Rag and Tag memories
RAG and TAG DAYS
It’s Saturday and the Blades are away
And Dad’s got a Saturday treat
Take a tram up the Moor to reach Dixon Lane
Where the crowds are thronging the street
There’s the weighing scale saying 2d a weigh
Oh I really look forward to this special day
Rag and Tag days, Rag and Tag days,
Wonderful, wonderful Rag and Tag days
Down the Lane now and to Mace’s Pet Shop
The animal smell lingers strong
In a little boy’s eyes a real fairytale
I gaze there ignoring the pong
There are kittens and puppies and hamsters and fish
I’m closing my eyes and I’m making a wish
Rag and Tag days, Rag and Tag days,
Wonderful. Wonderful Rag and Tag days
Old Potty Edwards stands at his stall
And tosses his pots in the air
The crowd give a cheer at seeing such skill
Admiring a talent so rare
There’s Big Ada cursing, so ugly and large
Scary and frightening and big as a barge
Rag and Tag days, Rag and Tag days,
Wonderful, wonderful Rag and Tag days
Crowds loom above me, will I get lost?
But my hand’s holding tight to my Dad
I sensed all the people there would be kind
And look after a little lost lad
To a young boy this day was a joy
Where wonders and marvels abound
The shouts of the traders all hoping we’d buy
The sights and the smells and the sounds
I’d stumble back home, feeling tired but fine,
And wishing the Blades played away all the time.
Mac Millard
by email