“Droylsden Wakes”

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1865
Keywords: bragging weaving ritual dialog
Found in: Britain(England(North))

Description

Man and woman alternately brag and insult each other over their prowess at spinning.

Notes

"This Lancashire dialogue song was once associated with a folk ceremonial attached to the local 'wakes' or annual holiday." - A. L. Lloyd. The role of the woman was played by a man in woman's clothing; the two participants sat on a cart with a spinning-wheel spinning flax and collecting money from onlookers. - PJS

References

  1. Vaughan Williams/Lloyd, p. 36, "Droylsden Wakes" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #3290
  3. BI, VWL036
The Traditional Ballad Index is copyright ©2008 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle. The Digital Tradition is copyright The Mudcat Cafe.