Wednesday 6 August 2014
Tune of the Day: Pretty Polly Perkins of Paddington Green
Traditional English tune
This song was composed by the London music hall and broadside songwriter Harry Clifton, and first published in 1864. Most of Clifton's songs adapted their tunes from old folk songs, and it is possible that a folk tune is also the origin of the tune for “Polly”. In particular, some see a resemblance to “Nightingales Sing”, also known as “The Bold Grenadier”.
The famous Tyneside Music Hall song “Cushie Butterfield” (sung even today at Newcastle United matches) is sung to the same tune as “Polly”, and is a parody of “Polly”.
Thanks to Ronald for suggesting this tune!