Fat Boy Doyle

by Caledonian Castaways

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about

1980’s west of Scotland was not always a happy place and this song documents the shenanigans that were taking place in Glasgow at that time. Gangsters and drug suppliers had targeted icecream vans to sell their wares to Glasweigans but one young man decided that he would not play the game. Andrew Doyle was only eighteen and died when his flat was set alight buy the criminals. Nicknamed Fat Boy we decided that he should be recognised for his bravery and integrity and paying the ultimate price for standing up against the bully boys.
The song took shape over a long afternoon and a Barbra Dayne Track, I’m on my Way, provided the ‘groove’ inspiration. Lyrically we used our West of Scotland vernacular, ‘glaikit ’- looking non plussed, Sliders, icecream in waifers, 99ers- a cone with chocolate flake in it- exotic sweet meats from the Tally Van – many vans were run by the Italian community.
As it’s a dark story, we decided to do an almost spoken word, a la Ian Dury.
Unfortunately, the perpetrators were never brought to justice.

lyrics

Fat Boy Doyle always says no,
Fat Boy Doyle always says no,

Hear the tally van a’chuggin’
Through the hoosin’ schemes
Hearin’ eerie chimes tauntin’
A’ the weans’ dreams
Gi’e yer ma a cone
And yer gran a99er
Some are no sae lucky
It’s broken wafers instead o sliders

Something lurking just beneath
A different kind o sweet
A different cigarette
A more expensive sort of treat
A wink was all you need
Tae take a wee vacation
Frae the tenament close
Frae yer mammy’s morose
And yer daddy’s frustration

Fat boy doyle always says no
Burnt his hoose richt doon
Let’s no bother who wiz tae blame
Comes alang comes aroon

When ye hear the sound of Greensleeves T
hink aboot this tale
It’s more than meets the eye
Maybe these words can avail
Dinnae stand there glaicit
Get yer ma a cone
Beware of the temptations unhealthy contemplations
Li I’ a’ alain

credits

released June 20, 2023
CREDITS:
Steve Boyd – vocals, electric guitar
Alex Burns – vocals, harmonica, acoustic guitars, ukulele
Stuart Ferguson – vocals, trumpet
Ken Howden – keyboards, accordion
Craig Kelly – basses
Tom McEwan – vocals, drums
Steve Montgomery – vocals, charm
Tele: #by the Caledonian
Recorded at: Black Pearl Studios, Tommy’s Tool Shed
Engineers: Tom McEwan
Mixed at: ThirtyMill Studios by Colin Wynne
Mastered by: Tom McEwan

license

about

Caledonian Castaways Melbourne, Australia

A group of ex-pat Scots from Melbourne’s blues/roots scene. Material covers amusing and heartwarming stories about journies from Scotland to Australia.
Beautiful original songs from Steve Boyd and Alex Burns. Tommy McEwan on drums, Melbourne Ska Orchestra singer Steve Montgomery fronting the group. Steel guitar, accordion, trumpet and harmonica.
Is this a new genre………… Hoots Roots! ... more