The Packman
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1985.55.B1
Original Tape ID
Summary
A man from Galloway goes to Grimsby in England to become a packman [pedlar]. He has a difficult experience, with many people refusing him and orders going awry because of his boss. He eventually resolves to return to Galloway and tells other young men thinking of becoming packmen that they would be better contented with ploughing and herding jobs, even though it is less well paid.
Robbie Murray recites the lyrics of the song first, then sings one verse, after much prompting.
Item Notes
8 verses. Recited, first verse then sung.
Printed by Thomas Murray, "the shepherd of Moorbrock, Carsphairn, Galloway", in his book, 'Frae the Heather' (published by D.H. Edwards of Brechin, n.d., reprint, 1912). Sheila Douglas notes that the song was written by Thomas Murray's son around the time of the Boer War (presumably the Second Boer War, 1899–1902).
See:
'Come Gie's a Sang', (ed. S. Douglas, with Jo Miller, 1995), pp. 34-35, 128
Recording Location
County - Kirkcudbrightshire
Parish - Dalry
Village/Place - St John's Town of Dalry
Item Location
Village/Place - Galloway
Language
Scots
Genre
Collection
Classification
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good