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about
‘The Folkie Song,’ was written by Jordan Lockett of the Southern Ocean Sea Band almost 10 years ago in tribute to the Port Fairy Folk Festival which has become such an integral part to both his life, and that of the small seaside community that he grew up in.
In Jordan’s words:
“I look forward to the Folkie more than Christmas, and I love Christmas. I’ve never missed a folkie and never intend to. The folkie is embedded in the psyche of Port Fairy locals and visitors and always will be, which is why I wanted to create a tribute to the volunteers, the committee (both past and present), festival attendees and musicians who have performed over the last 44 years. The Folk Festival committee are extremely generous and have contributed millions to the local sports and community organisations over the years.”
The song itself features vocals by Jordan with the band backing him up on the chorus, local legend and Southern Ocean Sea Band member, Merran Moir soars on the whistle through the instrumental sections, bringing memories of these types of Celtic-influenced sounds being carried on the wind across the main arena.
Jordan’s lyrics pay tribute to festival icons including Campbell the swaggie, Danny Spooner, John Ploenges, The ‘Women in Song’ and Guitar Concerts amongst many others.
He states;
“I initially wrote the song in 2012 with the help or John Conlan (Silverkane) and Gus Franklin (Southern Ocean Sea Band) and the song was first performed at the 40th Port Fairy Folk Festival in 2016. The Southern Ocean Sea Band have had the privilege of opening and closing the festival the last few years with the song, and now have recorded their version.”
As the final Guinness was drank at the 2020 Folk Festival the Southern Ocean Sea Band closed the festival with the Warrnambool Pipe Band playing a Scottish farewell song (Auld Lang Syne) the pandemic was upon us. Within two weeks the world had completely changed. This year - with the Folkie not officially running in it’s ‘regular large-scale tents and arena,’ capacity, it seemed even more important than ever to release the song with a film clip to celebrate the greatness of the festival.
We hope you enjoy! Long live the folkie!
lyrics
LYRICS
Come gather ‘round people, it’s that time of year,
When we all drink Guinness instead of beer.
Cazza’s done the line up and it looks bloody good
I’ve circled all the good gigs and asterisked the ‘shoulds’
Go see Garry - buy some Poffertjes,
Are the Emu’s at Tower Hill, or are they Ostriches?
Peter, Jack and Reg, have led the troops for weeks,
Raising all the tents and checking them for leaks.
It’s Labour Day Weekend in Port Fairy town,
People come from everywhere to our home ground,
Welcome to Country on Friday night
Sunny Sunday but pissing at night
Southcombe Park is chockers the Gardens Oval’s full,
There’s a line up of cars out past Warrnambool.
The only time the surfers pray for no surf,
‘Cause this ain’t no surf break, this is hallowed turf.
Harry’s got the kegs piled in Shebeen,
God bless the Cricket Club, and Wally Sheehan.
What about that year with the dodgy fake tickets,
It was a long time ago and so was Pickett’s!
It’s Labour Day Weekend in Port Fairy town,
People come from everywhere to our home ground,
Welcome to Country on Friday night
Sunny Sunday but pissing at night
The Guitar Concert’s next, I think I see Mum,
I love the way they pick and that crazy guy’s strum.
The ‘Women in Song’ will start our Sunday,
The Port Fairy ladies are dancing away!
Danny Spooner and the Whalers, Sea Shanties at the river
Put pepper on your Guinness, it’s good for your liver!
Make sure you throw money in Campbell’s Billy
Pack some warm clothes Port Fairy gets chilly!
It’s Labour Day Weekend in Port Fairy town,
People come from everywhere to our home ground,
Welcome to Country on Friday night
Sunny Sunday but pissing at night
I really love the smell of the trampled grass,
I’ve never had a Folkie chair, but I’ve got a sore arse.
Rest in peace Johnny Ploenges. You were a great man,
You, Bobby and Bruce always had the plan.
Sunday nights’ the sing-along, come to the Guinnie Tent,
Gibbo, Johnny and the boys, they’re heaven sent.
Mad Monday comes along, and the locals hit The Stump.
When I see that stream of cars, my throat gets a lump!
It’s Labour Day Weekend in Port Fairy town,
People come from everywhere to our home ground,
Welcome to Country on Friday night
Sunny Sunday but pissing at night
credits
released March 3, 2021
Lyrics: Jordan Lockett
Additional Lyrics: John Conlan & Gus Franklin
Music: The Southern Ocean Sea Band
Solo Whistle: Merran Moir
The Southern Ocean Sea Band are a 10-piece band singing historical songs & shanties about their hometown.
Borne directly from the late Danny Spooner’s ‘Shanties at the River,’ sessions, they made their Port Fairy Folk Festival debut to launch their album, 'Blood & Bones & Fins & Glory,' in 2017, and have since toured the regions, spreading their historical songs & shanty love far and wide....more
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