Robin Ford 2017

Ride a-cock horse

Ride a-cock horse to Banbury Cross
To see a Fiennes lady upon a white horse.
With rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
She shall have music wherever she goes.

As told by Dorothy Ford (who grew up in the English Midlands), this version references the Fiennes family – a prominent member of the English aristocracy whose home, Broughton Castle, is two miles from Banbury. There is some dispute over this association, and it is more usual to have ‘a fine lady’.

 Red Ute

Isn’t it beaut to drive a red ute
Fit more in the tray than you can in a boot.
With rorty exhaust and magnesium wheels
Can’t you imagine how good it all feels.

Glossary

Magnesium wheels    Some fancy wheels are made from an alloy of magnesium.