"Donkey Riding" is a traditional work song or sea shanty originally sung in Canada, Scotland and the Northeastern United States. It has also become popular as a children's song. The earliest written record of the song dates to 1857. The tune and words are an adaptation of "Highland Laddie". It is generally, but not universally, agreed that the "donkey" of the song title is a reference to the steam donkey, a kind of general-purpose steam engine. Stan Hugill, a sea-music historian, said that he had been informed that the song was also sung in the Gulf Ports as well as being popular at sea.
Recordings
Recordings of this song include:
- Great Big Sea on the albums Play and Road Rage
- Being a well-documented song publicised by Mudcat, and Mainly Norfolk, the song was recorded by Jon Boden and Oli Steadman for inclusion in their respective lists of daily folk songs "A Folk Song A Day" and "365 Days Of Folk".
References
- ^ Douglas Coombes (1974) Songs for singing together: fifty songs from around the world taken from the BBC's music programme for schools 'Singing Together' , BBC Publications
- ^ CSU Fresno Ballad Index
- "Alliance Music Publications Inc. - Donkey Riding". Alliancemusic.com. Retrieved 2013-08-31.
- Shantypedia
- "Great Big Sea Embraces Stylistic Mix" (June 14, 1997) Billboard p.46
- "Donkey Riding on Mudcat.org". Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- "Donkey Riding". Retrieved 24 February 2024.
- "A Folk Song A Day: Song List". 12 October 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
- "365 Days Of Folk: Song List". Retrieved 24 January 2024.
External links
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