Owd Tommy Nobbler

Old painting of cobbler with raised hammer

The Cobbler, early 20th century painting.

I obtained this Yorkshire dialect version of the old English nursery rhyme and counting song 'This Old Man (Knick-knack, Paddy-wack)' in 1965 from Mrs. Kathy Fawthrop, a retired schoolteacher from Wyke near Bradford.

Mrs. Fawthrop, who was then in her late 60’s, said that the song had been sung in her family for as long as she could remember. The tune of this West Riding version is almost identical to 'This Old Man'. Mrs. Fawthrop, a long time member of the EFDSS, was the first person I ever heard sing the 'Pratty, Pratty Flowers' more commonly known as the 'Holmfirth Anthem'.

Owd Tommy Nobbler

Number one, number one
They like farce, but we like fun.

Chorus - after each verse
Owd Tommy Nobblers a rare old cobbler,
Rare old country lads be we.

Number two, number two
They wear booits, but we wear shoes.

Number three, number three
They're half blind, but we can see.

Number four, number four
They looked under, but we looked o’er.

Number five, number five
There half deead but we’re alive.

Number six, number six
We use crutches, but they use sticks.

Number seven, number seven
They go to ‘ell, but we go to ‘eaven.

Number eight, number eight
They like puddin’ but we like meait.

Number nine, number nine
They drink watter but we drink wine.

Number ten, number ten
If you want anymoor, you can sing it yer sen!

About Mick

Mick Haywood is a traditional folk singer & folk song collector who has run and organised folk clubs and festivals for many years. He now lives in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Mick Haywood's Song Wordbook

Batley Years

Owd Tommy Nobbler

About Mick

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