Subject: Halloween Songs From: BeauDangles Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:03 PM Ahh, it's that time again! The Wheel of the Year has turned nearly a full cycle, and it is nearly time for my favorite holiday. Halloween! Who doesn't thrill secretly at the stealthy approach of the Great Pumpkin? And as is usual for me at this time of year, I begin to muse on my list of all time favorite songs that I would feature at the bestest of all Halloween Parties. Over the years I have compiled what I think to be a very spooky menu of songs to stir the hairs at the back of the neck. I thought I would open it to public consumption and see what you 'Cats could add to it. Don't limit yourself to any one genre of music. Your songs can be vocal or instrumental, serious or comical, electric or acoustic. But they must all be scary. Here's what I have so far:
1. Anything and everything from Alice Cooper's Welcome to My Nightmare. BeauDangles
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Subject: Lyr Add: AN IRISHMAN'S SHANTY^^ From: rabbitrunning Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:16 PM Oh, O'Leary is dead and O'Riley don't know it O'Riley is dead and O'Leary don't know it They're both of them dead and they're in the same bed And neither one knows that the other one's dead. Found it in a book when I was a kid. Have no idea what the right tune is. I sing it to a bit that got used a lot in old movies to indicate that someone was from Ireland. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Gary T Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:31 PM There's "Haunted House"--I forget who did the original (even though I have it on 45), but the chart version was by Jumpin' Gene Simmons, now of Kiss.[*] "Marie Laveau" recorded by Bobby Bare would qualify. There are also other songs about this voodoo queen, some perhaps with the same title.
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Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: BeauDangles Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:31 PM Hey Rabbit! I belive that little snippet is sung to the tune of the Irish Washerwoman. BeauD |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: BeauDangles Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:34 PM Whoops! I got the hiccups! Of course, there is always Bad Moon Rising by CCR. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Mbo Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:46 PM All the songs 7 music from Disney's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" including The Rakes of Mallow...sung by Bing Crosby. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: rabbitrunning Date: 25 Sep 00 - 07:50 PM Me too -- I should know better than to try to proofread after I've hit the submit button. Ghost Riders in the Sky Did anyone ever put James Whitcomb Riley's "Little Orphant Annie" to music? That's a great Halloween read. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Ely Date: 25 Sep 00 - 08:52 PM "Purple People Eater" (1958? around there) was written and recorded by Sheb Wooley (Pete Nolan on "Rawhide"). How about "Ghost of John [or Tom]" (long white bones with no skin on/oooo, ooooo/ wouldn't it be chilly with no skin on?). I loved that one when I learned it in kindergarten. I was always a bit of a morbid child. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Kara Date: 25 Sep 00 - 09:29 PM The Irish Ballad (Rickerty tickerty tin) by Tom Lehrer Long Black Veil Kara |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Hotspur Date: 25 Sep 00 - 10:36 PM With 'er 'ead tucked underneath 'er arm She waaaaaaaaaaaaalks the Bloody Tower With 'er 'ead tucked underneath 'er arm At the midnight 'our. (That's from The Ballad of Anne Boleyn, of course.)
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Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: richlmo Date: 25 Sep 00 - 10:38 PM "PUMPKIN HEAD HARVEY" |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: @play Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:14 PM Tam Lin, by Fairport Convention |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Ely Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:41 PM Isn't there one, it's sort of a chant, like those clapping games kids play, and I can't really remember the words, but it ends something like "and when the [?] began to crack, was like a penknife in my back, and when my back began to bleed, I was dead and dead, indeed." [See A MAN OF WORDS AND NOT OF DEEDS. --Mudelf] |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Mbo Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:52 PM Yep Ely, we were just discussing that song back in the "Kid's Stuff" thread. It's actually in the DT, believe it or not, under "Sandy Toy." --M |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: L R Mole Date: 26 Sep 00 - 11:20 AM Well, there's all the death-teen songs ("Teen Angel" by Mark Dinning, etc.) and a lot of Walter (Wendy) Carlos' score from Clockwork Orange. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Margaret V Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:08 PM I refreshed a "Favorite Fall Songs" thread from last year that might be of interest. Margaret |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Peg Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:13 PM I think Loreena McKennitt's a cappella version of "She Moved Through the Faire," just for variety's sake...it is haunting as all get out (she does it with harp in concert for some reason)...
my additions to your wonderful compilation: |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Grab Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:34 PM A good one which probably no-one knows is "48 years", by Alastair Sanger (aka the Fat Man), written for the computer game "7th Guest". A lovely bit of piano in it, and _incredibly_ spooky - sends shivers down your back. I think there's an MP3 of it on http://www.fatman.com/listen.htm Grab. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: BeauDangles Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:37 PM Ooh! Peg, nice choices there! Esp. Loreena McKennitt. Another one just occurred to me. I can't remember who did it, but I think it is called....
Hey there Li'l Red Riding Hood, |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: rabbitrunning Date: 27 Sep 00 - 01:36 AM Oh, yeah! Loved Little Red Riding Hood when I was a kid.
When I was a kid I learned a little halloween song, but I don't remember all the words. Anyone get this one in school?
Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: rabbitrunning Date: 27 Sep 00 - 01:41 AM Beau, try here for Little red riding hood. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Russ Date: 27 Sep 00 - 11:59 AM Don't forget: Lyke Wake Dirge (Pentangle) Reynardine (Fairport Convention) Hemlocks and Primroses (Justice & Hawker) |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Lonesome EJ Date: 27 Sep 00 - 12:54 PM Yeah, Gary T! "Haunted House" is a terrific tune...
"I bought this house now you know I'm bound
It also had another line, like "He drank the hot grease from the fryin' pan |
Subject: Lyr Add: MRS. RAVOON^^^ From: Naemanson Date: 27 Sep 00 - 02:36 PM Try this one. I learned it from a recording of a radio interview with Kendall a local folk show I think hosted by Anne Dodson. He performed it accompanied himself with guitar. Kendall, what are the chords? MRS. RAVOON
I climbed the clock tower 'neath the noonday sun;
Mrs. Ravoon, Mrs. Ravoon,
I stole through the dungeon whilst everyone slept
I stood by the water, so green and thick,
I pulled in my line and I took my first look
I went to an amateur butcher I know
I ran through the marsh 'midst the lightning and thunder, Old English rhyme set to music by Tom Mastin. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,kendall Date: 27 Sep 00 - 02:50 PM I play it with the capo at the 3rd fret. Positions are. Am Em Am Em Am. C Em Am G Am.chorus C Em C G Am. If you want a copy of theis, buy Biginners Luck!!
