“I’s the B’y” (sometimes spelled “I’se the B’y”) is a dance song from the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Its authorship is unknown; it became widely known in the mid-twentieth century after it was published in at least two collections of folk songs. The title, for anyone not understanding the Newfoundland dialect, means “I’m the Boy” or “I’m the Guy.”
It is not necessary to define all the vocabulary used in the song, or turn the places named into a geography lesson, but it is important to point out that the words are not nonsense but words relating to life in Newfoundland, particularly the business of fishing. There is an interesting article with definitions here. You can also read more about the song here.
Lyrics
1. I's the b'y that builds the boat
And I's the b'y that sails her
I's the b'y that catches the fish
And brings them home to Liza
Chorus: Hip yer partner, Sally Thibault
Hip yer partner, Sally Brown
Fogo, Twillingate, Moreton’s Harbour
All around the circle!
2. Sods and rinds to cover your flake
Cake and tea for supper
Codfish [caught] in the spring o’ the year
Fried in maggoty butter.
(Chorus)
3. I don't want your maggoty fish
They're no good for winter
I could buy as good as that
Down in Bonavista.
(Chorus)
4. I took Liza to a dance
As fast as she could travel [or, Faith, but she could travel]
And every step that she did take
Was up to her knees in gravel.
(Chorus)
5. Susan White, she's out of sight
Her petticoat wants a border
Old Sam Oliver in the dark
He kissed her in the corner.
(Chorus)
Video Links
We suggest the following recordings:
Ryan’s Fancy, from their album Times to Remember
“I’se the B’y” is included in Sharon, Lois and Bram’s
“Newfoundland Jig Medley.”
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