Harold also recorded as lead singer for a variety of other groups. His career extended into the 1960s when he appeared on some middle period hotel LPs and singles. Sadly, this talent died too young. On December 5, 1965, he passed in his early thirties.
This last piece of information came from Annmarie Prendergast, Harold Richardson's daughter. She also provided information about Harold's family. He was married to Joy (nee Tewari) who still resides in Jamaica. The Richardson's had 5 children, one boy (Harold Junior, the eldest child) and Annmarie and her three sisters. Says Annmarie, "If he were alive he would cherish the fact that he currently has 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Two of us children sing, and one grandchild sings even better than we all put together." Another mento star, Hubert Porter, was a close family friend. The eldest child was just 15 when he passed. "All we ever had of him were the memories of his beautiful voice charming my mom and us at times."
One of the grandchildren, Tamara Naar, sent me a family heirloom: the wonderful gallery of photographs below. Notice the big smiles on the faces of the people photographed with the band in many of these photos. Apparently few musical groups lived up to their name as much as The Ticklers.
Country Gal
Harold Richardson & The Ticklers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When them put on them fancy clothes
Wee checkered skirt and blouse to match
?
The country gal them country gal
I love those girls tis true
Them have them own peculiar style
When you see them going to market
It's like them going to be wed
?
?
And then them stepping down the hill
?
And sometimes why them steps so high
And them new black shoes ?
The country gal, the country gal
I love them girls be true
Them have them own peculiar style
And they make you happy all the while
You may see ??
Proudly bringing up the rear
And if the tourist are fly past
Everybody laugh and cheer
Yes I really love the country gal
?
?
?
The country gal, the country gal
I love them girls be true
Them have them own peculiar style
And they make you happy all the while
The song "Country Gal" by Harold Richardson is an ode to the beauty of rural women, specifically their unique style and charm. The singer expresses his love for the way country girls dress up, in their fancy clothes - "Wee checkered skirt and blouse to match". He also admires the way they walk, feeling a sense of joy when he sees them running errands or going to the market. The singer observes that when the girls walk down the hill, their steps tend to be high and bouncy, especially when they're wearing new black shoes. Overall, the singer finds the country girls' "peculiar style" to be endearing and uplifting.
The song offers a glimpse into the world and culture of rural areas, where people take pride in their traditional clothing and norms. It portrays a sense of community spirit, based on mutual admiration and shared values. Through its portrayal of the country gal, the song reflects the beauty and simplicity of rural life, and the joy and innocence that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
How I love to see the country gal
I feel great joy when I see the country girl
When them put on them fancy clothes
When they dress up in their best attire
Wee checkered skirt and blouse to match
A small checkered skirt paired with a matching blouse
The country gal them country gal
The country girls, oh the country girls
I love those girls tis true
It's true, I really love those girls
Them have them own peculiar style
They have their own unique style
And they make you happy all the while
And they bring happiness with them wherever they go
When you see them going to market
When you see them heading to the market
It's like them going to be wed
It's as if they're off to get married
And then them stepping down the hill
And then they step down the hill
And sometimes why them steps so high
And sometimes they take high steps
And them new black shoes ?
While wearing their new black shoes?
You may see ??
You may witness
Proudly bringing up the rear
Bringing up the rear with pride
And if the tourist are fly past
And if the tourists fly past
Everybody laugh and cheer
Everybody laughs and cheers
Yes I really love the country gal
Yes, I truly love the country girl
The country gal, the country gal
The country girl, oh the country girl
I love them girls be true
I truly love those girls
Them have them own peculiar style
They have their own unique style
And they make you happy all the while
And they bring happiness with them wherever they go
Lyrics © CALDERWOOD, INC.
Written by: WILLIAMS, EVERARD FRANKLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind