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Depends Upon The Pay Traditional Miramichi and New Brunswick Folk Songs

by Mike Bravener

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1.
It's now I will take up my pen Those verses- for to write. Concerning of this river I mean for to recite, For all through Nature's splendors, There's none that I can see Like the rolling tide that flows 'longside The banks of the Miramichi. It’s little trout and Salmon Are playing night and day, The feathered throng assemble Their beauties to display; And sportsmen there do gather,And all delight to see Where the rolling tide flows ‘longside the banks of the Miramichi If I had gold and silver brought some from foreign place A royal robe put on me and a crown set o’er my face I would trade it all with pleasure for sooner would I be Where the rolling tide flows ‘longside the banks of the Miramichi
2.
Oh The Jones Boys! They built a mill on the side of the hill and they worked all night and they worked all day But they couldn’t make the gosh darn sawmill pay
3.
I'll tell you a tale of the Jones Boys. Who lives in yonder hill Two jolly fellow s with a twinkle in each eye, And they each do own a mill •. They own a mill in the side of the hill And Eliza she worked the kiln, They worked all night and they worked all day, But they couldn't make the gosh-darn sawmill pay. Then hi dum diddle um Johnny Jones, Then hi dum diddle um Jimmy. They bring their grist from far and near, And early they'd arise" And the bell would be ringing and the boys would be singing When on the scene arrived, And Jimmy would be there for to serve us, all And a jolly man is he, And his gallant wife, Eliza, For she works in the kiln you see. CHORUS: oh the Jones Boys, 0 the Jones Boys, Here's to the jolly Jones Boys, They worked all night and they worked all day, but they couldn’t make the gosh darn sawmill pay! Then hi dum diddle um Johnny Jones, Then hi dum diddle um Jimmy. 0 Oliver McKay just cross the way, The sawyer in Johnny's mill, He would set his dogs for to saw the logs and the orders he could fill. But sometimes he’d get tipsy as Johnny Jones would say And on that day there were hell to pay In the mill in the side of the hill. CHORUS 4. Late in the fall when the leaves are down, Newcastle, where she was for many And the days are bleak and grey, And the grist all ground for miles around, And it's time.: to feed your hay, The season cuts completed and all is safe and sound, They close their mills in yonder hill Till the springtime comes around. CHORUS.: 5. So now to conclude and finish, my ditty I must end, I hope I have said nothing wrong To those noble boys offend, But in the spring when the robin For employment I will look, I would work for Johnny Jones In his mill in Jones's Brook
4.
5.
A is for axes and that you know; B is the boys that can use them also. C is for chopping which now has began; D is for danger we do stand in. Chorus: How merry are we No mortal on earth is as happy are we. Tell me hi derry, ho derry, hi derry down, Give the shanty boys whiskey and nothing goes wrong. E for the echo that rings through the woods, And F for the foreman, the bosses the job. G of the grindstone we grind our axe on And H for the handle, so smooth wore around. How Merry are we..... I for the iron we mark at our pine, And J for the joble that’s always inclined. K for keen edges we all have to sleep, And L for the lice that o’er our shirts creep. How Merry Are we.... M for the moss that we stog in our camp, N for the needle to sew up my pants. O for the owl that screeches by night; and P for the tall pine that we do slay right. How Merry.... Well, Q for the quarreling we don’t allow, R for the river where we make our bow. S for the sleds so stout and so strong, T for the big teams that haul them along. How Merry are we.... U for the uses we put ourselves to, V for the valley we run our load through; W the woods which we leave in the spring, And now I have sung all I’m going to sing. 3 more letters I can’t bring to rhyme If you can help me please tell me in time There’s a train whistle blowing and now is in sight Throw off your rockers so long boys good night
6.
