Byker Hill | The Longest Johns

World tour on sale now!!! thelongestjohns.com/live
We travelled deep into the depths of an actual working coal mine to sing this rousing colliery classic! Filmed at Hopewell Colliery in the Forest of Dean.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Longest Johns
bio.site/TheLongestJohns
/ thelongestjohns
/ thelongestjohns
/ thelongestjohns
/ longestjohnsgaming
/ discord
www.thelongestjohns.com
open.spotify.com/artist/5k979...
Lyrics:
If I had another penny
I would have another gill
I would make the piper play
'The Bonny Lass of Byker Hill'
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
The pitman and the keelman trim
They drink bumble made from gin
Then to dance they all begin
To the tune of the Elsie Marley
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
When first I went down to the dirt
I had no cowl nor pitshirt
Now I've gotten two or three
Walker Pit's done well by me
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
All the boys from Walker Shore
Drink half a pint then eighteen more
All the way they rant and roar
To the tune of the Elsie Marley
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Geordie Charlton had a pig
He hit it with a shovel and it danced a jig
All the way to Walker Shore
To the tune of the Elsie Marley
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
If I had another penny
I would have another gill
I would make the piper play
'The Bonny Lass of Byker Hill'
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more
Byker Hill and Walker Shore
Collier lads for ever more

[@queenfrostgirl]

You've heard of Dave's stick, now get ready for: ✨JD's Shovel✨

[@MuriKakari]

Give me a Spade!

[@joshuashea911]

@@MuriKakariAnd I’ll give you a hole

[@bezerkoid]

​@@MuriKakariand JD'll give you a hoooooooole...

[@PokerRat]

LMAOOO

[@PokerRat]

Don't forget about the hammer on the anvil.

[@jessinthegarden]

Love it, love the aesthetic, but especially love how Andy and JD are pretty seriously into it and then Robbie’s there in the back being Robbie

[@wiesorix]

Robbie being Robbie will always the best part of the Johns videos

[@gracehulbert7867]

Absolutely! 😂

[@meganary876]

Watching Robbie is my favorite part of all their vids

[@weezact7]

He's doing important mining stuff!

[@phoenixtan23]

This is the song of my family! We were coal miners from Wales that moved to England. My many greats grandfather was a coal miner that lived a few miles south of Newcastle so he probably worked in Byker Hill. This was a wonderful rendition, me and my family thank you all!

[@jimboll6982]

There was many mines South of Newcastle in county Durham. Miners lived close to the pit they worked at, so the chances of your rel working at Byker are slim, I would say. My ancestors where miners in the SE Northumberland coalfield.

[@dhamp_]

@@jimboll6982 Absolutely. I'd say Burnopfield (the pit I'm linked to), Stanley, Rowland's Gill, Beamish, or even as far as Easington are more likely than Byker. If you worked Byker or Walker (neither are specific pits, but areas of Newcastle that had several pits over the decades), you lived in Newcastle.

[@tonyhunter1892]

There were no pits at Byker, and tbh no such place as Byker Hill.

[@Xylophytae]

@@tonyhunter1892 well there's no mountains in Denmark but that didn't stop us from naming a place "Heaven's Mountain"

[@tonyhunter1892]

@@Xylophytae Well when you have nothing, a little is a blessing, :)

[@nysafairy]

0:11 JD's bass vibrates right through me and I'm not complaining

[@hillbillyhistorian1863]

A song battle between Welsh coal miners and West Virginia coal miners needs to happen.

[@dragonson04]

The West Virginians would sing Sixteen Tons?

[@Robin_Goodfellow]

Byker Hill is up by Newcastle, but I agree nonetheless

[@Handle35667]

I wonder if the coal miners would be pleased to see how their legacy is represented by current generation?

[@Vernand1]

Fun Fact: The Welsh and the West Virginians mine the same coal vein, just from opposite ends.

[@poiuyt975]

@@dragonson04 Nah, Country Roads. :D

[@SAVEBYPRICE]

How strange to hear a song I sung years ago as a Geordie with mining heritage without the north east accent. You should have tried it in the 3 foot seam at the Beamish Museum in County Durham. Good to hear the song again, didn't realise it was known outside the north east

[@Cryolemon]

It's mostly known because of Bellowhead doing a version of it, I suspect.

[@cmur078]

@@Cryolemon The Young Tradition is probably more relevant I'd think.

[@canadiancanucklehead8310]

An actual coal mine? Damn, that’s dedication to the bit.

[@davidwright7193]

Quite a shallow one from the temp.

[@yasumedia9528]

This is the epitome of the working man's music.

[@hiddejonkers7396]

how do these guys manage to convincingly look like every single type of workman?

