Shepherd Of The Ups

Shepherd Of The Ups

The Norfolk Ups, around Northrups and Southrups, were extensively grazed in the 1800s (also known as tea-time). The Up Ewe was famed for its fleece and meat, but difficult to sell.

Shepherd Of The Ups appears on Sid's album Boiled In The Bag

I'm a shepherd of the Ups, I have yows and hogs and tups,

There are shearlings too and wethers that I keep.

I have fleecy little lambs, two great enormous rams,

And sometimes I may also herd some sheep.

Oh I rise up at Dawn, she's the fairest ever born,

But then I must begin the daily slog;

I will first brew up me tea, then sing all up the lea,

And merrily I'll whistle, up me dog.

All day I keep in order both the Cotswold and the Border,

The Playford and the Appalachian too;

For in the end I find that it makes but little mind -

They're all very much alike in mutton stew.

Now a shepherd must keep watch not to lose one of his flock,

And with the greatest care I count my sheep,

I count them by the score, and I count them all once more,

Then with all that counting sheep I fall asleep.

Well as the day declines I will wake midst columbines,

With parsley, sage and thyme and rosemaree;

If you want to be perverse you may say the shepherd's purse,

But Perse looks after pigs - the shepherd's me.

When the dark begins to creep I will fold my little sheep,

For always I'm afraid they'll come to harm;

I fold them very neat, tuck in their little feet,

And stack them up all tidy in the barn.