There are always a few new poems knocking around during any knockabout general election campaign – and in the past Write Out Loud has featured some of them.

When The Boat Comes In (or Dance Ti Thy Daddy) is a traditional English folk song, that originates in Northumbria. Geordie poet and singer Graham Bell, who now lives in Cheshire, has adapted the lyrics with new words for the 2024 general election, and a new title, too – ‘When the Vote Comes In’. Those not of a Labour-voting disposition might still appreciate it – we hope!

Graham, who often returns to Northumberland to take part in poetry events, described himself as “semi-retired from farming. I enjoy writing songs and poems that are mostly set in and around my native Northumberland, often looking back through the tinted lenses of history, but occasionally I will comment on contemporary issues.”

He added: “Of course, it is really meant to be sung.”

 

WHEN THE VOTE COMES IN

by Graham Bell

 

Noo haway Keir Stamer,

thoo must be a charmer,

we divn't want nee drama,

till the vote comes in.

 

So pledge to thee daddy,

promise to thee mammy,

say what you like to ony,

till the vote comes in.

 

Thoo shall hev that Rishi

on a little dishy

thoo shall have a mandate

when the vote comes in.

 

Here's Angie Rayner coming,

she's a bonny looking woman,

the "Red Flag " she'll be humming

when the vote comes in.

 

So pledge to thee daddy

promise to thee mammy

say what you like to ony,

till the vote comes in.

 

Thoo shall hev that Rishi

on a little dishy,

thoo shall be the P.M.

when the vote comes in.

 

Noo Rishi's lost his dander

cos we've cooked his goose and gander,

he can fly off to Rwanda

when the vote comes in.

 

But just remember Keir

we can raise a mighty cheer

but thoo must leftward steer

when the vote comes in.