There is a song we used to sing at Halloween called Jack o Lantern
Jack O lantern burns his candle
Owls upon the waving tree tops hoot through the windy night |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: richlmo Date: 27 Sep 00 - 10:09 PM "Long Black Veil" -Trad., "Miss Ghost"- Don Henley "Brown Mountain Light" -Tommy Faile, "I Put a Spell on You" - John Fogarty - probably my favorite. Does anyone listen to John Boy and Billy? Pumpkin Head Harvey. My kids loved it, we heard it almost every day going to school, before Halloween. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Margaret V Date: 27 Sep 00 - 10:13 PM How about "Miss Bailey's Ghost?" [=The Unfortunate Miss Bailey?] I sing the version done by Mick Hanly. Margaret |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,BeauDangles Date: 02 Oct 00 - 06:23 PM Hmmm, I seem to have lost my cookie. Well, that's the way it crumbles I guess. I just remembered another cool Halloween Song. Moon over Bourbon Street, by Sting. BeauD |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: bflat Date: 02 Oct 00 - 06:44 PM Singer/songwriter Richard Schindell has a contemporary breakup song for Halloween on his Sparrows Point CD i.e., "Are You Happy Now?" You can listen to a clip from his website www.richardschindell.com (I think that's it) if you want the flavor of the song. Art imitating life! bflat |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Susan of DT Date: 02 Oct 00 - 08:35 PM See @myth for a variety of ghosts, devils, mythical beasties, etc |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Musicman Date: 02 Oct 00 - 10:36 PM Many years ago, I recieved a Halloween card from my mom..... On the front were these words: "Halloween is becoming a forgotten holiday. We dedicated followers of the Great Pumpkin must do something to rekindle the Halloween spirit. Let us not rest until the universe resounds with PUMPKIN CAROLS". You may find the words to "The Peanuts Book of Pumpkin Carols" here (hope this works) enjoy........ musicman |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Bill D Date: 02 Oct 00 - 10:53 PM I learned Mrs. Ravoon from a Folk-Legacy recording of Harry Tufts many years ago....it has sort of become associated with me locally...*sigh*...I had to begin saying "ONLY at Halloween" a REALLY weird little thing that fits at Halloween is "On the Amazon" by Don McLean |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 02 Oct 00 - 11:02 PM 'Oh Death' is a charming little tune I associate with Dock Boggs... Macabre at its finest! |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Bill D Date: 02 Oct 00 - 11:08 PM "Oh Death" was done on a record by Nimrod Workman, also...great song!..(he was in maybe his 80s when he recorded it...sent chills up my spine) |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: hesperis Date: 02 Oct 00 - 11:19 PM Little Hawk does some amazing werewolf songs. Selina Kerr wrote a fantastic song called "In Death She Blooms" about her interpretation of Ophelia's death. I wrote the vocal part and arranged it, and it is really cool!
I love "Little Red Riding Hood" even though most people I know are sick of it. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Michael in Swansea Date: 03 Oct 00 - 04:02 AM Would "Mister Fox" fall into this category? It makes me feel chilly. It's in the DT Mike |
Subject: Lyr Add: HAUNTED HOUSE (Jumpin' Gene Simmons) From: GUEST Date: 03 Oct 00 - 01:50 PM HAUNTED HOUSE As recorded by Jumpin' Gene Simmons, 1964. I just moved in my new house today. Movin' was hard but I got squared away. Bells started ringin' and chains rattled loud. I knew I'd moved in a haunted house. Still, I made up in my mind to stay. Nothin' was a-goin' to drive me away. When I seen somethin' that give me the creeps, Had one big eye and-a two big feet. I stood right still and I did the freeze. He did the stroll right up to me, Made a noise with his feet that sound like a drum, Say, "You'll be here when the mornin' come." Say, "Yes, I'll be here when the mornin' comes. I'll be right here and I ain't gonna run. I bought this house; now, you know I'm boss. Ain't no haint gonna run me off." In my kitchen, my stove was a-blazin' hot Coffee was a-boilin' in the pot. The grease had melted in my pan. I had a hunk o' meat in my hand. From out of space there sat a man On the hot stove with the pots and pans. "Say, that's hot," I began to shout. He drank the hot coffee right from the spout. He ate the raw meat right from my hand, Drank the hot grease from the fryin' pan. He said to me, "Now, you better run, And don't be here when the mornin' comes." Say, "Yes, I'll be here when the mornin' comes. I'll be right here and I ain't gonna run. I bought this house; now you know I'm boss. Ain't no haint gonna run me off." WW |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 03 Oct 00 - 02:32 PM Possibility: Call retirement homes and nursing homes--the biggest ones you can find first--and talk to the activities director. Offer a show, and ask if there is a budget for such. Some of them do pay. Not big money, but a dollar is a dollar most any old time. Dave Oesterreich |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: SDShad Date: 18 Oct 00 - 04:04 PM As I turn to revising my Halloween mix for this year, I'll be walking away from this thread with some new ideas, and will throw in a few from my extant mix:
I'm thinking of adding a number of those mentioned above (esp. "Skeletons In My Closet" (the actual title of "48 Years") which I never would've thought of, even though I once thought of learning it--thanks, Grab!, never thought I'd see it mentioned on the 'Cat!), plus Grieg's "In the Hall of the Mountain King." Chris |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: radriano Date: 18 Oct 00 - 06:45 PM Here's a few I like: Sir Aldingar Mr. Fox The Ghostly Crew The Holland Handkerchief Long Lankin Robber Bridegroom The Two Magicians |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,BeauDangles Date: 19 Oct 00 - 01:51 PM Hey Chris, Great list of spooky songs. I just remembered two more the other day: Season of the Witch (Donovan) & Clap for the Wolfman (The Guess Who). Gosh, I love Halloween! BeauD |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: sadie damascus Date: 06 Jan 01 - 05:12 AM Does anyone have more songs about Mr. Fox (Reynardine) or Foxy? |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Vampira Date: 10 Sep 01 - 04:35 AM I looked up this old thread for ideas for this Halloween, and I noticed no one had mentioned: There's also a ghost mentioned in "If You Could Read My Mind." And how about "The Farmer's Curst Wife"? any more? |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: The Walrus at work Date: 10 Sep 01 - 08:30 AM I've been beaten to "Zombie Jamboree". Would "The Devil and the Feathery Wife" count? Walrus |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: ard mhacha Date: 10 Sep 01 - 09:05 AM Halloween, the Eve of All Saints is not celebrated in England, it is celebrated in Ireland and of course the US, in all my years working in England I never heard it mentioned. In England, Guy Fawkes Day on the 5th of November was celebrated in a similar fashion. The big question is why is it so big in the US, curious to know which ethnic group was responsible for introducing it. Slan Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Murray MacLeod Date: 10 Sep 01 - 09:14 AM Halloween is a really big deal here, although we celebrated it in Scotland when I was a kid, but nothing like to the same extent as in the US. It appears to be be kind of traditional here for men to dress up in women's clothing for Halloween parties, a custom with which I have reluctantly complied for the last couple of years. This year, I plan to go as Dolly Parton. Songs to be performed will include will include "I Enjoy Being a Girl" from "South Pacific" and "W.O.M.A.N" by Peggy Lee. Murray |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: LR Mole Date: 10 Sep 01 - 09:40 AM Roy Buchanan (RIP) did a nice almost-rockabilly version of "Haunted House" on his first album. Todd Rundgren does one song called "Wolfman Jack", about the legendary DJ, on "Something/Anything", as well as a creepy one called "Black Maria". Ry Cooder's version of "One Meat Ball" on his first album gives me the willies (don't know why, really). And speaking of "Oh, Death", you could probably get a whole tape off the Harry Smith Anthology. I wouldn't stay at your house that night, though. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: ard mhacha Date: 10 Sep 01 - 10:56 AM Murray, The tradition of men dressing up as women in Ireland on Halloween was also part of the many rituals connected with the festival. Slan Ard Mhacha. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,California Ghoul Date: 12 Sep 01 - 01:23 AM Gotta re-mention "With 'Er 'Ead Tucked Underneath 'Er Arm (Anne Boleyn"), "Witchy Woman," "Monster Mash," "Dry Bones," and "Spooky."
