We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

From the singing of Adam MacNaughton, this song accuses coal profiteers from ripping up the Green (coal deposits were discovered there in the 1820s) and diverting funds to pay for Kelvingove Park - the west-end park, the more affluent part of the city.

lyrics

Airn John if that’s yer name a warnin’ take frae me
Ye better find some other scheme and let the green a be
Just look at it yerself John there’s no an awful work
For you to sel’ the Glasga Green to pay the west-end park

If your sae fond a coal John gang up tae Port Dundas
For you’ll get plenty there John wi’ which to cut a dash
Tak’ up a cuddy cart John and nappit in the dark
Tae save the bonnie Glasga Green and pay the west-end park

But honest men like you John are uncollate to steal
Frae rich folk like themsel’ John they think it is na weel
Ye’d rather sink the puir John that hasnae secord sark
You’d pu’ the buttons aff oor coats tae pay the west-end park

If you maun sink a pit John sink it in Georgie Square
Or up alang the Crescents amang the rich folk there
For they’d be highly pleased I’m sure tae see such noble work
Gone on amang themselves John to pay the west-end park

If you come tae the Green John ye maun expect a fight
For a’ the folk at oor gate-end they’ll stand oot for the right
We’ll come wi’ sticks and stanes John and fight while we must stark
You’ll never get the Glasga Green tae pay your west-end park

credits

from This Fleeting Liberty, released May 9, 2017
.Written by Robert Neil,1858 and sung to the tune of 'John Anderson My Jo'.

license

tags

about

Alan Dickson image

Alan Dickson Glasgow, UK

Scottish singer songwriter Alan Dickson was born in Leith but now based in Glasgow. Alan writes about life in Scotland and beyond, mainly of a personal and political nature.

Descended from a Leith docker, he remarks: "as life mimics art I'm just like my grandfather, only he used a rivet gun and I use a guitar."

Among his influences are Robert Burns, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan and Dick Gaughan. ... more

contact / help

Contact Alan Dickson

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Report this track or account

If you like Alan Dickson, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring Riley Pinkerton (aka The Rat Queen) from the theatrical NYC rockers, Castle Rat.
listen now