Did you know the terriers have their own song? No, not that barking that is the song of their breed...a real song with lyrics and melody and errrrrything!
Terrier Song
Now there's many a song about hunting, Packs and huntsmen are honoured by name, But there isn't a song about terriers Which in Lakeland have gained lasting fame.
Chorus:
So always remember your terriers,
Protect them from wet and from cold,
For the love of a tyke for his master
Can never be measured in gold
Whether it's Fury or Trixie or Nellie, Or Rock, Jock or Turk it's the same, One quality you'll find among them, And dalesfolk call it 'dead game'. And whether he's rough or smooth coated, He'll tackle badger, otter or fox, Run a drain or creep into a soil hole, Or squeeze through a grike in the rocks.
Chorus: So always remember your terriers, Protect them from wet and from cold, For the love of a tyke for his master Can never be measured in gold
He'll yield not one inch though they maul him,
He'll fight to the death on his own,
Though sometimes he'll be imprisoned
By a rush in of soil or of stone.
And then the brave lads of the valleys
To save him will toil day and night,
And join in a Hallo of triumph
As he blinks back to god's blessed light.
Chorus: So always remember your terriers, Protect them from wet and from cold, For the love of a tyke for his master Can never be measured in gold
Now at Cruft's famous show down in London,
They have Lakelands that aren't worth the name.
If you showed 'em a fox or an otter
They'd fly for their lives without shame.
They're not built to creep or do battle,
But to sit on a chair in a house,
And they do say that one recent champion
Was chased down the road by a mouse!
Chorus: So always remember your terriers, Protect them from wet and from cold, For the love of a tyke for his master Can never be measured in gold
So here's to our gallant laal workers,
Not beauties, perhaps, but they'll do.
With gameness they've also affection,
And make you a pal good and true.
And when your terrier, in old age, is dying,
And the world all about you seems sad,
A lick on the hand will console you,
For a truer friend man never had.
Chorus: So always remember your terriers, Protect them from wet and from cold, For the love of a tyke for his master Can never be measured in gold
D.P. Todd, Kendal (Tune: 'Laal Melbreak')
