Click on the title to link to an "AP" article, December 16, 2009,detailing the police actions against the anti-climate conference protesters.
Markin comment:
It is not clear to me exactly what the anti-climate protesters expected to come out of this conference knowing that the number one abuser, the United States, and the other imperialist powers are basically calling the shots. (And trying, for their own purposes having little to do with climate control, to make China the fall guy). But this I know-those anti-globalization protesters have a right to be on the streets or in the conference rooms. All I would add here, given the grim news about the too rapid heating up of our old planet, is we better get busy with the business of making a socialist revolution in order to really get this impending climate disaster from coming much more quickly than currently projected. In the meantime-Hand Off The Protesters- Release All Detainees!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
*The Roots of Bluesgrass Back In The Day- The Bluegrass Music Of Charlie Poole, The North Carolina Ramblers, and The Highlanders
Click on title to link to YouTube's film clip of Charlie Poole and his band performing "White House Blues"
CD Review
Charlie Poole: The North Carolina Ramblers and The Highlanders, 4 CD set, JSP Records, 2004
The roots of American folk music are not depleted by Child ballads, the blues, city or country, mountain music, cowboy songs or topical Tin Pan Alley tunes as the artist under review, Charlie Poole and his various bands, proved conclusively. Old Charlie took a little from each tradition and created some very nice sounds and arrangements that have been called the direct precursors to what we today call bluegrass music. I agree.
Some of the melodies are very familiar and repeated in various renditions on this four disc CD compilation of Charlie's "greatest hits". It is interesting to compare some different versions of the same song, like "Bill Mason", that are compiled here. While this CD is hardly strictly for the aficionado both that type of listener and novices to bluegrass music will be tapping their feet on many of the tracks on this one. Googling a list of Charlie Poole's lyrics indicated that almost all of them are contained in the songs here, in one form or another. Thus, this may be the definitive collection, although as noted by others more familiar than I with the intricacies of record production the technical quality of this compilation is uneven.
Here are the stick outs on each disc: Disc One -“Wild Horse”, “Budded Rose”, “Goodbye Booze”; Disc Two “Bill Mason”, “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”,“Blue Eyes”; Disc Three- "George Collins”, “ I Once Loved A Sailor”, “Baltimore Fire”, “Sweet Sunny South”; and, Disc Four- “Under The Double Eagle”, “San Antonio”, “If The River Was Whiskey”
Baltimore Fire
It was always through a falls by a narrow.
That I heard a cry I ever shall remember,
The fire sent and cast its burning embers
On another fated city of our land.
Fire, fire, I heard the cry
From every breeze that passes by,
All the world was one sad cry of pity
Strong men in angry praise,
Calling loud to Heaven for aid,
While the fire in ruin was laying
Fair Baltimore, the beautiful city
Amid an awful struggle of commotion,
The wind blew a gale from the ocean,
Brave firemen struggled with devotion,
But they after all proved in vain.
Bill Mason
Bill Mason was an engineer
He'd been on the road all of his life
I'll never forget the morning
He married himself a wife
Bill hadn't been married more than an hour
'Till up came a message from Kress
And ordered Bill to come down
And bring out the night express
While Maggie sat by the window
A waiting for the night express
And if she hadn't a done so
She'd have been a widow, I guess
There was some drunken rascals
That come down by the ridge
They come down by the railroad
And tore off the rail from the bridge
Well, Maggie heard them working
"I guess there's something wrong
In less than fifteen minutes
Bill's train would be along"
She couldn't come near to tell it
A mile it wouldn't've done
She just grabbed up the lantern
And made for the bridge alone
By Jove, Bill saw the signal
And stopped the night express
And found his Maggie crying
On the track in her wedding dress
Her crying and laughing for joy
Still holding on to the light
He came around the curve a-flying
Bill Mason's on time tonight
Budded Rose
Little sweetheart, we have parted
From each other we must go
Many miles may separate us
From this world and care and woe
But I treasure of the promise
That you made me in the lane
When you said we'd be together
When the roses bloom again
Now this parting gives us sorrow
Oh, it almost breaks my heart
But say, darling, will you love me
When we meet no more to part?
Down among the budded roses
I am nothing but a stem
I have parted from my darling
Never more to meet again
Will this parting be forever?
Will there be no coming day
When our hearts will be united
And all troubles pass away?
Darling, meet me up in heaven
That's my true and earnest prayer
If you loved me here on earth, dear
I am sure you'll love me there
If The River Was Whiskey
If the river was whiskey and I was a duck
I'd dive to the bottom and I'd never come up
Oh, tell me how long have I got to wait
Oh, can I get you now, must I hesitate?
