when my grandad took his life last year this and The Internationale were played at his funeral. Its a very moving song for me now. he died on a Sunday and knew this song is what he wanted at his funeral, so it became 10x more moving when I realised the link between the lyrics. beautiful song that embodies his personality
my grandad passed away on the 22nd of April and this was his favourite song qnd we played it while he was passing and we are planimg of playing it at his funeral
A wonderful song from a wonderful man. I once had the great pleasure of seeing him and Peggy Seeger give a great concert a couple of years before he died.
The Manchester Rambler I've been over Snowdon, I've slept upon Crowdon I've camped by the Waynestones as well I've sunbathed on Kinder, been burned to a cinder And many more things I can tell My rucksack has oft been me pillow The heather has oft been me bed And sooner than part from the mountains I think I would rather be dead Ch: I'm a rambler, I'm a rambler from Manchester way I get all me pleasure the hard moorland way I may be a wageslave on Monday But I am a free man on Sunday The day was just ending and I was descending Down Grinesbrook just by Upper Tor When a voice cried "Hey you" in the way keepers do He'd the worst face that ever I saw The things that he said were unpleasant In the teeth of his fury I said "Sooner than part from the mountains I think I would rather be dead" He called me a louse and said "Think of the grouse" Well i thought, but I still couldn't see Why all Kinder Scout and the moors roundabout Couldn't take both the poor grouse and me He said "All this land is my master's" At that I stood shaking my head No man has the right to own mountains Any more than the deep ocean bed I once loved a maid, a spot welder by trade She was fair as the Rowan in bloom And the bloom of her eye watched the blue Moreland sky I wooed her from April to June On the day that we should have been married I went for a ramble instead For sooner than part from the mountains I think I would rather be dead So I'll walk where I will over mountain and hill And I'll lie where the bracken is deep I belong to the mountains, the clear running fountains Where the grey rocks lie ragged and steep I've seen the white hare in the gullys And the curlew fly high overhead And sooner than part from the mountains I think I would rather be dead.
He wrote this song when he was 17. It was for the occasion of a mass civil disobedience, the "Mass trespass of Kinder Scout" in 1932, against the closure of lands to hikers (ramblers). They were met by a horde of police and game keepers. There were violent scuffles, and some were arrested. I like to think of those people as the Occupy of their day.
Just finished a 400 mile section on the American Appalachian Trail - with my guitar, and this song still grabs hikers like no other. What is it, 84 years later? And he wrote it when he was 17? What an amazing writer!
I know what you mean. Then tell them that this... ruclips.net/video/d8_fLu2yrP4/видео.html was also written by the same communist from Salford.....floors 'em every time!
i'm going to turn 60 a week from today. I was a kid when I first came across this song. i'm lucky in that we can go over and see both my parents on my Birthday next Sun. But both are in seriously bad condition to the extent that every time my phone rings my blood turns to ice water. I've already picked out a song a told my dad what it will be - The Kinks' 'Days' - but, given that we grew up in Hadfield, Glossop, and he was always a keen hiker and previous to that a climber (he was also a volunteer for Mountain Rescue, often getting out of bed at silly-o'clock to go out in the snow looking for idiots) after reading your two wonderful posts I've decided I'll add this also. It couldn't be more apt for the man he was in his younger days.
@@sstone8662 I re-listened, the only issue I have is that line "I think I would rather be dead" because, for all his ailments and other issues, my elderly, wonderful dad still has a passion for life. I just listened again to Ewan's lovely 'The Joy of Living' which I actually introduced to him but sums up, from what he has told me, his younger, single days before my mum and then me and my younger bro intruded on his previous life. btw - Days is one wonderful song in general (by IMO the best band ever to not be called The Beatles) but such a fitting send-off for those who have looked after you your whole life. Uncanny to an extent but it might be one of the most frequently played songs at such sad occasions. btbtw - My dad has requested to have his ashes spread on Kinder Scout.
@@supernffc Sorry for such a delay in response but yes, you are right. As a natural political leftie and part-time Greater Manc rambler and son of a dedicated hiker/mountain rescue volunteer, and back-in-the-day, climber and peripheral member of the Rock and Ice Club, you see why I love Ewan though?
Written as a tribute to Comrade Benny Rothman who not only helped organise the Mass Trespass from the Manchester side of the Pennines,but was also imprisoned for his troubles/
Sorry, not correct. There should be many tributes and plaudits to Benny Rothman, but this song was in written 1932 to publicise the Kinder Trespass and the open access movement generally. Ewan MacColl was the publicity officer of the campaign (at the age of 17!).
