Old Brown's Daughter

About Old Brown's Daughter

Old Brown's Daughter (Roud 1426) was an English music hall song, sung by Alfred Vance, and became a Newfoundland folk song. It was written by G. W. Hunt (1839–1904), circa 1878, although it is often wrongly credited to Johnny Burke (1851–1930). It was in the repertoire of English folk singer Walter Pardon on his 1975 album, A Proper Sort. Peter Bellamy also sang a version of Old Brown's Daughter on his 1975 self-titled album. In 1991, Damien Barber recorded the song for Fellside Records and it was released on the compilation Voices in 1992. The melody was rewritten by Newfoundland singer/songwriter Ron Hynes and Hynes' version was covered by Great Big Sea on their 1999 album, Turn. more »

Year:

2000

2:40

225 Views

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There is an ancient party at the other end of town
And he keeps a little grocery store, the ancients name is Brown
And he has a lovely daughter, such a treat I never saw
Oh I only hope someday to be the old man's son-in-law.

Well, Old Brown he sells from off his shelf most anything you please
He's got juice tarts for the little boys, lollipops and cheese
And his daughter minds the store, and it's a treat just to see her serve
I'd like to run away with her but I don't have the nerve

[Chorus]
And it's old Brown's daughter is a proper sort of girl,
Old Brown's daughter is a fair as any pearl
I wish I were a Lord Mayor, a Marquis or and Earl
And blow me if I wouldn't marry old Brown's girl.
Blow me if I wouldn't marry old Brown's girl.

Well, poor old Brown now has trouble with the gout,
He grumbles in his little parlor when he can't get out
Oh and when I make a purchase, lord, and she hands me the change
That girl she makes pulverized, I feel so very strange

[Chorus]

But Miss Brown she smiles so sweetly when I say a tender word
Ah but old brown says that she must wed a Marquis or a Lord,
And I don't suppose it's ever one of those things I will be
But by jingo next election I will run for Trinity

[Chorus]

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Great Big Sea

Great Big Sea is a Canadian folk-rock band from Newfoundland and Labrador, best known for performing energetic rock interpretations of traditional Newfoundland folk songs including sea shanties, which draw from the island's 500-year-old Irish, Scottish, and French heritage. more »

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