If the river was whiskey and the branch was wine
You would see me in bathing just any old time
I was born in England, raised in France
I ordered a suit of clothes and they wouldn't
send the pants
I was born in Alabama, I was raised in Tennessee
If you don't like my peaches, don't shake on my tree
I looked down the road just as far as I could see
A man had my woman and the blues had me
I ain't no doctor but the doctor's son
I can do the doct'rin' till the doctor comes
Got the hesitation stockings, the hesitation shoes
Believe to my Lord I've got the hesitation blues
White House Blues
McKinley hollered, McKinley squalled
Doc said to McKinley, "I can't find that ball",
From Buffalo to Washington
Roosevelt in the White House, he's doing his best
McKinley in the graveyard, he's taking his rest
He's gone a long, long time
Hush up, little children, now don't you fret
You'll draw a pension at your papa's death
From Buffalo to Washington
Roosevelt in the White House drinking out of a silver cup
McKinley in the graveyard, he'll never wake up
He's gone a long, long time
Ain't but one thing that grieves my mind
That is to die and leave my poor wife behind
I'm gone a long, long time
Look here, little children, (don't) waste your breath
You'll draw a pension at your papa's death
From Buffalo to Washington
Standing at the station just looking at the time
See if I could run it by half past nine
From Buffalo to Washington
Came the train, she's just on time
She run a thousand miles from eight o'clock 'till nine,
From Buffalo to Washington
Yonder comes the train, she's coming down the line
Blowing in every station Mr. McKinley's a-dying
It's hard times, hard times
Look-it here you rascal, you see what you've done
You've shot my husband with that Iver-Johnson gun
Carry me back to Washington
Doc's on the horse, he tore down his rein
Said to that horse, "You've got to outrun this train"
From Buffalo to Washington
Doc come a-running, takes off his specs
Said "Mr McKinley, better pass in your checks
You're bound to die, bound to die"
CD Review
Charlie Poole: The North Carolina Ramblers and The Highlanders, 4 CD set, JSP Records, 2004
The roots of American folk music are not depleted by Child ballads, the blues, city or country, mountain music, cowboy songs or topical Tin Pan Alley tunes as the artist under review, Charlie Poole and his various bands, proved conclusively. Old Charlie took a little from each tradition and created some very nice sounds and arrangements that have been called the direct precursors to what we today call bluegrass music. I agree.
Some of the melodies are very familiar and repeated in various renditions on this four disc CD compilation of Charlie's "greatest hits". It is interesting to compare some different versions of the same song, like "Bill Mason", that are compiled here. While this CD is hardly strictly for the aficionado both that type of listener and novices to bluegrass music will be tapping their feet on many of the tracks on this one. Googling a list of Charlie Poole's lyrics indicated that almost all of them are contained in the songs here, in one form or another. Thus, this may be the definitive collection, although as noted by others more familiar than I with the intricacies of record production the technical quality of this compilation is uneven.
Here are the stick outs on each disc: Disc One -“Wild Horse”, “Budded Rose”, “Goodbye Booze”; Disc Two “Bill Mason”, “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”,“Blue Eyes”; Disc Three- "George Collins”, “ I Once Loved A Sailor”, “Baltimore Fire”, “Sweet Sunny South”; and, Disc Four- “Under The Double Eagle”, “San Antonio”, “If The River Was Whiskey”
Baltimore Fire
It was always through a falls by a narrow.
That I heard a cry I ever shall remember,
The fire sent and cast its burning embers
On another fated city of our land.
Fire, fire, I heard the cry
From every breeze that passes by,
All the world was one sad cry of pity
Strong men in angry praise,
Calling loud to Heaven for aid,
While the fire in ruin was laying
Fair Baltimore, the beautiful city
Amid an awful struggle of commotion,
The wind blew a gale from the ocean,
Brave firemen struggled with devotion,
But they after all proved in vain.
Bill Mason
Bill Mason was an engineer
He'd been on the road all of his life
I'll never forget the morning
He married himself a wife
Bill hadn't been married more than an hour
'Till up came a message from Kress
And ordered Bill to come down
And bring out the night express
While Maggie sat by the window
A waiting for the night express
And if she hadn't a done so
She'd have been a widow, I guess
There was some drunken rascals
That come down by the ridge
They come down by the railroad
And tore off the rail from the bridge
Well, Maggie heard them working
"I guess there's something wrong
In less than fifteen minutes
Bill's train would be along"
She couldn't come near to tell it
A mile it wouldn't've done
She just grabbed up the lantern
And made for the bridge alone
By Jove, Bill saw the signal
And stopped the night express
And found his Maggie crying
On the track in her wedding dress
Her crying and laughing for joy
Still holding on to the light
He came around the curve a-flying
Bill Mason's on time tonight
Budded Rose
Little sweetheart, we have parted
From each other we must go
Many miles may separate us
From this world and care and woe
But I treasure of the promise
That you made me in the lane
When you said we'd be together
When the roses bloom again
Now this parting gives us sorrow
Oh, it almost breaks my heart
But say, darling, will you love me
When we meet no more to part?
