Continuing from the last issue of the Broadside, we are giving you two more pieces of music from the Bay de Verde area. Last issue we gave some brief biographical information about Edward Walsh, father of the well-known piano accordion player Ray Walsh. Ray's son Greg is the source of the music here. The tune is a jig that was often played by Edward for dances, hence the extra beats. The tune is assumed to be traditional since the name and composer are not known.
The song (Be Home Early Tonight My Dear Boy) is also assumed to be traditional but it's origin is unknown. Greg has only ever heard his Grandfather sing it, but speculates that it came from either Ireland or England. The message of the song is simple: don't party all night and forget about your parents!
One night I left home my poor mother was sick,
In a torture of fever and pain.
She said, "My dear boy take this warning from me,
For I may not give it again."
Chorus
When I returned home from my night full of fun,
I found that my mother was dead.
It was then a cold chill through my body did run,
When I thought on the last words she said.
Chorus
Come all you young men, take a warning from me,
On your father and mother depend.
For your fond mother's love, it can never grow cold,
When she's gone you have lost your best friend.
Chorus