The story of my life ( except the spot welder!). Many happy times on Kinder though latterly I sought out the fells of Wasdale.. Thanks for the memories.
Sometime this year, I will go up Kinder, and sing this song, and Ilkley Moor out loud. If you have never been up Kinder, then it is a Mountain, worthy of this great song.
There was a high wall there it had a sign that tried to stop me. On the front side it said pravite Property but on the back side it did not say nothing that side is made for you and me.
I think what you meant was: As I went walking I saw a sign there, And on the sign it said "No Trespassing." But on the other side it didn't say nothing. That side was made for you and me. Woody Guthrie, totally brilliant.
Having been brought up on the Radio Ballads, I had the joy of seeing 'Ewan' and his (Tiger guardian) Peggy Seeger, at the Topic Folk Club in Bradford - W Yorks. The collaborations between MacColl, Seeger and their radio producer Charles Parker, some how managed to by-pass the MI5 tail on MacColl - but increased the erroneous reputation of the BBC (especially the BBC's Third Programme - as it was then) as being a hot bed of Communists. Not sure he was ever a Socialist tho'. Manythanx 4 pstng!
Anyone else remember alternative words "and the gleam in her eye matched the egg on my tie"? I found someone who did but the site Mudcat has now disappeared
An article on Ewan MacColl's contribution to folk music: "Music From Below: Ewan MacColl & Urban Roots Music" counterabsurdity.com/music-from-below-ewan-maccoll-urban-roots-music/ Like / Follow Counter Absurdity here: facebook.com/counterabsurdity/
Yep. Polish Wanderlust here, I had lived some time in Manchester and loved the station. I have not known the sad and inspiring story behind the song though.
@@maciejkryszewski4013 I am of some Polish ancestry RE maternal grandparents. Nasdrosvia. Please excuse the spelling but glad I am not my own in remembering this. Viva la revolution
It was the fashion for a while. It really helps if your neighbour is singing out of tune- you hear your iwn voice through your jawbone instead of the air.
when my grandad took his life last year this and The Internationale were played at his funeral. Its a very moving song for me now. he died on a Sunday and knew this song is what he wanted at his funeral, so it became 10x more moving when I realised the link between the lyrics. beautiful song that embodies his personality
my grandad passed away on the 22nd of April and this was his favourite song qnd we played it while he was passing and we are planimg of playing it at his funeral
A wonderful song from a wonderful man. I once had the great pleasure of seeing him and Peggy Seeger give a great concert a couple of years before he died.
The Manchester Rambler
I've been over Snowdon, I've slept upon Crowdon
I've camped by the Waynestones as well
I've sunbathed on Kinder, been burned to a cinder
And many more things I can tell
My rucksack has oft been me pillow
The heather has oft been me bed
And sooner than part from the mountains
I think I would rather be dead
Ch: I'm a rambler, I'm a rambler from Manchester way
I get all me pleasure the hard moorland way
I may be a wageslave on Monday
But I am a free man on Sunday
The day was just ending and I was descending
Down Grinesbrook just by Upper Tor
When a voice cried "Hey you" in the way keepers do
He'd the worst face that ever I saw
The things that he said were unpleasant
In the teeth of his fury I said
"Sooner than part from the mountains
I think I would rather be dead"
He called me a louse and said "Think of the grouse"
Well i thought, but I still couldn't see
Why all Kinder Scout and the moors roundabout
Couldn't take both the poor grouse and me
He said "All this land is my master's"
At that I stood shaking my head
No man has the right to own mountains
Any more than the deep ocean bed
I once loved a maid, a spot welder by trade
She was fair as the Rowan in bloom
And the bloom of her eye watched the blue Moreland sky
I wooed her from April to June
On the day that we should have been married
I went for a ramble instead
For sooner than part from the mountains
I think I would rather be dead
So I'll walk where I will over mountain and hill
And I'll lie where the bracken is deep
I belong to the mountains, the clear running fountains
Where the grey rocks lie ragged and steep
I've seen the white hare in the gullys
And the curlew fly high overhead
And sooner than part from the mountains
I think I would rather be dead.
Beautiful song and very poignant lyrics ❤
He wrote this song when he was 17. It was for the occasion of a mass civil disobedience, the "Mass trespass of Kinder Scout" in 1932, against the closure of lands to hikers (ramblers). They were met by a horde of police and game keepers. There were violent scuffles, and some were arrested.