Down among the budded roses
I am nothing but a stem
I have parted from my darling
Never more to meet again
Will this parting be forever?
Will there be no coming day
When our hearts will be united
And all troubles pass away?
Darling, meet me up in heaven
That's my true and earnest prayer
If you loved me here on earth, dear
I am sure you'll love me there
If The River Was Whiskey
If the river was whiskey and I was a duck
I'd dive to the bottom and I'd never come up
Oh, tell me how long have I got to wait
Oh, can I get you now, must I hesitate?
If the river was whiskey and the branch was wine
You would see me in bathing just any old time
I was born in England, raised in France
I ordered a suit of clothes and they wouldn't
send the pants
I was born in Alabama, I was raised in Tennessee
If you don't like my peaches, don't shake on my tree
I looked down the road just as far as I could see
A man had my woman and the blues had me
I ain't no doctor but the doctor's son
I can do the doct'rin' till the doctor comes
Got the hesitation stockings, the hesitation shoes
Believe to my Lord I've got the hesitation blues
White House Blues
McKinley hollered, McKinley squalled
Doc said to McKinley, "I can't find that ball",
From Buffalo to Washington
Roosevelt in the White House, he's doing his best
McKinley in the graveyard, he's taking his rest
He's gone a long, long time
Hush up, little children, now don't you fret
You'll draw a pension at your papa's death
From Buffalo to Washington
Roosevelt in the White House drinking out of a silver cup
McKinley in the graveyard, he'll never wake up
He's gone a long, long time
Ain't but one thing that grieves my mind
That is to die and leave my poor wife behind
I'm gone a long, long time
Look here, little children, (don't) waste your breath
You'll draw a pension at your papa's death
From Buffalo to Washington
Standing at the station just looking at the time
See if I could run it by half past nine
From Buffalo to Washington
Came the train, she's just on time
She run a thousand miles from eight o'clock 'till nine,
From Buffalo to Washington
Yonder comes the train, she's coming down the line
Blowing in every station Mr. McKinley's a-dying
It's hard times, hard times
Look-it here you rascal, you see what you've done
You've shot my husband with that Iver-Johnson gun
Carry me back to Washington
Doc's on the horse, he tore down his rein
Said to that horse, "You've got to outrun this train"
From Buffalo to Washington
Doc come a-running, takes off his specs
Said "Mr McKinley, better pass in your checks
You're bound to die, bound to die"
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
*The Lessons Of The Republic Factory Occupation- A Guest Commentary From "Socialist Appeal"
Click on the title to link to an article in December 2009 "Socialist Appeal" concerning last year's factory take-over at the Republic Door and Window factory in Chicago.
Monday, December 14, 2009
*Up Close And Personal- Afghan Commander Westmoreland (Oops!) McChrystal Sees The Light At The End Of The Tunnel, Part 2
Click on title to link to a National Public Radio (NPR)/WBUR, December 10, 2009 story/interview about Afghan commander General McChrystal's take on prospects for "victory" in Afghanistan.
Markin comment:
Here's MY take on this one, again. Obama- Immediate Unconditional Withdrawal Of All U.S./Allied Troops (And Mercenaries) From Afghanistan (And Iraq)!
Markin comment:
Here's MY take on this one, again. Obama- Immediate Unconditional Withdrawal Of All U.S./Allied Troops (And Mercenaries) From Afghanistan (And Iraq)!
*Up Close And Personal- Afghan Commander Westmoreland (Oops!) McChrystal Sees The Light At The End Of The Tunnel, Part 1
Click on title to link to a "Washington Post", December 8, 2009 article about Afghan commander General McChrystal's take on prospects for "victory" in Afghanistan.
Markin comment:
Here's MY take on this one. Obama- Immediate Unconditional Withdrawal Of All U.S./Allied Troops (And Mercenaries) From Afghanistan (And Iraq)!
Markin comment:
Here's MY take on this one. Obama- Immediate Unconditional Withdrawal Of All U.S./Allied Troops (And Mercenaries) From Afghanistan (And Iraq)!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
* In Folklorist Harry Smith's House- The Memphis Jug Band- "K.C. Moan"
Click on title to link to YouTube's film clip of The Memphis Jug Band performing "K.C. Moan" from the Harry Smith anthology. Another wow!
