Its called a capella singing. I first heard this in a Cornish pub many years ago in Helston which has a long history of mining, where in the Blue Anchor in the town, an ex miner or local folky like meself would strike up (start) this song and within minutes the whole pub were harmonising. For a more local and "with feeling" production of this song, try the version by The Rum and Shrub Shantymen from Redruth. This song can be sung in 3/4 or 4/4 time and is a derivation of a Welsh hymn Calon Lan from the 1840's. It was popularised by Charlie H Tillman an American in the late 19th century when it started out as a song called Lifes Railway to Heaven. I much prefer the 4/4 time version adopted by Cornish miners and singers a hundred years ago.
Why the hell do they need instruments with voices like that? In answer to your second question, if it was serious, is that a hand cupped over the ear enables you to hear youyr own voice better, which is very useful when you're singing harmonies.
Super song and super singing. I have loved this song since I heard it as a boy 55 or so years ago
Saltburn Folk Festival isn't complete without a singalong to this one. Sheer joy - keep raising the roof lads! x
Wonderful Harmony!!!!! Musically Enchanting.
Its called a capella singing. I first heard this in a Cornish pub many years ago in Helston which has a long history of mining, where in the Blue Anchor in the town, an ex miner or local folky like meself would strike up (start) this song and within minutes the whole pub were harmonising. For a more local and "with feeling" production of this song, try the version by The Rum and Shrub Shantymen from Redruth. This song can be sung in 3/4 or 4/4 time and is a derivation of a Welsh hymn Calon Lan from the 1840's. It was popularised by Charlie H Tillman an American in the late 19th century when it started out as a song called Lifes Railway to Heaven. I much prefer the 4/4 time version adopted by Cornish miners and singers a hundred years ago.
Awesome!!!
Why the hell do they need instruments with voices like that?
In answer to your second question, if it was serious, is that a hand cupped over the ear enables you to hear youyr own voice better, which is very useful when you're singing harmonies.
Why don't they have instruments? & why do they hold their hands against their ears?
I hear this as an American Blugrass tune....a lot faster withvthe correct instruments...that "version" is just not right imho!