An unusual traditional Manx song, performed by the Lawrence sisters, Katie (piano) and Kirsty (low whistle and voice).
‘Peter O’Tavy’ is a traditional Manx song connected to the public house in Colby and/or to traditional Manx weddings. It connects to a dance which was performed in order to demonstrate that the dancer was or was not drunk, as the words suggest:
“The man is not drunk, nor half drunk
Nor quarter drunk, because he can dance.
The man is not drunk, at all, at all,
For he can dance Peter O’Tavy.”
This recording was made live at Culture Vannin in St. John’s in January 2019.
More about the Lawrences is available on the Manx Music website: https://www.manxmusic.com/performer_128493.html
The dance instructions and music for Peter O’Tavy can be found in ‘Rinkaghyn Vannin’: https://www.manxmusic.com/publication_511627.html
More about Manx Music can be found on here: https://www.manxmusic.com
Culture Vannin exists to promote and support all aspects of culture in the Isle of Man. We develop innovative, inclusive and exciting projects that promote and support all aspects of Manx culture.
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