Every House Had A Fanners


Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh

Chorus

Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago. 
Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow.
I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn. 
If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn.

Ah when I was just a young lad, from school I would come home. 
And all across the farmers fields, I would have ta roam.
Gathering sticks and kippenings, was my hearts delight.
And bringing them home to granny, the fire for ta light.

Chorus

Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago. 
Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow.
I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn. 
If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn.

Aww me mother she rose early, just before day light.
She’d blow the fanners gently and watch the fire glow bright. 
The big metal kettle, would start singing on the fire.
An’ a great big pot of stir about, sure it was our hearts desire.

Chorus

Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago. 
Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow.
I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn. 
If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn.

Then from her little room, granny would arrive.
She’d blow the fanners all day long and keep the fire alive.
She’d keep the kettle boiling and you’d often hear her say.
Sit down there now me good man and well have a mug a tae.

Chorus

Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago. 
Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow.
I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn. 
If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn.

 

When I came home from Melbourne, after all most thirty years. 
My family met me at the door and there were many tears.
Johnny seen me looking, were the fanners used ta be. 
It was then that I remembered sitting there, on grannies knee.

Chorus

Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago. 
Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow.
I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn. 
If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn.

Johnny brought me outside, where the dung lock used ta be.
But there was lovely roses looking up at me.
And there amongst the roses, painted oh so bright. 
Was the faithful dear old fanners, sure it was me hearts delight.

Chorus

Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago.
Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow.
I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn. 
If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn.

If ye didn’t have a fanners, the great sticks would never burn.