Matchstalk Men And Matchstalk Cats And Dogs Lyrics And Chords
Matchstalk Men And Matchstalk Cats And Dogs Lyrics And Easy Guitar Chords. Brian And Michael 1978. There's a version of the guitar chords in chordpro in G with another in C Major. I know, it's not an Irish song but it goes down well at sessions and I like to sing it. I have included a couple of different versions of the guitar chords including the version that Brian And Michael play the song in. If the chords don't suit you then change the chords here .
The tin whistle sheet music and piano letter notes are in my PDF Ebook which is available on this site,
The tin whistle sheet music and piano letter notes are in my PDF Ebook which is available on this site,
The song 'Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs' by Brian and Michael is a beloved folk song that has captured the hearts of many listeners since its release in 1978. It tells the story of the famous Lancashire artist L.S. Lowry, who is known for his paintings of industrial landscapes and working-class life. The song not only pays homage to Lowry's iconic artworks but also celebrates the simple joys and struggles of everyday life. Through its lyrics and melody, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia and pride for the Northern English culture and heritage.
The song opens with the line 'He painted Salford's smokey tops On cardboard boxes from the shops,' which immediately sets the scene in the industrial town of Salford, where Lowry drew inspiration for his paintings. This line also highlights the humble beginnings of the artist, who used whatever materials he could find to create his masterpieces. The use of the word 'smokey' also gives a sense of the pollution and grey atmosphere of the town, which is a recurring theme in Lowry's paintings.
The chorus, 'Matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs, He takes his brush and he paints the town red,' is a clever play on words. The 'matchstalk men' refer to the matchstick figures that Lowry often painted, while the 'matchstalk cats and dogs' are a nod to his famous painting 'A Cat and Two Dogs.' The line 'he paints the town red' not only describes Lowry's passion for his art but also alludes to his use of vibrant colors in an otherwise dull and dreary setting.
The second verse of the song delves into Lowry's personal life, mentioning his mother and father who were also depicted in some of his paintings. The lyric 'He sees her at his easel every day, The masterpieces that he'd make,' highlights the influence of Lowry's mother on his work. She encouraged him to pursue his passion for art and was often his model for his paintings. The verse also mentions his father, who was a clerk in a local office, emphasizing the working-class background of Lowry and the people he painted.
The song also touches upon the criticism that Lowry faced for his simplistic and 'naive' style of painting. The line 'Some they love him, some they hate him, But we all know him as the matchstick man,' speaks to the polarizing opinions about his art. However, the song celebrates Lowry's unique style, which has become his trademark and has gained him a dedicated following.
One of the most poignant parts of the song is the bridge, which goes 'And she takes off the lid Of a tiny paintbox, And she puts some on her brush, And she strokes it in the sky.' This verse refers to Lowry's mother, who also had a passion for painting but never had the opportunity to pursue it. The reference to 'a tiny paintbox' highlights the limited resources and opportunities available to women at that time. This verse not only adds depth to the song but also pays tribute to the women who supported and inspired Lowry.
The final verse of the song brings the focus back to Lowry's paintings and their enduring legacy. The lyric 'And Lowry leaves the pictures of reality, And there's a blue plaque up on his wall,' refers to the blue plaque that was placed on Lowry's former home in Pendlebury, Salford, in 1978. This was a significant milestone for the artist, as it acknowledged his contributions to the art world and cemented his place in history.
In conclusion, 'Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs' is more than just a song about an artist and his paintings. It is a celebration of the working-class culture, a tribute to the women who inspired and supported Lowry, and a reminder of the enduring power of art. The catchy tune and relatable lyrics have made it a timeless classic, beloved by generations and a testament to the enduring legacy of L.S. Lowry.
The song opens with the line 'He painted Salford's smokey tops On cardboard boxes from the shops,' which immediately sets the scene in the industrial town of Salford, where Lowry drew inspiration for his paintings. This line also highlights the humble beginnings of the artist, who used whatever materials he could find to create his masterpieces. The use of the word 'smokey' also gives a sense of the pollution and grey atmosphere of the town, which is a recurring theme in Lowry's paintings.
