T-Centralen in 1981...

[Pelopson]

When I visited Sweden a long time ago (1981), there was a lady that sang and played the barrel organ on the T-centralen square that faces nowadays Kulturhuset. I am now writing a book and would like to have some information about her. I would be happy to enter in
contact with people that would have some information that could lead me to her (if she is still alive...)
I live in Lausanne (Switzerland), and I would be delighted to speak with french-speaking people. (My book is in French ; but I begin to learn Swedish...)
Thank you very much for your help.

[PaulMc]

Hi, Pelopson!

Sorry I can't supply the information you're looking for, but you reminded me of another (genuine, historical) street entertainer you might be interested in for a comparison, especially if your book is about "Street Entertainers" in general rather than 'Swedish barrel organ players' ???


One version of the tale can be found at the following address:


http://www.cromarty.freeserve.co.uk/lyrics.html#seth

And reads:


Seth Davey

He sat at the corner of Bebbington Bush *
Astride of an old packing case
And the dolls at the end of his plank were dancing
As he crooned with a smile on his face:


Chorus:
Ah, ah, ah, ah, come day, go day,
Wish in me heart for Sunday.
Drinking buttermilk all the week,
Whiskey on a Sunday.



His tired old hands drummed the wooden beam
The puppet-dolls, they danced the gear
A far better show than you've ever seen
At the 'Pivvy' on New Brighton pier.


Chorus:


In nineteen-oh-five old Seth Davey died,
And his song was heard no more.
The three dancing dolls in the jowler-bin were thrown,
And the plank went to mend a back-door.


Chorus:


On some stormy night, down Scotty Road way,
With the wind blowing up from the sea
You can still hear the sound of old Seth Davey,
As he croons to his dancing-dolls three.


Chorus:


nb. Verse 1 - "Bevington Bush" exists (side street in Liverpool's business quarter) I think "Bebbington" is probably a misspelling (or somebody wasn't listening properly! )

Hope you find this of some use and/or interest!

[bosse_s]

I have identified that person in the guest-book thread, Pelopson