Here you will find a collection of London songs inspired by its history. From June 2010 -June 2011 I began to showcase the Old East End of London. For a year I posted weekly videos telling factual tales and then wrote and released a song inspired by the same story. These instalments are all laid out below, London songs are free to download.
Tag Archives: london songs
Wk.36 Frederick Charrington
‘When The Lion Roars’
Here’s ‘When The Lion Roars’ in memory of one of London’s finest social activists, Frederick Charrington. Some would say he was mad, others would claim he was a saint. Whichever way you look at it Charrington was certainly an interesting character and one passionate individual.The family name can be found all over the East End of London but Frederick broke the family mould and in doing so cemented a place in London history. Play London song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
Wk.33 Spring Heeled Jack
‘Spring Heeled Jack’
So everybody’s heard of Jack the Ripper right but what about Spring-Heeled Jack? He’s an East End character a lot more mysterious. So much so he inspired this London song, ‘Spring-Heeled Jack’. Play song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
Wk.32 Execution Dock
‘The Marshal’s Dance’
Just a little bit of black humour for you. May I present my latest London song inspired by a life on the end of a rope, ‘The Marshall’s Dance’. One great way for Eastenders to relax and unwind during their non-working hours, was to attend an execution. Hope you enjoy this East End insight as much as they did. Play song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
Wk.31 The Sydney Street Siege
‘Hide & Seek’
To mark the centenary of London’s bloodiest shootout I give you London song no. 31 ‘Hide & Seek’. A fracas that involved hundreds of policemen, the Scotch Guard, some scared revolutionaries and Winston Churchill himself has resulted in a free MP3. Happy New Year!
Play song above, view video for story. Lyrics available here
Wk.30 An East End Christmas
‘Holly, Green Holly’
It turns up every year and for most it’s a welcome break from the winter. Most that is except those in the East End for whom Christmas meant a long cold walk and a potential beating. Featuring another special guest Chris Gwilt on the regimented snare drum, here’s a song straight from London’s East End, ‘Holly, Green Holly’. Play London song above, view video for story.
Merry Christmas and enjoy ‘song a week’ entry number 30! Lyrics available here
Wk.27 The Matchgirls Strike
‘Matches’
There’s been many folk songs written about social action and sticking it to the man, but my song ‘Matches’ is written in memory of all the brave girls who stood up during the 1888 matchgirl strike. Play London song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
Wk.25 Royal London Hospital
‘Then & The Now’
We’ve all got our gripes about the NHS but things could be a lot worse. This ‘London song a week’ entry No.25 was inspired by the silent giant that sits on Whitechapel High Street, The London Royal Hospital and it’s secrets within. Enjoy the song ‘Then & The Now’. Play/download song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
Wk.23 Ba’al Shem Of The East End
‘Words & Whispers’
Here’s ‘Words & Whispers’ this week’s song a week offering, inspired by Chaim Faulk the mysterious Kabbalist of London’s Old East End. You may have thought Kabbalism was all about Madonna right? Well here’s a connection with London’s Old East End and a shady practitioner named Ba’al Shem. Play/download London song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
Wk.21 Toshers Of The East End
‘Evening Hour’
You may think you have an awful job but this one will take some beating. Let me introduce you to Toshers of the Victorian East End. This week’s London song is a little different and dedicated to those who could also be considered a little different, Toshers. I give you ‘Evening Hour’. Play/download song above, view video for story.
Lyrics available here
