Jake is a hero of mine. I started to learn the guitar because of his TV appearances. In the 70's I took a group of school children camping in Wales. The site flooded and we decamped to the village hall. There was a knock on the door during supper - it was Jake, offering help (he lived in the village). He was great with the kids and sang some of their favourite songs (none of his own, obviously!) on my guitar, which he signed. I still have that guitar and use it regularly with the kids I teach.
Jake Thackray was my english teacher way back in 1964. He sang a few times at school and I thought he was good then. Now I know just how special he was.
Absolutely fucking wonderful. I had the honour and pleasure to support Jake on a few occasions and the pure gentleman and modest journeyman and songsmith he was bely the incredible influence he had on the acoustic music scene. A rare, 22 carat talent .... and let's not forget Alan Williams on bass!
I was very fortunate to have met, and worked with Jake in the seventies.He is the the most genuine soul I ever had the privilige to meet. A genuine, and a modest man in his own humble way. We miss him, and I sometimes wonder what else he may have written had he still been with us. Raise your glasses to the greatest trubadour of unique songs about the human condition that ever was, or is ever likely to be. His songs will echo down the generations for a very long time to come. Ray Deer.
what a complete genius jake was. I have fond memories of his numerous performances on BBC`s That`s Life. The pace of his lyrics and music were simply spellbinding .He`s sorely missed today.
There is a small pub (The White Horse Inn), in the diminutive village of Clun which nestles on the borders of South shropshire, and not a million miles from Jake's home village of Mitchell Troy in Monmouth.. Jake's popularity thrives. We still do his stuff on our music nights, and a whole new generation is awakening to his genious. I am fairly certain that Jake's silly, extravagent songs, will echo down the generations for a very long time to come. Ray Martin.
Hi there Ray, I just found this post and would like to know if you still play at the white Horse, I know it quite well and enjoy the open mike nights there. (If my first born had been a boy she'd have been called Jake ,after the great man!)
It is incredibly heart warming to discover the amazing cover versions on youtube of Jake's unique, timeless creations. New generations of children, and even grandchildren, (I speak from experience), are discovering his genius. Thank you all and keep them coming. Ray.
The best version of my favourite Jake song - not a note nor a syllable out of place - beautiful timing. Amazing lyricist - brilliant guitarist - just the best
I was lucky enough to see Jake live when I was about 10 years old. Met him afterwards and what a lovely man. Yes, RIP Jake and I'll gather some rosebuds for you x
Have heard him described more than once as the "plain man's Noel Coward" and I understand what they mean. The wit and the wordplay are absolute genius !
Red Arrow 1415 .Jake was GREAT ! I lived in Monmouth for 17 years and had more than the occasional pint with him at several 'Monmouth Festivals'. Sadly he couldn't stop and died alone in a flat above a shop a couple of years later. R.I.P. Jake
I was lucky enough to see Jake live when I was about 10 years old. Met him afterwards and what a lovely man. Yes, RIP Jake and I'll gather some rosebuds for you x That's a reference to his song Last Will and Testament for those of you who don't know. And he was a Maths teacher not an English teacher. He used his music to make boring lessons come alive!
Thanks for posting this. I remember seeing Jake on the TV when I was younger, but have only really discovered his songs recently. Wonderufl writer and performer - wish I could have seen him live!
@tostare HI, Not a relative. But my son Jake was named after him. I had the fortune to appear with Jake in the 70s with my band "Giggetty" I first met him in a club near Blackpool where I was also appearing. I learned a few of his songs and as a result, in my own humble way, I am still performing his creations in pubs and clubs in the diminutive village of Clun on the South Shropshire border. In our inevitable melancholy days, he is still able to make us smile. His audience is ageless. Ray
And very very good it was too. Don't know how I missed it first time round. What an profoundly talented, agreeable and modest man. It doesn't get much better than this and I treasure the memory of the too few times I saw him in the early 70s. The most underrated person ever to pick up a guitar and sing a song. Sadly and badly missed...
Nice one barmypants! I am a man. And from the north so it tickles me on an obvious level, but being a 'modern' man it does make me feel guilty. but that glint in the eye is a winner. there you go. i've just used about fifty word when i could've used four...thanks for the words. x
I haven't heard this song for ages, I forgot how bloody brilliant it is, I dunno how he can sing it with such a straight face, I'm laughing my ass off :D
I sincerely think this song is a little misunderstood... for a start the protagonist calls himself a misogynist in the first verse... it's self aware. and then as a catholic he depicts the narrator as being intolerant even of mother mary, the matriarch of Catholicism! The punchline of "I truly sympathise with the rest of the family" is the ignorance and arrogance of the person who says it... It's a wonderful joke, and it is self-critical... he's playing the fool.. brilliant wordplay wordplay!
