The pitheads and bings were the mountains of old
When the dark nineteen twenty's brought cares of their own
The sons of the miners knew when they were grown
They'd follow the path to the mine
But one lad just listened as his father would play
On an old button box at the close of the day
The sound of the pit wheel would fade far away
As the music took over his mind
Chorus:
So dance to me darlin' to the old button box
With you in my arms we'll turn back the clock
And Will, if you're listening, the 'Jacqueline Waltz'
Is playing in our dreams tonight
But for all of the pleasure and joy that he gave
His fame brought no fortune from cradle to grave
He struggled through dark days, determined and brave
'Til at last, he was free from the pain
And now when I'm lonely I know I can hear
A gentle accordion tune in my ear
I feel all the cares of the day disappear
'Just listen who's playing again.'
Chorus:
So dance to me darlin' to the old button box
With you in my arms we'll turn back the clock
And Will, if you're listening, the 'Jacqueline Waltz'
Is playing in our dreams tonight
Note:
This song was written as a tribute to Will Starr, to commemorate his life, his famous composition 'The Jacqueline Waltz' and the pleasure he brought to so many Scots all over the world.
Many Scottish recording artists have given their own rendition of this song in a tribute to the great man and as a mark of how much they admired his contribution to accordion playing and the Scottish musical tradition.