Annotation:Craw Dang Pussy (1) (Da)

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CRAW DANG PUSSY [1], DA. Shetland, Shetland Reel. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. Shetland fiddler, composer, teacher and collector Tom Anderson [1] (1910–1991) identified the tune as a traditional reel describing a tame crow and a kitten playing--"a good dancing reel". It was in the repertory of Anderson's Shetland Fiddle Band, and therefore widely known in the islands. There is another, different, Shetland reel by this title, sourced to Papa Stour fiddler Johnny Fraser (for which see "Craw Dang Pussy (2) (Da)").

There is a Scottish song collected in the 19th century called "The Craw Killed the Pussie" or "Craw's Ta'en the Pussy-Oh" but set to a different tune, usually "Green Grow the Rashes-O." One version of the words begins:

The craws killt the pusie, O:
The craws killt the pusie, O:
The muckle cat sat doon an grat,
At the back o' Johnnie's hoosie, O.

Comin' thro' the mossie O,
Comin' thro' the mossie O,
I licket oot my puckle meal,
An' played me wi pouckie O.

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: Anderson (Ringing Strings), 1983; p. 47.

Recorded sources: Folktrax FTX-068, Willie Hunter Sr. - "Da Mirrie Boys" (Various artists, recorded in the 1950's by Pat Shaw). Leader LED 2052, Da Forty Fiddlers - "Shetland Fiddlers" (1973).

See also listing at:
Hear Tom Anderson play the tune at Tobar an Dualchais [2][3] [[4]]

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