How about "Thriller"?
Then there's the old camp song,
Did you ever think when the hearse goes by |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: kendall Date: 26 Sep 01 - 06:44 PM Lost Jimmy Whalen/Whelan, sung by Joan Sprung on Folk Legacy records. She also sings a very spooky one called The Mistletoe Bough. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Stewart Date: 26 Sep 01 - 07:14 PM My choice - THE GREEN LADY. Cheers, S. in Seattle |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Greyeyes Date: 27 Sep 01 - 09:12 AM It is not entirely true that Halloween is not celebrated in England. Trick or Treating has become more popular in recent years, but in my childhood, (early seventies), we always had a Halloween party, with special food and games, particularly bobbing for apples. It is sad to see the English way of celebrating these old festivals gradually dying out and being replaced by American style activities, but that's globalisation at work. Guy Fawkes night is not a big event in the calendar of English Catholics. Bit of a non-musical diversion: I went to a boarding school in Devon called Allhallows, which not surprisingly was pretty big on Halloween. In the C19, before the school moved there, a cargo ship laden with marble was wrecked on Halloween on the coast below the cliffs on which the school perched. The master of the big house later gained salvage rights to the ship and its cargo and built a great marble staircase in the house. The ghost of the ship's captain was said to walk up the cliff path into the house every year on Allhallow's Eve. The 6th form boys used to collect sacks of seaweed from the beach every year and at dead of night spread it in the entrance to what we called the Main School, along the corridor and up the marble staircase. The trail disappeared outside the Headmaster's study on the upstairs corridor. It was all very Harry Potter looking back on it.
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Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Jack the Sailor Date: 27 Sep 01 - 11:21 AM "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" had a piece called "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. John Fogerty's second solo album had some good spooky stuff. "Spiders and Snakes"--Jim Stafford. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: IanC Date: 27 Sep 01 - 11:35 AM GreyEyes Thanks. Traditionally, in parts of England, Halloween was another carolling day, with a souling song (begging song) used to accompany visits to local houses. See the other thread here.
:-) |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: John J Date: 27 Sep 01 - 12:53 PM Check out any Souling Plays that are performed in your area, Souling Plays are performed at All Souls, which is immediately AFTER Halloween. John |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: VoxFox Date: 27 Sep 01 - 01:24 PM Just jumping in with a ditty my father played on the piano called "Spooky Takes a Holiday", I don't know any more about it or if there are words or not but it used to make me giggle when he played it so rousingly on a dark and rainy night.Sadly he's gone but the song lingers on....VF |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Greyeyes Date: 27 Sep 01 - 02:48 PM Halloween, Oct.31st, is of course the eve of All Saints Day, Nov 1st. All Souls Day was Nov 2nd, but the souling songs and plays were often performed on All Souls Eve, or the evening of Nov 1st. To further confuse matters many of the songs and customs predate christianity anyway and are more to do with Samhain, the pagan festival which took place around the beginning of November. According to Brewer it is coincidental that the Catholic church holds All Souls day so close to Halloween, Click here here is an interesting article about souling. |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Greyeyes Date: 27 Sep 01 - 03:03 PM I meant to say here is an interesting article about souling. Greyeyes needs to go back to blue-clicky school. Instructions in the FAQ. -Joe Offer |
Subject: RE: BS: Halloween Songs From: Gloredhel Date: 27 Sep 01 - 08:36 PM As a Roman Catholic, I object to the statement that All-Souls being celebrated close to Halloween is a coincidence. First, the word Halloween is All-Hallow's Eve, or the eve of All Saints Day, Nov. 1st. Second, for All Saints and All Souls Days to be placed together makes sense. These two being placed close to the Celtic celebration of the dead at Samhain was a deliberate part on the move of the Catholic Church to replace the pagan celebrations with their own rituals. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Joe Offer Date: 27 Sep 01 - 09:11 PM I don't know if I'd say the establishment of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls (and Christmas, for that matter) were deliberate moves to replace pagan celebrations. These celebrations came from local churches, and quite obviously grew from pagan feasts that were part of local tradition. The celebrations grew in popularity as centuries went on, and were eventually accepted by the church as official. By the time they became "official," the pagan roots of the feasts had long been forgotten. It seems to have been a process of natural growth (folk process???), not establishing something to replace an older tradition. -Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: John P Date: 28 Sep 01 - 01:57 AM Oh Boy, we get to play a Halloween concert this year with our friends William Pint and Felicia Dale. We'll probably do--
Death and the Lady, There's lots of good stuff for this holiday. I think William and Felicia used to do--
Mr. Fox, John Peekstok |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Greyeyes Date: 28 Sep 01 - 03:48 AM "Greyeyes needs to go back to blue-clicky school. Instructions in the FAQ" Harsh but fair, Joe. It had been a long day, the caretaker was trying to lock up and throw me out, and the server was on the blink. More haste less speed I think. Thanks for fixing the link. Gloredhel, the statement that the placing of All Souls Day was a coincidence was my reading of the story related in Brewer's Phrase and Fable, (see link above). If you follow This link The Columbia Encyclopedia states that the celebrations and customs associated with All Souls Day were a completely separate development from Halloween. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Cllr Date: 28 Sep 01 - 05:10 AM What a great thread. I have to agree, gloredhel. Sorry, Joe, but I think you're wrong on this one. "Like Christmas and Easter, the festival of Hallowe'en originated in Pagan celebration. Even though its name derives from the Christian festival of All Hallows or All Saints Day... in the eighth century All Hallows' Day was moved to November the first to counteract Pagan celebrations held on that date." For example, the timing of Christmas was due to a pagan festival previously a bonfire to encourage the Sun to return in the depths of winter, and because it's difficult to make the serfs give up their holidays (Holy days) they just wacked in a different meaning while allowing the serfs their time off while weaning them away to the new religion. As far as Halloween celebration (I'm drawing a distinction between recent customs over the last two hundred years and its origins many centuries ago) goes, the Irish have always been big on it and the American version of celebrating the modern Halloween comes from these Irish origins, while in England we are following on (commercially at least) from you merkins. Don't forget, one of the reasons we don't celebrate individual days as much as the Americans is that we have on average four to five weeks' holiday a year and you lot seem to get far less. Sadie Damascus was asking about Reynardine usually boxing day in the UK is a day for the big hunt more Christmas than Halloween. Robb Johnson has written one (on his Album "Maggie Thatcher- My part in her downfall" irregular records) called Boxing Day with the chorus:
"And it feels like winter, John P say Hello to William and Felicia for me, I booked them last year as my last guests at the folk club I was running (Uxbridge) before I left. It was on my birthday and it was a fantastic night. And finally Halloween songs The whole Album of the king of elfland's daughter (with Christopher Lee and Derek Brimestone on it) Cllr
