David Littler and Tony Berry are both founder members of the band, whilst Steve Millington joined in 1996.
Previous members are Norman Prince (1975 to 1999, 6 string acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, bass guitar and vocals), John Oliver (1975 to 1976 vocals), Denis Littler (1976 to 1984 bass guitar and vocals) and Jeff Hill (1984 to 1996 and 1999 to 2007 bass Guitar, 6 string acoustic guitar, 12 string guitar, electric guitar and vocals)
They sing mainly English folk music, much of it in Lancashire dialect, and demonstrate an eclectic range of song subjects including "The Blackpool Belle", "Uncle Joe’s Mintballs" and "Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" (a biographical song about the painter L. S. Lowry).
They are best known for their BBC T.V. show "Sit Thi Deawn" (a Lancashire colloquial corruption of "Sit You Down"; referring to the supposed hospitality of Lancashire people). The programme ran for six series or seven years and was a mixture of easy listening music and comedy for a local audience[1]. The group also starred in six of their own series for BBC Radio 2.
Blowin' In the Wind
The Houghton Weavers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How many seas must a white dove sail before she sleeps in the sand?
How many times must a cannonball fly before they're forever banned?
The answer my friends is blowin' in the
wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.
How many times must a man look up before he can see the sky?
How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry?
The answer my friends is blowin' in the
wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.
How many years must a mountain exist before it is washed to the sea?
How many years must the people
exist before they're allowed to be free?
How many times can a man turn his head pretending he just doesn't see?
The answer my friends is blowin' in the
wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.
The answer my friends is blowin' in the
wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.
The Houghton Weavers's song Blowin' In the Wind delivers a deep message to the listeners through a series of questions. The lyrics question the long-standing societal and political issues, which are still relevant today. The primary theme of the song is peace and unity, and the lyrics encourage the listeners to reflect on these issues and find solutions to them. The song begins with the question, "How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?" The question suggests the idea that people must struggle to achieve something meaningful in life, and this struggle is an essential part of their journey to becoming an adult.
The subsequent verses continue to pose thought-provoking questions about racial inequality, war, wealth disparity, and oppression. For instance, "How many deaths does it take till he knows that too many people died?" is a question about the devastating human cost of war. The song urges the listeners to reflect on these issues and find meaningful solutions.
Overall, The Houghton Weavers's song Blowin' In the Wind is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and encourage change. The song reminds us that the answers to the world's problems are not easy to find, but we must seek them nonetheless.
Line by Line Meaning
How many roads must a man walk down before you call him a man?
How much experience must one gain before society deems them an adult?
How many seas must a white dove sail before she sleeps in the sand?
How long must peace be sought after before it can finally be achieved?
How many times must a cannonball fly before they're forever banned?
How many wars must occur before we realize the true cost of violence and end it forever?
The answer my friends is blowin' in the wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.
The solution to these complex societal issues is elusive and not easily found.
How many times must a man look up before he can see the sky?
How much effort must one put in before they can truly appreciate and understand the beauty and wonder of the world around them?
How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry?
How much empathy and compassion must one possess in order to truly understand and connect with others who are suffering?
How many deaths does it take till he knows that too many people died?
How much loss and tragedy must occur before we realize that change is necessary to prevent further harm?
How many years must a mountain exist before it is washed to the sea?
How long will it take for the natural forces of erosion and time to reshape the landscape?
How many years must the people exist before they're allowed to be free?
How much oppression and subjugation must a population endure before their right to freedom and self-determination is finally recognized?
How many times can a man turn his head pretending he just doesn't see?
How many times can one ignore the injustices and suffering of others before they are compelled to take action and make a difference?
The answer my friends is blowin' in the wind, the answer is blowin' in the wind.
The solution to these difficult societal problems is not obvious and requires deep contemplation and introspection.
Contributed by Adalyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Timo Lohva
on Room In The Sky
2 more corrections: "on t' other side of town" & "they say he won't be suited".
Timo Lohva
on Room In The Sky
Also "There's no kinder people" - Not " "kind of ". + "But I've had a note from t' council".
Timo Lohva
on Room In The Sky
Also: "The only consolation, I'll say to be quite fair, I'm sure to get to Heaven, 'cos I'll be halfway there"?
Timo Lohva
on Room In The Sky
I think "winter suitcase" should be "there i'nt a suitcase large enough...."(local dialect for isn't)?