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I have an ear worm - "Call away the Diyso". I want the lyrics so I can exorcise this. I couldn't find it on YouTube, and even the Mudcats forum has let me down. Perhaps my spelling is at fault. If anyone can help, or remind me of the singer, I would be much obliged.

Got anything more for us to go by? ABCs, more lyrics, something?

It's about the diyso, which is a kind of water-taxi in Valetta harbour in Malta. It was written by a chap who was in the UK navy, and was stationed there. Apparently a big queue builds up at the end of the evening when the bars close. It's written in couplets, with a refrain of "And the last boats are leaving" and "Call away the diyso". It's supposed to be built up from fragments he overheard while waiting, but it does compose a melancholic story. The only verses I recall are

"He's a better man by far
And the last boats are leaving
And he drives a yankee car
Call away the Diyso.

He took a hairpin bend
And the last boats are leaving
For my love it was the end
Call away the diyso."

Sammy's Bar: https://mainlynorfolk.info/cyril.tawney ... ysbar.html

I think the writer died recently?

The song is Sammy's Bar by Cyril Tawney.

Sammy's bar sung by Hissyfit.


David

Never would have thought to look for this spelling: Dgħajsa.

bigalguitarpicker wrote:I think the writer died recently?

Almost twelve years ago, apparently.

Thank you, Gentlefolk!