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Billy Boy
Last updated: 11.10.23
I have known "Billy Boy" since my childhood and even the great singers of the day were not to proud to sing such a song back in the radio days of the 1940's. It was not until coming across it Folk Songs of the British Isles that I took it into my repertoire and sing it every now and then. Andrew Gant describes it as a Northumbrian sea shanty which was quite new to me - after all there is not much of a shanty feel about it. Any shanty that is supposed to be done quickly sounds a bit dubious to me.
It is a fine tune enough and the refrain of and me Nancy kittled me fancy, oh me charming Billy Boy has a certain Jack-like quality that fits the mould.
     Performer CD Title Supplier
       
cd15.gif Andrews Sisters The Andrews Sisters - Cream Series flag15us.gif flag15uk.gif flag15de.gif flag15fr.gif flag15ca.gif flag15it.gif flag15es.gif
cd15.gif Johnny Handle Northlands
cd15.gif Johnny Handle Old And New Geordie Songs For Kids
cd15.gif The High Level Ranters Northumberland Forever CD(s) & MP3 Album(s) flag15us.gif flag15uk.gif flag15de.gif flag15fr.gif flag15ca.gif flag15it.gif flag15es.gif
cd15.gif Ed McCurdy Children's Songs-Greatest Hits CD(s) & MP3 Album(s) flag15us.gif flag15uk.gif flag15de.gif flag15fr.gif flag15ca.gif
     Title Performer Composer
       
youtube15.jpg Billy Boy (3:03) Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs
youtube15.jpg Billy Boy (2:25) Dick Charlesworth