303. Springhill Mine Disaster (Peggy Seeger & Ewan MacColl)

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Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• song

[nolicnotrut]

You're a 'mine' of information, Raymond.

(Whoops - another unintended pun!)

I had no idea that this disaster occurred within living memory. I always thought it was a traditional song, relating to some 19th-century incident. Quite rightly, the song has entered the 'folk tradition'. I believe that Ewan MacColl would have forgiven me for my misinformation. He had the rare talent of making everything sound traditional.

You convey the narrative brilliantly.

[raymondcrooke]

@nolicnotrut Even to the extent of changing his name from Jimmie Miller, presumably to sound more traditionally Scottish! Certainly many of his songs have become part of the folk repertoire.

[padraigpurseal]

Thank you Ray a fine rendition of a fine song that should be heard more often

Paddy P.

[raymondcrooke]

Thanks. It's a great song by a great writer.

[padraigpurseal]

@raymondcrooke

Actually Ray is it true that Paggy Seeger lost a relation in this tragedy or is that just an old mans tale??

Paddy P.

[raymondcrooke]

I don't think there is any truth in that story. She would have mentioned it on her website if it were true.

[asbpab1966]

@nolicnotrut 1958 was a terrible year for Canada. On the opposite end of the country, in Vancouver, was the Second Narrows Bridge collapse as told in the song, "Steel Men."

[FrozenEMT]

@raymondcrooke I've been there. Its very moving.

[raymondcrooke]

Not yet!

[DMEB]

ah this is great!!!!! i love this tune.. have you ever done the lifeboat mona??...