Category Archives: Scottish Folk

Matt McGinn -Troubled Waters in my Soul by Matt McGinn
7
Feb

Here’s a lovely little gem of a song from the late and legendary Glaswegian Folk Singer and songwriter Matt McGinn. The song ‘Troubled Waters in my Soul’ here is taken from McGinn’s album ‘Tinny Can on my Tail. Hope you Enjoy!

Troubled Waters in my Soul by Matt McGinn

Lyrics


I’ve been sailing through Troubled Waters that knew no calm
The winds were wailing oer those waters and my sorrows knew no balm
Those troubled waters
Troubled Waters
Troubled Waters in my Soul

Ive been drinking Troubled waters to ease my mind
But in those waters, troubled waters no solace could i find
Those troubled waters
Troubled waters
Troubled waters in my soul

Storm clouds gather oer those waters , No haven had I
I was wandered on those waters, No love had I
Those troubled waters
Troubled waters
Troubled Waters in my Soul



Who was Matt McGinn

Matt McGinn was born in just off the Gallowgate in the Colton area of Glasgow in January, 1928. Born into a family of Nine, McGinn grew up in the are which was rich in Irish culture. This where he hoovered up many of the tunes often chanted with a mixture of colourful sectarian overtones and made them his own.

Although he was never to play a musical Instrument, and in some opinions, couldn’t sing either, McGinn wrote some amazing lyrics which he put with these tunes. His lyrics addressed social and political issues, yet he had a skill of being able to make them comedy, child friendly songs.

The Politician

McGinn was expelled from Primary school and sent to approved school as a child. However, this was no reflection on his intelligence. At age 31, he obtained a Trade Union Scholarship to the Ruskin College in Oxford. Here he saw how society really worked. After a brief period as a school teacher, his beleifs were solidified and McGinn returned to Glasgow, vowing never to work again. However, Matt was a an enthusiastic campaigner for local social and housing issues and helped establish the Gorbals Adventure Playground.

In 1962, Matt won a song writing competition with his song ‘The Foreman O’Rourke’ which earned him a place at the Carnegie Hall. Here he met a young Bob Dylan and the American Folk Singer and Songwriter Pete Seeger whom he would forge a lasting Friendship with. Matt McGinn was a member of the Communist Party of great Britain and was a committed Socialist, trade unionist and a keen observer of nature which reflected in his songs.

Being a father himself, he was great at writing children’s songs too. He was really good fusing these components together to make songs that can be understood by all ages with an appreciative meaning as one grows older. However, in the 1960’s Britain and America were still in the height of the Cold War and while McGinn was a big name in the Folk Revival scene, he was limited in his publicised and very few TV appearances of Matt McGinn in his life and one from his early era.

The Entertainer

As the 1970’s came along, the songs McGinn sang had started to become less of a threat to the status Quo and the singer had also adopted a more humorous approach to his material. This live show here is a prime example of Matt McGinn the entertainer. It was recorded in the singers latter years. But it has no shortage of humorous jokes and the craic which Matt was always good at. In fact, he was often considered the Mentor of his banjo Player Billy Connolly who would later go on to become a world famous Stand Up comedian.

Sadly Matt McGinn passed away in 1978. Unfortunately his home in Govan hill in Glasgow’s South Side suffered a fire when matt came home drunk one night and fell asleep in bed with a cigarette. He died in the fire and was pronounced dead by smoke inhalation at age 50.

The Legacy

Matt McGinn’s works are still very much celebrated and many musicians and songwriters including myself can say that McGinn was a big Influence on them. McGinn’s songs are still performed by folk musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. In Scotland and in America at tribute concerts. His songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger, The Weavers, Theodore Bikel, The Corries, Luke Kelly, The Chinese Man, The Ian Campbell Folk Group, Barry Dransfield & Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, among others.

What do you think?

Well then. What did you think of that? Did you enjoy it? Or didnt you like it? Whatever your thoughts and opinions are on it, we’d love to hear them in the comments below. Here at The Collective Jukebox, we just love to chat about music and always keen to read what others have to say about the music we share.


Actually, if youre a music lover like us, who loves to share their favourite tunes as well as discovering new stuff, then why not join us. We’re the world’s Number One Online Music Community and we’re always keen to hear what everyone likes. We also beleive that Music should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or status. So it’s absolutely FREE to join and always will be. Just click the button below to become part of the community. See you Inside!


Join the Community!

