Somewhat esoteric this, but...
….I've been teaching myself to play the tin whistle on and off for rather a long time with varying degrees of success. Finally, I've arrived at the last tune in the Clarke Beginners book (and accompanying CD): "The girl I left behind me" which to my pleasant surprise is identical to Waxies Dargle !!!
Curious and after a bit of research (OK Wiki), it's an English and American marching tune played at the time of the Napoleonic wars. However, it goes back even further - as an English folk song - to the time of Elizabeth the First. Incidentally, I remember it being played in the film "Calendar Girls", accompanying morris dancing, though isn't listed on the soundtrack.
All this got me thinking what's the oldest tune played by the Pogues?
A couple of thoughts:
A form of Greenland Whale Fisheries was apparently published as a ballad pre-1725 though the song itself relates to later events.
Also in the Clarke book is Fanny Power, the basis of the much under-rated London You're a Lady, by O'Carolan (1670-1738), ie after Elizabeth I.
So, is Waxies Dargle the oldest or is anyone aware of an older tune?
EDIT: just found this thread which might be relevant!
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=203&start=105

