered on the other song of the same title, as performed by Humphry Bogart in The African Queen.
I’ve heard mention of the Jesus connection too, but what does it matter – it’s a lovely song, with lots of harmonies to find and I always enjoy hearing it.
Yes. Agree entirely. Lovely song and great harmonies. I thoroughly enjoyed harmonising along with it. I don’t always get the words right. Who cares! Just a punter and I have discovered a joy in singing along when the emotion takes me!
Perhaps the Jesus connection is made by those who recall John ch14 v3 “I will come back and take you to be with me” [in my father’s house].
A cautionary tale? You’re all set for a peaceful day dangling your rod from the riverbank – and end up falling for a maiden ‘hook, line and sinker’. Oops, this may ignite Muzza into action!
The Shirley Collins version has been posted on Youtube:
A good song but no religious connection that I can see. After all marriage is suggested and that does not happen in many of these folks songs does it? Bed then wed – no.
I am not sure what I have just written makes a lot of sense. I know what I was trying to say but I don’t think I have managed it, so bear with me. No religious connection -but a totally different type of folk song. There is no relationship between the first and second sentence above.
@Peter…..I am resisting!!!!!!!..aaaarrrgggh, however,
JUst off out to buy me’sen three gold chains…wish I’d known that when I was twenty
….Simples!
The chorus reminded me of “Fathom the bowl”..went of on a “Ramsden internet search” and found yet another bounty of folk songs that will stop me clearing up the house! http://mysongbook.de/msb/songs/a/a_titel.html
I’m not looking, Muzza… well, I’ve looked and gone away again! I am sat in a tip and it won’t do!
I wasn’t bowled over by this song, tho the tune has merit. I canny even be asked to anorak it… I know! Beggars belief!
AFSAD is an oasis for us “Traddies”….first 3/4 hr of Mike Harding tonight was more like “Old Grey Whistle Test”…until Peter Bellamy came on +Les Barker in last 10 minutes. Come back Jim Lloyd/Jon Boden.
Well hello there Muzza don’t think we have chatted for some time. I have been exchanging long rambling messages with Jane on FB. It’s surprising what we have to say after all our exchanges here.
Hi Muzza, also just listened to Mike Harding enjoyed Stan Rogers. I also liked Bellamy from the Oak Ash And Thorn CD .Jon does Frankie.s Trade on the same CD . Les Barker seems very popular I had never heard of him till I started following AFSAD.
@Diana glad you got your tickets.
Rachel McShane does a nice version of this as can be seen via Mainly Norfolk. Wonder where everybody was in 2013.
Fascinated by Shirley Collins repertoire which owes such a lot to sister Dolly’s playing on that charming old pipe organ. Have always felt that Shirley’s looks don’t match her voice…probably because I heard her songs years before I saw her photo….same phenomenon as seeing Phil and all the Archers for the first time.
Loved it yet again…especially with Dolly’s pipe organ and the male choir…..can hear several other songs in the tune and lyric….i.e. ‘Garners Gay’
those three dangling chains are still a tad worrying!
Ha….ref Pewter’s comment from 7March 2012 ‘
‘A cautionary tale? You’re all set for a peaceful day dangling your rod from the riverbank – and end up falling for a maiden ‘hook, line and sinker’. Oops, this may ignite Muzza into action!
I note that I didn’t take the BAIT!!!!!…ta dah!
Lovely to be reminded of Dolly’s pipe organ again