Matt McGinn Live in East Kilbride, February 1975
7
Feb

Here we are with a little gem here from the legendary Matt McGinn. This is a live set where the Glaswegian Singer n Songwriter sings a set at The Bonnie Prince Charlie Bar in East Kilbride in February of 1975. A great mix of songs and patter. Hope you enjoy!

Matt McGinn Live in East Kilbride, 1975

Tracks;

  1. Granda
  2. The Cradle of Civilisation
  3. Cider Wi’ Yer Maw,
  4. Ma Darlin’ Is a Charlie
  5. My Dearest My Darling
  6. My Wee Auntie Sarah
  7. Crofter Story
  8. Suzie
  9. Screwtops..including Leaving In a Police Van and Amazing Grace
  10. Gaelic Joke
  11. Heiderum Hauderum
  12. Come back to Sorrento
  13. Maggie Might
  14. Glaswegians Would
  15. Two Wee Germs
  16. Somebody’s Wean
  17. The Schmitt Family
  18. Nelly May

The Legend who was Matt McGinn

Matt McGinn was born in just off the Gallowgate in the Colton area of Glasgow in January, 1928. Born into a family of Nine, McGinn grew up in the are which was rich in Irish culture. This where he hoovered up many of the tunes often chanted with a mixture of colourful sectarian overtones and made them his own.

Although he was never to play a musical Instrument, and in some opinions, couldn’t sing either, McGinn wrote some amazing lyrics which he put with these tunes. His lyrics addressed social and political issues, yet he had a skill of being able to make them comedy, child friendly songs.

The Politician

McGinn was expelled from Primary school and sent to approved school as a child. However, this was no reflection on his intelligence. At age 31, he obtained a Trade Union Scholarship to the Ruskin College in Oxford. Here he saw how society really worked. After a brief period as a school teacher, his beleifs were solidified and McGinn returned to Glasgow, vowing never to work again. However, Matt was a an enthusiastic campaigner for local social and housing issues and helped establish the Gorbals Adventure Playground.

In 1962, Matt won a song writing competition with his song ‘The Foreman O’Rourke’ which earned him a place at the Carnegie Hall. Here he met a young Bob Dylan and the American Folk Singer and Songwriter Pete Seeger whom he would forge a lasting Friendship with. Matt McGinn was a member of the Communist Party of great Britain and was a committed Socialist, trade unionist and a keen observer of nature which reflected in his songs.

Being a father himself, he was great at writing children’s songs too. He was really good fusing these components together to make songs that can be understood by all ages with an appreciative meaning as one grows older. However, in the 1960’s Britain and America were still in the height of the Cold War and while McGinn was a big name in the Folk Revival scene, he was limited in his publicised and very few TV appearances of Matt McGinn in his life and one from his early era.

The Entertainer

As the 1970’s came along, the songs McGinn sang had started to become less of a threat to the status Quo and the singer had also adopted a more humorous approach to his material. This live show here is a prime example of Matt McGinn the entertainer. It was recorded in the singers latter years. But it has no shortage of humorous jokes and the craic which Matt was always good at. In fact, he was often considered the Mentor of his banjo Player Billy Connolly who would later go on to become a world famous Stand Up comedian.

Sadly Matt McGinn passed away in 1978. Unfortunately his home in Govan hill in Glasgow’s South Side suffered a fire when matt came home drunk one night and fell asleep in bed with a cigarette. He died in the fire and was pronounced dead by smoke inhalation at age 50.

The Legacy

Matt McGinn’s works are still very much celebrated and many musicians and songwriters including myself can say that McGinn was a big Influence on them. McGinn’s songs are still performed by folk musicians on both sides of the Atlantic. In Scotland and in America at tribute concerts. His songs have been recorded by Pete Seeger, The Weavers, Theodore Bikel, The Corries, Luke Kelly, The Chinese Man, The Ian Campbell Folk Group, Barry Dransfield & Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, among others.

What do you reckon?

Well then. What did you think of that? Did you enjoy it? Or didnt you like it? Whatever your thoughts and opinions are on the show, we’d love to hear them in the comments below. Here at The Collective Jukebox, we just love to chat about music and always keen to read what others have to say about the music we share.


Actually, if youre a music lover like us, who loves to share their favourite tunes as well as discovering new stuff, then why not join us. We’re the world’s Number One Online Music Community and we’re always keen to hear what everyone likes. We also beleive that Music should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or status. So it’s absolutely FREE to join and always will be. Just click the button below to become part of the community. See you Inside!

