Atta Matta by Paige Temperley

The story of Atta Matta (aka. Shirley Ritchie), a well-known and well-loved character of the East End in the 1970s and 1980s was told to us by community member Margaret and we were intrigued! Through research, Paige learned more about her life and wrote this song inspired by tales of pubs, the rink and Alan the Boot. The song is located at Nicholson Close (then Nicholson Court) because Shirley and her family lived there for some time.

LYRICS Verse 1 Daughter of the rat catcher, Old George street’s local connosieur
Jimmy’s wife, known for her words And to three kids a mother

When times were hard A penny down She vowed that she’d be back around And back she came, her word was sound By no debt she’d be bound

Chorus ‘Atta Matta Atta Matta’ were the words she’d say And hope kindness would come your way Atta Matta Atta Matta now of Hendon Town In fur coat she’d be found

Verse 2 Well conversed with those she’d met Fond of a back street cigarette Donning a second hand dress She was a captivating guest

Visits to East End Tap Rooms Would see no drink wasted to soon Finders keepers was the rule A lady writing her own tune

Chorus ‘Atta Matta Atta Matta’ were the words she’d say And hope kindness would come your way Atta Matta Atta Matta now of Hendon Town In fur coat she’d be found

Middle 8 Her painting hung on the wall of the Boars head The good people talk of all the things she said A staple woman of the town Known by all of those around Another like her won’t be found ooh

Outro Atta Matta x8