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure
K. C. Moan
Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional
Well, I thought I had heard that K C when she moan
Thought I heard that K C when she moan
Thought I heard that K C when she moan
Well, she sound like she got a heavy load
Yes and when I get back on the K C road
When I get back on the K C road
When I get back on the K C road
Gonna love my woman like I never loved before
Well I thought I heard that K C whistle moan
Well I thought I heard that K C whistle moan
Well I thought I heard that K C whistle moan
Well she blow like my woman's on board
When I get back on that K C road
When I get back on that K C road
When I get back on that K C road
Gonna love my baby like I never loved before
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure
K. C. Moan
Lyrics: Traditional
Music: Traditional
Well, I thought I had heard that K C when she moan
Thought I heard that K C when she moan
Thought I heard that K C when she moan
Well, she sound like she got a heavy load
Yes and when I get back on the K C road
When I get back on the K C road
When I get back on the K C road
Gonna love my woman like I never loved before
Well I thought I heard that K C whistle moan
Well I thought I heard that K C whistle moan
Well I thought I heard that K C whistle moan
Well she blow like my woman's on board
When I get back on that K C road
When I get back on that K C road
When I get back on that K C road
Gonna love my baby like I never loved before
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Fishing Blues" — Henry Thomas (1928)
Click on the title to link to a presentation by the artist or of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure
Henry Thomas - Fishing Blues Lyrics
Went up on the hill about twelve o'clock.
Reached right back and got me a pole.
Went to the hardware and got me a hook.
Attached that line right on that hook.
Says you've been a-fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin' fishin' too.
I bet your life, your lovin'wife.
Can catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite if you've got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm a-goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
Looked down the river about one o'clock.
Spied this catfish swimmin' around.
I've got so hungry, didn't know what to do.
I'm gonna get me a catfish too.
Yes, you've been fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
I bet your life your lovin' wife.
Catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite, got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
Put on your skillet, don't never mind your lead.
Mama gonna cook 'em with the short'nin' bread.
Says you been fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin a-fishin' too.
I bet your life, your lovin' wife.
Can catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite, if you've got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure
Henry Thomas - Fishing Blues Lyrics
Went up on the hill about twelve o'clock.
Reached right back and got me a pole.
Went to the hardware and got me a hook.
Attached that line right on that hook.
Says you've been a-fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin' fishin' too.
I bet your life, your lovin'wife.
Can catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite if you've got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm a-goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
Looked down the river about one o'clock.
Spied this catfish swimmin' around.
I've got so hungry, didn't know what to do.
I'm gonna get me a catfish too.
Yes, you've been fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
I bet your life your lovin' wife.
Catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite, got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
Put on your skillet, don't never mind your lead.
Mama gonna cook 'em with the short'nin' bread.
Says you been fishin' all the time.
I'm a-goin a-fishin' too.
I bet your life, your lovin' wife.
Can catch more fish than you.
Any fish bite, if you've got good bait.
Here's a little somethin' I would like to relate.
Any fish bite, you've got good bait.
I'm a-goin' a-fishin', yes, I'm goin' a-fishin',
I'm a-goin' a-fishin' too.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Bob Lee Junior Blues" — The Memphis Jug Band (1927)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"The Spanish Merchant's Daughter" — The Stoneman Family (1930)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The Spanish Merchant's Daughter
Tarry Trousers
Download Midi File
John Renfro Davis
Information Lyrics
This version is from Sam Henry's Songs of the People. He relates it to sixteen different songs and cross references it to fourteen others! One of the songs it is related to is Oh No, John! Other versions of the song are a conversation between a mother and her daughter.
Tarry trousers refers to the sailor's practice of waterproofing their trousers with tar. This may be among the reasons sailors were referred to as "tars," a term used since 1676. Between 1857 and 1891 sailors also wore black 'tarpaulin' hats (boater-shaped with ribbon around the crown). The term "Jack Tar" has been in use since the 1780s.
A song with a theme similar to Oh No, John!, The Dumb Lady, Or, No no not I, I'le answer, was printed on a broadside circa 1672-84. It also appears in an earlier manuscript (circa 1635-40) but the lyrics are unreadable due to waterstains. It was published as Consent at Last in Thomas D'Urfey's Wit and Mirth or Pills to Purge Melancholy in 1700. It is also known as The Spanish Merchant's Daughter.
Yonder stands a pretty maiden,
Who she is I do not know,
I'll go court her for her beauty,
Let her answer yes or no.
'Pretty maid, I've come to court you,
If your favour I do gain
And you make me hearty welcome,
I will call this way again.'
'Sit you down, you're heart'ly welcome,
Sit you down and chat a while,
Sit you down, you're heart'ly welcome,
Suppose you do not call again?'
'Pretty little maid, I've gold and riches,
Pretty little maid, I've houses and lands,
Pretty little maid, I've worldly treasures.
And all will be at your command.'
'What do I care for your worldly treasures?