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Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Greyeyes Date: 28 Sep 01 - 07:19 AM I don't dispute that Allhallows Day was placed on 1st Nov deliberately to counteract pagan celebrations, it is the placing of All Souls day on 2nd Nov that the references above suggest were coincidental. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Cllr Date: 28 Sep 01 - 08:19 AM Grey eyes I was disagreeing with Joe Offer He said "I don't know if I'd say the establishment of the feasts of All Saints and All Souls (and Christmas, for that matter) were deliberate moves to replace pagan celebrations" I replied ... in the eighth century All Hallows' day was moved to November the first to counteract Pagan celebrations held on that date..." As such it is fairly obvious, to me at least, that there is deliberate positioning of the festival dates. And as this was the main thrust of Gloredhel's post I agree with her as well. Cllr Ilove halloween parties for whatever the reason! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Greyeyes Date: 28 Sep 01 - 08:29 AM Gloredhel said "As a Roman Catholic, I object to the statement that All-Souls being celebrated close to Halloween is a coincidence." Anyway we all seem to be in broad agreement. And yes, what a great thread. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Bat Goddess Date: 28 Sep 01 - 12:15 PM Ooh, Kendall! Thanks for reminding me! "Mistletoe Bough" is probably one of the most sad/scary beautifully morbid songs I know. Been meaning to learn it for years (from Joan's LP) but not sure if I'll ever have occasion to sing it in public, so others seem to take priority. Bat Goddess |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Joe Offer Date: 28 Sep 01 - 08:14 PM Can anybody supply leads to historical documents that prove the Christian feasts were established to counteract pagan celebrations held on the same dates? The Christian feasts have many elements related to their pagan predecessors - this would seem to indicate an evolution from the pagan celebrations, rather than something legislated to supplant the pagan feasts. I'll stick to my "folk process" theory until somebody comes up with solid evidence to the contrary. I've studied a lot of church history - most everything in churches happens by evolution, and then is eventually made official by some sort of decree. It would seem that people kept their traditions after they converted to Christianity, more-or-less putting a Christian "spin" on things they had done for centuries. I realize that it was once common practice for Christians to deny that their faith had in any way developed from earlier paganism, but more recent students of church history see a much closer relationship between Christian traditions and earlier pagan traditions. Christian theologians also have developed a much more favorable view of ancient paganism, and the earlier religions are no longer rejected as "evil." Perhaps those who call themselves pagans might consider doing the same favor to Christianity - to look to see what we all have in common, and to see where there is good in all systems of belief. -Joe Offer- |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,mgarvey@pacifier.com Date: 29 Sep 01 - 12:44 AM I'll be posting something under Watchfires...but anyway, on November 1 at 9 p.m. (your time) people around the world will be lighting watchfires...from a candle to a bonfire, to guide lost souls home. There is a lot of history and folklore associated with this. Vietnam veterans especially have been doing this over the last few years. Please join us and let us light up the world. mg |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Blackcatter Date: 29 Sep 01 - 01:36 AM Hi Joe & All, Among the historians of the modern Pagan movement as well as esteemed individuals such as Joseph Campbell is is generally considered that the Christian Church did not create holidays or celebrations to directly counteract the Pagan celebrations. Insead, what usually happened was that the King, Prince or Chieftain of a certain place converted to Christianity and made a decree that everyone in his land had to convert. The cycle of celebrations would have their "meaning" changed but much of the ritual stayed the same. This was likely to be done to sort of wean the people away from the old religion. In place where that didn't work, the Christian Church killed people. Did the Church have malicious intent in taking over the ancient rituals? In many ways probably not, but the be honest, when you are a leader of the "one true religion" it is easy to treat other faiths as wrong, misguided or evil. Another bit of evidence for how the Christians approached the conversion of Pagans is that so many of the Catholic Saints are actually based on Pagan Deities. There was a whole industry in the middle ages in developing the biographies of invented saints. Haigiography is the name for that. pax yall
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Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: John P Date: 29 Sep 01 - 05:42 PM It seems like folks just sort of naturally have a harvest feast, a mid-winter celebration, a Spring-time celebration, etc., no matter what religion they are, or even if they don't have any religion. Of course, relgions try to make them into holy days . . . JP |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Kaleea Date: 30 Sep 01 - 12:13 AM My fav is the original--"Night on Bald Mountain"--you may recall this from Disney's "Fantasia", however, what I play on Hallowe'en to scare the trick or treaters is Gregorian Chant on low speed--backwards! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Walking Eagle Date: 30 Sep 01 - 01:26 PM Wow! I made it through this looooooooooooooooong thread and I still have a song to offer. Bringing Mary Home! I can't believe that I have something to offer that wasn't mentioned before. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Genie Date: 30 Sep 01 - 01:47 PM California Ghoul, We used to sing the "When I Die" song, "...the worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, the ants play pinochle on your snout ..." |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: HelenJ Date: 30 Sep 01 - 03:33 PM "Old Pendle" and " Matthew Hopkins". HelenJ. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Folky1 Date: 30 Sep 01 - 11:16 PM I can't believe no one has mentioned Michael Smith's song "Vampire". Claudia Schmidt recorded a bang-up version of it early in her career. It's the most haunting song I know for this theme. Buddy Mondlock has a fun song called "Skeleton" about a skeleton in his closet. "The Unquiet Grave" is good too. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Bert Date: 01 Oct 01 - 02:16 AM "Ain't It Grand to be Bloomin' Well Dead." is one. I usually resort to "Tom Pierce" [=Widecombe Fair?] or my own "Plastic Flower Seeds". Joe, Years ago the magazine "The Essex Countryside" published a very good article on the pagan stone at Beauchamp (pronounced Beecham) Roding. It told the legend of how the stone, which the pagans used to worship, was brought down to the village to be incorporated into the Christian church which was then being built. This was done so that the pagans would have to come to the church when they wanted to worship their stone. This was a common practice in those times and several other churches were mentioned which had 'pagan stones' built into their walls (Stratford is the only other one that I can remember). Legend has it that during the night, the devil came down (or would that be UP) and took the stone back to its rightful home on the top of a nearby hill. The church builders brought it back down again the next day, but it was returned to its hilltop again that night. After trying several times, the church builders finally gave up the battle and built their church up on the hill alongside the stone. When you next go to England, be sure to include Beauchamp Roding on your tour and see the pagan stone in the churchyard. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) Date: 01 Oct 01 - 10:31 PM Here's an old round we liked:
Have you seen the ghost of John? And of course, we couldn't get through Mischief Night without, "There was an old woman all skin and bones...." |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Peg Date: 01 Oct 01 - 11:11 PM Thanks for mentioning "Vampire" as I was about to do the same. One of the best modern scholars on the subject of the replacement of old pagan feast days and festivals with church-based holidays is Ronald Hutton; may I recommend hsi books The Rise and Fall of Merrie England and Stations of the Sun. It is amusing to me that anyone doubts this... Winter Solstice/Yule falls on December 20-22/Christmas is December 25th. A great many secular symbols prevail here (candles and lights--solstice is the rebirth of the light--or the sun or "the son"; frankincense had been sacred to solar gods well before the age of Christianity; trees, holly, mistletoe...) Ostara/Eostre (feast of Teutonic spring fertility goddess) falls near full moon after spring equinox, as does EASTER (Eostre/easter???) and how about all those secular symbols we associate with easter which seem rather, ahem, fertile in their meaning (eggs, bunnies, flowers)? Samhain (Gaelic for Summer's End)/Hallowe'en/All Saint's Day/All Soul's Day, on October 31 thru November 2: all are feasts/celebrations of the dead.