Far within the forest scene, Where the trees forever green, Form a contrast to the beech and birches grey, Where the snow lies white and deep, And the song birds seem to sleep, And cease their sweetest singing all the day. In a lumber camp one day, While the crew were faraway, And no one there but cook and boss alone, A sad tragedy took place, And death won another race, For the young cook swiftly passed to the unknown; When the crew returned that night, What a sad scene met their sight, There lay the young cook silent, cold and dead, Death was in his curling hair, In his young face pale and fair, While his knapsack formed a pillow for his head. From the belt about his waist All his money was misplaced, Which made the men suspect some serious wrong, Was it murder cold and dread, That befell the fair young dead Where the dark and deep Dungarvon rolls along? A tear was in each eye, Each heart it heaved a sigh, While through each breast the strangest feeling throng; When each reverent head was bared, As his funeral they prepared, Where the mighty deep Dungarvon rolls along. When the crew returned at night Their dear comrade still they mourned, While the shades o'night were falling o'er the hill, All that long and fearful night All the camp was in affright, Such fearful whoops and yells the forest fill; Pale and ghastly was each face, "We shall leave this fearful place, For this camp unto the demons does belong, Ere the dawning of the day We will hasten far away From where the dark Dungarvon rolls along.” Since that day, so goes the word, Fearful sounds have long been heard, Far round the scene where lies the woodsman's grave, Whoops the stoutest hearts to thrill, Yells that warmest blood to chill, Sends terror to the bravest of the brave; Be this story false or true, I have told it unto you, As I heard it from the folklore all life long, So I hope all strife will cease, And our people dwell in peace, Where the dark and deep Dungarvon sweeps along
7.
When first from sea I landed I had a roving mind, I rambled undaunted my true love to find, Then I met pretty Susan with her cheeks like the rose, And her skin was like the lilies fair or the flower that grows, 2x A long time I courted her ’til I wasted my store, Her love turned to hatred because I was poor, She said “I love another one whose fortune I’ll share, So be gone from Pretty Susan, the pride of Kildare,2x Broken-hearted next morning as I strolled by the way, I met Pretty Susan with her young man so gay, And as I passed by her with my heart full of care, I sighed for Pretty Susan, the pride of Kildare,2x Once more to the ocean I’m resolved for to go, I am bound for the Easter’d with my heart full of woe, It’s there I’ll see pretty girls with jewels rare, But there’s none like Pretty Susan the pride of Kildare,2x So now ’tis farewell to my dear native shore To the green hills of Erin, I’ll ramble no more And While I’m at a distance and burdened with care I’ll dream of Pretty Susan, The Pride Of Kildare Yes I’ll dream of Pretty Susan, The Pride Of
8.
If you’re longing for fun and enjoyment Or inclined to go out on a spree, Come along with me over to Boiestown On the banks of the Miramichi. You’ll meet with a royal reception; My ‘ventures to you I’ll relate, On the eighteenth of May I arrived here, From Fred’ricton – come on the freight. I'm employed by a man Edmund Kenney, A gentlemen you know him well, JP for the parish of Bloomfield and he puts up at Duffy's Hotel One night I went out on a party; I tell you ‘twas something immense, We collared a shanghi rooster, And he just cost us seventeen cents, He was sick with the croup and the measles, They said he was too poor for to sell, But I guess he made hash for the boarders That put up at Duffy’s Hotel. One night I went out on a party Along with the rest of the boys. We got plenty of peely island; I tell you we made lots of noise. We frightened the pigs up in Tugtown; Caused the Pleasant Ridge dogs for to yell, And when we got kicked out of Hayesville, We struck ‘er for Duffy’s Hotel. One night I went out on a party; ‘Twas held in the mansion below, A row was kicked up in the kitchen, I tell you it wasn’t too slow. We upset the chairs and the tables. The windows and stove, too, they fell. This row was kicked up by Delaney, A sucker at Duffy’s Hotel. Well, friends, I must bid you good evening For fear you will think me a Turk. ( Tomorrow I’ll get back to work ) alt lyrics If I linger ‘round here any longer Some fellow might give me a jerk! I’ll go back to the scenes of my childhood, In peace and contentment to dwell; Bid adieu to the kind entertainment I met with at Duffy’s Hotel.
9.
In the pretty Nashwaak valley lies my old home by the stream it is there my thoughts will wander back again and oft’ as twilight’s of falling there I love to sit and dream of the happy days I spent with sweet Lorraine the birds were gayly singing as we wandered by the stream and I whispered in her ear the story old and no music sounded sweeter as she said I love but you and the sunset turned the water blue to gold Where the Nashwaak stream is flowing and the fairest roses grow where the summer breeze is blowing it is there I long to go where my little girl is waiting with a love that’s fond and true where the Nashwaak stream is flowing there I’ll return to you Many years have passed and gone now fond memories return and I long again to linger by the stream just to hear the robins singing as they did in days gone bye and to hold my sweethearts hand and and see her smile the roses and the violets they still bloom beside the stream and a maidens waiting there with eyes of blue and I know her heart is yearning so someday I will return to claim her with a love that’s fond and true
10.