What do I care for your houses and lands?
What do I care for your gold and riches?
All that I want is a nice young man.'
'Why do you dive so deep in beauty?
It is a flower will soon decay,
It's like the rose that blooms in summer
When winter comes, it fades away.'
'My love wears the tarry trousers,
My love wears the jacket blue,
My love ploughs the deep blue ocean,
So, young man, be off with you.'
Variants at this site:
Oh No, John (1) (A set of bawdy lyrics)
Oh No, John (2) (Sanitized lyrics from Cecil Sharp)
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The Spanish Merchant's Daughter
Tarry Trousers
Download Midi File
John Renfro Davis
Information Lyrics
This version is from Sam Henry's Songs of the People. He relates it to sixteen different songs and cross references it to fourteen others! One of the songs it is related to is Oh No, John! Other versions of the song are a conversation between a mother and her daughter.
Tarry trousers refers to the sailor's practice of waterproofing their trousers with tar. This may be among the reasons sailors were referred to as "tars," a term used since 1676. Between 1857 and 1891 sailors also wore black 'tarpaulin' hats (boater-shaped with ribbon around the crown). The term "Jack Tar" has been in use since the 1780s.
A song with a theme similar to Oh No, John!, The Dumb Lady, Or, No no not I, I'le answer, was printed on a broadside circa 1672-84. It also appears in an earlier manuscript (circa 1635-40) but the lyrics are unreadable due to waterstains. It was published as Consent at Last in Thomas D'Urfey's Wit and Mirth or Pills to Purge Melancholy in 1700. It is also known as The Spanish Merchant's Daughter.
Yonder stands a pretty maiden,
Who she is I do not know,
I'll go court her for her beauty,
Let her answer yes or no.
'Pretty maid, I've come to court you,
If your favour I do gain
And you make me hearty welcome,
I will call this way again.'
'Sit you down, you're heart'ly welcome,
Sit you down and chat a while,
Sit you down, you're heart'ly welcome,
Suppose you do not call again?'
'Pretty little maid, I've gold and riches,
Pretty little maid, I've houses and lands,
Pretty little maid, I've worldly treasures.
And all will be at your command.'
'What do I care for your worldly treasures?
What do I care for your houses and lands?
What do I care for your gold and riches?
All that I want is a nice young man.'
'Why do you dive so deep in beauty?
It is a flower will soon decay,
It's like the rose that blooms in summer
When winter comes, it fades away.'
'My love wears the tarry trousers,
My love wears the jacket blue,
My love ploughs the deep blue ocean,
So, young man, be off with you.'
Variants at this site:
Oh No, John (1) (A set of bawdy lyrics)
Oh No, John (2) (Sanitized lyrics from Cecil Sharp)
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Mountaineer's Courtship" — Ernest Stoneman and Hattie Stoneman (1926)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"I Wish I Was a Mole In the Ground" — Bascom Lamar Lunsford (1928)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Digital Tradition Mirror
I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground
(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available
I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground
I wish l was a mole in the ground.
Yes, I wish I was a mole in the ground:
'F I'se a mole in the ground, l'd root that mountain down,
And I wish I was a mole in the ground.
Oh, Kimpy wants a nine-dollar shawl.
Yes, Kimpy wants a nine-dollar shawl;
When I come o'er the hill with a forty-dollar bill,
'Tis "Baby, where you been so Iong?"
I been in the pen so long.
Yes, I been in the pen so long;
l been in the pen with the rough and rowdy men.
'Tis "Baby, where you been so long?"
I don't like a railroad man.
No, l don't like a railroad man;
'Cause a railroad man they'll kill you when he can,
And drink up your blood like wine.
I wish I was a lizard in the spring.
Ycs, l wish I was a l;zard in the spring;
'F I'se a lizard in the spring, I'd hear my darlin' sing,
An' I wish l was a lizard in the spring.
Come, Kimpy, let your hair roll down.
Kimpy let your hair roll down;
Let your hair roll down and your bangs curl around,
Oh, Kimpy, let your hair roll down.
l wish I was a mole in the ground.
Yes, I wish I was a mole in the ground:
'F I'se a mole in the ground, I'd root that mountain down,
An'I wish I was a mole in the ground.
From Bascom Lamar Lunceford.
RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Digital Tradition Mirror
I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground
(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available
I Wish I Was a Mole in the Ground
I wish l was a mole in the ground.
Yes, I wish I was a mole in the ground:
'F I'se a mole in the ground, l'd root that mountain down,
And I wish I was a mole in the ground.
Oh, Kimpy wants a nine-dollar shawl.
Yes, Kimpy wants a nine-dollar shawl;
When I come o'er the hill with a forty-dollar bill,
'Tis "Baby, where you been so Iong?"
