"Pulling Hard Against the Stream"

No personal notes.

Nothing in the usual sources. Will have to transcribe by hand. The version we have is from some collection of New Brunswick folksongs (Helen Creighton?).

Had to dig a fair bit to get anything on this - eventually found the lyrics (see below), as well as the following bibliographical info about the author, Harry Clifton

Harry Clifton (1832-1872) was a London music-hall writer and performer, who apparently wrote, published, or other wise popularized over 500 songs. Apparently he is, for instance, associated with the song "The Rocky Road to Dublin" ;

As stated in other discussions here (see links above) the words were written by D K Gavan, 'The Galway Poet', for the English music hall performer Harry Clifton (1824-1872), who popularised the song. Jack Campin pointed out in another discussion that the tune is basically a 9/8 version of the old 3/2 hornpipe 'Cam Ye Ower Frae France', also known as 'The Keys of the Cellar'.

Also found this page with a beautiful rendition. Unfortunately, I know very little of the lass singing that tune, but she has a beautiful voice - and apparently is from Ottawa. Her nickname on that website is "LN", and here is a page with links to more of her stuff, including the "Rideau Ramble". Apparently she has a PhD in Ethnomusicology, specializing in Irish music/singing, and has taught at the OFC. Ah, a bit of research has uncovered her identity - her name is Ellen MacIsaac (hence the nickname "LN").

Pulling Hard Against the Stream.

(Do your best for one another.)

Author: Harry Clifton

In this world I've gained my knowledge,
  And for it I've had to pay:
Though I never went to college,
  Yet I've heard the poets say:
"Life is like a mighty river,
  Rolling on from day to day:
Men are vessels launched upon it,
  Sometimes wrecked and cast away."

Chorus:
Then do your best for one another,
  Making life a pleasant dream,
Help a worn and weary brother,
  Pulling hard against the stream.

Many a bright good-hearted fellow;
  Many a noble minded man,
Finds himself in water shallow,
  Then assist him if you can,
Some succeed at every turning,
  Fortune favours every scheme,
Others, too, tho' more deserving,
  Have to pull against the stream.

(Chorus)

If the wind be in your favour,
  And you've weathered every squall,
Think of those who luckless labour,
  Never get fair winds at all;
Working hard, contented, willing,
  Struggling on life's ocean wild,
Without a friend and not a shilling,
  Have to pull against the tide.

(Chorus)

Don't give way to foolish sorrow:
  Let this keep you in good cheer,
Brighter days may come tomorrow,
  If you try and persevere;
Darkest nights must have a morning,
  Should the sky be overcast,
Longest lanes must have a turning,
  And the tide will turn at last.