In the village of Riverside as you will plainly see Dick Pearson that great lumberman one morning came to me He says ”Jolly young fellow how would you like to go sling hash for me a month or so on Caladonio?” Says I to Mr. Pearson “To that I cannot say for going to Caladonio depends upon the pay!” Depends upon the boys depends upon the pay! For going to Caladonio depends upon the pay! “If you will pay good wages and pay the full amount then I will agree to go along and stay the full term out. The way was rough and weary the way we had to go ‘Til we got to Bennett’s on Caladonio Bill Bennett was a noble man! A man of high renown. He had a famious daughter who looked just like a clown. He had a famious daughter that very well was known among the many Lumber camps of Caladonio She baked her bread three weeks ahead put soda in her Tay O going to Caladonio depends upon the pay! DEPENDS UPON THE PAY….. So pass the dishrag ‘round the table, sling the hash this way! For going to Caladonio depends upon, depends upon, depends upon the pay
11.
My name is Larry Gorman to all hands I mean no harum you need not be alarmed for you’ve heard of me before I can make a song or sing it! I can fix it neat and bring it And the title that I’ll give it is the scow on Cowden shore I have got manys a foe and the same I do know so Amongst them all I go and it grieves their hearts full sore For I know that they could shoot me, criminate and prosecute me but they kindly salute me ‘round the scow on Cowden shore There’s men from many places of many different races with pale and swarthy faces, I cannot name them o’er Island men and Restigouchers, Nashwaaker’s and Pugmoushers All assemble here together ‘round the scow on Cowden shore There’s men from Aromocto, some more fro Rouchibucto From Fredericton town and Bathurst and MacDonalds from Bras D’or There’s Night ramps and gallivanters, swift runners and raft canters All work for daily wages ‘round the scow on Cowden shore There was the two young Joyces with their unhuman voices making peculiar noises ‘til their throats got quite sore A wolf or wild devil would be far more civil Than the uncultivated rubbage ‘round the scow on Cowden shore There was the widow Winnie, she sold Ale and Cockaninny To get the poor fools pennies she sold apples by the score She sold whiskey, gin, and flybeer, somewhat porter ale and cider That made them whoop and stagger ‘round the scow on Cowden shore Dan Brown and Bill Boggy one night got very groggy The night being dark and foggy we heard a tedious roar They were semi intoxicated, got somewhat agitated all hands they were affrighted ‘round the scow on Cowden shore. Dan Brown when he begins is a curious little man O He’ll study and he’ll plan ‘til he gets to Edie’s door O he’ll drink beer and whiskey until he gets quite frisky And then he’ll get saucy ‘round the scow on Cowden shore Dan Brown’s a splendid singer and in dances he will swing her He’ll bring to her good tidings of a new bank bill or more Oh she’ll laugh and she’ll be funny when she knows he’s got the money She’ll call him her darling honey ‘round the scow on Cowden shore The true lovers discussion is once more in fashion She’ll keep quietly hushing and he’ll sing o’er and o’er For his voice is so melodious that the ladies all sing o’er us And their echos all sing over us ‘round the scow on Cowden shore Dan Brown and Johnny Layton on the women they go-a-waiting. They go out on a Sunday with Miss Vickers and Kate Poor. It’s all to gain insight all hands they mean to invite you’re welcome to a clean bite ‘round the scow on Cowden shore Some of the blokes spend good dollars in fine shirts and paper collars And in good whiskey wallers ‘til they fight and get them tore O they’ll fight and they will wrangle, and each other they’ll badly mangle They’re called hard men to handle ‘round the scow on Cowden shore Oh some they go a courting, while others go a sporting They go into a circus to view scenes of days gone o’er In the like I take no pleasure, so I sit down at my leisure And I daily take their measure ‘round the scow on Cowden shore And now my song is ended and I hope no one’s offended The like I’ve never intended so your pardon I’ll implore So you mild meek and witty I pray on me take pity And join me in my ditty ‘round the scow on Cowden shore
12.
