Posted by Forrest Brownell on August 07, 1997 at 17:47:12:
In Reply to: Im sure these nice sailors didnt sing this naughty song -was'The Maid of Amsterdam' posted by Peter on August 07, 1997 at 05:32:08:
While I'm not as sure as Peter that parental disapproval would prevent the Swallows
and Amazons from knowing -- and perhaps singing -- the bawdy lyrics to 'The Maid of
Amsterdam', I really can't pretend to any authority. The mores of upper-middle class
English schoolchildren are an unknown country to me. My youth was spent in the streets
and tenements of an American city slum, after all -- more Lord of the Flies than
Swallowdale.
Still, I'll say a word in defense of the happy young tars (and Arthur Ransome): to
the best of my knowledge, 'Amsterdam' makes its appearance only in Swallows and Amazons,
where it is listed among the songs which Capt. Flint plays on his accordion after being
made to walk the plank. It's not clear which of these songs were in fact sung. ('Then
he played songs, and presently, when they had got their breath again, they sang.' See
the very end of Chapter XXVII, 'The Battle in Houseboat Bay'.)
What's the verdict? I await more expert opinion.