Fog On the Tyne
Lindisfarne Lyrics
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Sickly sausage rolls.
Slippin' down slowly, slippin' down sideways,
Think I'll sign off the dole.
[Chorus]
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine.
The fog on the Tyne is all mine.
The fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine.
The fog on the Tyne is all mine.
Could a copper catch a crooked copper maker,
could a copper comprehend.
That a crooked copper maker's,
Just an undertaker,
A one it takes to be your friend.
[Chorus]
Tell it to tomorrow,
Today will take its time,
To tell you what tonight will bring.
Presently we'll have a pint or too together,
Everybody do their thing.
[Chorus]
We can swing together,
We can have a wee wee,
We can have a wet on the wall.
If someone slips a whisper,
That its simple sister,
Slap em down and saliver on their smalls.
[Chorus]
The opening lines of Lindisfarne's "Fog On The Tyne" describe someone sitting in a dingy snack bar, consuming questionable food and contemplating their future. They are slipping away slowly and sideways, suggesting a feeling of aimlessness and lack of direction. The idea of signing off the dole, or welfare benefits, indicates perhaps a desire to become self-sufficient or to find a new path in life.
The chorus, "the fog on the Tyne is all mine," is repeated throughout the song and has become a popular catchphrase. It can be interpreted in different ways, but it likely refers to a sense of ownership and belonging to the region around the River Tyne in northeast England, which is known for its dense fog. The repetition of the phrase adds to the hypnotic and dreamy quality of the song.
The second verse introduces a wordplay with "copper" and "crooked copper maker," which could be interpreted as a corrupt police officer. However, the idea that a crooked copper maker is just an undertaker suggests a deeper commentary on the role of authority and the inevitability of death. The final verse encourages living in the present moment and enjoying the company of others, even if it involves drinking (wee wee) and taking risks (having a wet on the wall). The line "slap em down and saliver on their smalls" is a humorous and somewhat vulgar way of saying not to take things too seriously.
Overall, Lindisfarne's "Fog On The Tyne" is a melancholic yet catchy song that captures the atmosphere of a particular time and place, while also touching on universal themes of uncertainty and human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Sittin' in a sleazy snack bar sucking,
I am sitting in a low-class place swallowing cheap food
Sickly sausage rolls.
The food I am eating is not good for my health
Slippin' down slowly, slippin' down sideways,
The food is making me feel uncomfortable, and it feels like I am slipping down slowly and sideways
Think I'll sign off the dole.
I am thinking that I should quit my governmental benefits
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine.
The fog on the Tyne River belongs only to me
The fog on the Tyne is all mine.
I am trying to claim and possess the river's fog as my own
Could a copper catch a crooked copper maker,
Can an officer arrest another corrupt policeman
could a copper comprehend.
Can a policeman understand
That a crooked copper maker's,
That a policeman who is corrupt
Just an undertaker,
Is merely a funeral director
A one it takes to be your friend.
However, this kind of person is the one who would be your friend
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine.
The fog on the Tyne River belongs only to me
Tell it to tomorrow,
We can talk about it tomorrow
Today will take its time,
Today has its own pace
To tell you what tonight will bring.
To let you know what tonight has in store for us
Presently we'll have a pint or too together,
Soon we will drink a pint or two together
Everybody do their thing.
Let's all do what we want to do
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine.
The fog on the Tyne River belongs only to me
We can swing together,
We can have a good time together
We can have a wee wee,
We can urinate
We can have a wet on the wall.
We can even pee on the wall if we want to
If someone slips a whisper,
If someone says something secretly
That it's simple sister,
That it is easy, my friend
Slap em down and saliver on their smalls.
Slap them down and spit on their clothing
'Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine all mine.
The fog on the Tyne River belongs only to me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patrickstocks3576
Sittin’ in a sleazy snack-bar suckin’
Sickly sausage rolls
Slippin’ down slowly
Slippin’ down sideways
Think I’ll sign off the dole
‘Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
Could a copper catch a crooked coffin ⚰️ maker
Could a copper comprehend
That a crooked coffin ⚰️ maker is just an undertaker who
Undertakes to be a friend
‘Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
Tell the truth tomorrow
Today will take its time to
Tell you what tonight will bring
Presently we’ll have a pint or 2 together
Everybody do their thing
We can swing together
We can have a wee wee
We can have a wet on the wall
If someone slips a whisper
That his simple sister slapped them down
And they slavered on their smalls
‘Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
‘Cause the fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine, all mine
The fog on the Tyne is all mine
@solentbum
The Old Grey Whistle test, possibly the best music programme on TV ever.
@keirbateman267
How did this one slip through then?
@keirbateman267
Meet me on the corner is not bad though.
@gotthardish
Not Possibly......... DEFINITELY!
@deannalynne197
@@gotthardish agreed. Next is prob sight and sound and the gigs shown at a university
@williamstclaire809
Exactly.
@backnorth
A great band of their time, left a lot of people with nice memories.
@jimgleeson98
Yer bloody well right tae lol
@harrycooke6349
Yeah
@backrowbrighton
Yes, the songs always took you to a good place.