A happy and prosperous new year to all my subscribers, friends and viewers.

This song was written in 1890 and first sung in 1891 by Leo Dryden (1863 - 1939), an English music hall performer, who was known as "the Kipling of the Halls". He is also known for having an affair (and son) with Charlie Chaplin's mother, Hannah, which led to the separation of Charlie's parents. He later fell upon hard times and supported himself by busking in the streets.

The song was recorded by Stanley Kirby on Edison Bell Records, and since then by various artists including Bob Hart (1892-1978), Peter Dawson and Kate Rusby.

I remember listening to this on a 78 record as a child. Can't remember who the singer was though.

You can see a playlist of my mining songs here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=CF909DA14CE415DF

For lyrics and chords of my songs, see my website: http://www.raymondcrooke.com