Helen Gonne

• Arthur Collins
• Words by Aaron Hoffman, music by Andy Lewis
• Lambert No. 906, 1902
• 2 minutes

This prolific artiste is well known to cylinder record collectors.  The eponymous heroine of the song has a name that appears innocent when written down, however when spoken or, as in this case, sung, was deliberately designed to be miss-interpreted. Our present day mild reaction to such apparently accidental profanity needs to be suspended.  Imagine yourself in an era of prudish sensibilities and a certain level of censorship while you permit yourself a smile at the cleverness of the song writer and Mr Collins’ powerful delivery