The chorus, 'Matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs, He takes his brush and he paints the town red,' is a clever play on words. The 'matchstalk men' refer to the matchstick figures that Lowry often painted, while the 'matchstalk cats and dogs' are a nod to his famous painting 'A Cat and Two Dogs.' The line 'he paints the town red' not only describes Lowry's passion for his art but also alludes to his use of vibrant colors in an otherwise dull and dreary setting.
The second verse of the song delves into Lowry's personal life, mentioning his mother and father who were also depicted in some of his paintings. The lyric 'He sees her at his easel every day, The masterpieces that he'd make,' highlights the influence of Lowry's mother on his work. She encouraged him to pursue his passion for art and was often his model for his paintings. The verse also mentions his father, who was a clerk in a local office, emphasizing the working-class background of Lowry and the people he painted.
The song also touches upon the criticism that Lowry faced for his simplistic and 'naive' style of painting. The line 'Some they love him, some they hate him, But we all know him as the matchstick man,' speaks to the polarizing opinions about his art. However, the song celebrates Lowry's unique style, which has become his trademark and has gained him a dedicated following.
One of the most poignant parts of the song is the bridge, which goes 'And she takes off the lid Of a tiny paintbox, And she puts some on her brush, And she strokes it in the sky.' This verse refers to Lowry's mother, who also had a passion for painting but never had the opportunity to pursue it. The reference to 'a tiny paintbox' highlights the limited resources and opportunities available to women at that time. This verse not only adds depth to the song but also pays tribute to the women who supported and inspired Lowry.
The final verse of the song brings the focus back to Lowry's paintings and their enduring legacy. The lyric 'And Lowry leaves the pictures of reality, And there's a blue plaque up on his wall,' refers to the blue plaque that was placed on Lowry's former home in Pendlebury, Salford, in 1978. This was a significant milestone for the artist, as it acknowledged his contributions to the art world and cemented his place in history.
In conclusion, 'Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs' is more than just a song about an artist and his paintings. It is a celebration of the working-class culture, a tribute to the women who inspired and supported Lowry, and a reminder of the enduring power of art. The catchy tune and relatable lyrics have made it a timeless classic, beloved by generations and a testament to the enduring legacy of L.S. Lowry.
Song Words And Easy Guitar Chords In G Major Key
He[G] painted Salford's smokey tops
On[D] cardboard boxes from the shops
And[Em] parts of ancoats where I used to[Am] play
I'm[C] sure he once walked down our street
Cause he[G] painted kids who had nowt on their feet
The[D] clothes we wore had all see better[G] days
Now they said his works of art were dull
No room all round the walls are full
But Lowry didn't care much anyway
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And matchstalk men in boots and clogs
And Lowry said that's just the way they'll stay
And[G] he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk[C] cats and dogs
He painted[D] kids on the corner of the street that were sparking[G] clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them factory[C] gates
To paint his[D] matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and [G]dogs
Now canvas and brushes were wearing thin
When London started calling him
To come on down and wear the old flat cap
They said tell us all about your ways
And all about them Salford days
Is it true you're just an ordinary chap
And he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them factory gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
Now Lowry's hang upon the wall
Beside the greatest of them all
And even the Mona Lisa takes a bow
This tired old man with hair like snow
Told northern folk its time to go
The fever came and the good Lord mopped his brow
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He[G] painted Salford's smokey tops
On[D] cardboard boxes from the shops
And[Em] parts of ancoats where I used to[Am] play
I'm[C] sure he once walked down our street
Cause he[G] painted kids who had nowt on their feet
The[D] clothes we wore had all see better[G] days
Now they said his works of art were dull
No room all round the walls are full
But Lowry didn't care much anyway
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And matchstalk men in boots and clogs
And Lowry said that's just the way they'll stay
And[G] he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk[C] cats and dogs
He painted[D] kids on the corner of the street that were sparking[G] clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them factory[C] gates
To paint his[D] matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and [G]dogs
Now canvas and brushes were wearing thin
When London started calling him
To come on down and wear the old flat cap
They said tell us all about your ways
And all about them Salford days
Is it true you're just an ordinary chap
And he painted matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He painted kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them factory gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
Now Lowry's hang upon the wall
Beside the greatest of them all
And even the Mona Lisa takes a bow
This tired old man with hair like snow
Told northern folk its time to go
The fever came and the good Lord mopped his brow
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
And he left us matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
He left us kids on the corner of the street that were sparking clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits outside them pearly gates
To paint his matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs
Below is the list of songs that are in the ebooks. This is the largest collection of tin whistle sheet music songs ever put together.[About 800 songs ] including Matchstalk Men And Matchstalk Cats And Dogs
All of the songs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of this ebook is €7.50 and it will be emailed to you after payment, please be patient.
