The Shan Vhan Voght

A Prince Edward Island adaptation of a traditional Irish song

written by the great satirical island writer Larry Gorman.

 

 

Oh I'm getting very gaunt said the Shan Van Vocht

Of provisions I am scant said the Shan Van Vocht

When Forbes he does come here, it's the very place we'll steer

We'll get everything we want said the Shan Van Vocht

 

We will promise him a sleigh said the Shan Van Vocht

And a half a ton of hay said the Shan Van Vocht

We'll promise him some wheat, some barley and some meat

Just before we run away said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Oh I've just some into deal said the Shan Van Vocht

Have you any Indian meal said the Shan Van Vocht

I mean to pay you soon by the latter part of June

With a carcass of fresh veal said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Oh I want a pair of boots said the Shan Van

VochtIf the payment only suits said the Shan Van Vocht

A pair both high and strong, I'll pay you before long,

My husbands digging roots said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Oh I want some yellow dye said the Shan Van Vocht

And some concentrated lye said the Shan Van Vocht

I have no money now but I give my solemn vow

I'll pay you by and by said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Oh I want a new tea tray said the Shan Van Vocht

If you trust me for to pay said the Shan Van Vocht

If I'm only on my legs I'll bring you down some eggs

When the hens begin to lay said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Then I'd like some woolly tweed said the Shan Van Vocht

And I'd like some clover seed said the Shan Van Vocht

I want a lamp and flue and I'd like a box of blue

And that's all I really need said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Oh I'd like a water jug said the Shan Van Vocht

And a brand new chamber mug said the Shan Van Vocht

I've been troubled this last year, with one with just one ear

And it's very hard to lug said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Now just tell me what is due said the Shan Van Vocht

And I hope you will not sue said the Shan Van Vocht

Then tot up my account and give me the amount

And that's all I ask of you said the Shan Van Vocht.

 

Shan Van Vocht means poor old woman. 

Gorman observed a wily old neighbour walking into a new store in the district 

and imagined the bartering she was promising to the unsuspecting storekeeper.