Geordie Folk Songs – Howay Lads & Lasses Sing Weh A Sang
Geordie folk are still interested in the songs that were sang in the theatres and fairs of old Geordieland, the songs portray a life set in the historic industrial , seafaring, fishing and farming communities of Northumberland, Durham & Tyneside.
In this section we will highlight the best available links which will allow you to experience these great folk songs and monologues.
For your convenience links are set to open in a new window, simply close the window when your done and move on to the next highlighted link.
Two of the most famous of these songs are of course Geordie Ridley’s -The Blaydon Races and “Dance Ti Thy Daddy“.
Much has been written about the most popular Geordie folk songs and tales, so instead of simply repeating what has already been said we will link you to some of the excellent information that is already available.
These links will include existing mp3/4 downloads, interactive web pages and video links and examples of what could become the Geordie folk songs of the future.
Click on an mp3 links below to listen to some of the best well known folk songs.
Please Report Any Broken Links
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- Cushy Butterfield (MP3)
- The Lambton Worm (MP3)
- Byker Hill & Walker Shore (MP3)
- Keep Your Feet Still (MP3)
- The Lambton Worm Interactive Story
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Future Geordie Folk Songs?
Could any of the following songs sung by Geordie Ronnie Lambert become future Geordie folk songs?
Or what about the Mark Knopfler’s classic Why Aye Man or Jimmy Nail & Sting Singing Water’s Of Tyne, could these become the most popular songs sung by Geordie folk in 50 to 100 years time?
12 comments
Rachel
April 22, 2012 at 5:18 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
When I was little my granny (mothers gran) used to sing ‘The Water of Tyne’ to me. It’s one of my favourite songs still. I sing it to her now and she loves hearing it. she cries every time.
Here is a link to a choral version of Water Of Tyne, although I think its beautiful when its sang as an unaccompanied solo.
Hope you like it as much as I do xxx
John
April 4, 2012 at 8:36 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Sorry to see you don’t give a mention to one of the most iconic modern Geordie folk songs – “Sir Bobby’s Song”.
Yup, I have a vested interest, I wrote it with my partner and I recorded and performed it.
You can listen here: http://coquet-shack.com/John-D-Lewis/John-D-Lewis-Sir-Bobbys-Song.php
Geordie H
April 5, 2012 at 5:02 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Good to see you put that right John, vested interest or not … brilliant song
Zoe
April 3, 2012 at 10:09 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Re Busker
My parents definitely have Coming Home Newcastle on single and it has the words on the cover; I’ll ask them to dig it out but from memory it goes something like (couplets not necessarily in right order!)
I had to come to London, ‘cos I could’nt find a job
I don’t intend to stay long if I make a few quick bob
It’s cold up there in summer, it’s like sitting inside a fridge
But I wish I was on the Quayside, looking at the old Tyne Bridge
Chorus
(Not sure which lines go where in song, chorus varies)
I’m coming home Newcastle, I wish I’d never been away
I’d kiss the ground for the welcome sound of me mother saying hinney haway
I’m coming home Newcastle you can keep your London wine
I’d walk the streets all day all neet for a bottle of the River Tyne
(And another one about a bottle of your own brown ale, and another about being at the Gallowgate end in the rain)
I miss the old blind busker, who stands at Fenwick’s door
He plays a mean archordian, you’ve all seen him there before
Sorry, that’s all I can recall off-hand (but not too shabby for 30 oddyears ago!). Hopefully it’ll jog a few memories to fill in the gaps (and I’ll try to find my parents’ single and repost)
*On Behalf Of BR Martin
April 2, 2012 at 5:21 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Wonderful – a website for Geordie’s like me. Yes, I am a Geordie born and bred and now in the USA.
I am looking for sheet music “Coming Home Newcastle” which was written by (I think Ronnie Lambert) and wondering where I can get it. Melody and lyrics – I can cope with chords.
Any help would be appreciated.
God Bless
Br Martin
Way ai man – you Canny Fine Fella!!!
*posted from email contact form
Syd
September 19, 2011 at 9:29 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Does anyone out there know where I can get me’ hands on copies of Ronnie Lambert’s music? I have one “Busker” cd with “I’m comin’ Home Newcastle” – “Wor lass” etc. but he sang more than just these famous ones. Any help would make me a very happy geordie. We owe it to Ronnie and ourselves to keep his music alive. He is a true Geordie hero and the definitive “bonnie lad”
Kathleen
March 18, 2012 at 3:57 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi there. Was interested in your post last September which I’ve just seen. A few years ago when my cassette player finally packed up I got rid of all my cassettes -stupid move. Among them was one with Busker’s ‘Home Newcastle’, It also had Lindisfarne ‘Fog on the Tyne plus Adam Buckham, Lambton Worm, Wor Nanny’s a Mazer and others I can’t remember, but a real mixture of folk and rock. I was wondering if this is the same recording as the CD you mention or if not, if I could have the title of yours so that I can start hunting for it. The most annoying thing is that for the life of me I can’t remember the title. I’ve tried Amazon, Ebay and Music Stack but no use.
Any help would be very welcome
Kathleen Richmond
Geordie H
March 23, 2012 at 2:06 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Sorry Kathleen & Syd … there used to be a website all about Ronnie ran by an old friend of his where you could buy & listen to excerpts of Busker’s music, it was called ronnielambert.com but it’s run by someone trying to sell the domain name now … I made the mistake of delaying the purchase of a CD until it was to late, maybe you will get lucky and one of our visitors can help. I’ll put a post to your comments on twitter.
Spiritbody
May 12, 2011 at 9:54 am (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Billy Billy Stamper, stamp my hand. If you dont you’ll never be a man
Jean Grey
February 15, 2011 at 4:28 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Does anybody know the rhyme, Billy Billy Stamper……. How does it go on? I am 79 so going back a long time!
mandy snee
February 12, 2011 at 8:18 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Hi
Links to folk songs not working.
Thanks,
Mandy
Geordie H
February 15, 2011 at 4:18 pm (UTC 0) Link to this comment
Thanks for the heads up Mandy
… links to the lambton worm now fixed …