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The Wurzels

"Old Rosie"    CD Single


This track was released on 30th June 2017. Initially released via internet download (on the CIA record label catalogue CIA21P) it later became available on CD as a limited edition pressing.

  Song Lyrics

The Band Line-Up:

At the time of the recording of this single The Wurzels consisted of Pete Budd, Tommy Banner, John Morgan, Sedge Moor.

The Track:

The Wurzels 2017 single told the of the infamous 1921 Aveling and Porter steam roller “Old Rosie” which was named after the Laurie Lee book “Cider with Rosie". The song tells the true story of the steam roller being found in a rusty state after years of neglect and its finder's vision to one day restore the engine and bodywork to her former glory and of the proud day when his dream becomes a reality as she rolls up to the 'Greatest Steam Show on Earth' in Dorset. The song was written by the group's Pete Budd and produced by part-time Wurzel Louie Nicastro.

'Old Rosie' also gave its name to a brand of cider produced by Weston & Sons Ltd, who teamed up with both the Dorset Steam Fair and The Wurzels for this release and the associated promotional activities.

The single's release was accompanied by a music video posted on The Wurzels YouTube channel starring The Wurzels and 'Old Rosie' made at Weston's Cider Mill in Much Marcle, Herefordshire and can be viewed here.

Collectors' Extras:

A promotional copy of this single was made available for radio stations. The sleeve was a colour printed card - front as shown top of page, the back as shown right. 

The Wurzels Archives

The Wurzels Archives

Weston Cider also produced a limited edition CD of this single - very similar to the official promotional copy and again in a card sleeve but with a few subtle differences to promote the 'Old Rosie' brand of cider.

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The Wurzels Archives

The Wurzels Archives

And finally - a copy of the 30th June 2017 press release for the 'Old Rosie' single.

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The Wurzels Archives

            "Old Rosie"  - Song Lyrics                        

  • All my life I've been searching, trying to fulfil my dream
    Since a young 'un I have known it was my destiny to own
    A traction steam engine machine
    No matter what her condition, I would do her up like new
    Then I'd take her round to all the steam fair showing grounds
    She'd cause such a hullabaloo
  • (Chorus)
    Good old Rosie (oh Rosie)
    You're my Rosie (my Rosie)
    I love Rosie
    Stoking up the fire, letting off steam
    Engine smooth, like a dream
    She'll be known as the Steam Fair Queen
    Old Rosie

  • Out of the blue came a vision, when I first caught sight of you
    Abandoned in a gloomy barn, on a scrumpy cider farm
    I realised my searching was through
    You were rotting, sad and sorry, under years of dirt and rust
    'Midst the brambles, leaves and weeds, them bleeding nettles stung me knees
    To save you, I knew that I must
  • (Repeat chorus)
  • After four long years of grafting, burning candles through the night
    Greasing, welding, angle grinding, cleaning, rubbing down and priming
    Rosie, that showground's in sight
    Dotty paintwork all a-gleaming, we were ready now to go
    All our friends and pals were there, showing at the Dorset Fair
    World famous, great steam engine show
  • Good old Rosie (oh Rosie)
    You're my Rosie (my Rosie)
    I love Rosie
    Rosie's crowned as the Steam Fair Queen
    Good old Rosie (oh Rosie)
    You're my Rosie (my Rosie)
    I love Rosie
    Stoking up the fire, letting off steam
    Engine smooth, like a dream
    Rosie's the queen of the steam fair scene
    Rosie glows in the sunshine
    Old Rosie



  • Lyrics Kindly transcribed by E.Bryant,
  • Verified by Professor Wurzel
Song lyrics are property and copyright of their original owners and are here for educational or personal use only.
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