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.
John North
The Houghton Weavers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the Land of Three Rivers I dwell.
In the steelworks and pits, I've worked with my mates.
Not a bad word again them I'll tell.
They're the best bunch of lads and I'll tell you for why.
If it thought they would help you, they'd jump in the Tyne.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
From Carlyle, from Dover, from Bristol to Hull.
And every town in between.
I'm known in them all by my accent and gall.
And friendship to pauper and queen.
I got lots of friends aye but still not enough.
I'm a means to their end when the going gets rough.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
In centuries gone, our ancestral homes.
Were pray to the Romans and Dames.
But Hadrian knew and Odin did too.
That the Northeast was no place for games.
They tried to enslave us but all efforts failed.
While the strength of St. Aiden and Hilda prevailed.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
I work hard and play hard as hard as I toil.
And I drink the best ale in the land.
Our roots nestle deep in Northumbrian soil.
The branches akin in fresh hands.
When loneliness takes you and dampens your song.
If you meet up with John North, you'll not go far wrong.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
The Houghton Weavers's song "John North" describes a man by that name who lives in the "Land of Three Rivers," which refers to the area where the Tyne, Wear and Tees rivers meet the North Rolling Sea. John North is a hard-working man who has worked in the steelworks and pits with his friends, whom he describes as the best bunch of lads. The song also talks about John's popularity in several towns and how he is known for his accent, and gall and friendship towards pauper and queen.
The song talks about the history of North East England, describing how the region was once prey to the Romans and Danes, but the people there did not give up easily. Strength, resilience, and determination of St. Aiden and Hilda prevailed. The song acknowledges the pride that people from that region have in their roots, which run deep in Northumbrian soil, with branches akin in fresh hands. The song concludes with John North expressing his longing to be back in the "Land of Three Rivers" and to be where he belongs.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my name is John North, I'm south of the forth.
I am John North and I live south of the Forth river.
In the Land of Three Rivers I dwell.
I live in an area called the ‘Land of Three Rivers’.
In the steelworks and pits, I've worked with my mates.
I have worked in the steelworks and mines with my friends.
Not a bad word again them I'll tell.
I have nothing bad to say about my friends.
They're the best bunch of lads and I'll tell you for why.
My friends are the best group of people, and I'll tell you why.
If it thought they would help you, they'd jump in the Tyne.
If they thought they could help you, they would do anything, even jump into the Tyne river.
From Carlyle, from Dover, from Bristol to Hull.
I am known in many towns, from Carlisle to Dover, and from Bristol to Hull.
And every town in between.
I am known in every town in between as well.
I'm known in them all by my accent and gall.
People know me in these towns for my accent and my bravery.
And friendship to pauper and queen.
I am friends with everyone, no matter their social status.
I got lots of friends aye but still not enough.
I have many friends, but I still feel like I need more.
I'm a means to their end when the going gets rough.
My friends only come to me when they need something.
In centuries gone, our ancestral homes.
Our ancestors once lived in this area.
Were pray to the Romans and Dames.
They were attacked by the Romans and Danes.
But Hadrian knew and Odin did too.
However, the leaders Hadrian and Odin recognized the strength of this area.
That the Northeast was no place for games.
They knew not to underestimate the power of the Northeast.
They tried to enslave us but all efforts failed.
The Romans and Danes tried to enslave our ancestors, but they were unsuccessful.
While the strength of St. Aiden and Hilda prevailed.
The strength of the religious figures St. Aiden and Hilda helped the people of this area prevail.
I work hard and play hard as hard as I toil.
I am both a hard worker and a hard player.
And I drink the best ale in the land.
I enjoy drinking the best ale available in this area.
Our roots nestle deep in Northumbrian soil.
Our heritage is deeply rooted in the Northumbrian region.
The branches akin in fresh hands.
Although the younger generations may be different, they share the same roots as their ancestors.
When loneliness takes you and dampens your song.
When you feel lonely and your spirit is low.
If you meet up with John North, you'll not go far wrong.
If you meet me, I can help lift your spirits and make you feel better.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
I really want to be back in the ‘Land of Three Rivers’.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
This is an area where three rivers, the Tyne, Wear, and Tees, meet the North Sea.
In the Land of Three Rivers, I'm longing to be.
I really want to be back in the ‘Land of Three Rivers’.
Where the Tyne, Wear and Tees, meet the North Rolling Sea.
This is an area where three rivers, the Tyne, Wear, and Tees, meet the North Sea.
Writer(s): Vin Garbutt
Contributed by Parker F. 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)?