At last a blow for women's lib where, being short of a few bob, the young lady in question cons this rich young man out of his money and his clothes.
A crafty girl I'll tell the world
She winked at him for starters
She wore a smile on rosie cheeks
And mousetraps in her garters
lyrics
A merchant's son he has lived in wrong
And tae the begging he has gone
And mounted on a noble steed
It's awa' wi' pleasure he did ride.
Rantin antin an, rantin antin ae
A beggar wench he chanced to see
A beggar wench o' low degree
And he's ta'en pity on her distress
And says lass ye've got a pretty face.
They both inclined then tae ha'e a drink
Intae a public house they went
They drank strong ale and brandy too-o
Until the both of them got roarin' fu'.
They both inclined then tae go tae bed
Soon under cover they were laid
Strong ale and brandy went to their head-o
Until they both lay like they were dead.
Early next morning the wench she rose
And she's put on now the merchant's clothes
Wi' his hat sae high and his sword sae dear-o
She's awa' wi' a' the merchant's gear.
And later on then the merchant rose
And he's looked roun' for tae find his clothes
There's naethin' left no' intae the room-o
But a petticoat and a wimsey goon.
credits
from The Tannahill Weavers,
released January 1, 1979
Traditional arr. Tannahill Weavers
supported by 9 fans who also own “The Merchant's Son/Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome the Argyllshire”
John Drumbo French from Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band worked with Thompson on two albums along with Fred Frith and Henry Kaiser.
Those two French, Frith, Kaiser and Thompson albums led me to this.
Also, Richard Thompson taught Hugh Cornwell (of The Stranglers) how to play the bass guitar in a band when they were both at the same school (Emil and The Detectives?).
With a career spanning 50 years and playing with two of my heroes (French and Cornwell) Thompson has produced a fascinating EP. yellowcakeuf6
supported by 8 fans who also own “The Merchant's Son/Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome the Argyllshire”
Surprisingly laid back EP given the cover art, but still some fine traditional music from the band. You can't go far wrong with Dàimh. (Eagerly awaiting the bandana!) Oynque
Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
Scottish harpist and singer Rachel Newton brings an innovative, intensely emotional touch to traditional music on this dreamy LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2020
Bright and skipping songs that foreground the sound of the banjo and fingerstyle guitar in music that feels timeless. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 5, 2020
supported by 8 fans who also own “The Merchant's Son/Dr. Ross's 50th Welcome the Argyllshire”
There's a similarity in song writing between Richard Thompson and Hugh Cornwell which maybe isn't surprising as they went to the same school at the same time, although Thompson is older.
Due to Thompson's association with John French of Captain Beefheart & The Magic Band I searched for his work on the Bandcamp app. French, Thompson and Cornwell all have albums on the app which I'm very pleased about. Only Thompson has released contemporary albums, much to his credit. yellowcakeuf6