We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Blantyre Explosion

from Paper of Pins by Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £0.79 GBP  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Taken from Jon Raven’s delightful book “Victoria’s Inferno” 1978, This is the story of the 1877 coal mine disaster in Blantyre in South Lanarkshire. The text is first recorded by A.L. Lloyd in ‘Coaldust ballads” 1951. A miserable event that resulted in 240 deaths with the youngest a boy of 11. (There’s a slight hyperbole in the song who assures us 309 men were killed). Sadly two more explosions in 1878 and 1879 are testament to the owners being either too incompetent or uncaring to improve safety standards.

lyrics

1. By Clyde’s bonny banks, as I sadly did wander
Among the pit heaps as evening drew nigh
I spied a fair maid, she was dressed all in mourning,
A weeping and a wailing with many a sigh

2. I stepped up beside her and thus I addressed her
Saying tell me fair maid of your trouble and pain
Sobbing and sighing at last she did answer,
Johnny Murphy kind sir, was my true lover’s name

3. Twenty one years of age strong and good looking,
To work down the mine form High Blantyre he came
The wedding was set, all the guests were invited
That warm summer’s evening young Johnny was slain

4. The explosion was heard; all the women and children
with pale anxious faces made haste to the mine
When the truth was made known the hills rang with their moaning
Three hundred and ten young miners…….. were slain

5. Now mothers and fathers and sweethearts and brothers
the Blantyre explosion they’ll never forget
But all you young miners who hear my sad story,
Shed a tear for the victims who are laid to rest.
and all you young miners who hear my sad story,
Shed a tear for the victims who are laid to rest.

credits

from Paper of Pins, released June 20, 2016
(Lyrics; trad [collected A.L. Lloyd]. Melody; Dyer. Arr VS&JD)

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer image

Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer England, UK

Vicki Swan & Jonny effortlessly blend traditional material with contemporary sounds. Their performances showcase new interpretations of old songs alongside original self penned tunes and new contemporary songs that are entirely at home in the tradition. ... more

shows

contact / help

Contact Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

If you like Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Seafood Sam joins the show to discuss his newest album, " Standing On Giant Shoulders".
listen now