Brian is singing a wonderful song by Tony Deane about the Padstow Mayday tradition, more of which in a later blog in this series.However there are a couple of points to note:
Merv and Charlie are Mervyn Vincent and Charlie Bate - more of Charlie in another blog.
The Red Horse (and a crate of beer) traditionally made up the May day procession. However, some years back, the blue horse was introduced in an attempt to moderate the proceedings, although it was unsuccessful in doing this. There are now two horses and two sets of followers.
Over to Brian: Following the Old Oss
Here's adieu to Winter wailing
From now on it's plain sailing
For the summer is a-come unto day
As we welcome the First of May.
Chorus (after each verse):
When we're following the Old Oss through the town
When we're following the Old Oss, Padstow round
All on a bright May morning
All on the First of May
And we rise in the morning early
And remember Merv and Charlie,
By the Golden Lion we'll stand to greet
The Old Oss on to the street.
And there'll be no cries nor cribbin'
We'll not wear the Blue Ribbon
It's the Old Red Oss and a crate of beer
That'll bring us our good cheer
And we'll sing from morn till night time
For one song it's the right time
Only in Padstow will you hear
The Day Song loud and clear
So good men, don't ignore us
Join in the May Day chorus
Dance with the Old Oss, it's no sin
To watch the Summer come in
Oss Oss, wee Oss
