“The Collier's Rant”
Author: Tommy Armstrong ?
Earliest date: 1812 (Bell)
Found in: Britain(England(North))
Description
As the singer and his marra/marrer (workmate) go to work, they meet the devil; the singer knocks off his horns and feet. The lights go out, the workmate goes the wrong way, and "Old Nick got me marra and I got the tram." He regrets the loss of his friend.
Long description
As the singer and his marra/marrer/marrow (workmate) are going to work, they meet the devil; the singer knocks the devil's horns and feet off with his pick. He breaks his bottle and spills the drink; the lights go out, the workmate goes the wrong way, and "Old Nick got me marra and I got the tram." He regrets the loss of his friend. Cho: "Follow the horses, Johnnie me laddie...Hey, lad, lie away, me canny lad-o"
Recordings
- Bob Davenport, "The Collier's Rant" (on IronMuse1)
- Pete Elliott, "The Collier's Rant" (on Elliotts01)
References
- Stokoe/Reay, pp. 74-75, "The Collier's Rant" (1 text, 1 tune)
- MacColl-Shuttle, p. 15, "The Collier's Rant" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, COLRRANT
- Roud #1366
- BI, RcTColRa
The Traditional Ballad Index is copyright ©2008
by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.
The Digital Tradition is copyright The Mudcat Cafe.