Wp/nth/Collier's Rant

"The Collier’s Rant" is a traditional Geordie folk sang written biv an unknawn writer, mebbe i the year 1650. It is ane o the awdest Northumbrian minin sangs iv existence. It was aariddy popular, though we dinnet knaw for hoo lang, when Joseph Ritson published it iv his Northumbrian Garland i 1793. It is still a varry popular piece amang choirs throughoot the North East of England.


 * As me and my marrow was gannin te wark
 * We met with the Deel; it was i the dark;
 * Aw up with ray pick, it bein i the neet.
 * And knock'd off his horns, likewise  his  club  feet.

Chorus —


 * Folla the horses, Johnny, my lad, oh I
 * Folla them through, my canny lad, oh!
 * Folla the  horses,  Johnny,  my  lad, oh!
 * Oh, lad, lye away, canny lad, oh!


 * As me and my marra was puttin the tram,
 * The lowe it went oot, and my marra went wrang;
 * You wad ha laughed had ye seen the gam, —
 * The deel gat my marra, but aw gat the tram.


 * Folla the  horses,  etc.


 * Oh, marra! oh, marra! what dost thou think?
 * Aw've broken my bottle and spilt aa my drink!
 * Aw lost aa my shin splints amang the greet stanes;
 * Draw me te the shaft, it's time te gan hame.


 * Folla the  horses,  etc.


 * Oh, marra! oh, marra! where has te been?
 * Drivin the  drift  fra  the  law  seam,
 * Drivin the drift  fra  the  law  seam:
 * Had up the lowe, lad! deel stop oot thy een!

Follow the  horses,  etc.


 * Oh, marrow! oh, marra this is wor pay week.
 * We'll get penny loaves, and drink te wor beek;
 * 'And we'll fill up our bumper, and round it shall go';
 * Folla the horses, Johnny, lad, oh!


 * Follow the  horses,  etc


 * There is my horse, and there is my tram;
 * Twe horns full of grease will myek her te gang;
 * There is my hoggers, likewise my hawf-shoon.
 * And smash my heart marra, my puttin's aa duin!


 * Folla the  horses,  etc.