Broom song
“Buy Broom Buzzems” (or “Buy Broom Besums”) is a song that many attribute to William Purvis aka Blind Willie (1752-1832). He was a text writer and singer from Tyneside who lived in the late eighteenth century and at the beginning of nineteenth century. Many consider this song to be his most distinguished work (“pièce de résistance”).
(For better understanding of the song, translation of some words can be found on Geordie dialect.)
Buy Broom Buzzems
First part – original version
If ye want a buzzem, for to sweep yor hoose
Come to me, ma honey, ye may hae yor choose.
Chorus:
Buy broom buzzems, buy them when they're new
Fine heather bred uns, better never grew.
Buzzems for a penny, rangers for a plack
If ye winnot buy, I'll tie them on my back.
Buy broom buzzems,
If aa had a horse, ad wad hev a cairt;
If aa had a wife, she wad tyek me pairt.
Buy broom buzzems,
Had aa but a wife, aa care not what she be
If she's but a woman, that's enyuf for me
Buy broom buzzems,
If she liked a droppie, her and I'd agree;
If she didn't like it, there's the mair for me.
Buy broom buzzems.
Buy Broom Buzzems
Second part – this part has been added later on by Blind Willie (musician from Newcastle)
Up the Butcher Bank, and down Byker Chare;
There you'll see the lasses selling brown ware.
Buy broom buzzems, etc.
Alang the Quayside, stop at Russell's Entry;
There you'll see the beer drawer, she is standing sentry.
Buy broom buzzems, etc.
If you want an oyster, for to taste your mouth,
Call at Handy Walker's — he's a bonny youth.
Buy broom buzzems, etc.
Call at Mr. Loggie's, he does sell good wine;
There you'll see the beer drawer, she is very fine.
Buy broom buzzems, etc.