I like to think of those people as the Occupy of their day.
Wonderful, rousing people power song. Thank you for posting
Great stuff!
Just finished a 400 mile section on the American Appalachian Trail - with my guitar, and this song still grabs hikers like no other. What is it, 84 years later? And he wrote it when he was 17? What an amazing writer!
Born in Broughton,Salford, one of the most deprived areas of industrialised Britain ,of tough Scots parents. The poverty and degradation inspired him.
Sounds amazing Mike!
I know what you mean. Then tell them that this... ruclips.net/video/d8_fLu2yrP4/видео.html was also written by the same communist from Salford.....floors 'em every time!
@@hannecatton2179 same as me 👌
@@DanTheManGoProHigher or lower?
Them and us, it will always be that way.
Chose this for my father's funeral, so appropriate and moving. Brilliant.
So did I, twenty five years ago.
i'm going to turn 60 a week from today. I was a kid when I first came across this song. i'm lucky in that we can go over and see both my parents on my Birthday next Sun. But both are in seriously bad condition to the extent that every time my phone rings my blood turns to ice water. I've already picked out a song a told my dad what it will be - The Kinks' 'Days' - but, given that we grew up in Hadfield, Glossop, and he was always a keen hiker and previous to that a climber (he was also a volunteer for Mountain Rescue, often getting out of bed at silly-o'clock to go out in the snow looking for idiots) after reading your two wonderful posts I've decided I'll add this also. It couldn't be more apt for the man he was in his younger days.
That's uncanny... I also chose Days, but sung by Kirsty MacColl
@@sstone8662 I re-listened, the only issue I have is that line "I think I would rather be dead" because, for all his ailments and other issues, my elderly, wonderful dad still has a passion for life. I just listened again to Ewan's lovely 'The Joy of Living' which I actually introduced to him but sums up, from what he has told me, his younger, single days before my mum and then me and my younger bro intruded on his previous life.
btw - Days is one wonderful song in general (by IMO the best band ever to not be called The Beatles) but such a fitting send-off for those who have looked after you your whole life. Uncanny to an extent but it might be one of the most frequently played songs at such sad occasions.
btbtw - My dad has requested to have his ashes spread on Kinder Scout.
@@sstone8662 ...but I couldn't resist having one more listen to this tonight. Heartwarming.
What a beautiful voice.
This Is the song that all ramblers can call there Antham I just Love it
It should be Sir Ewan. A man of true principle and decency.
Pretty sure Ewan would have refused a Knighthood!
@@supernffc Sorry for such a delay in response but yes, you are right. As a natural political leftie and part-time Greater Manc rambler and son of a dedicated hiker/mountain rescue volunteer, and back-in-the-day, climber and peripheral member of the Rock and Ice Club, you see why I love Ewan though?
"I once loved a maid, a spot welder by trade", magical lyrics :-). Thanks for the upload.
I loved a maid, a spot welder by trade. Bloody great!
Still sounds great all those years on marvelous
What a wonderful song, from the sentiment it expresses and its lyrics through to its melody and performance.
At last! An original version of this beauty on youtube! Thankyou!
This song makes me proud of being a mancunian.
I am an unimformed american, what does that mean?
@@jasonmccain9544 someone from Manchester
@@thecorellianconnection141 oh ok, thanks!
Written as a tribute to Comrade Benny Rothman who not only helped organise the Mass Trespass from the Manchester side of the Pennines,but was also imprisoned for his troubles/
Sorry, not correct. There should be many tributes and plaudits to Benny Rothman, but this song was in written 1932 to publicise the Kinder Trespass and the open access movement generally. Ewan MacColl was the publicity officer of the campaign (at the age of 17!).
Benny was 16 when sentenced to Lincoln Gaol and Jimmy Miller always stated it was in honour of his Comrade Benny
It's 90 years since the mass trespass. We owe those fighters a huge debt.
@@lakelandtrog He was first sent to the cells in New Mills where I live and there is a plaque on the (now disused) police station to commemorate this.
The story of my life ( except the spot welder!). Many happy times on Kinder though latterly I sought out the fells of Wasdale.. Thanks for the memories.
Wasdale!! Happy days!!!
Took our six year old on the trespass walk last weekend....done it myself probably fifty times. Great walk that every walker/hiker should do.
Legendary music!
Sometime this year, I will go up Kinder, and sing this song, and Ilkley Moor out loud. If you have never been up Kinder, then it is a Mountain, worthy of this great song.