Hi yestartinsa, That's Life, (and Braden's week), was also my early introduction to jake's unique talents. I had the good fortune to have met, and subsequently worked with him in the late sixties and early seventies. I still do his stuff in my own humble way. I would love to sing one of his songs for you one day. Ray
doobywahwahrabbit, I agree. We should have a Thackray DVD. According to his website, the BBC want £1000 a minute. A DVD should at least be 45 minutes long (if not an hour). But £45000, just for the licensing? That's sad. Thackray is missed, and the beeb should make a Jake Thackray Enjoyment Channel on TH-cam. That would be public service to all of his fans.
Fabulous BBC live Jake Thackray and Songs DVD available on Amazon.co.uk. 'Magnificent.' (The Independent) 30 songs of genius, plus Jake's chat and storytelling. Also features performances by Alex Glasgow, Pete Scott and Ralph McTell. Trailer on TH-cam.
Did he appear on 'That's Life' or was it 'Brabens Week' , surely they should have decent video performances. I remember watching his TV stints, I was totally transfixed, totally unique , from an era when TV was at it's best.
I think he was an English teacher who gave it up to do this. Had his own show on the BBC and I'll never forget John B Loudermilk doing 'Abilene' on his show. Classic guy.
@maudie25 There is a "Jake Thackray website for fans. If you are still interested, they sell a dvd called "Jake Live at the Unicorn", which is exactly as it says. A long-forgotten recording of a full Jake concert. Highly recommended!
What a genius this man was, and such an unsung one. I know this song is 'o-ffensive' - his word - but it is absolutely hilarious. Unfortunately it is so funny that the guy in the audience with the loud voice laughs over some of the lyrics.
@RatherLargeAllan -I only meant that THIS song has a feeling of misogyny about it; Lah-di Dah, for instance, has quite the opposite feel. Pure genius either way.
Can anyone download a theme song Jake sang on a short lived afternoon programme A Ripe Old Age,aimed at pensioners?. # We grow older by the moment.We grow old at every stage.But we can still get along,with a wine & song.When we get to a ripe old age#
![Jake on the box [Jake Thackray documentary]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/bEkKwYUDPwY/mqdefault.jpg)
Jake is a hero of mine. I started to learn the guitar because of his TV appearances. In the 70's I took a group of school children camping in Wales. The site flooded and we decamped to the village hall. There was a knock on the door during supper - it was Jake, offering help (he lived in the village). He was great with the kids and sang some of their favourite songs (none of his own, obviously!) on my guitar, which he signed. I still have that guitar and use it regularly with the kids I teach.
Jake Thackray was my english teacher way back in 1964. He sang a few times at school and I thought he was good then. Now I know just how special he was.
lucky lucky b******d :)
English teachers are great. Jake was a superhero.
Amazing!!!!!
The World needs more Jake Thackrays
Absolutely fucking wonderful. I had the honour and pleasure to support Jake on a few occasions and the pure gentleman and modest journeyman and songsmith he was bely the incredible influence he had on the acoustic music scene. A rare, 22 carat talent .... and let's not forget Alan Williams on bass!
I was very fortunate to have met, and worked with Jake in the seventies.He is the the most genuine soul I ever had the privilige to meet. A genuine, and a modest man in his own humble way. We miss him, and I sometimes wonder what else he may have written had he still been with us. Raise your glasses to the greatest trubadour of unique songs about the human condition that ever was, or is ever likely to be. His songs will echo down the generations for a very long time to come. Ray Deer.
The finest opening lyric EVER!
this man is my old english teacher at intake c.s school in the 1960.s in leeds it brings back memories
what a complete genius jake was. I have fond memories of his numerous performances on BBC`s That`s Life. The pace of his lyrics and music were simply spellbinding .He`s sorely missed today.
Simply glorious...this guy's early death was one of the greatest tragedies in the history of British humour...
Sheer bliss. A wonderful performer and a great writer - literate, witty and simply brilliant.
There is a small pub (The White Horse Inn), in the diminutive village of Clun which nestles on the borders of South shropshire, and not a million miles from Jake's home village of Mitchell Troy in Monmouth.. Jake's popularity thrives. We still do his stuff on our music nights, and a whole new generation is awakening to his genious. I am fairly certain that Jake's silly, extravagent songs, will echo down the generations for a very long time to come. Ray Martin.
Hi there Ray, I just found this post and would like to know if you still play at the white Horse, I know it quite well and enjoy the open mike nights there. (If my first born had been a boy she'd have been called Jake ,after the great man!)
