Way Up In The Ucletaw

from Settler's Songs of the Pacific Northwest by Katie Green and Karen Hefford

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$1 CAD or more
Buy the Full Digital Album

about

Hand logging was a cost effective, but labour intensive, method of felling trees. These loggers, who felled douglas firs or “pitchbacks,” benefitted the most from surges in the economy, and were the hardest hit during recessions. This song is thought to originate from a camp of unemployed hand-loggers during a recession in the late 1890’s, and refers to the “Ucletaw” or the Yuculta rapids between Quadra Island and Seymour.

lyrics

Come all you bull-necked loggers
And hear me sing my song,
For it is very short
And it will not keep you long.

We had blankets for to travel,
Biscuits for the chaw.
We were in search of pitchbacks,
Way up in the Ucletaw.

We’re leaving from Vancouver
With sorrow grief and woe,
And we’re heading up the country,
Bout a hundred miles or so.

We hired fourteen loggers,
And we hired a man to saw.
And we hired us a cook,
And he ran the hotcakes raw.

credits

from Settler's Songs of the Pacific Northwest, released June 2, 2017
Philip Thomas collected this song from Ed Dalby in Campbell River in 1959.

Thomas, Philip J., and Shirley A. Cox. Songs of the Pacific Northwest. Ed. Jon Bartlett. 2nd ed. Surrey, BC: Hancock House, 2007. Print. pgs 140-141, 202.

license

about

Katie Green and Karen Hefford Vancouver, British Columbia

katieandkaren.com

Katie Green and Karen Hefford are two musicians from Vancouver who combine classical and folk music influences. Their close-knit harmonies and varied instrumentation bring a fresh interpretation to traditional songs. ... more

contact / help

Contact Katie Green and Karen Hefford

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Katie Green and Karen Hefford, you may also like:

THAT PASSED
by Patrick Regan Band

This collection of '90s work from folkie Patrick Regan and friends will appeal to fans of Fairport Convention and Pentangle. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 17, 2023
go to album
Too Many Souls
by Avi C. Engel

The haunting new record from Canadian folk artist Avi C. Engel bridges old and new traditions with a minimalist approach. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 24, 2024
go to album
Sanguinaria
by Avi C. Engel

Sanguine but uplifting, the Toronto singer-songwriter's "transfigured" folk songs ponder existential themes with grace and wonder. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 21, 2023
go to album
Their Invisible Hands
by Avi C. Engel

A dreamy improv-folk collage from Toronto multi-instrumentalist Clara Engel, who plays cigar box guitar, talharpa, melodica, and many more. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 20, 2022
go to album
Dressed in Borrowed Light
by Avi C. Engel

More genre-hopping folk experiments from the Toronto artist, utilizing lap steel guitars, tongue drums, found instruments, and more. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 25, 2021
go to album
Would the Light Hold Me
by Oceanique

Celtic-inspired instrumentation, delicate harmonies, and reflective lyrics abound on the sisterly indie-folk duo's debut album. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 26, 2023
go to album
To The Awe
by Rachel Newton

Scottish harpist and singer Rachel Newton brings an innovative, intensely emotional touch to traditional music on this dreamy LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 17, 2020
go to album