Another Lancashire song, this was written by Roger and Pru Edwards, based on a local legend. John learned it from members of The Valley Folk who would come down from Rawtenstall to sing at the Bury Folk Club, where he used to sing regularly in its early days.
|
|
Oh, 'tis said that in Cockerham the Devil did dwell
Sing twiddlum, twaddlum, high fal-lee,
Oh, 'tis said that in Cockerham the Devil did dwell
So afraid were the people they wished him to hell
The people they wished him to hell.
So they called the schoolmaster, a wise man and true,
Since he was so clever, this task for to do
This difficult task for to do.
Well, the devil came up to this stout-hearted man
Saying: Set me three problems to solve if I can
Three problems to solve if I can.
Well, first on the thorn you must count the dewdrops
And then count the stalks on yon fine field of crops
The stalks on yon fine field of crops.
So the Devil got up and away he did fly
The tasks he soon solved and returned by and by
The Devil returned by and by.
You've got one more chance cried the Devil with glee
And then, my fine fellow, you're coming with me
My fine fellow, you're coming with me.
Plait a rope of fine sand that you'll find on the moss
And then you must wash it without any loss
Must wash it without any loss.
Oh, the Devil he tried it again and again
And again and again and again and again
And again and again and again.
Oh, the Devil he shrieked and he ranted and raved
Said the master: I've won and my soul it is saved
I've won and my soul it is saved.
If anyone living should need any proof
There's a bridge out at Pilling with marks of a hoof
Where the Devil he landed from Cockerham church roof
On his way to his home down in hell.
|