It is incredibly heart warming to discover the amazing cover versions on youtube of Jake's unique, timeless creations. New generations of children, and even grandchildren, (I speak from experience),
are discovering his genius. Thank you all and keep them coming. Ray.
The best version of my favourite Jake song - not a note nor a syllable out of place - beautiful timing.
Amazing lyricist - brilliant guitarist - just the best
I just caught the BBC4 program and was reminded of the genius of Jake.
More please!!
I hope the BBC repeat the shows so I can get my video ready.
thank you so so much. one of the great unsung songwriters ever. saw him at the tramshed in the late seventies. he was brilliant.
I was lucky enough to see Jake live when I was about 10 years old. Met him afterwards and what a lovely man. Yes, RIP Jake and I'll gather some rosebuds for you x
Have heard him described more than once as the "plain man's Noel Coward" and I understand what they mean.
The wit and the wordplay are absolute genius !
he even worked a latin joke in
Or a posh George Formby but all in our wonderful naughty tradition
Red Arrow 1415 .Jake was GREAT ! I lived in Monmouth for 17 years and had more than the occasional pint with him at several 'Monmouth Festivals'. Sadly he couldn't stop and died alone in a flat above a shop a couple of years later. R.I.P. Jake
my wife loves this song! thank you Jake...
Amazing. I remember a local entertainer used to do this in my area, Ricky Dean, and the whole hotel would be in stitches. Good times I'll never forget
Absolutely superb. Why can nobody write lyrics this well any more?
Genius at work.
I was lucky enough to see Jake live when I was about 10 years old. Met him afterwards and what a lovely man. Yes, RIP Jake and I'll gather some rosebuds for you x That's a reference to his song Last Will and Testament for those of you who don't know. And he was a Maths teacher not an English teacher. He used his music to make boring lessons come alive!
Thanks for posting this. I remember seeing Jake on the TV when I was younger, but have only really discovered his songs recently. Wonderufl writer and performer - wish I could have seen him live!
@tostare HI, Not a relative. But my son Jake was named after him. I had the fortune to appear with Jake in the 70s with my band "Giggetty" I first met him in a club near Blackpool where I was also appearing. I learned a few of his songs and as a result, in my own humble way, I am still performing his creations in pubs and clubs in the diminutive village of Clun on the South Shropshire border. In our inevitable melancholy days, he is still able to make us smile. His audience is ageless. Ray
Simply wonderful
Just got back online after a couple of months absence and this is the first thing i did. Go Jake!!
And very very good it was too. Don't know how I missed it first time round.
What an profoundly talented, agreeable and modest man. It doesn't get much better than this and I treasure the memory of the too few times I saw him in the early 70s.
The most underrated person ever to pick up a guitar and sing a song.
Sadly and badly missed...
R.I.P. Jake.............A true man of Yorkshire.
So many thanks for this rare clip of a genius. Made me really laugh, and that's good.
Nice one barmypants! I am a man. And from the north so it tickles me on an obvious level, but being a 'modern' man it does make me feel guilty. but that glint in the eye is a winner. there you go. i've just used about fifty word when i could've used four...thanks for the words. x
Dear Jake! Always loved his music. Frank Turner meets Noel Coward. Sadly missed.
Brilliant wit and a unique style, a genuine original
amazing
Brilliant !!!
Absolutely brilliant in every way!! Humble thanks for putting this out!!
An amazing song - we are in need of his humour now
Absolute genius, the words flow like water and are hilarious to boot; not to mention his guitar.
What a wordsmith! Genius was our jake.
Wonderful genius.
Loved the man
I haven't heard this song for ages, I forgot how bloody brilliant it is, I dunno how he can sing it with such a straight face, I'm laughing my ass off :D
thanks for the upload Fantastic
I sincerely think this song is a little misunderstood... for a start the protagonist calls himself a misogynist in the first verse... it's self aware. and then as a catholic he depicts the narrator as being intolerant even of mother mary, the matriarch of Catholicism! The punchline of "I truly sympathise with the rest of the family" is the ignorance and arrogance of the person who says it... It's a wonderful joke, and it is self-critical... he's playing the fool.. brilliant wordplay wordplay!
Hi maudie25. I worked with Jake throughout the 70s,and I have to tell you,
you are pretty well spot on. Ray.
Jake is undoubtedly a TRUE genius.
beautiful
Another Yorkshire musical genius
This is great, I can't believe I've never heard of this guy before.
thanks for this
Hi yestartinsa, That's Life, (and Braden's week), was also my early introduction to jake's unique talents. I had the good fortune to have met, and subsequently worked with him in the late sixties and early seventies. I still do his stuff in my own humble way. I would love to sing one of his songs for you one day. Ray
Yorkshire Blues from the Delta of Rippondale.