Join the Community!

The Massacre of Glen Coe by The Corries
22
Jan

Here’s a little song about Benefit sanctions in the Seventeenth century. Performed by The Corries, The Massacre of Glen Coe tells the story of the 1689 massacre of the McDonald Clan at Glencoe at the hand of John Campbell, the Duke of Argyll.

The Massacre of Glen Coe by The Corries

This song is about the massacre of the Scottish Clan McDonald, the One time Lords of the Isles.

Lyrics;

Oh cruel is the snow that sweeps Glencoe
That covers the grave o’ Donald
And cruel was the foe that raped Glencoe
And murdered the house o’ MacDonald
(chorus)

They came through the blizzard, we offered them heat
A roof o’er their heads, dry shoes for their feet
We wined them and dined them, they ate o’ our meat
And slept in the house O’ MacDonald

(chorus)

They came from Fort William with murder mind
The Campbell had orders, King William had signed
Pit all tae the sword, these words underlined
And leave none alive called MacDonald

(chorus)

They came in the night when the men were asleep
That band of Argyles, through snow soft and deep.
Like murdering foxes, among helpless sheep
They slaughtered the house o’ MacDonald

(chorus)

Some died in their beds at the hands of the foe
Or fled in the night and were lost in the snow.
Some lived to accuse him, what struck the first blow
But gone was the house of MacDonald

Who were The Corries?

The Corries were a folk duo made up of singer-songwriters Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne. Originally formed as The Corrie Folk Trio with Bill Graham, the group eventually whittled down to just the pair of them by 1966. The duo released many successful studio albums and played many live shows in the 24 years they were together. The groups demise sadly came in 1990 with the passing of Roy Williamson who lost his battle with Cancer.

Did You Like That One?

So what did you think of that then? We’d love to read your thoughts and opinions on the video in the comments below. Here at The Collective Jukebox, we are fond music lovers and just love to hear what others have to say about the music we share here.

In fact, why not join us if you love discovering New Music and sharing your favourite tunes with us all?

Join the Community!

I can’t stop Now by The Humblebums
22
Jan

Here’s a little classic tune from the famous Glasgow Duo Gerry Rafferty and Billy Connolly. The Humblebums play their song I Can’t stop now from their album New Humblebums.

I can’t stop Now by The Humblebums

I can’t stop Now Lyrics;

Every time I’m away I think about you
I wish that you were near me
Gets so bad at times I talk to myself
I wish that you could hear me

I get to thinking how it all started out, and I know, oh I know
It may not last forever
But in the meantime when the goin’ is good, I know, oh I know
That we should be together

You gave me everything and then some more
When I was cold you opened up the door

Don’t want to stop I couldn’t anyhow
You know I’m in too deep and I can’t stop now

When I come home I know I don’t ever have much to say
I’m just glad to be there
You ask about the people I’ve met and the places I’ve been
You ask me what I see there

I see you, I see you everywhere I go
I see you all around me
On a ship, on a train, on a plane, no matter where I am
I feel your love surround me

Who were the Humblebums?

The Humblebums were Originally formed by Folk musician Tam Harvey, Gerry Rafferty and Future Stand Up comedian Billy Connolly . They’re were initially formed in ,2965 by Tam Harvey and Billy Connolly, playing the folk circuit around Glasgow. They were a regular act in places like ‘The Old Scottie bar’ in Glasgow and the Scotia. The duo were also famous for backing the legendary Glaswegian folk singer and songwriter Matt McGinn. Billy would play Banjo and crack the jokes while Tam, an accomplished Bluegrass Musician would play guitar.

The Humblebums released their First album First ‘Collection of Merry Melodies’ in February 1969. It was soon after this that Singer, Songwriter and Musician Gerry Rafferty joined the Duo and the group toured as a Trio for a little while. Rafferty brought with him his own Influence and style which appealed to Bully Connolly. But this wasn’t to Tam Harvey’s taste. He was more into playing folk music rather than the new Rock n Roll style the Humblebums seemed to be adopting. He soon after left the group to pursue a career in acting.

New Humblebums

Connolly and Rafferty continued as a duo, playing new material with a more Rock n Roll then to them whilst maintaining an element of Bluegrass and folk. This new carnation of the Humblebums released a new album in 1970. The album sleeve featured artwork from John Byrne whom Rafferty would go on to work with throughout the Seventies.

