“The Tinkler's Waddin (The Tinker's Wedding)”

Description

Amid drink and celebration, bridegroom Norman Scott is wed for the fourth time (no mention of divorce or widowerhood), to fortune-teller Meg McNeil; a cheerful brawl ensues

Notes

The work "tinker" in Britain is applied both to workers in tin (i.e., menders of pots and kettles) and "travellers," or Gypsies. In many songs, including this, it's ambiguous which is meant -- but since many or most of the travelling tinkers *were* Gypsies, it barely matters. - PJS

According to Kennedy, William Watt was born in 1792, and also wrote "Kate Dalrymple," as well as a version of "The Peddlar." The tune used is reportedly identical to "Rothesay-O," though it is not entirely clear which came first. - RBW

Cross references

Broadsides

  • Bodleian, Firth b.27(397/398), "The Tinkler's Wedding" ("In June when broom in bloom was seen"), unknown, n.d.
  • NLScotland, L.C.Fol.70(141b), "The Tinker's Wedding," unknown, c. 1840-1860; also L.C.Fol.70(141)

Recordings

  • Willie Kemp and Curly MacKay, "The Tinklers' Wedding" (on Voice13)
  • Jimmy Scott, "The Tinker's Weddin'" (on Borders1)
  • John Strachan, "The Tinkler's Waddin" (on Lomax43, LomaxCD1743)

References

  1. Ford-Vagabond, pp. 1-4, "The Tinkler's Waddin'" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Roud #5408
  3. BI, RcTTWttw

About

Author: William Watt
Earliest date: 1904 (Ford); reportedly published 1835
Found in: Britain(Scotland)