Donkey Riding
Traditional work song or sea shanty
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"Donkey Riding" (Roud 4540) is a traditional work song or sea shanty originally sung in Canada, Scotland and the Northeastern United States. It has also become popular as a children's song.[1] The earliest written record of the song dates to 1857.[2] The tune and words are an adaptation of "Highland Laddie".[2] It is generally, but not universally,[1] agreed that the "donkey" of the song title is a reference to the steam donkey, a kind of general-purpose steam engine.[3] Stan Hugill, a sea-music historian, said that he had been informed that the song was also sung in the Gulf Ports as well as being popular at sea.[4]
Recordings
Recordings of this song include:
- Great Big Sea on the albums Play and Road Rage[5]
- Being a well-documented song publicised by Mudcat,[6] and Mainly Norfolk,[7] the song was recorded by Jon Boden and Oli Steadman for inclusion in their respective lists of daily folk songs "A Folk Song A Day"[8] and "365 Days Of Folk".[9]