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Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Johnny Dabone Date: 01 Oct 01 - 11:25 PM How the heck can we get this far in the thread without somebody mentioning the mighty Black Sabbath? C'mon now! The song "Black Sabbath" itself works wonderfully on any Halloween mix tape. You could throw in just about anything by the Sabbs, including powerhouse numbers like "Children Of The Grave" and "NIB". If you don't have any Sabbath on a Halloween tape, you will quite likely and justly become the object of scorn by your more discriminating party-goers. C'mon now!! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Adrienne Date: 02 Oct 01 - 12:14 AM I don't think anyone has mentioned "Riders on the Storm" by the Doors. That always scared me to death if it came on the radio when I was home alone. Also, around 1970 there was a song called "Timothy" about a miner, trapped in a cave, resorting to cannibalism. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Genie Date: 03 Oct 01 - 03:02 AM How about "Bad Moon Rising"? Come to think of it, "Lookin' Out My Back Door" is pretty freaky, too! Genie |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Peg Date: 03 Oct 01 - 09:29 AM How about "I Want Candy" by Bow Wow Wow?
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Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Walking Eagle Date: 03 Oct 01 - 12:21 PM Ghost Riders in the Sky also comes to mind. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: VoxFox Date: 03 Oct 01 - 01:44 PM Here's a few more from the rock side:
The Dead Next Door - Billy Idol This is great and I'm picking up lots of ideas for future use. Keep 'em coming. VF |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,JD Date: 04 Oct 01 - 01:41 PM Night Prowler by AC/DC, and Midnight Rambler by the Stones. And ANYTHING by Black Sabbath. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: iamjohnne Date: 04 Oct 01 - 01:53 PM I remember an old country-flavored tune, can't recall the artist though:
Just moved in my new house today. And of course, my memory fails me. I can't remember the rest of the song. I guess I am just gonna have to admit that I am old. Johnne |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Dani Date: 04 Oct 01 - 10:26 PM Walking Eagle, what's "Bringing Mary Home"? Dani |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Peg Date: 05 Oct 01 - 01:14 AM "Are You Happy Now?" mentions Hallowe'en (a couple breaks up that day) I forget who wrote it.
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Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Firecat Date: 06 Oct 01 - 12:11 PM If you're wanting spooky pop songs, I recommend Backstreet Boys "Backstreet's Back" for it's "Thriller-esque" video. Another good one is by a five piece British pop group called allSTARS. It's called "Things That Go Bump In The Night" and it featured in their TV series STARStreet. "Beware of the full moon |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: DMcG Date: 07 Oct 01 - 06:22 AM This is the first timeI've read this thread, so this thread so I've a long of catching up to do .... Greyeyes said "Guy Fawkes night is not a big event in the calendar of English Catholics." I can see why, but in my English Catholic family it always was a big event. There are certainly places like Lewes where the anti-catholic aspects can be a major feature, but in the areas I came from the event was de-politicised and simply a great excuse for a neighbourly party. Is the date of All Souls (2nd Nov) a co-incidence or an attempt to replace pagen festival (like All-Saints on 1st)? I always understood that All Saints was a displacement of the pagan festival, but that All Souls was placed to be next to All Saints. The theological link is that All Saints celebrates all those who have 'officially made it' but have not been allocated a special Saint's day, whereas "All Souls" celebrates those who have not been recognised officially even though those who knew them recognise their saintly qualities, together with those who, while not perhaps particular saintly were not clearly destined for damnation. Therefore together the two days celebrate all those who have triumphed over evil. Finally some songs - The souling classics at the start of this thread, such as "A soul, a soul, a soul-cake" from lots of singers; "Guy, Guy, Guy" which I've only heard from Martyn Windham-Read (how can anyone have three parts to a name where you are unsure how to spell any of them?) and "Welcome Cold November". More generally, how about "Digging Graves is my Delight" [=Dust to Dust]? |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Julia Date: 07 Oct 01 - 08:38 PM How about "The Unquiet Grave", "Wife of Usher's Well", "Alabama John Cherokee" "Alison Gross" and "On Ilkla Moor Baht Hat" |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Julia Date: 07 Oct 01 - 08:49 PM Oh yes and "Tom of Bedlam" and "Lowlands"... |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE PHANTOM SHIP (Julia Lane) From: Julia Date: 07 Oct 01 - 09:14 PM DUH! I actually wrote a supernatural song and recorded it on my album "Song of the Sea" My son came home with the story after visiting with some old fishermen near our home (in Maine)- this ship supposedly sails John's Bay on the full of the moon. Here it is for anyone interested THE PHANTOM SHIP © 1995 JULIA LANE BMI When you went down to the shore last night what did you see? Did you see a lofty ship sailing fast and free? Sail away, sail away, sailing fast and free Sail away, sail away, across the moonlit sea When I went down to the shore last night a ship I saw And the moon was like a shining sail there in the rigging tall Shine away, shine away, there in the rigging tall Shine away, shine away, a light to guide them all And there upon that moonlit ship did you see a man Who stood so tall upon the deck with sailors at command Standing tall, standing tall, with sailors at command Standing tall, standing tall so strong of voice and hand Alas I saw no captain brave standing tall and true Indeed I saw not a soul on board, neither captain or crew Not a soul, not a soul did man the ship as she flew Not a soul, not a soul, and the wind in the rigging blew When you went down to the shore last night what did you see? Did you see a lofty ship sailing fast and free? Sail away, sail away, sailing fast and free Sail away, sail away, across the moonlit sea Reminds me of an old poem called "The Dash" about a similar ship that shows up when a past crew member dies to take them away. Oughta make a song out of that one too |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Genie Date: 08 Oct 01 - 01:56 PM This campfire thread has some scary, ghostly songs and stories, too. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,JD Date: 09 Oct 01 - 01:27 AM Put a fork in this thread. It's done. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Mr Red Date: 09 Oct 01 - 05:34 PM I wrote a parody of "The Old Barbed Wire" "If You Want to Find the Warlock" It took me about 30 minutes at the Folk Club. This included a lot of sing-along chorus songs as well so it is dead easy to learn. I will post as soon as I get a moment. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Mr Red Date: 09 Oct 01 - 06:32 PM lyrics to a Halloween song, I hope the blickie works - IF YOU WANT TO FIND THE WARLOCK history to the song - John Duncan (JD) sidled up to me one club night at the Somers FC and showed me a song - a back of the envelope, half finished, but thouroughly meritorious jobbie. One which I could quite easily finish off for him, couldn't I? Hmmmm. Well, of course it can be done but on any given night the probability is low. I begged to be excused. However, at this juncture it dawned on me that I had no repertoire to do justice to the witching eve. So in that context I did in fact move into high gear and (as if by magic) those words came. (Casting a spell?) I sang it myself one hour later. Sorry John. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: BluesMojo Date: 10 Oct 01 - 03:24 AM I've seen I Put A Spell On You posted several times as a CCR/John Fogerty Song, but I believe Screamin' Jay Hawkins was the one that wrote and did the definitive version of that song. I could be wrong though, it wouldn't be an earth-shattering occurrence :) |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 10 Oct 01 - 03:29 AM http://www.electricscotland.com/burns/halloween.html |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Genie Date: 10 Oct 01 - 03:47 PM Abracadabra! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Genie Date: 10 Oct 01 - 03:49 PM Ah, guest! It worked! Your entry has been magically clickified! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Rory B Date: 10 Oct 01 - 05:07 PM I love the way Audience did that song (I Put a Spell on You) very awesome!! -Rory- |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Barracuda d'Morte Date: 10 Oct 01 - 10:07 PM How about some nautical Halloween songs?
