Tyneside folk singer and song writer Pete Wood has composed a song in honour of Admiral Lord Collingwood.  The work was first performed in public on the evening of 7th March 2010, 200 years to the day since Collingwood’s death.  It is entitled “Cuddy”, that being the affectionate nickname given to him by his crews.  Pete has kindy agreed to the lyrics of the song being reproduced here.

CUDDY

He was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne
Soon sailed on a ship of the line
With Roddam and Braithwaite he learnt his trade
Northumbrians all they were made
Preston and Portland his ships in the west
Fighting the French and the rest,
He was made lieutenant at Bunker Hill
And Geordies remember him still

Chorus

Cuddy’s the boy for me
Yes Cuddy’s the man at sea
Fighting the French where’er they be
Cuddy’s the boy for me

At the glorious first of June
Barfleur had sails in full tune
Flag Captain Collingwood fought with renown
But Bowyer and Howe took the crown
At St Vincent the Spanish came on
He took two of their ships in the van
He dismasted the greatest vessel they had
Santissima Trinidad

Whilst Nelson went chasing the French east and west
Cuthbert kept watch on the rest
Keeping the Spanish from putting to sea
For month after month on his lee.
The enemy fleets they made way
Two columns were formed on that day
The weather with Nelson in Vict-or-ee
  But Collingwood led with the lee

So swift was the brave Collingwood
That he was the first to taste blood
The Sovereign fired the very first shot,
And withstood the Spanish onslaught
Then after Nelson was gone,
Cuddy the battle had won
The prizes were lost, as the storm did rage
But he saved the fleet of the age

After Trafalgar he ailed
Ne’er again to England he sailed
They made him a Lord and a medal of gold
But “We need you at sea” he was told
Yes was a son of the Tyne
Sailed many’s the ship of the line
Was buried with Nelson his friend of renown
But for Geordies he takes the crown

© Pete Wood 2010. www.petewood.co.uk