Tensions between the band grew during the production in 1970 of their first album, Hark! The Village Wait to the point where they never again worked together after its completion, but the music itself shows no signs of these difficulties. While having a rock sensibility there is a greater sense of the authentic folk tradition than even in the best of Fairport, and a particular beauty arising from the two pairs of voices. The Woods being replaced by admired folk stalwart Martin Carthy, with violinist Peter Knight to widen the musical textures, the group late in 1970 recorded their most admired record Please to see the King. Ten Man Mop followed in 1971, more accomplished but generally felt to be less exciting. The expensive gatefold sleeve swallowed the band's royalties, and was referred to as a tombstone, since Hutchings and Carthy then left, to pursue Hutchings' new vision of a specifically English strand of folk rock with The Albion Band, and Steeleye Mk 2 folded.
However the inclusion of the less celebrated and more rock orientated replacements Rick Kemp and Bob Johnson led to the most commercially successful phase in the band's existence, vocalist Maddy Prior becoming the primary focus of the band, and a run of well received albums, from Below the Salt and Now we Are Six, their first with drummer Nigel Pegrum, to their eighth, and most commercially successful, All Around my Hat, in 1975.
Still active, they have a claim to be one of the longest-lived and perhaps the most commercially successful of all the folk rock bands of the era, thanks to their hit singles Gaudete and All Around My Hat, 3 top 40 albums and even a certified "gold" record with All Around My Hat.
Tim Hart died of lung cancer on 24 December 2009, aged 61.
The Tricks of London
Steeleye Span Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In London town I lost my way
In Oxford city I went astray
See-Saw Jack-in-the-Hedge
Which is the way to London Bridge?
If your heels are nimble and light,
Chorus
And I'm up to the tricks of London town,
(London bridge is falling down)
I'm up to the tricks of London
See-Saw Sacra-down
Which is the way to London town
One foot up and the other foot down
And that's the way to London town
Chorus
And I'm up to the tricks of London town,
(See-Saw Sacra-down)
I'm up to the tricks of London
(One foot up and the other foot down)
And I'm up to the tricks of London town
(London bridge is falling down)
I'm up to the tricks of London
In London town I lost my way,
In Oxford city I went astray.
"The Tricks of London" is a traditional song performed by Steeleye Span that talks about getting lost in London and trying to find the way to London Bridge. The main character seems confused and disoriented, asking for directions and surrendering to the "tricks" of the city. The chorus repeats the line "I'm up to the tricks of London town" while referencing the children's rhyme "London Bridge is Falling Down" and a nonsensical phrase "See-Saw Sacra-down" which adds to the overall bewildering tone of the song.
The lyrics of "The Tricks of London" evoke the feeling of being lost in a big city, overwhelmed by the crowds and the unfamiliar surroundings. The character seems to be searching for something beyond just the physical location of London Bridge, perhaps a sense of belonging or a feeling of safety. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the idea of being caught in a cycle of confusion and deception, unable to escape the tricks of London.
The song is notable for its lively melody and the mix of traditional and modern elements. Steeleye Span's version incorporates electric guitar and bass, and the vocals are performed with a sense of urgency and desperation that amplifies the drama of the lyrics. Overall, "The Tricks of London" is a catchy and memorable tune that captures the feeling of being lost in a big city.
Line by Line Meaning
In London town I lost my way
I was confused and didn't know which direction to go in the crowded and overwhelming city of London.
In Oxford city I went astray
I got lost and ended up in the wrong part of Oxford, which is another city in England.
See-Saw Jack-in-the-Hedge
This is a nonsensical phrase used to convey the confusion and disorientation the singer is feeling.
Which is the way to London Bridge?
The singer is asking for directions to London Bridge, which is a symbol of the city and an important landmark.
If your heels are nimble and light,
If you're able to move quickly and gracefully,
You may get there by candlelight
You can arrive at your destination using only the light of a candle, indicating that it may be a difficult journey.
And I'm up to the tricks of London town,
The singer is experienced and knowledgeable about the ways of London and its people.
(London bridge is falling down)
This is a reference to the popular nursery rhyme, which may suggest that the city is not as sturdy or stable as it appears.
I'm up to the tricks of London
The singer is well-versed and savvy when it comes to navigating the city's complexities.
See-Saw Sacra-down
Similar to the previous use of the phrase, this line conveys a sense of confusion and disorientation.
Which is the way to London town
The singer is looking for directions to London, which is the primary focus of the song.
One foot up and the other foot down
The singer is moving quickly and with purpose, indicating a sense of urgency or excitement.
And that's the way to London town
The singer has found the correct path and is excited to reach their destination.
Contributed by Caden I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ben - Moderator
on Bonny Moorhen
Hi Stuart, We have corrected the description above.
Stuart Tartan
on Bonny Moorhen
This description of the song completely misses the point in every way. It IS NOT about a bird.
It is an allegorical Jacobite-era song about Bonny Prince Charlie (the bonny moorhen). The colours mentioned, for instance, are the colours of the Clan Stuart tartan.