I was told this story of London dockworker and union activist Harry Constable by my friend Martin Ralph on Thursday night, just after the close of the Woody Guthrie Folk Club.

Yet the original tale was documented by Bill Hunter, and the full story is linked here on Bill’s website.

Harry was victimised by the bosses and the union leaders, and so was denied work. This is the tale of what happened as a result.

The song has only just been written so bear that in mind. I often tweak and redraft songs before they are the “final” version. I hope you’re as inspired by Harry and his workmates as I was.

IF HARRY DON’T GO
(Words & Music: Alun Parry, 2010)

If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
The docks were at a standstill

His mother was of Irish stock
His dad and granddad worked the dock
To hear him speak the men would flock
Cos Harry was no traitor

And every docker filled with pride
When they had Harry on their side
In London or in Merseyside
No honour could be greater

The boss men broke into a sweat
This Harry is an awful threat
When you’re hiring don’t forget
Leave Harry in the pen

If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
The docks were at a standstill

They were smart in how they fought
They waited first until the port
Was crammed with cargo to import
Then demanded Harry

Did you think we’d go ahead
Take your coin and bow our head
As you rob our brother of his bread
You’d be better bring back Harry

The bosses knew they must agree
Their game was up and they could see
There’s no beating unity
And all because they said

If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
If Harry don’t go then I don’t go
The docks were at a standstill

Hi

I’ve been pondering this for a while. I’ve decided it’s time to take a looooong break from live gigging as a performing songwriter.

I have some other things I want to do and I’m ready to get off the stage for a bit.

I don’t know if I’ll miss it or lot. If I do then I’ll be back at some point recharged and ready to go. If I don’t then that’s it from me as a performing songwriter.

Other performers who like my songs are encouraged to contact me if you want to add them to your own repertoire. I’d be more than happy with that. I’ll even publicise your gigs so that people know where to hear my music live.

If you catch me performing live for the foreseeable future, it’ll only be as part of a side project folk band I’m involved in with Gabi Monks (of The Good Intentions) and Vinny T Spen.

But that’s not original material.

(Do book the band rather than me though if you were thinking of asking me to play.)

Or it’ll be the odd song at the odd folk club, including my own Woody Guthrie Folk Club.

Other than those fun projects, that’s it from me.

I’ll let you know what I’m up to as I will probably record something at some point. After all, I know I won’t stop writing whether I perform or not, and already have the songs ready for half an album.

I’d like to thank everyone for your support and for helping spread the songs around. I hope you keep doing that. The songs are still important to me. I just don’t want to be the one singing them live right now.

See ya and keep in touch

Al