The Old Belly Rubbers

This song is based on a story told to me by Island musician and longtime friend Leon Gallant. Playing at the Rustico Lion’s Club he received a request from a local lady for “An old Belly Rubber”. Not sure whether it was a song or a fiddle tune, he informed her that he’d never heard of it. She responded, “just slow things down so we can do a little belly rubbing”. Who ever said that Prince Edward Island wasn’t a romantic place?

The Old Belly Rubber

The old gal came up from the back of the room And called out her special request “Would you play us an old belly rubber?” I hadn’t a clue I confess “A what? “ says I to the silver haired girl She said “belly rubber” again “You know like a waltz or a slow country tune” I could feel my whole face turning red

We got the band playing in three quarter time She hauled up her beau from his chair They cozied up belly to belly And circled the room without care She lay her gray head on his shoulder Whispering soft while they swayed Words that were meant for her only These words that we heard from the stage

Chorus: “Walk with me into the garden Waltz with me under the trees Stroll with me over the sand dunes Waltz with me down by the sea Carry me into the the sunset Follow me into the night Stand by my side in the shadows Waltz with me into the light”

That winter I saw in the Guardian Her name and the words “will be missed” His name showed three months later “May the Lord give him eternal rest” I thought of them there on the dance floor In ‘the Crick’ on a Saturday night Two belly rubbers together Together again in the light

Chorus