Sally's Come Back (And Brought The Sunshine Home)

Album: not on an album (1925)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • There are a number of songs that feature a Sally of "our alley," one dating to 1725, but this one surely has the most bizarre cultural reference. Albert Pierrepoint (1905-92) served as hangman from 1932-56 following in the footsteps of both his father and his uncle.

    In his autobiography Executioner: Pierrepoint he wrote of a prisoner whom he gave the pseudonym Gerald Hutchins for some reason. A little research shows this man to have been Jeremiah Hanbury who was hanged by Albert Pierrepoint assisting his uncle, Thomas, although Albert, who was still learning his grisly trade, took the lead on this occasion. Jeremiah Hanbury had murdered Jessie Payne the previous October; she was a married woman with whom he'd had an affair, although he had also paid her for sex on occasion. The quite vicious killing was followed by a failed suicide attempt. Hanbury put on a brave face for his execution at Winson Prison on February 2, 1933, and, said Pierrepoint, had sung it for much of the morning:

    Sally's come back
    Sally's come back
    And she's living down our alley
    Although she's been away
    For many a day
    Sally
    Is just as sweet and pally...
  • The song was written by Harry Carlton and was recorded at Hayes on July 14, 1925 by Jack Hylton and his Orchestra. It was also recorded by Fred Barnes. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.