I been in the pen so long.
Yes, I been in the pen so long;
l been in the pen with the rough and rowdy men.
'Tis "Baby, where you been so long?"
I don't like a railroad man.
No, l don't like a railroad man;
'Cause a railroad man they'll kill you when he can,
And drink up your blood like wine.
I wish I was a lizard in the spring.
Ycs, l wish I was a l;zard in the spring;
'F I'se a lizard in the spring, I'd hear my darlin' sing,
An' I wish l was a lizard in the spring.
Come, Kimpy, let your hair roll down.
Kimpy let your hair roll down;
Let your hair roll down and your bangs curl around,
Oh, Kimpy, let your hair roll down.
l wish I was a mole in the ground.
Yes, I wish I was a mole in the ground:
'F I'se a mole in the ground, I'd root that mountain down,
An'I wish I was a mole in the ground.
From Bascom Lamar Lunceford.
RG
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House- "Sugar Baby" — Dock Boggs (1928)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Sugar Baby
Oh I've got no sugar baby now
All I can do is to seek peace with you
And I can't get along this a-way
Can't get along this a-way
All I can do, I've said all I can say
I'll send it to your mama next payday
Send you to your mama next payday.
I got no use for the red rockin' chair,
I've got no honey baby now
Got no sugar baby now
Who'll rock the cradle, who'll sing the song
Who'll rock the cradle when I'm gone
Who'll rock the cradle when I'm gone?
I'll rock the cradle, I'll sing the song
I'll rock the cradle when you gone.
It's all I can do
It's all I can say,
I will send you to your mama next payday
Laid her in the shade, give her every dime I made
What more could a poor boy do
What more could a poor boy do?
Oh I've got no honey baby now
Got no sugar baby now
Said all I can say, I've done all I can do
And I can't make a living with you
Can't make a living with you
found on: The Harry Smith Connection: A Live Tribute
words: Doc Boggs (traditional)
last performed: October 21, 1999, Lounge Ax, Chicago (Tweedy)
back to the Wilco lyrics archive
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Sugar Baby
Oh I've got no sugar baby now
All I can do is to seek peace with you
And I can't get along this a-way
Can't get along this a-way
All I can do, I've said all I can say
I'll send it to your mama next payday
Send you to your mama next payday.
I got no use for the red rockin' chair,
I've got no honey baby now
Got no sugar baby now
Who'll rock the cradle, who'll sing the song
Who'll rock the cradle when I'm gone
Who'll rock the cradle when I'm gone?
I'll rock the cradle, I'll sing the song
I'll rock the cradle when you gone.
It's all I can do
It's all I can say,
I will send you to your mama next payday
Laid her in the shade, give her every dime I made
What more could a poor boy do
What more could a poor boy do?
Oh I've got no honey baby now
Got no sugar baby now
Said all I can say, I've done all I can do
And I can't make a living with you
Can't make a living with you
found on: The Harry Smith Connection: A Live Tribute
words: Doc Boggs (traditional)
last performed: October 21, 1999, Lounge Ax, Chicago (Tweedy)
back to the Wilco lyrics archive
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"I Woke Up One Morning In May" — Didier Hebert (1929)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Minglewood Blues" — Cannon's Jug Stompers (1928)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Minglewood Blues
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
Lord I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
If you're comin' back baby now's your only chance
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
So don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Boy don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Well she's a married woman, Lord she comes to see me some time
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
Lord I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
If you're comin' back baby now's your only chance
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
So don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Boy don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Well she's a married woman, Lord she comes to see me some time
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
Lord I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
If you're comin' back baby now's your only chance
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
So don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Boy don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Well she's a married woman, Lord she comes to see me some time
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, and worried all the time
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
She'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
Minglewood Blues
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
Lord I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
If you're comin' back baby now's your only chance
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
So don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Boy don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Well she's a married woman, Lord she comes to see me some time
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
Lord I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
If you're comin' back baby now's your only chance
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
So don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Boy don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Well she's a married woman, Lord she comes to see me some time
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
Well I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
Lord I got a letter mama and you ought to heard what it read
If you're comin' back baby now's your only chance
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
So don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Boy don't you wish that your fair girl was li'l and cute like mine
Well she's a married woman, Lord she comes to see me some time
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, and worried all the time
Well don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Don't you never let no woman rule your mind
Well she'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
She'll leave you troubled, worried all the time
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"East Virginia" — Buell Kazee (1929)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
"East Virginia"
I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did roam,
There I met a fair young lady,
Her name I do not know.
Oh Her hair was dark and curly,
And her cheeks were rosy red,
On her breast she wore white lilies,
There I long to lay my head.
I dont want your greenback dollar,
I dont want your watch and chain,
All I want's your heart darling,
Say you'll take me back again.
