OLD WASHDAY
It's Monday, get the copper on, add the bag of dolly blue. All whites are going on to boil, it’ll be steam I’m looking through. Out of the copper and dolly tub, for the final ponch and rinses, Cold tap running fast, turning clothes with wooden pincers. All these preparations ..again and again, Hopefully we'll get it done, without a sign of rain. Uncover the mangle, wipe down the line. Prop at the ready, hope it stays fine, Oh, to see the washing blow, glowing bluey white. It’s staying out till tea time, it’s ironing tonight. Things still damp, get the clothes horse out. It'll air off by the fire all night. Getting the washing done, it was an all-day chore. Aren't we lucky nowadays, you couldn't ask for more. |
WASHDAY
Remember the line across the yard where Monday’s washing hung You seem to know who lived in each house And through the sheets you'd run You'd see overall belonging to dads Aprons that were mums "Sunday best," woollies, nappies And maybe granddad’s long johns All white crisp washing hanging in the sun But off to Bath street wash-house When the wet days come With washing piled high in a pram Through the rain we often ran There was sinks, dryers, ironers A hard day’s work for all You had a ticket at your turn The attendant she would call Oh I was only watching Sat with all parked prams I helped mam when she'd finished To our house in St Ann’s ....(Well Road) Nowdays it all seems easy With washers and dryers we use No more put the copper on, mix the starch We don't know the wash day blues So when I see washing all pegged out And blowing on a line It brings back memories of yesteryear When every day was fine |