Witty, funny and beautiful to watch. What a lad!
@firestartertwistedfi
It's pure tongue-in-cheek. He's not insulting women, he's affectionately mocking them.
Genius!
Forget all the political correctness, touchy feely stuff. It's just sooooo funny and genius level wordplay and humour. Just perfect.
Brilliant guitarist.
Hi Everyone, I just found out there is a Jake Thackray event at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I just got my tickets!! I can't wait.
doobywahwahrabbit, I agree. We should have a Thackray DVD. According to his website, the BBC want £1000 a minute. A DVD should at least be 45 minutes long (if not an hour). But £45000, just for the licensing? That's sad. Thackray is missed, and the beeb should make a Jake Thackray Enjoyment Channel on TH-cam. That would be public service to all of his fans.
Jake Thackray could never have bored the balls off a buffalo--god, his songs make me laugh!
And they repeated it tonight! Thanks BBC4
The documentary 'Jake on the Box' is repeated Monday 3rd November 2008, 11.20pm BBC2.
Great stuff. A true wordsmith. I too thought he taught English whilst in France.
jake set the standards that others try to live up to
well said!!!!!
Fabulous BBC live Jake Thackray and Songs DVD available on Amazon.co.uk. 'Magnificent.' (The Independent) 30 songs of genius, plus Jake's chat and storytelling. Also features performances by Alex Glasgow, Pete Scott and Ralph McTell. Trailer on TH-cam.
masterpiece
Did he appear on 'That's Life' or was it 'Brabens Week' , surely they should have decent video performances.
I remember watching his TV stints, I was totally transfixed, totally unique , from an era when TV was at it's best.
I just can't even imagine disliking this even if I hated it hahaha
This made me laugh even more. Well said.....
I think he was an English teacher who gave it up to do this. Had his own show on the BBC and I'll never forget John B Loudermilk doing 'Abilene' on his show. Classic guy.
Genius
3:51
Wish I was there...
Epic.
@maudie25 There is a "Jake Thackray website for fans. If you are still interested, they sell a dvd called "Jake Live at the Unicorn", which is exactly as it says. A long-forgotten recording of a full Jake concert. Highly recommended!
This man had talent in spades squared!
Agreed - can we please have Lah-di-dah back?
Proof that nothing changes 😁
I can't make my mind up. Is that Danny Thompson on bass?
If I can stop laughing long enough, I promise to be a totally offended modern woman. :-)
I wish he was on again on again on again on.......
Rip jack
Raythack1, I also live in Shropshire, do you have a gig list for the Jake nights ?
agreed; the man was a genius, no more no less, fond memories of th boggery in solihull, one of his favourite venues
rip jake
Greatest wordsmith in the English cannon. 2nd Chaucer, 3rd Wodehouse.
@Raythack1 indeed. Are you a relative of the great man?
This guy must be blastin my bird on the sly, coz there can't be two the same
It is Posteriori ( I think) Ray Martin
What a genius this man was, and such an unsung one. I know this song is 'o-ffensive' - his word - but it is absolutely hilarious. Unfortunately it is so funny that the guy in the audience with the loud voice laughs over some of the lyrics.
I think we can forgive the late Neil Innes for showing such appreciation from the audience as this was recorded.
the audience spoils it a bit ... but pure genius .
As a terribly right on feminist, I'd like to say I find it offensive...
...that this song isn't longer.
Rose Kirby It's been five years. You still a feminist?
Ecos Adventurer it’s been 8 months; either of you two still alive?
>>> By the way, it's 'A posteriori', which is Latin for 'after the fact'
I think it's "posterior" which is English slang for butt.
Have to agree with you Rose I am also a bit of a feminist BUT this is fantastic!
How true! A misogynistic masterpiece. Everybody must buy the 4cd box set recently released by EMI.
@RatherLargeAllan -I only meant that THIS song has a feeling of misogyny about it; Lah-di Dah, for instance, has quite the opposite feel. Pure genius either way.
Can anyone download a theme song Jake sang on a short lived afternoon programme A Ripe Old Age,aimed at pensioners?. # We grow older by the moment.We grow old at every stage.But we can still get along,with a wine & song.When we get to a ripe old age#
Oops! I've just seen the previous comments. No it's not..
This song gives misogyny a good name!
@bogshed64 yea hahaha i found that out like 2 hours after i posted that
So was my dad - do you remember John Thornton>