All of the songs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of this ebook is €7.50 and it will be emailed to you after payment, please be patient.
To play along with the youtube video of Brian And Michael use these sort of easy guitar chords.
He[C] painted Salford's smokey tops
On[A] cardboard boxes from the shops
And parts of ancoats where I used to[Dm] play
I'm sure he once walked down our street
Cause he[C] painted kids who had nowt on their feet
The[G] clothes we wore had all see better[C] days[Dm][G]
Now they [C]said his works of art were dull
No [A]room all round the walls are full
But Lowry didn't care much any[Dm]way
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And [C]matchstalk men in boots and clogs
And [G]Lowry said that's just the way they'll [C]stay
And[G] he painted [C]matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and [Dm]dogs
He painted[G] kids on the corner of the street that were sparking[C] clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits out[Dm]side them factory gates
To paint his[G] matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and [C]dogs.
Lyrics and chords K - M
He[C] painted Salford's smokey tops
On[A] cardboard boxes from the shops
And parts of ancoats where I used to[Dm] play
I'm sure he once walked down our street
Cause he[C] painted kids who had nowt on their feet
The[G] clothes we wore had all see better[C] days[Dm][G]
Now they [C]said his works of art were dull
No [A]room all round the walls are full
But Lowry didn't care much any[Dm]way
They said he just paints cats and dogs
And [C]matchstalk men in boots and clogs
And [G]Lowry said that's just the way they'll [C]stay
And[G] he painted [C]matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and [Dm]dogs
He painted[G] kids on the corner of the street that were sparking[C] clogs
Now he takes his brush and he waits out[Dm]side them factory gates
To paint his[G] matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and [C]dogs.
Lyrics and chords K - M
Brian And Michael matchstalk men and matchstalk cats and dogs song
"Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs" is a nostalgic folk song by British duo Brian and Michael (Michael Coleman and Kevin Parrott), released in 1978. The song was written as a tribute to the painter L. S. Lowry (Laurence Stephen Lowry) and his artwork, which famously depicted scenes of working-class life in industrial northern England.
Meaning and Themes:
Meaning and Themes:
- Tribute to L. S. Lowry:
The song celebrates the life and work of L. S. Lowry, whose art was characterized by depictions of urban life in Salford and Manchester. His paintings often featured "matchstalk men" (stick-figure-like people), "matchstalk cats and dogs," and industrial landscapes with chimneys and mills.- The "matchstalk" imagery refers to Lowry’s distinctive, simple figures that appear in his paintings.
- Nostalgia for Working-Class Life:
The song captures the essence of the working-class communities of Lowry's era, portraying the hardships, joys, and close-knit nature of life in industrial towns. It highlights the beauty in everyday life that Lowry captured in his art. - Loss and Change:
There is a subtle theme of mourning for a way of life that was disappearing by the 1970s due to industrial decline. Lowry’s paintings were often viewed with a sense of melancholy, and the song reflects this sentiment by evoking memories of a bygone time. - Childlike Perspective:
The references to children playing in the street, scenes of daily life, and simple pleasures reflect the innocence and simplicity that Lowry’s art depicted. The song evokes a sense of wonder at how everyday moments could be turned into art.
- The song was a major hit, reaching #1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1978.
- It helped bring Lowry’s art to a wider audience and solidified his status as one of Britain’s most beloved painters.
- The children's choir featured in the recording (St. Winifred’s School Choir) added a sense of authenticity and warmth.
Street Hawker painting by L.S. Lowry from the year 1929 from an exhibition at the Tate
