Hadleigh's 'Gooseberry Fayre'

Lyrics: Robert Hallmann - Music: Malcolm Reid

A Song for the Event
Rumour has it that Hadleigh’s ancient Gooseberry Fair will be reawakened this year, so I have cooperated with Malcolm Reid, leader of The Yardarm Folk Orchestra who entertained us on several occasions last year with their lively and traditional music, to write and compose a tune for the occasion. ’Gooseberry Fayre’ is one of the first collaborations to be set to music, though more work needs to be done and parts for the various instruments still need to be added. Other subjects are being considered and a jolly ‘Song of Leigh’ has also been put to paper. Looking forward to hearing the finished pieces. 

GOOSEBERRY FAYRE

Gooseberry Pie!
Gooseberry Pie!
Who will buy
My Gooseberry Pie?

Gooseberry filling with pastry on top,
Less than a shilling, we eat ‘til we pop.
Round dish or square shape, in Hadleigh each year
Come all ye folks to ye Gooseberry Fayre!

Gooseberry Pie!
Gooseberry Pie!
Who will buy
My Gooseberry Pie?

Come to the castle and come to the Downs,
Cycle along with a smile, not with frowns.
Sporting Olympics on bumpy terrain,
Down on the marshes they’re coming by train.

Gooseberry Pie!
Gooseberry Pie!
Who will buy
My Gooseberry Pie?

Come to St James the Less (not the Most),
Come say a prayer, we need it the most.
Look for the Cunning Man Murrell with care:-
Come all ye folks to ye Gooseberry Fayre! 

Gooseberry Poi!
Gooseberry Poi!
Who will buy
My Gooseberry Poi? 

A Song for Hadleigh
© Robert Hallmann and Malcolm Reid

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.