[@filmandfirearms]

They're from Bristol, it's a workman's town. At least, it used to be

[@GusCraft460]

It’s the beards

[@spongebakesquarepansgaming]

@@filmandfirearms and sailors are from bristol

[@Joshua-ox5fr]

They’re way too clean imo

[@spongebakesquarepansgaming]

@@Joshua-ox5fr true

[@TylerOfTrade]

Never thought I'd you guys sing it. I've only ever heard The Cottars sing it before. Now it's making me want to listen to them again, haven't for awhile.

[@ThornForTheWynn]

If you haven't heard Young Munro and Oidhche Mhath Leibh, listen to them. They're my favorite Cottars songs (although Fare Thee Well Northumberland is also quite good).

[@TylerOfTrade]

@@ThornForTheWynn You've named my top 3 favorites from them. Tried to learn the guitar intro for young munro once, & the violin in all of their songs make me want to get a violin.

[@specs6637]

Same, the Cottars is where I first heard this song

[@ambernelson9796]

Same here

[@mystisification]

I love Young Tradition and their version of the song is very touching and the more gritty side.

[@r-1093]

Yet another beautiful example of how your music can preserve our shared history

[@Handle35667]

I wonder if the coal miners would be pleased to see how their legacy is represented by current generation?

[@Ikissmyself]

@@Handle35667 they'd probably think these cosplayers are kind of pathetic tbh

[@r-1093]

If it was me, i would be just happy to be remembered @@Handle35667

[@FogFromTheTyne-oy4xt]

@@Handle35667 Happy and amused that they and their drinking song are remembered three hundred years later, something about "a canny rendition"

[@stuartball7395]

I'm enjoying full goblin mode Robbie.

[@johnbastion747]

Wake up babe New dwarf-core aong just dropped

[@AngelienRhymesWithGreen]

Love the video! Glad JD had a helmet, because it looks like he’d clock himself on the roof of the mine otherwise. 😂

[@MuriKakari]

Yeah, have a feeling the making of this would just be JD and Robbie whacking their heads and Andy laughing/warning them to watch their heads smugly cause he doesn't have to duck much (or at least that's what I'd do)

[@Cry_Havoc]

Especially without his glasses on!

[@iainfawcett1638]

Brilliant song, this has led to lots of conversations with my 9 year old daughter about my grandad who was a miner for 30+ years in the North East

[@peppespizzeria2607]

Would love to see "Road to Mandalay" or "Loch Lomond" next!

[@alvpyrola]

That was great! Love the song and the setting and the everything. But yeah, it did look a bit uncomfortable for tall people. I think Sam was right. This will definitely be hummed a LOT! Now, to the "loop video" button!

[@MuriKakari]

Also, since I know Diggy Diggy Hole is coming out, this seems pretty appropriate

[@GeneralDelta072]

I fall in love as soon as I heard the chorus.

[@MuriKakari]

Never heard this before, but it's amazing. Will definitely be requesting it on the next livestream.

[@saudade7842]

Beautiful song, and a beautiful rendition. Half of my family (my father's side) were coal miners out of West Virginia, so I grew up with a lot of stories and stuff, and an appreciate for the mines and the hell those inside went through

[@xenoflavius632]

My family were miners from Kentucky. I always liked the longest John's sea shanties but now I am really getting into their work songs. Awesome to see them spreading solidarity from across the pond.

[@jamespike5161]

As a fellow with a bass/baritone range, this satisfies me DEEPLY. Pun intended.

[@krumple8560]

That was excell.... errrr.... I mean adequate lads!!!

[@JoshIdstein]

The last few Longest Johns videos have been a truly nostalgic journey. Just a few days ago it was Shoals of Herring, a song i discovered through Inside Llewyn Davis. And through that movie, I also got enamoured with Dave van Ronk. Dave van Ronk has only a few songs he wrote himself, being a true folk musician he mostly researched and played old songs. But that song was a protest song during the Vietnam war, called "Luang Prabang". When I clicked on this video, i hadn't heard of Byker Hill, but I immidiately recognised the melody, since Dave used it for Luang Prabang. Absolut chills down my spine. Love how folk music keeps evolving, is truly timeless, and creates these wonderful connections.

[@ProfesoraNut]

That's awesome!

[@hairy-dairyman]

I work with a couple of friend who's are blacksmiths. The longest jhons are great for team striking. Really sets a rhythm and I'm not messing up anymore

[@joelaw13]

So so so so good

[@specs6637]

I remember hearing this song so long ago sung by the Cottars I love your rendition of it, very different from there’s but still beautiful

[@isaac_buckley]

I love the Cottars' version, too! I first learned about the band because one of its members was featured on PBS' Zoom when I was a kid.

