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Oh, I'm John Montague, work I want to do,
Right now I find life rough;
I'm fit as a fiddle but I'm caught in the middle,
'Cause the nurse stands firm and tough.
They say TB I've had and I should stay in bed,
But I don't feel that sick;
I'm fit as a fiddle but I'm caught in the middle,
For the nurse thinks it's a trick.
There's so much work out there, I can't stay in here,
Gotta get my woodpile higher;
I'm fit as a fiddle but I'm caught in the middle,
For the nurse fears I'll expire.
Weather's just getting good, I need to cut my wood,
The partridges are mighty thick;
I'm fit as a fiddle but I'm caught in the middle,
For the nurse thinks I'm still sick.
Well, she's right I fear, for I'm sick of here,
I really must be on my way;
I'm fit as a fiddle but I'm caught in the middle,
'Til the nurse says I'm okay.
Recorded by The Flummies (Way Back Then, trk#3, 2002, Kenamu Records, Happy Valley - Goose Bay, Labrador, engineered and mastered by Sim Savory and produced by The Flummies - All rights reserved).
Liner Note: This ballad is about a man in the 30s in hospital in North West River with TB and frustrated with all the outside work that must be done before winter sets in.
See more songs by The Flummies.
From the Dictionary Of Newfoundland English:
Partridge - Allen's willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alleni); Welch's rock patarmigan (Lagopus mutus welchi); grouse. Provincial Arctic game bird found throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, primarily in barrens and high country, epitomizing the open wilderness.