New Humblebums had some good tracks including the 1970 hit single Shoeshine boy which became a big hit in Holland. It also featured this track. The Duo released another Album “Open Up the Door in 1972 and the pair broke up soon after. Rafferty went on to release the classic Hit ‘Baker Street’ and a string of albums a solo artist.

Billy Connolly however, pursued a career in comedy, always having been the funny guy of the group. He eventually rose to worldwide fame and was knighted ‘Sir Billy Connolly and also received a Bafta award in 2022. Gerry Rafferty passed away aged 73 ‘on January the 4th, 2021. On the 17th of February,2022 Tam Harvey died.

What did you think?

Well, What did you think? Did you enjoy the song? Whatever your thoughts or opinions are on this song, we’d love to read them in the comments below. Here at The Collective Jukebox, we are fond lovers of music who are always keen to hear what others have to say about the music we share here. So please Do feel Free to elaborate.

Better still, why not get onboard and Join Us? If you are a music lover and enjoy discovering new material as well as sharing your own favourite stuff with others, then this is the place for you. We are the worlds Number One Online Music Community who are all about sharing music. We beleive that music should be available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation or status. Just click the button below to enter. See you Inside!

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The Bloody Sarks by The Corries
17
Jan

Here’s a little song by the legendary Scottish Folk Duo The Corries. In this video, they perform ‘The Bloody Sarks’ on live TV. This was the opening track from their 1981 album Stovies.

The Bloody Sarks by The Corries




The Bloody Sarks Lyrics;

The young McGregor o Glen Strae wi eighty o his men
Upon the Argyll sleekit word pit Finla’s glen a flame
The burning theiving hieland rant drove a the beast awa
And left ahint twa dirkit men to perish in the snaw

By Fallisdall the letter come frae black Dumbarton toon
To show the way they were tae bring McGregor doon
The bloody sarks o butchered men tae Jamie’s court maun gae
The widow women for to show and tell of the afray

Colquhoun o Luss could thole nae mair wi trampeled savaged pride
Buchanan levies mounted up to tan McGregor hide
From Leven’s vale, Dumbarton toon and all these lowland parts
The burgesses and fairmers came wi vengeance in their hearts

The Campbell and the Cameron, MacDonald o Glencoe
Ranked alang wi Gregorach and marched o’er the snaw
Far o’er the loch frae Arklet glen and doon the past Parlan
By Loch Long whose shores are held by the thieves o MacFarlane

Colquhoun wi his lowland mob lined o’er the Fruin glen
Five hundred foot, arrayed aboot three hundred moutned men
Yon godless hoard o Gregorach and others o their kind
Will creep nae mair frae their lair wi murdering in their minds

Aye whether be it for some stirks or just a ween o blacks
They’re ay’ways quick thier dirks to stick in ain anither backs
For honest men and guid Scots law we’ll tramp the vermin oot
Just steady bide God’s on our side o that there is nae doubt

Then like a torrent frae the glen McGregor’s scarlet charge
The sassenach could ne’er withstand the claymore and the targe
And all around the hellish screams o torn and dying men
Their precious blood seeped in the mud and drained in Fruin Glen

And every beast was lead awa a full twa thoosand heid
And the sairest price the victors paid was twa McGregors dead
But bide ye yet the victor’s feast the worst still to show
For the king proclaimed the Gregorach henceforth to be outlaw

Aye the bold McGregor and his clan were a declared outlaw



Who were The Corries?

The Corries were a folk duo made up of sinnger-songwriters Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne. Originally formed as The Corrie Folk Trio with Bill Graham, the group eventually whittled down to just the pair of them by 1966. The duo released many successful studio albums and played many live shows in the 24 years they were together. The groups demise sadly came in 1990 with the passing of Roy Williamson who lost his battle with Cancer.



Did you like that?

So what did you think of that then? We’d love to read your thoughts and opinions on the video in the comments below. Here at The Collective Jukebox, we are fond music lovers and just love to hear what others have to say about the music we share here.

In fact, why not join us if you love discovering New Music and sharing your favourite tunes with us all?

Join the Community!

The Corries – Years Must Roll On
13
Jan

Here’s a little treat for the Scottish Folk Music fans. This video is a compendium of songs from the famous Scottish Folk Duo The Corries’ Years Must Roll on features 18 different TV Performances of the groups classic songs from the pair and guaranteed to have fans intrigued from start to finish.