The Derelict (15 Men on a Dead Man's chest, Yo ho ho, and a bottle of rum) Well, you get the idea..... Also, someone early in this thread said "rickety tickety tin" and I think they meant "The Irish Ballad" by Tom Lehrer (About a maid I'll sing a song) |
Subject: Lyr/Tune Add: BRINGING MARY HOME (John Duffey)^^^ From: Mark Clark Date: 18 Oct 01 - 08:03 PM Walking Eagle and Dani mentioned John Duffey's great song “Bringing Mary Home” so I thought I'd post it here for collection later. - Mark
BRINGING MARY HOMEBy John Duffey
I was driving down a lonely road one dark and stormy night, (D,C,G)
She must have been so frightened all alone there in the night,
I pulled into the driveway where she told me to go,
A light shone from the porch, someone opened up the door,
But thirteen years ago tonight in a wreck just down the road, |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Ghoulfiend Date: 26 Oct 01 - 10:34 PM Refreshing this, since folks will be looking for Halloween playlists. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: SDShad Date: 31 Oct 01 - 03:54 PM Quick refresh for anyone putting together a last-minute Halloween playlist, and a posting of my complete playlist for this year (many repeats from last year, but oh well). I've got many new ideas from this thread to hunt down for next year's list, however..... Shad's 2001 Halloween Mix:
Jim Stafford - Swamp Witch |
Subject: Lyr Add: HALLOWEEN NIGHT SONG (Dahlov Ipcar) From: GUEST,Calico Date: 03 Nov 01 - 05:13 AM In a "cat hymn" thread, Charley Noble recently posted this song, which he says his mother sent him. HALLOWEEN NIGHT SONG (Words by Dahlov Ipcar © 2001; No tune)
My black cat cried to go out last night
A great orange moon hung there above
My black cat clawed and scratched the door
But when I opened the door he ran
So now I know that my black cat
If I were a witch on Halloween,
With my black cat I'd take my flight |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Jim Dixon Date: 18 Jan 02 - 02:03 PM Joe Offer: On 28-Sep-01, you asked "Can anybody supply leads to historical documents that prove the Christian feasts were established to counteract pagan celebrations held on the same dates?" This doesn't exactly prove the statement you were questioning, but it does sort of validate the underlying philosophy. In Chapter XXX of Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English Nation, Book I, Bede quotes a letter from Pope Gregory I to Abbot Mellitus, A. D. 601. In it, Mellitus is instructed to carry a message to Augustine, Bishop of Canterbury*, saying that Augustine is to destroy only idols, and not the temples of the idols, but rather to convert the temples into churches. "For there is no doubt that it is impossible to efface everything at once from their obdurate minds; because he who endeavours to ascend to the highest place, rises by degrees or steps, and not by leaps." The letter doesn't say anything about the dates of festivals, but I think the letter is probably the source of the belief that pagan festivals were converted to Christian festivals in the same way that pagan temples were converted to Christian churches. I don't blame you for being skeptical about this belief. You are not alone. The Catholic Encyclopedia article on Christmas, which appears to be carefully researched and documented, is inconclusive about the origin of the date Dec. 25. I am also skeptical about the theory that Dec. 25 was chosen to coincide with the winter solstice. I don't think either the people who built Stonehenge or the Christians who proselytized them were such poor astronomers as to be as much as 3 days off in their calculations. *By the way, until I researched this topic myself, I never realized that Augustine of Canterbury and Augustine of Hippo were two different people! I had always confused them! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Murray MacLeod Date: 18 Jan 02 - 02:10 PM You sometimes confuse me as well, Jim ..... Murray |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Jim Dixon Date: 18 Jan 02 - 02:26 PM And to make things even more confusing, in chapter XXXII of Bede's Ecclesiastical History, Gregory seems to contradict himself. He instructs King Ethelbert to "overthrow the structures of the temples"! To me that sounds like "tear them down." |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 02 Oct 06 - 03:03 AM Help! We just continued our 6-year tradition and visited Dorney Park (in Allentown PA) on the first Sunday of October. The park theme, of course, is Halloween. Every year now, I hear the same soundtrack played on the park's loudspeakers - and there are a few songs that I just HAVE to have a recording of! I (sort of) know the names of two of the songs: "The Great Escape from the Planet of the Apes" and "Moonlight Shadow". Another is by "The Cure", while another is an instrumental with a high, tinkling piano in some oddball time signature. I know that this description is fuzzy, but if anybody can help me find recordings of these songs (without asking the Park), please let me know at zteam@dejazzd.com! Bob Zambanini |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Scoville Date: 02 Oct 06 - 08:41 PM I was just thinking "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" might qualify, even though it's not folk. Somewhere I've got a Bob Beers recording of "The Black-Haired Lass" that features a ghost, too. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: The Sandman Date: 03 Oct 06 - 12:32 PM the annual general meeting of the ghosts by john m garrett is good.it used to be available in a book called Jims yolk songs, from the EFDSS. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Cats Date: 04 Oct 06 - 12:45 PM A couple of years ago on 31st October, Jon, Mike O'Connor and I did an evening for some people from the USA who were over in Cornwall looking for their spiritual roots. We did an evening for them in a hotel overlooking the sea at Tintagel. The weather outside was seriously rough and the sea was crashing on the rocks just outside the window, gales blowing in... get the picture? We did a lot of local folklore ranging from a Celtic blessing with candles being lit to open the evening, I told the story of Mr Fox's Wedding and as well as Tam Lin [only 42 verses of it] we did Reynardine and in one part just sang the vowel sounds to get a very spooky effect!! Very spooky. This year Mike and I are playing in Bodmin at the Local History Society. I am doing the true story of Joan Wytte, the witch from Bodmin who ended up as an exhibit in the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle [if you've seen the skeleton, you'll know who I mean. Mike has written the music for it and has written a song about her called Spirit in the Storm. If you're anywhere around the area come along as it will be a very poignant evening. If you want to sing the songs, please do. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,mg Date: 04 Oct 06 - 01:03 PM I thought I mentioned this in this threaed before but maybe another thread. Kate Long of Washington State. Puyallup??? wrote this absolutely wonderful song about a disfigured child who only felt normal on Halloween and joined in the activities and then became a recluse for the rest of the year. It was very moving and very subtle so you don't get it till the end. She has a CD out. mg |
