Fyffe, Will

Will Fyffe (1885- 1947) is perhaps now best remembered as the man who wrote I belong to Glasgow but he was a huge international star who at the height of his fame drew huge crowds throughout the English speaking world. His father was a former ship’s carpenter who became a professional actor in the touring penny geggies and Will was on the stage from a very early age. He was a skilled, versatile actor, but as an adult concentrated on character comedy, appearing in the Halls and various films. He wrote most of his own songs.

These songs by Will Fyffe have featured in the repertoire of traditional singing:

1. I belong to Glasgow
2. I’m 94 this mornin’
3. Sailing up the Clyde
4. She was the Belle O’ The Ball
5. Twelve and a Tanner a bottle

His song The Gamekeeper may also be of some interest as a significant part of its chorus seems to be derived from a song which might be considered to be traditional.

This is the most complete list of his songs I can come up with:

He was the subject of an excellent BBC Radio Documentary, which is available on YouTube: