Interesting Facts about the Gimme De Banjo – Doerflinger
The “Gimme De Banjo – Doerflinger” mentioned by Stan Hugill on page 341 of his “Shanties from the Seven Seas”, comes actually from the “Shantymen And Shantyboys” by William Main Doerflinger (1951). In Doerflinger’s book, it is in Halyard Shanties’ chapter. He mentions that:
“A lusty Negro halyard shanty follows. It was sung with strong emphasis, a quick attack in the chorus, and a decided swing. The shantyman, William Laurie, whose rendition I give, recalled the circumstances under which he first heard “Gimme de Banjo” sung at sea. He picked up the shanty in 1877 on board the American full-rigger Kit Carson”.
This song will be reconstructed as the short drag (t’gallants yards), shanty.
The source of this sea shanty
The music: “Shantymen And Shantyboys” by William Main Doerflinger (1951).
The lyrics: “Shantymen And Shantyboys” by William Main Doerflinger (1951).
Mentioned in: “Shanties from the Seven Seas” by Stan Hugill (1st ed p 341).
The Record of the Gimme De Banjo – Doerflinger
You also can find this record on my YouTube channel here or directly listen below. Additionally, if you want to share your opinion about the record or share your opinion you can do it in my Facebook forum here, or leave a comment at the bottom of this blog article.
The musical notation
The full lyrics
Gimme De Banjo – Doerflinger
Oh, dis is de day we pick on de banjo,
– Dance, gal, gimme de banjo,
* 2 *
Oh, dat banjo, dat tal-la tal-la wan-go,
* 3 *
Oh, dat banjo, dat seben-string banjo,
* 4 *
Ah was only one an’ twenty.
* 5 *
Ah was sent to school fer to be a scholar!
* 6 *
Mah collar was stiff, an’ Ah could not swaller.
* 7 *
Oh, dere’s mah book, down on de table,
* 8 *
An’ you kin read it if you’re able!