The Squid Jiggin' Ground written by Arthur Scammell (1928) is a song that describes a traditional way of life of local Newfoundland fisherman. The song is unique in that it describes the method of jigging for squid and the type of equipment and circumstance that revolve around the activity.[1]
The song is sung to the traditional Irish jig Larry O'Gaff.[2]
On 1 April 1949, in ceremonies marking Newfoundland's confederation with Canada, the tune was played as the representative song for Newfoundland on the carillon of the Peace Tower in Ottawa. Arthur Scammell was actually in Ottawa on the day and was surprised to hear 'his' tune being played.
It was recorded by Hank Snow on a single for the Canadian market and by Finest Kind for their album Heart's Delight. Stompin' Tom Connors also sang the song back in 1973 at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto Canada, a performance available on his live DVD "Across This Land With Stompin Tom Connors".
Notes
See also
Recordings
- Finest Kind Heart's Delight 1999
- The Wiggles and Tom McGlynn Let's Eat! 2010
- The Wiggles and Tim Chaisson Duets 2017
- Ryan's Fancy
- Mark Alan Lovewell Sea Songs Of Martha’s Vineyard 2002 remastered 2004
External links
- Newfoundland Heritage, Traditional Songs
- Dictionary of Newfoundland English
- Squid Jiggin’ Ground
- Larry O'Gaff, The Session
This page was last edited on 6 March 2024, at 22:09