Sweep, Chimney Sweep

DESCRIPTION: Singer tells what cleanly work he makes as a chimney sweep. He tells the girls to arise and fetch him ale, then boasts about how he can climb to a rooftop without ladder or rope, and there you can hear him halloa. He says he will work for none but gentry.
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1815 (first verse found in "Cries of London")
LONG DESCRIPTION: Singer tells what cleanly work he makes as a chimney sweep. Girls come to his door; although he's black as a Moor, he's capable. He tells the girls to arise and fetch him some ale, then boasts about how he can climb to a rooftop without ladder or rope, and there you can hear him halloa. He says he will work for none but gentry. "Sweep, chim-nie sweep is the common cry I keep/If you can but rightly understand me"
KEYWORDS: pride courting bragging work nonballad worksong worker
FOUND IN: Britain(England(South,West))
REFERENCES (3 citations):
Gardham-EarliestVersions, "SWEEP, CHIMNEY SWEEP"
Kennedy-FolksongsOfBritainAndIreland 240, "Sweep, Chim-nie Sweep" (1 text, 1 tune)
Baring-Gould/Sheppard-SongsOfTheWest2ndEd, #20, "The Chimney Sweep" (1 test, 1 tune)
Roud #1217
RECORDINGS:
Bob & Ron Copper, "Sweep, Chimney Sweep" (on FSB3)
File: K240

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography