I've just been looking at some old books of mine that haven't seen the light of day for nearly 30 years,and I came across Folk Song in England by A.L.Lloyd,first published in 1967.
An interest in folk song stems from my deep interest in history and a love of traditional forms of music.The folk song,from whatever country it comes from,tells you a story about real people and the social events that governed their lives,their priorities and beliefs.
In England it was often a vehicle to express oppression by landlords,masters and the law.But it was also a way of letting off steam and being a little risque.
I give you the words of a song collected from the Wigan area of Lancashire;the song is thought to be from the early nineteenth century and is evocative of the feelings of a young working class girl during the Industrial Revolution.
My mother sent me for some water,
For some water for my tea.
My foot slipped and down I tumbled.
Collier lad gat hold of me.
Collier lads get gold and silver.
Factory lads get nobbut brass.
Who'd get married to a two-loom weaver
When there's plenty of collier lads?
Times don't change much do they?Only lasses today want a footballer!
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Ha! Interesting.
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