Dance to Your Daddy

Also known as "When the Boat Comes In," this is a traditional Northumbrian folk song from North East England that is deeply rooted in the fishing history and culture of the region. The song is attributed to Tyneside songwriter William Watson and was first published in 1842 in Fordyce's Newcastle Song Book, written in the distinctive Geordie dialect. The lyrics paint a picture of a father's affectionate promises to his child, offering "fishy on a little dishy" or "haddock baked in a pan" upon the safe return of the fishing boat, vividly reflecting the maritime and working-class life prevalent in 19th-century coastal communities of North East England. Life in these coastal areas revolved around the sea, with communities operating on the rhythm of fishing boats, and traditional Northumbrian fishing vessels known as "cobles" were integral to the industry. The song's enduring appeal stems from its simple, rhythmic melody and evocative portrayal of familial joy intertwined with the rhythms of fishing life, and it gained significant national and international recognition through its adaptation as the opening theme for the BBC television drama series "When the Boat Comes In" (1976-1981), sung in a distinctive Geordie accent by Alex Glasgow.