It was only a five shilling piece, but it meant as much to me as five pounds.
That same nicht one of the other singers gave me a bit of advice.
"Gae to Glasga, Harry," he said.

"There's the Harmonic Competition.
Ye're dead certain to win a prize." I took his advice, and entered, and I was one of those to win a medal.
That was the first time I had ever sung before total strangers.

I'd always had folk I knew well, friends of mine, for my audience before, and it was a nerve racking experience.

I dressed in character, and the song I sang was an old one I doubt yell ha' heard-"Tooralladdie" it was called.

Here's a verse that will show you what a silly song it was: "Twig auld Tooralladdie, Don't he look immense?
His watch and chain are no his ain His claes cost eighteenpence; Wi' cuffs and collar shabby, 0' mashers he's the daddy; Hats off, stand aside and let Past Tooralladdie!" My success at Glasgow made a great impression among the miners.
Everyone shook hands with me and congratulated me, and I think my head was turned a bit.