[@edwardtye4119]

I've fairly recently gone to Exeter Uni, studying Geology at the Camborne School of Mines. This is good timing!

[@danieljay-dixon3171]

I find it ironic that despite the many references to Elsie Marley, this tune is so much catchier than that one.

[@kobayashi.official]

What a freaking splendid surprise!! Byker Hill has been one of my most favorite songs forever and now my favorite band has covered it and it's amazing!!! Kickass job in that mine too! It looks like it was COLD!!!

[@DafodilWorkshopProductions]

When do we get this in an album???? I need this on my Spotify playlist!!!!😊

[@Harfiarka]

What an absolute banger :) and perfectly sung, as always.

[@nemmeton]

the harmonies in this one are jaw-dropping, i never wanted it to end!!!

[@johannailes]

amazing location for your videos again!

[@E350tb]

Doesn't half look cold down there. Excellent work, fellas!

[@mdog1629]

Every time you release a new song/cover it is a good day.

[@novaalkronthe1st744]

This is VERY GOOD GUYS, well done as always

[@amishfish2986]

Great song boys love a miner’s jig

[@hermitized4391]

This one’s going to be stuck in my head for sure, great work!

[@johncayley7838]

This immediately became one of my favorites. You rock, Johns!

[@silverdragon5667]

I think I found my new favorite music

[@MandibleBones]

Holy coal, you weren't lying about this being in my head now.

[@joehopper7373]

Wey aye lads, was hoping you'd cover this! Get in.

[@Yasemin_Sky]

Guys. I've heard this in the last hour, and now I've lost count of how many times I've replayed it. 😮❤️

[@Sc0ts]

Very nice

[@wolfrickelly5148]

Close to The Cottars version as far as how good it is. Close but not quite there. Good on you guys keep it up and keep the shanty life afloat.

[@Mojoe44]

My grandpa used to sing this, not heard it in many years, thank you

[@JetGamingLamb]

Who updated the Byker Hill Wikipedia page right after this was posted. Don't think ive ever seen it happen that fast

[@lemonman1066]

Knew this was gonna be good since I saw the title. Loved the Young Tradition version, especially Peter Bellamy from that group, and I wanted to hear you guys sing this for a while after. Playing it on loop for hours!

[@JOCoStudio1]

The Barely Works and Bellowhead both do great versions too, if you're still looking to scratch that itch.

[@lemonman1066]

@@JOCoStudio1 Thank you! Listened to both, and it's 2 more for my "any song I like, at all" playlist!

[@worriedwiz]

Amazing cover, hats off!

[@This_Sweets]

Yes, that's gonna life in my head for a while for sure ❤

[@michaelchapman2876]

Misty mountains! Y’all are amazing!

Nice song :)

[@wiesorix]

Damn, those harmonies are great, but that sudden unisono at the end is mighty powerful too. Love it!

[@DietrichvonSachsen]

This is officially my favourite version of this song!

[@ragnarrskulkrew6232]

I did not know that I needed this song! New Favorite!

[@segothgalont23]

Thank you guys, I love y'all, thank you.

[@asulfhjalmarson6063]

Yours voices singing together are awesome

[@thedarkness8533]

Those some good blokes with good songs

[@alanbritton]

Misread this as Byker Grove, then had thought… can you shant the theme tune to Rent-a-Ghost?

[@davidwright7193]

Byker Grove is named for the Byker Hill colliery.

[@Denley1526]

This shows real dedication, I mean you are singing in an actual coal mine🤔 where next I wonder😁 Great job lads. X

[@spongebakesquarepansgaming]

love this a good working song again lads

[@mystisification]

YES, I LOVE THIS SONG!

[@annefoley6950]

Very nice, hope to hear it in the next stream

[@adamabyssalvt]

Still hoping for a remake of "sloop john b" or "rueben james" by the kingston trio, would be cool to see a remake from yall!

[@leareth]

One of my favourite songs and a wonderful cover!

[@DafodilWorkshopProductions]

The way all the different pitches of their voices mesh is so satisfying!

[@calebsaenger3344]

Beautifully Adequate!

[@SSgtBearKing]

Yes, another miner song! Deep Rock Galactic gaming stream when?

[@capraagricola]

I'd recognize Robbie's basement anywhere after the Bully in the Alley build

[@thelongestjohns]

Afraid he doesn’t have an actual working colliery in his basement 😂 would be handy though!

[@capraagricola]

😂😂

[@lukepratt7499]

Absolutely breathtaking! Would love to see you gents do Misty Mountains.