The ocean's deep and I can't wade it
And I have no wings to fly
I'll just get me a blue eyed boatman
Or you'll row me over the tide
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leaving North Carolinians alone
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leaving North Carolinians alone
In case I missed anything here is the full song
I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did go,
There I met a fair young lady,
And her name I do not know.
Oh, her hair was dark and curly,
And her cheeks were rosy red,
On her breast she wore white lilies,
Where I long to lay my head.
I don't want your greenback dollar,
I don't want your watch and chain,
All I want's your heart darling,
Say you'll take me back again.
The ocean's deep and I can't wade it,
And I have no wings to fly,
I'll just get me a blue eyed boatman,
Or you'll row me over the tide.
I'll go back to East Virginia,
North Carolina ain't my home,
I'll go back to East Virginia,
Leaving North Carolinians alone.
I'll go back to East Virginia,
North Carolina ain't my home,
I'll go back to East Virginia,
Leaving North Carolinians alone.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
"East Virginia"
I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did roam,
There I met a fair young lady,
Her name I do not know.
Oh Her hair was dark and curly,
And her cheeks were rosy red,
On her breast she wore white lilies,
There I long to lay my head.
I dont want your greenback dollar,
I dont want your watch and chain,
All I want's your heart darling,
Say you'll take me back again.
The ocean's deep and I can't wade it
And I have no wings to fly
I'll just get me a blue eyed boatman
Or you'll row me over the tide
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leaving North Carolinians alone
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leaving North Carolinians alone
In case I missed anything here is the full song
I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did go,
There I met a fair young lady,
And her name I do not know.
Oh, her hair was dark and curly,
And her cheeks were rosy red,
On her breast she wore white lilies,
Where I long to lay my head.
I don't want your greenback dollar,
I don't want your watch and chain,
All I want's your heart darling,
Say you'll take me back again.
The ocean's deep and I can't wade it,
And I have no wings to fly,
I'll just get me a blue eyed boatman,
Or you'll row me over the tide.
I'll go back to East Virginia,
North Carolina ain't my home,
I'll go back to East Virginia,
Leaving North Carolinians alone.
I'll go back to East Virginia,
North Carolina ain't my home,
I'll go back to East Virginia,
Leaving North Carolinians alone.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-Volume Three: Songs-"The Coo Coo Bird" — Clarence Ashley (1929)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
"The Coo Coo Bird (Cuckoo)"
Oh the cuckoo she's a pretty bird
She warbles as she flies
She never hollers coo coo till the fourth day
of July
Gonna build me log cabin
On a mountain so high
So I can see Willie as he goes on by
Well I've played cards in Texas
And I've played cards in Maine
Oh I'll bet you five dollars I'll beat you
next game
Jack of Diamonds Jack of Diamonds
Oh I know you of old
You robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey
Oh I know you of old
You robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
*Sometimes I feel much younger
Sometimes I feel so old
Sometimes the warm sun shines sometimes it's
dreadful cold
Oh the cuckoo she's a pretty bird
How I wish she was mine
She never drinks water she only drinks wine
(repeat first verse)
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
"The Coo Coo Bird (Cuckoo)"
Oh the cuckoo she's a pretty bird
She warbles as she flies
She never hollers coo coo till the fourth day
of July
Gonna build me log cabin
On a mountain so high
So I can see Willie as he goes on by
Well I've played cards in Texas
And I've played cards in Maine
Oh I'll bet you five dollars I'll beat you
next game
Jack of Diamonds Jack of Diamonds
Oh I know you of old
You robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey
Oh I know you of old
You robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
*Sometimes I feel much younger
Sometimes I feel so old
Sometimes the warm sun shines sometimes it's
dreadful cold
Oh the cuckoo she's a pretty bird
How I wish she was mine
She never drinks water she only drinks wine
(repeat first verse)
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"I'm In the Battle Field for My Lord" — Rev. D.C. Rice and His Sanctified Congregation (1929)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Fifty Miles of Elbow Room" — Rev. F.W. McGee (1931)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Shine On Me" — Ernest Phipps and His Holiness Singers (1930)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
*In Folklorist Harry Smith’s House-"Little Moses" — The Carter Family (1932)
Click on the title to link to a presentation of the song listed in the headline.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
LITTLE MOSES
(trad./A. P. Carter)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any copyrighted material on these pages is used in "fair use", for the purpose of study, review or critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s).
Audio files are DELIBERATELY encoded "low-fi" to enable faster streaming and are intended as "illustrations" and "appetizers" only.