It's a mountain that needs treating with respect, the mist and fog come unexpectedly!!
It's a hill. A mountain is over 1000m tall.
As far as I am concerned, its a mountain. A hill is just a steep road.
And I just hope that I will be able to climb it again, perhaps once more.
Because of brexshit I shall be returning to northern England so will be going to these places my father told me about
This weekend was the 90th Anniversary in Hayfield . A great event
History in the making , this song. Truly a song that changed history. Vote Labour!
They just did!
Traditional Somaliland folk song. “i may mill about on a Monday, but i am a free man on Sunday”
If indeed anyone deserves a Knighthood, then he should be Sir Ewan. I doubt he'd want the title though.
I love this song.
this reminds me of happy woodcraft folk memories
Heard a nice rendition of this down in Cadgwith at the Tuesday Folk night.
just beautiful
Always loved this song. Sadly, although I was a regular at the Topic Club I must have missed their appearance there.
90th anniversary of the Mass Trespass today!
Really lovely ✨
Love this ...
The second half of the verse reminds me of the tune to "How Much is that Doggy In the Window."
Always makes me giggle that the love interest had to be a spot welder.
No problem at all
Today is the 90th anniversary of the Kinder Mass Trespass that inspired this song.
With Kirsty MacColl on backing vocals as well....
And Ian Telfer of the Oyster Band on fiddle.
wonderful !
Wonderful 👍
Right to roam!!
Great Song xx
We had to sing this in geography today
Wonderful
There was a high wall there it had a sign that tried to stop me. On the front side it said pravite Property but on the back side it did not say nothing that side is made for you and me.
I think what you meant was:
As I went walking I saw a sign there,
And on the sign it said "No Trespassing."
But on the other side it didn't say nothing.
That side was made for you and me.
Woody Guthrie, totally brilliant.
@@probono3284 yes sir Woody Guthrie is who I mean!
Physical resistance won the day then, its the only way.
Tune.
Yes
Having been brought up on the Radio Ballads, I had the joy of seeing 'Ewan' and his (Tiger guardian) Peggy Seeger, at the Topic Folk Club in Bradford - W Yorks.
The collaborations between MacColl, Seeger and their radio producer Charles Parker, some how managed to by-pass the MI5 tail on MacColl - but increased the erroneous reputation of the BBC (especially the BBC's Third Programme - as it was then) as being a hot bed of Communists. Not sure he was ever a Socialist tho'.
Manythanx 4 pstng!
@jaybeefrommanchester Nice to know there's still a few of us about!
very good song
Anyone else remember alternative words "and the gleam in her eye matched the egg on my tie"?
I found someone who did but the site Mudcat has now disappeared
mudcat.org - still going
An article on Ewan MacColl's contribution to folk music:
"Music From Below: Ewan MacColl & Urban Roots Music"
counterabsurdity.com/music-from-below-ewan-maccoll-urban-roots-music/
Like / Follow Counter Absurdity here: facebook.com/counterabsurdity/
@SouthCoastMackem i agree comrade....
Wonderful. Great artist. And a socialist too! Wonderful.
99% Invisible.
been up grindsbrook a few times, awesome
@thegeezerdan me too...
5 live drive sent me here
Kirsty,s dad.....
Sunbathed on Kinder
Been burnt to a cinder :cool:)
Does anyone remember this from the revolution radio?
Yep. Polish Wanderlust here, I had lived some time in Manchester and loved the station. I have not known the sad and inspiring story behind the song though.
@@maciejkryszewski4013 I am of some Polish ancestry RE maternal grandparents. Nasdrosvia. Please excuse the spelling but glad I am not my own in remembering this. Viva la revolution
@@MrWayout74 actually, we are having one at the moment in here.
@@maciejkryszewski4013 I am with you in spirit from my West Yorkshire bolthole, under current lockdown.
2020?
Can anyone please explain to me why he hold his hands like that so often? Thanks
It was the fashion for a while. It really helps if your neighbour is singing out of tune- you hear your iwn voice through your jawbone instead of the air.
I am familiar with this great song, did Ewan Mac coll write it.
Yes, he did.
Great song and great singers, the dubliners.
What year was this made?
It was written in 1932, but this recording was much later, in the 1990s
@gazrobbo53 i sell newspapers for the socialist party, i might start singin this song instead...
Kinders a hill.....
Ray Foster my arse!!
walk it and see if you come down calling it a hill eh
Not bad for a Commie.