[@MartinBentley]

Need to do Elsie Marley now, since it got mentioned in the song. ;)

[@nbenefiel]

I remember Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick doing this. Good job guys

[@CapriUni]

What can I say but: Spectacular!

[@thewiseturtle]

Wonderful (adequate!) I'm a fan of the song in general, and this version is lovely, and the video is pretty cool (in a cavey sort of way), too!

[@ROBANN88]

i have no idea what any of those words mean but i like it

[@Gstrongarm111]

Okay but i want the behind the scenes. i wanna know what you lot going at it sounded like in that mine!

[@catherinerogers2]

The lengths some people will go to for authenticity! True dedication.

[@KSilverlode]

I've never heard this song before, love it. Definitely a (head) banger!

[@TokyoBlue587]

Great as usual, guys! I love Andy's serious face, JD's low harmony and Robbie seems really into mining!

[@grorx]

Well done lads! Can we get your version of The Leaving of Liverpool? I bet you all could knock it out of the park!

[@TokyoBlue587]

They do a bluegrass version of it in one of their live streams...I think it was in Ghost in the Mastream

[@mistfate4199]

Didn’t know about this song before but it sounded awesome. Don’t know if you guys are still doing requested songs but i’d love to hear antiguan graveyard, fire marengo, agamemnon, or wolf an dro

[@MuriKakari]

They sing Antiguan Graveyard and Fire Marengo on the livestreams

[@mistfate4199]

I am aware, since that was how i discovered those songs, but I want studio versions of the songs. Also they have done studio versions of several songs that they played on stream before.

[@MuriKakari]

@@mistfate4199 Okay, didn't know if you knew or were new.

[@trikepilot101]

Adequate! I hope I can find the coin to see you in Montreal (again.)

[@butwhytho5328]

This shit slaps

[@everythingsalright1121]

When brent is done building the recording studio at cerro gordo you guys should definitely go!

[@WryAun]

Is that stage fog or frost on your breath? Either way it was unexpectedly cool to see the visualisation of your impressive breath control!

[@cumunist2120]

singing in the mine themed walk in freezer

[@ameliaacker6246]

One of my favorite work songs! Very adequate:)

[@altheawalker-hallam8672]

I knew you would do this so well. :)

[@thetwilightgamer]

*LYRICS - Byker Hill - The Longest Johns (Bellowhead Ver.)* If I had another penny, I would have another gill. I would make the piper play, 'The Bonny Lass of Byker Hill'! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! The pitman and the keelman trim, They drink bumble made from gin! Then to dance, they all begin, To the tune of the "Elsie Marley"! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! When first I went down to the dirt, I had no cowl, nor pitshirt! Now I've gotten two or three, Walker Pit's done well by me! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! All the boys from Walker Shore, Drink half a pint, then eighteen more! All the way they rant and roar, To the tune of the "Elsie Marley"! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Geordie Charlton had a pig, He hit it with a shovel and it danced a jig! All the way to Walker Shore, To the tune of the "Elsie Marley"! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! If I had another penny, I would have another gill. I would make the piper play, 'The Bonny Lass of Byker Hill'! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore! Byker Hill and Walker Shore, Collier lads, forevermore!

[@kingxavior54]

Great song as always lads! I am going to listen to this song on repeat forever. I hope you guys would do 16 Tons. But any song you lads do will sound great!

[@a.geddes6201]

Fantastic to hear you lot cover a Geordie song. I know Carthy was another famous non-Geordie proponent of it, Well done lads.

[@TheCaptPotato]

Bro why ain't this on spotify this is a bop!

[@mayosanta]

I've been wanting this one for a while, and it's even better than I expected! Adequate work, lads

[@mrblitzkrieg5512]

Great to hear a song about my area! You guys did an amazing job of covering this, safe to say it's one of my favourites now. I'd still love to hear you cover Wreck of the Carl D. Bradley at some point in the future. Keep it up!

[@Kamarovsky_KCM]

Oh wow wow wow. This might well be my favourite song of yours yet! Maybe with the exception of the Workers Song Community Project, as that one always brings me to tears. But while that one is a tear jerker, this provides such an immaculate vibe that I listened to it 7 times in a row already and don't plan on stopping. I absolutely love the percussive elements and the low harmonies!

[@averylividmoose3599]

I live fairly close to Byker Hill, its cool hearing the song

[@rhopkins8]

Adequate, definitely.

[@OGDadAverage]

I always like every video before it even starts . Also started to listen to you in work makes the day a lot brighter . Was a pleasure to meet you on sea of thieves ❤️ dad average 😜

[@SergeantBeckett]

a cover of 'Over the Hills' form sharpe or 'Cornwall My Home' from the fishermans friends would be amazing. and a colab of you and Colm Mcguinness would awsome