This is the truth what I now tell you part of which my eyes did see What did happen to the people On the banks of Miramichi; On the seventh evening of October Eighteen hundred and twenty-five Two Hundred people died by fire It Scorched those that did survive. Some said it was because the people’s sins did raise like mountains high; they did ascend up to Jehovah He would not see and justify. In order to destroy their lumber And the country to distress He sent the fire in a whirlwind from the howling wilderness. ‘Twas on the nor'west was discovered Twenty-two men there then did die, Then it passed o’er the meadows To Newcastle it did fly. While the people were a-sleeping Fire seized upon their town, Fine and handsome were the buildings they soon tumbled to the ground. It burned three vessels they were a-building And two more at anchor lay, Many that had seen the fire Thought it was the judgment day. Twelve more men were burnt by fire In the compass of that town, Twenty-five more on the water In a scow upset and drowned. A family below Newcastle Were destroyed among the rest, Father, mother, and three children, One an infant at the breast. Thirteen families were residing Just out back of Gretna Green, All of them were burnt by fire, Only one alive was seen. Then it passed o’er to Black River, Where it did burn sixty more So it forced its way with fury Till it reached the briny shore. Forty-two miles by one hundred This great fire did extend; All was done within eight hours Not exceeding over ten. I heard the sighs, the cries and groaning Saw the falling of the tears, By me this will not be forgotten Should I live a hundred years. Sisters weeping for their brothers, Father crying for his son, And with bitter, heartfelt sorrow, Said the mother, "I'm undone!" It killed the wild beasts of the forests and In the rivers many fish Such another horrid fire See again I do not
13.
14.
My name 'tis Peter Emberley, as you may understand, I was born on Prince Edward's lsland downby the ocean strand; ln eighteen hundred and eighty when the flowers were a brilliant hue, I left my native counterie my fortune to pursue. I landed in New Brunswick That lumbering counterie, I hired to work in the lumber woods on the Sou-West Miramichi; I hired to work in the lumber woods where they cut the tall spruce down, While loading teams with yarded logs I received my fatal wound. There's danger on the ocean where the waves roll mountain high, There's danger on the battlefield where the angry bullets fly; There's danger in the lumber woods, for death lurks sullen there, And I have fell a victim into that monstrous snare. I know my luck seems very hard since fate has proved severe, But victor death is the worst can come, and I have no more to fear; And he'll allay those deadly pains and liberate me soon, And I'll sleep the long and lonely sleep called slumber in the tomb. Here's adieu to Prince Edward's lsland, that garden in the seas, No more I'll walk its flowery banks to enjoy a summer's breeze; No more I'll watch those gallant ships as they go swimming by, With banners floating on the breeze above the canvas high. Here's adieu unto my father, it was him who drove me here, I thought he used me cruelly, his treatments were unfair; For 'tis not right to oppress a boy or try to keep him down, 'Twill oft repulse him from his home when he is far too young. Here's adieu unto my greatest friend, I mean my mother dear, She raised a son who fell as soon as he left her tender care; 'Twas little did my mother know when she sang lullaby, What country I might travel in or what death I might die. Here's adieu unto my youngest friends, those island girls so true, Long may they live to grace that isle where first my breath I drew; For the world will roll on just the same when I have passed away, What signifies a mortal man whose origin is clay? But there's a world beyond the tomb, to it I'm nearing on, Where man is more than mortal, and death can never come; The mist of death it glares my eyes, and I'm no longer here, My spirit takes its final flight unto another sphere. And now, before I pass away, there is one more thing I crave, That some good holy father will bless my mouldering grave; Near by the city of Boiestown where my mouldering bones do lay, A-waiting for my saviour's call on that great Judgement Day.

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released July 3, 2020

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Mike Bravener Fredericton, New Brunswick

Mike Bravener began his career as a professional entertainer in 2003. He won many awards as a professional Elvis Tribute Artist. He's well known for rockabilly. Mike has just released an album of Traditional Miramichi and New Brunswick Folk music from the 19th century. This album and tracks are a weekly feature for the summer on CBC's info am shows in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint-John. ... more

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