SIGNAL HILL
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“Signal Hill”
John White
Used with permission of John White's family and Pigeon Inlet Productions.
More about John White
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.
Person list
Words and tune:
- Traditional
Locations associated with this song:
Lyrics:
SIGNAL HILL - Traditional
One night in December I’ll never forget,
A charming young maiden I happened to met.
Her eyes shone like diamonds she were dressed fit to kill,
And I met her, I was sliding down Signal Hill.
Will you come along with me b’ys, come along with me b’ys down Signal Hill.
I said, “Now my fair one if you will excuse”,
To partake of me arms sure she didn’t refuse.
Well then I must say that I first met love’s thrill,
When I met her I was sliding down Signal Hill.
Will you come along with me b’ys, come along with me b’ys down Signal Hill.
Well the very next day to the church we did go,
Which made all the people chew the rag, you must know.
Says she, “Will you marry?” Says I, “Faith, I will.”
And it’s buckled we were up on Signal Hill.
Will you come along with me b’ys, come along with me b’ys down Signal Hill.
And now we are married and children have three,
Sure meself and the missus could never agree.
We’ve one christened William, the other one Bill,
“Biggar,” says I, “Call the other one Signal Hill.”
Will you come along with me b’ys, come along with me b’ys,
Come along with me b’ys down Signal Hill.