Wa'ney Island Cockfight facts for kids

"Wa'ney Island Cockfight" or "The Bonny Grey" is an old English folk song. It's a traditional song that tells a story, often passed down through many generations. This particular song is listed in the Roud Folk Song Index, which is like a big library for folk songs. You can find different versions of this song all across northern England, from places like Cumbria to Shropshire.

About the Song

This song tells an exciting story, almost like a short play set to music! It's all about a special bird called the "Bonny Grey" and how it surprises everyone by winning a contest. Long ago, people sometimes held contests between animals, and this song is about one of those events.

What is a Folk Song?

A folk song is a type of music that usually comes from the common people of a region. These songs are often very old and were passed down by word of mouth, from parents to children, or from friends to friends. They often tell stories about everyday life, historical events, or local heroes. Because they were shared by singing and listening, the words and tunes could change a little bit over time and in different places.

The Story of the Bonny Grey

The main idea of "The Bonny Grey" is about an underdog winning. In the song, the "Bonny Grey" is a bird that isn't expected to win a contest. But, against all odds, it becomes the surprising champion! This theme of the smaller or less-favored competitor winning is a popular one in many stories and songs.

Different Versions of the Song

Just like many old folk songs, the words to "The Bonny Grey" can be a bit different depending on where you hear it. This is because people would change small parts of the song to make it fit their own town or their own stories. For example, some versions of the song talk about the contest happening on Walney Island, a real place in England. Other versions might say the contest took place in Liverpool. Even though the locations change, the main story about the "Bonny Grey" winning always stays the same.

Here's a small part of the lyrics from a version sung by Martin Wyndham Reed, where the contest is on Walney Island: Come all ye cockers far and near I'll tell of a cock-fight, when and where: At Tummerel Hill I've heard them say, The Northscale lads had a bonny grey.

Two dozen lads from Biggar came To Tummerel Hill to see the game. They brought along with them that day A black to match with the bonny grey.

And here's a small part of another version that talks about the contest in Liverpool: Come all you cock-merchants far and near, Did you hear of a cock-fight happening here? Those Liverpool lads, I've heard them say, 'Tween the Charcoal Black and the Bonny Gray.

Where Can You Hear It?

Even though "The Bonny Grey" is an old song, you can still find recordings of it today! Many folk singers and bands have performed and recorded their own versions. This helps keep the song alive for new generations to enjoy.