Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

Here's Ould John Braddleum Sung from Three North Country Folk Songs sung by John Buckley the Bass Singer from a rare 78 rpm shellac record released in the mid 1920s. The song which is no doubt of traditional origin is credited in this form to composer and vocalist Lyell Johnston born in Whitehaven Cumbria and published in 1915 & is of Cumbrian origin. Its a Children's song also called "Old John Braddleum", "Old John Braddelum" or "John Bradlelum".

Here's the lyrics copied from The Mudcat Discussion forum

Number one, number one,
now my song has just begun,
with an rum tum tattelam owd John Bradelam
Oh what country folk we be.

Number two, number two,
some likes a boot and some likes a shoe.
chorus

Number three, number three,
some like coffee and some likes tea.
chorus

Number four, number four,
some likes a gate and some likes a door.
chorus

Number five, number five,
old folks die when they can't stay alive.
chorus

Number six, number six,
old men use crutches when they can't use sticks.
chorus

Number seven, number seven,
when you die you should go to heaven.
chorus

Number eight, number eight,
some likes a door and some likes a gate,
chorus

Number nine, number nine,
some likes beer and some likes wine,
chorus

Number ten, number ten,
when we get to twelve we'll start again,
chorus

Number eleven, number eleven,
much about the same as number seven,
chorus

Number twelve, number twelve,
if you wants anymore, you mun sing it yourselves
chorus