Jolly Jarge

Transcribed from the singing of Bill Dore at his home in Leafield, Oxfordshire in 1972, from sleevenotes to CD Up in the North, Down in the South

While dancing on our village green, upon last first of May,
With Farmer Giles's daughter I had a jolly day.
When all at once I slipped and fell, and fat old Mrs Gee,
Who weighed nigh forty-seven stones, come wallop right on me.
 
With a too-ri-oo-ri-ay, with a too-ri-oo-ri-are.
Just pop round and see us now, for it be'ent so very far.
They calls I Jolly Jorge, well and here-i, here-i are.
So join I in the chor-i-us, with a too-ri-oo-ri-are.

I saw the parson's missis climb across a stile one day.
When she turns round and spotted I, says, "Jarge, will thee com'st our way?
I want thee Jarge to judge some calves." I answered with a smile,
"They be lovely, mum, I judged 'em when thee got'st across that style."

The parson called the other day, whilst I sat at me ease.
"Towards the children's home," says he, "Will't thou give summat please?"
"Towards the children's home," says I, without the least demur,
"Why, certainly, with pleasure, and I'll give six children small!"

An early 20th century Music Hall song written by the prolific AJ Mills with George Arthurs. It was most famously performed in the Halls by  George Bastow, but it also featured in the repertoire of lesser-known performer Owen Way – brief biographical information below. George Bastow recorded it for Edison Bell in 1904 and Owen Way for HMV in 1907. It’s one of a number of Music Hall songs which might be seen to ridicule rural life, but which nonetheless became extremely popular in rural communities – slightly different versions of the song were recorded in rural pubs in the 1940s and 1960s. (The 1940s recording is available on YouTube, see below. The 1960s recording is available on the Vaughan Williams Memorial library website here.)

Owen Way (c1869 – 1919) was a vocal comedian and songwriter active in provincial Music Halls and pantomime between approx. 1896 and 1914. He seems to have spent most of his summer seasons performing at Herne Bay, initially in an outdoor Theatre on the Sands, later in the Gaiety Theatre which he owned and managed. His portrayals of comic rural characters were particular well thought of. Like many leading lights in the theatre world, he was active Freemason. In interviews he claimed to have been educated at Oxford and he was married to Alice Tanner, principal vocalist of the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company. He died at the age of 52 in 1919.

Owen Way, recorded singing Jolly Jarge in 1907

As sung with different verses by unknown Worcestershire singer in 1940 (found by Katie Howson):

Sources:

• VWML entry
• Kilgarrif Sing Us
• Lyrics: Mustrad
• Sheet Music: not accessed
• On Owen Way:
  • Discography of American Historical Recordings
  • Portrait of Mr Owen way, vocal comedian ; Talking Machine News , Tuesday first of January 1907
  • Obituary: Herne Bay Press, 27 September 1919
• Unsung Histories

Last Updated on August 5, 2022 by John Baxter | Published: August 5, 2022