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Arthur McBride

from Traces by Chris Foster

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about

One of those songs that you just absorb from all over the place without realising it. Then the next thing you know, you're singing them. Unfortunately the guitar parts take a bit more effort.

lyrics

Well I once knew a fellow named Arthur McBride
and his pleasure was walking down by the seaside.
Walking and talking and viewing the tide
and the weather was pleasant and charming.

So gay and so gallant we went on our tramp
‘til we met Sergeant Harper and Corporal Cramp
and the bonny little drummer boy who roused up the camp
with his rowdy dow dow in the morning.

“Good day me fine fellows” the sergeant he cried.
“And the same to you Sergeant” my mate he replied.
Then no more was said and we made to pass by
and continue our walk in the morning.

“I say my fine fellows if you would enlist,
ten guineas in gold I would slap in your fist
and a crown in the bargain to kick up the dust
and drink the king’s health in the morning.”

“Oh no my dear Sergeant we are not for sale.
Though we’re fond of our country your bribe’s no avail.
Though we’re fond of our country we are not for sale.
We are the boys of the morning.”

“And if we were such fools as to take your advance,
it’s right bloody slender would be our poor chance.
For the king wouldn’t scruple to send us to France
and get us all killed in the morning.”

“And you needn’t go bragging about your fine pay,
as you go a-drilling and marching away,
for all that you get is a shilling a day
and that isn’t much in the morning.”

“Well if you would insult me, without any word,
I swear by my king, I would draw my broadsword
and run through your bodies as strength me affords.
Then you would breathe out the morning.

We beat that little drummer boy as flat as a shoe
and we made a football of his rowdy dow do.
The corporal and sergeant we knocked out for two
Yes we were the boys in that morning.

And as for the weapons that hung by their side,
well we flung them as far as we could in the tide
and “The devil go with you” said Arthur McBride,
“for spoiling our walk in the morning.”

credits

from Traces, track released January 1, 1999
Chris Foster - vocal and guitar.

Arranged and produced by Chris Foster. Recorded by Ken Macpherson at Track Station Recording, Burton upon Trent.

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about

Chris Foster Reykjavik, Iceland

Chris Foster grew up in the south west of England. A master of his trade, he was recently described as “one of the finest singers and most inventive guitar accompanists of English folk songs, meriting legend status.” Over the past 40 years, he has toured throughout the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA. He has recorded six solo albums as well as working on many collaborative projects. ... more

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