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about

Caller Herrin is based on the traditional street cry of the Newhaven fishwives, who carried their creels (willow baskets) of fresh fish from "the pier" (Newhaven Harbour) up to Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. As well as advertising the “bonnie” and “halesome” (wholesome) quality of the catch, the song reminds the buyer of the old saying: “it’s no fish ye’re buying, it’s the lives o’ honest men.” The melody was written by Nathaniel Gow (1763-1831) based on the bells at St. Andrews and St. George’s West Church; the words are by Carolina Oliphant, Lady Nairne (1766-1845).

caller = fresh
pelisse = cloak

lyrics

Caller Herrin
When ye were sleepin on your pillows,
Dream'd ye aught o our puir fellows,
Darkling as they faced the billows,
Aa to fill the woven willows!

Buy my caller herrin
They're bonnie fish and halesome farin,
Wha'll buy my caller herrin,
New drawn frae the Forth.

O when the creel o herrin passes
Ladies clad in silk and laces,
Gather in their braw pelisses,
Cast their heids and screw their faces.

Buy my caller herrin
They're bonnie fish and halesome farin,
Wha'll buy my caller herrin,
New drawn frae the Forth.

O neighbour wives now tent my tellin,
When the bonnie fish ye're sellin,
At a word aye be your dealin,
Truth will stand when a' thing's failin.

Buy my caller herrin,
They're nae brought here without brave darin,
Buy my caller herrin,
Ye little ken their worth:

Buy my caller herrin.
O ye may ca' them vulgar farin
Wives and mithers maist despairin,
Ca them lives o men

credits

from Shorelines Project, released July 26, 2018
Musical arrangement by Newhaven Community Choir and Lawrence Davies.
Performed by Newhaven Community Choir and Tinderbox Orchestra
Recorded by Calum Cummins at North Edinburgh Arts
Thanks to the Edinburgh Shorelines Project

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Newhaven Community Choir image

Newhaven Community Choir Edinburgh, UK

Connecting people and place through the joy of song.

We are a choir based at Victoria Primary School in the historic fishing village of Newhaven, Edinburgh Scotland. We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:30. All are welcome to attend. We especially like singing songs that celebrate the history and culture of our community. ... more

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