A GREAT BIG SEA HOVE IN LONG BEACH
Listen:
“A Great Big Sea Hove”
John White with the Ray Walsh Band
More about John White with the Ray Walsh Band
John White
3 February 1930 - 31 May 1998
John White was born on February 3, 1930 on Flower Hill in St. John’s, the son of Irene and Daniel White; the first of 17 children, he grew up on Water Street and later moved to Patrick Street where he lived for most of his life.
In 1958 John received his first big break; a meeting with Joe Butler Sr. at VOCM studios on McBride’s Hill in St. John’s landed him on a weekly broadcast show titled ‘Shillelagh Showtime’ featuring Wilf Doyle And His Orchestra, leading to his debut album: VOCM's John White With Wilf Doyle And His Orchestra - Irish Folk Songs.
In 1960, John moved to ‘Saturday Night Jamboree’ where he performed regularly for ten years; in 1964 he landed the leading role for CBC Television’s variety show ‘All around the Circle.’ From 1975 to 1998, John performed across Canada and North America.
Mr. White passed away on May 31, 1998 at the age of 68; he has one daughter, Debbie (Green) who resides in St. John’s; at his request, he sang at his own funeral with the songs Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, being played over a sound system at St. Patrick’s Church in St. John’s.
Discogs.com, https://www.discogs.com/artist/1936838-John-White-13
Ray Walsh
17 March 1943 - 27 January 2019
Ray Walsh was a teacher and school administrator, municipal councillor/mayor of his hometown, constant volunteer, senior hockey player, outdoorsman, hunter, salmon fisherman, and respected Newfoundland musician and recording artist. As a much-loved accordion player, he performed on stage, radio, and television across the province and beyond.
At an early age, Ray’s involvement as a cast member and performer, arranger and musician on CBC radio’s Saturday Night Jamboree and CBC television’s All Around the Circle and Come All Ye made him a household name across the province and country. Over a musical career spanning more than 55 years, Ray released three recordings of Newfoundland instrumental accordion and was proud of his five recordings with the Walsh Family Band.
A recipient of the NL Folk Arts Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award as well as the East Coast Music Association’s Stompin’ Tom Connors Award, Ray was always humble about his talents and musical accomplishments. Ray always stated his proudest moments on stage were when he performed with his family – which regularly included his brothers, daughters, and son, and most recently his grandchildren.
-Submitted by Greg Walsh
Person list
Words and tune:
- Traditional
Locations associated with this song:
Background Info:
Lyrics:
Right fol-or-al Ta-deedle, I do.
A great big sea hove in Long Beach,
And Granny Snooks she lost her speech,
To me right fol didy fol dee.
A great big sea hove in the Harbour,
Right fol-or-al Ta-deedle, I do.
A great big sea hove in the Harbour,
And hove right up to Keough's Parlour,
To me right fol didy fol dee.
Oh dear mother I wants a sack,
Right fol-or-al Ta-deedle, I do.
Oh dear mother I wants a sack
With beads and buttons all down the back,
To me right fol didy fol dee.
Me boot is broke, me frock is tore,
[Right fol-or-al Ta-deedle, I do.]
But Georgie Snooks I do adore,
To me right fol didy fol dee.
Oh fish is low and flour is high,
Right fol-or-al Ta-deedle, I do.
Fish is low and flour is high,
So Georgie Snooks he can't have I,
To me right fol didy fol dee.
But he will have me in the Fall,
Right fol-or-al Ta-deedle, I do.
If he don't I'll hoist my sail
And say goodbye to old Cannaille,
To me right fol didy fol dee.