The Cullercoats Fish Lass

Jean F Terry wrote, in 1913, "The Cullercoats fishwife, with her cheerful weather-bronzed face, her short jacket and ample skirts of blue flannel, and her heavily laden "creel" of fish is not only appreciated by the brotherhood of brush and pencil, but is one of the notable sights of the district".

[2] The song was very popular in its day and was probably performed by the composer, Ned Corvan, in drag.

Ned Corvan, as he was known, was a popular music hall performer, renowned for concerts and venues "of the free and easy type...not specially noted for their refinement".

Verse: Aw's a Cullercoats fish-lass, se cozy an' free Browt up in a cottage close on by the sea; An' aw sell fine fresh fish ti poor an' ti rich-- Chorus: Will ye buy, will ye buy, will ye buy maw fresh fish?

Spoken: Finne codlin's hinny; cheaper for hyem consumption thin butcher meat.

Aw's sure, fish just noo's as bad to catch iz husbands; and a greet deal warse ti sell.

Aw's a maiden fish oot iv her teens in sairch ov a husband to myek me comfortable.