The Derby Ram - English Folk Song

"The Derby Ram" or "As I was Going to Derby" is a traditional tall tale English folk song (Roud 126) that tells the story of a ram of gargantuan proportions and the difficulties involved in butchering, tanning, and otherwise processing its carcass.

The song is thought to have developed from ancient pagan rituals involving the worship of rams. In the local area, it was associated with the "Old Tup" custom, a form of hoodening. The song was extremely popular in Britain by the eighteenth century, and naturally travelled to North America with settlers where it was thought to have been sung by George Washington. Because of its popularity, the city of Derby has adopted ram imagery in its architecture and for its sports teams.

Performed by The Yetties.

[aldgate]

I'm terrified by the implication that he has seen a biggest ram, that wasn't fed on hay.

[dMGraymusic]

FINALLY REMEMBERED TO SEARCH FOR THIS

I've spent my life catching stray memories of this song after it was dropped on us in first school. Now I can enjoy it again.

[Viscount_Castlereagh]

Very entertaining sir. The artwork is interesting.

[a.s.]

I love folk songs. So pleased I came across this, been playing it all day between studying for exams (though it's quite possible that instead of equations my brain just tunes into this rhyme during the exam, lol).

[WeDieStanding]

At first I didn't believe him... Then he mentioned playing football with the eyes...

[billi_fl]

I LOVE that you used the Yetties' version!!