English

The Bolinder Boatman

For me, "The Bolinder Boatman" is a real intriguing song about life on the canals of Northern England. The "Bolinder" I take to be the manufacturer of the motor engine propelling the barge along the waterways. I heard this song only once on Wally Whyton's Folk Music Broadcast in the early eighties and immediately taped and transcribed it. I noted that it was sung by a certain "Gary and Vera Aspey", my spelling being just a guess, a very unusual vocal duet for my taste, but very effective. Gary singing mainly well above his partner. The theme of the song leaves me desperate to know more, enquiries bring nothing and I'm left with the feeling that somehow I dreamt the whole thing up myself. I sing it at a chug-a-long pace appropriate to the leisurely progress of a narrow barge along the now disused inland waterways in England.
As a child, I witnessed quite a few barges, even horse-drawn ones, in the late forties on the canal not far from my home in Worcester and they always fascinated me. Coming from places unheard of, taking no notice of the places they pass through and then vanishing to mysterious destinations.

Since writing the above in 1998, I have recently (August 2001) entered into considerable correspondence with surfer Chris Bragg, a waterways buff, who has cleared up all my questions. Now you, dear surfer, will be able to find the lyrics (transcribed by Chris and myself - just click lyrics above) along with Chris's knowledgeable comments on the barge's itinerary so evocatively sung by Gary & Vera. Thanks a million, Chris!
In July 2002, surfer Jeff Dennison writes that "The Bolinder Boatman" was written by one Ian Woods, late of Frodsham but last heard of living in London. Ian Woods used to travel on working boats during the 1960's and 70's. Many thanks, too, Jeff!