The Corries – Years Must Roll On

The video features the TV Scenes of The Corries dating from the Duo’s beginnings in 1966 up til 1987 when the compilation was produced.



Songs featured;

  1. Killiekrankie – 1966
  2. Flower of Scotland – 1968
  3. Cam Ye O’er Fae France – 1968
  4. The Toon O Kelso – 1968
  5. Scots Wha Hae – 1968
  6. Jock O’ Hazeldean – 1972
  7. Johnny Lad -1973
  8. The Rose of Allandale – 1974
  9. Leezie Lindsay – 1976
  10. The News Fae Moidart – 1978
  11. Bonnie Dundee – 1980
  12. Caw the owes te the Knowes – 1980
  13. Flower of Scotland – 1982
  14. North Sea Holes – 1987
  15. Loch Nagar – 1987
  16. The Haugh’s of Cromdale – 1987
  17. Kate Dalrymple – 1987
  18. Killiekrankie – 1987



Who were The Corries

The Corries were a Folk duet Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne. They played regular live shows and TV appearances from 1966 up until 1990. Unfortunately the group were disbanded by the unfortunate death of Roy Williamson. However, the legacy of the group still lives on far and wide.

Williamson and The Corries commemoration has been secured over the years by the adoption of their 1968 single Flower of Scotland’, written by Williamson as national anthem. This song is widely known in every Scottish household and is sung regularly before Rugby games by the Scottish National Team.

Early Beginnings

The group first formed in 1958 as a Folk Trio that called themselves ‘The Corrie Folk Trio’. This consisted of Williamson and Browne along with friend Tam Harvey. They were soon joined by female singer Paddie Bell and the group played as a quartet for the next 6 years. They played many of the Traditional Scottish and Irish Folk ballads and became major players in the Folk revival scene of the time.

The Quartet regularly played alongside and collaborated with many of the Folk revival bands like The Dubliners, The Clancys, Pete Seeger, Ewan MacColl and many more contemporaries.

Scaling Down

However, Tam had to leave as he was feeling a bit crook with a bad back and Paddie told the group that she had to go sign on. So it was just Roy Williamson and Ronnie Browne left. So they decided to carry on as a Duet and rename themselves simple ‘The Corries’. They continued to play with this set up for a further Twenty-Four Years until Roy sadly passed away in 1990 after a battle with cancer.

However, it was this Due version of the group that became best known to most people and had a healthy discography and a solid fanbase.


Did you like them?

So, what did you think of this video then? Are you a fan of The Corries or a lover of Folk? Or is it not to your taste? Maybe you cant stand it. Whatever your thoughts and opinions on them, we’d love to read them in the comments below. So please feel free to elaborate in as many words as you need. We’re all music lovers here and we just love a good debate over music.

In fact, if you share the same enthusiasm as us with music, then why not join our community here at The Collective Jukebox. It’s completely FREE to join and it always will be. We’re firm believers that Music should be readily available for everyone. So that’s the way we intend to keep it. So why not get in here and share with us some of your own favourite tunes? Just click the button below to join. Only takes a few seconds. See you Inside!

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Take me Back to the Jungle by Matt McGinn
4
Jan

Take me Back to the Jungle by late & legendary Scottish folk singer and songwriter Matt McGinn is an album that I feel almost duty bound to share with the world whenever the chance arises. So I’m gonna take this chance to share it with y’all today here on The Collective Jukebox.
I was given this album as a young child and grew up listening to it. It’s a collection of songs that I’d recommend every parent gives to their child.


Take me Back to the Jungle by Matt McGinn


The Album was released in 1973 and was McGinn’s 5th Studio Album. By this time Matt had become experienced in the entertaining side of things and had learned to do a good job of writing songs that could be funny and jovial to listen to whilst addressing some Important Political and Social issues of the day. Take me back to the Jungle was probably his best piece of work when it comes to this.


It’s the type of album you could give to a child and theyl love every song as a nice and funny little ditty. But as they get older and begin to understand life a little more, the more they’ll start to understand what the


Take me back to the Jungle Tracks;

Side 1
1. Take me back to the Jungle
2. With Fire and With Sword
3. Tony Capaldi
4. Cead Mile’ Failte’
5. The little Carpenter
6. The Wurrum & The Sparra

Side 2

7. Hi Jack
8..Life is a Fountain
9. Have a Banana
10. The Little Carpenter
11. The Man the Could Not Hang
12. Tell me what the Tea Leaves tell me
13. On the Beach at Portobello


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