Trad song: Flash Company (Yellow Handkerchief)

[Dave Hicks]

Trad song (Roud 954) with vocal, electric and acoustic guitars, bass and kalimba.



This lyrics follow the same theme as St. James Infirmary, i.e. regret at past good times (though with less glee at how the narrator reached his sad fate).

It is perhaps of English origin, although some sources trace it to Ireland. According to Roud and Bishop’s New Penguin Book of English Folk Songs, the lyrics date back to broadsides of the 1820’s. There are both “boy” and “girl” versions of the lyrics and, of course, variations in the melodies.

I first heard of it via the Offa Rex version, though I've mostly followed the New Penguin Book version.

The Mainly Norfolk site has information and links to various versions:

https://mainlynorfolk.info/watersons...shcompany.html

[Glennwillow]

Nice job on this Dave. I enjoyed your multi-track take on this.

- Glenn

[ReneAsologuitar]

Hi Dave,
Lovely music you have here.
This is truly enjoyable.
I am not familiar with this song, and glad I heard this from you.
Rene

[Dave Hicks]

Glenn and Rene-

Thanks for listening!

D.H.