Official and "hi-fi" recordings can (and should) be purchased at your local record dealer or through a number of web-based companies, like CDNow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered by Dylan
during Mar 5, 1970 "Self Portrait" sessions (credited to Bert A. Williams/Earle C. Jones),
during 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour
(a fragment with Dylan on piano, probably dating from Nov 1975 is part of the "Renaldo and Clara" soundtrack),
performed live in 1992 and 1993.
DOWNLOAD & LISTEN to a Bob Dylan live performance
(San José, CA, May 9, 1992) (Real Audio, 444 KB)
Dylan's most likely source is The Carter Family's recording (RCA Studios, Camden, NJ, Feb 14, 1929, included in Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music (track 53) on Folkways, (possibly through Joan Baez's rendition).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALAN LOMAX:
Little Moses... belongs to the category of the religious ballad. Such songs were common in the Middle Ages....
Liner notes for "White Spirituals," Atlantic SD-1349.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LYRICS FROM ORIGINAL CARTER FAMILY RECORDING,
transcribed by Manfred Helfert.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Away by the river so clear,
The ladies were winding their way,
And Pharaoh's little daughter stepped down in the water
To bathe in the cool of the day.
Before it was dark she opened the ark
And found the sweet infant was there.
And away by the waters so blue,
The infant was lonely and sad.
She took him in pity and thought him so pretty
And it made little Moses so glad.
She called him her own, her beautiful son
And sent for a nurse that was near.
And away by the river so clear,
They carried the beautiful child,
To his own tender mother, his sister and brother,
Little Moses looked happy and smiled.
His mother so good done all that she could
To rear him and teach him with care.
And away by the sea that was red,
Little Moses the servant of God,
While in him confided, the sea was divided,
As upward he lifted his rod.
The Jews safely crossed while Pharaoh's host
Was drownded in the waters and lost.
And away on the mountain so high,
The last one that ever might see,
While in his victorious, his hope was most glorious
He'd soon o'er the Jordan be free.
When his labor did cease, he departed in peace
And rested in the Heavens above.
The year 2009 has turned into something a year of review of the folk revival of the 1960s. In November I featured a posting of many of the episodes (via “YouTube”) of Pete Seeger’s classic folk television show from the 1960s, “Rainbow Quest”. I propose to do the same here to end out the year with as many of the selections from Harry Smith’s seminal “Anthology Of American Folk Music,” in one place, as I was able to find material for, either lyrics or "YouTube" performances (not necessarily by the original performer). This is down at the roots, for sure.
LITTLE MOSES
(trad./A. P. Carter)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Any copyrighted material on these pages is used in "fair use", for the purpose of study, review or critical analysis only, and will be removed at the request of copyright owner(s).
Audio files are DELIBERATELY encoded "low-fi" to enable faster streaming and are intended as "illustrations" and "appetizers" only.
Official and "hi-fi" recordings can (and should) be purchased at your local record dealer or through a number of web-based companies, like CDNow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Covered by Dylan
during Mar 5, 1970 "Self Portrait" sessions (credited to Bert A. Williams/Earle C. Jones),
during 1975 Rolling Thunder Revue tour
(a fragment with Dylan on piano, probably dating from Nov 1975 is part of the "Renaldo and Clara" soundtrack),
performed live in 1992 and 1993.
DOWNLOAD & LISTEN to a Bob Dylan live performance
(San José, CA, May 9, 1992) (Real Audio, 444 KB)
Dylan's most likely source is The Carter Family's recording (RCA Studios, Camden, NJ, Feb 14, 1929, included in Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music (track 53) on Folkways, (possibly through Joan Baez's rendition).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALAN LOMAX:
Little Moses... belongs to the category of the religious ballad. Such songs were common in the Middle Ages....
Liner notes for "White Spirituals," Atlantic SD-1349.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LYRICS FROM ORIGINAL CARTER FAMILY RECORDING,
transcribed by Manfred Helfert.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Away by the river so clear,
The ladies were winding their way,
And Pharaoh's little daughter stepped down in the water
To bathe in the cool of the day.
Before it was dark she opened the ark
And found the sweet infant was there.
And away by the waters so blue,
The infant was lonely and sad.
She took him in pity and thought him so pretty
And it made little Moses so glad.
She called him her own, her beautiful son
And sent for a nurse that was near.
And away by the river so clear,
They carried the beautiful child,
To his own tender mother, his sister and brother,
Little Moses looked happy and smiled.
His mother so good done all that she could
To rear him and teach him with care.
And away by the sea that was red,
Little Moses the servant of God,
While in him confided, the sea was divided,
As upward he lifted his rod.
The Jews safely crossed while Pharaoh's host
Was drownded in the waters and lost.
And away on the mountain so high,
The last one that ever might see,
While in his victorious, his hope was most glorious
He'd soon o'er the Jordan be free.
When his labor did cease, he departed in peace
And rested in the Heavens above.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)