Info
The first printed version of this song was in 1770, but the song is likely much older. It refers to “keelmen,” who loaded coal onto shallow boats called keels. The keels traversed shallow rivers to deliver the coal to waiting ships. Coal was exported from the River Tyne (in Northeastern England) starting in the 13th century. It is unknown whether this song originated in England or Scotland. The English version mentions “Sandgate,” which is an area of Newcastle upon Tyne along the river. The Scottish version mentions “Canongate,” which is a street in Edinburgh. (source) (source)
Lyrics
(English / Scottish folk song)
1. As I came through Sandgate, through Sandgate, through Sandgate,
As I came through Sandgate, I heard a lassie sing:
Refrain
Weel may the keel row, the keel row, the keel row,
Weel may the keel row that my laddie’s in. (repeat)
2. He wears a blue bonnet, blue bonnet, blue bonnet,
He wears a blue bonnet, a dimple in his chin. Refrain
See also
- Countries: England / Scotland
- Form: AB
- Harmony: chords I, IV, V / partner songs
- Meter: 4
- Rhythm:
- Scale: major
- Source: Making Music Your Own, Grade 6, Silver Burdett Company, 1965
YouTube
- PDF of song with chords
- MIDI file
- Listen to the melody