Subject: Lyr Add: CREMATION OF SAM MCGEE (Robert Service) From: GUEST,RB Date: 05 Oct 06 - 02:37 AM Here's a creepy one I haven't noticed on the list yet, by Robert Service. The great California singer Mary McCaslin recorded this back in the seventies. THE CREMATION OF SAM MCGEE There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold; The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did see Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee. Now Sam McGee was from Tennessee, Where the cotton blooms and blows. Why he left his home in the South to roam 'Round the Pole, God only knows. He was always cold, but the land of gold Seemed to hold him like a spell; Though he'd often say in his homely way That he'd "sooner live in hell". On a Christmas Day we were mushing our way Over the Dawson trail. Talk of your cold! Through the parka's fold It stabbed like a driven nail. If our eyes we'd close, then the lashes froze Till sometimes we couldn't see; It wasn't much fun, but the only one To whimper was Sam McGee. And that very night, as we lay packed tight In our robes beneath the snow, And the dogs were fed, and the stars o'erhead Were dancing heel and toe, He turned to me, and "Cap," says he, "I'll cash in this trip, I guess; And if I do, I'm asking that you Won’t refuse my last request." Well, he seemed so low that I couldn't say no; Then he says with a sort of moan: "It's the cursed cold, and it's got right hold Till I'm chilled clean through to the bone. Yet 'tain't being dead -- it's my awful dread Of the icy grave that pains; So I want you to swear that, foul or fair, You’ll cremate my last remains." A pal's last need is a thing to heed, So I swore I would not fail; And we started on at the streak of dawn; But God! he looked ghastly pale. He crouched on the sleigh, and he raved all day Of his home in Tennessee; And before nightfall a corpse was all That was left of Sam McGee. There wasn't a breath in that land of death, And I hurried, horror-driven, With a corpse half hid that I couldn't get rid, Because of a promise given; It was lashed to the sleigh, and it seemed to say: "You may tax your brawn and brains, But you promised true, and it's up to you To cremate those last remains." Now a promise made is a debt unpaid, And the trail has its own stern code. In the days to come, though my lips were dumb, In my heart how I cursed that load. In the long, long night, by the lone firelight, While the huskies, round in a ring, Howled out their woes to the homeless snows -- O God! How I loathed the thing. And every day that quiet clay Seemed to heavy and heavier grow; And on I went, though the dogs were spent And the grub was getting low; The trail was bad, and I felt half mad, But I swore I would not give in; And I'd often sing to the hateful thing, And it hearkened with a grin. Till I came to the marge of Lake Lebarge, And a derelict there lay; It was jammed in the ice, but I saw in a trice It was called the "Alice May". And I looked at it, and I thought a bit, And I looked at my frozen chum; Then "Here," said I, with a sudden cry, "Is my cre-ma-tor-eum." Some planks I tore from the cabin floor, And I lit the boiler fire; Some coal I found that was lying around, And I heaped the fuel higher; The flames just soared, and the furnace roared -- Such a blaze you seldom see; And I burrowed a hole in the glowing coal, And I stuffed in Sam McGee. Then I made a hike, for I didn't like To hear him sizzle so; And the heavens scowled, and the huskies howled, And the wind began to blow. It was icy cold, but the hot sweat rolled Down my cheeks, and I don't know why; And the greasy smoke in an inky cloak Went streaking down the sky. I do not know how long in the snow I wrestled with grisly fear; But the stars came out and they danced about Ere again I ventured near; I was sick with dread, but I bravely said: "I'll just take a peep inside. I guess he's cooked, and it's time I looked"; . . . Then the door I opened wide. And there sat Sam, looking cool and calm, In the heart of the furnace roar; And he wore a smile you could see a mile, And he said: "Please close that door. It's fine in here, but I greatly fear You’ll let in the cold and storm -- Since I left Plumtree, down in Tennessee, It’s the first time I've been warm." There are strange things done in the midnight sun By the men who moil for gold; The Arctic trails have their secret tales That would make your blood run cold; The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, But the queerest they ever did see Was that night on the marge of Lake Lebarge I cremated Sam McGee. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 22 Sep 07 - 10:19 PM The Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Mike Date: 22 Sep 07 - 10:28 PM Love Potion # 9 - The Searchers Creatures Of The Night - Kiss Strange Magic - Electric Light Orchestra Halloween Parade - Lou Reed Out of Limits - The Marketts |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: katlaughing Date: 23 Sep 07 - 05:30 PM My grandson's preschool teacher read them a Halloween book the other day which was an adaptation of the "There was an old woman who swallowed a fly." It was really cute, but I wish she'd taught it to them as a song, instead of just the book. Anyway, if I remember correctly it went, There was an old woman who swallowed a bat Why she did that, I don't know why, Imagine that! There was an old woman who swallowed an owl to catch the bat Why she did that, I don't know why, Imagine that! There was an old woman who swallowed a cat to catch the owl to catch the bat Why she did that, I don't know why, Imagine that! There was an old woman who swallowed a ghost to catch the cat to catch the owl to catch the bat Why she did that, I don't know why, Imagine that! There was an old woman who swallowed a goblin to catch the ghost to catch the cat to catch the owl to catch the bat Why she did that, I don't know why, Imagine that! I'll have to check on the ending as somehow you get to why she did it was to say, "Trick or Treat, Happy Halloween!" |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,maeflye63 Date: 23 Oct 07 - 12:11 AM Thank you all so much for all these wonderful songs I will have to check here again for more. Do you do that on other subjects too. Great site so far. Thanks again Smiles :o) maeflye63 |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Les in Chorlton Date: 23 Oct 07 - 03:36 AM Halloween comes to Industrial Lancashire? We've come a cob-a-coalin,cob-a-coalin,cob-a-coalin, We've come a cob-a-coalin,for Bonfire neet (night) The first to come is a Collier you see With his pick and his shovel all ready to dig He digs it and picks it and makes the coal fall And that is the way we gather cob coal. We've come a cob-a-coalin ...................... |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Kenny B (inactive) Date: 23 Oct 07 - 08:05 PM How about The Kirk Douglas Ghoulie and The Dundee Ghost both in the DT |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Judy Cook Date: 24 Oct 07 - 04:06 PM Glad to see that Julia mentioned Alison Gross:
"And then as it happened, last Halloween |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,GrannyInWales Date: 24 Oct 07 - 09:09 PM This is my favourite Hallowe'en song, it's from Allan Smethurst otherwise known as "The Singing Postman" There's a little of the Norfolk dialect in it which I have to write phonetically as I don't know the proper spelling... Some folks say by the light of the day They don't believe tha's true That folks will roam, far from their home And the witches make their brew Dew you go where the lights are low They don't seem quite so keen And they don't dare, go anywhere On the night of Hallowe'en. Now we all go down to the old churchyard I dust you go inside You're not far from the old hall beyond Where the headless horsemen ride Then you prick those doors seven times And I know that you will scream When the devil pops his head out the top On the night of Hallowe'en. Ghosts don't like nobody They all make awful cries They weep and moan, grunt and groan And they don't like exorcise See them walk through the castle walls As though there's nothin' between So don't you stray, too far away On the night of Hallowe'en. Now we all know Shuck he's a rare old dog He likes to prowl around Waiting for, down on the shore The master who was drowned His hair is black, his teeth are red His eyes oh how they gleam If he gets you, it's toodle-oo On the night of Hallowe'en |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,guest Date: 29 Oct 07 - 10:17 PM Hey CD, I've been searching for years for the words to this song. Did anyone come up with any more of the lyrics? Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky So beware, don't you dare la la la, la la la Or she will come and pull your hair! Thanks, rjp |
Subject: RE:Halloween Songs---Looking for rabbitrunning From: GUEST,The witch is riding high Date: 29 Oct 07 - 10:23 PM Hey rabbit, I've been searching for years for the words to this song. Did anyone come up with any more of the lyrics? Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky So beware, don't you dare la la la, la la la Or she will come and pull your hair! Thanks, rjp |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Neil D Date: 30 Oct 07 - 10:31 AM "The Smell of French Perfume"-Great Big Sea |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,David Date: 30 Oct 07 - 10:43 PM We used to sing this in puplic school in 1968 when I was in grade 3. It was in our class song books. ...one of my favs as a kid. After a few minutes of google I was finally able to find the words on someones blog in Europe. "Hallowee-ee-een there are witches flying by. Have you see-ee-een their shadows in the sky? So beware don't you dare, Give a boast or a ghost Might come and pull your hair!" There ya go! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Rabbit girl Date: 31 Oct 07 - 08:07 AM Did anyone find all the words to the Halloween song below. Here is what we have so far: Hallowee-ee-een there are witches flying by. Have you see-ee-een their shadows in the sky? So beware don't you dare, Give a boast or a ghost Might come and pull your hair!" There is also a line about "hurry home or a gnome will thump a lump upon your dome". Thanks |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 31 Oct 07 - 11:28 AM Rent the DVD or video of "Fantasia." Watch the "A Night on Bald Mountain" segment, with Leopold Stowkowski conducting. Now, tell me of a better audio-visual image for Hallowe'en. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: The Sandman Date: 31 Oct 07 - 01:53 PM GUEST,GRANNY IN WALES,yes its a great song ,our children used to love it as children.Dick Miles |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,their shadows in the sky! Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:38 PM My Life is now complete. Happy Halloween to those who replied to complete this Halloween ditty! I can't wait to call my brother. Russ P. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,GUEST, PTin Texas Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:47 PM I've sung this tune to my kids for years remembering it from elementary school, but have been trying to get all the words of the second verse. This is what I remember: Hallowee-ee-en, the witch is riding high. Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky? So beware don't you dare to even boast or a ghost To your dismay will hear you say That you don't care, say a prayer Or it may come and pull your hair. There's a big, black cat a crossing in our way. Now you've heard of that, bad luck they always say. Weren't you scared when it stared with eyes aglow [???????????????] Let's hurry home or a gnome Will thump a lump upon your dome. There is a line or two missing in the second verse that I've been trying to get for years. Anyone remember? |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Steve Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:59 PM Wow, I've thought of that Halloween song for years and couldn't even remember the 1st verse completely! Hopefully someone can fill in the blanks! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,a canadian... Date: 31 Oct 07 - 08:21 PM Every year, I hum this tune to my kids..telling them that when I was in 3rd grade..in 1968, we use to sing this song..what wonderful memories, thank you....Happy Halloween |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Rabbit girl Date: 31 Oct 07 - 08:25 PM Thank you PTin Texas! I called my sister and now she believes me that there really was the verse that ended "hurry home or a gnome will thump a lump upon your dome". For years on Halloween we would call each other and sing that first verse of the song and then at the end I'd put in the part about the gnome and she always accused me of making that up. I am redeemed. Thank you from Wisconsin. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,ds in NS Canada Date: 01 Nov 07 - 03:11 PM missing lines from song's second verse! (??????????????) *from 1970 grade 1 song sheet (the things I hang on to) Hallowee-ee-en, the witch is riding high. Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky? So beware don't you dare to even boast or a ghost To your dismay will hear you say That you don't care, say a prayer Or it may come and pull your hair There's a big, black cat a crossing in our way. Now you've heard of that, bad luck they always say. Weren't you scared when it stared with eyes aglow **Hear that crow? There's a thump near the pump*** Let's hurry home or a gnome Will thump a lump upon your dome. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,PT in Texas Date: 01 Nov 07 - 05:07 PM I can't believe you have it! Thanks so much! Every year I have to make four phone calls to my two (adult) kids and their spouses to sing this over the phone. It's a tradition they won't let me forget. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 01 Nov 07 - 07:28 PM Thank you DS in Nova Scotia! We have it! You guys are great! I thought there was something about a crow and a pump. This song has stumped me for years. I too, had that songbook in school in 1970?? when I was about 10 years old. That particular song is one that sticks in your mind every Halloween. Now I gotta call my sister! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 20 Dec 07 - 02:55 PM The Animals - Little Red Riding Hood actual song |
Subject: Lyr Add: I SHALL NOT CARE (Pearls before Swine) From: GUEST,kiki Date: 20 Dec 07 - 09:48 PM No one seems to have mentioned Pearls Before Swine's "I Shall Not Care" When I am dead And over me bright April Shakes out her rain-drenched hair Though you should lean Above me broken-hearted I shall not care Words that were not said Songs that were not sung Tears that were not shed Deeds that were not done I was not I was I am not I do not care Words that were not said Songs that were not sung Tears that were not shed Deeds that were not done I shall have peace As leafy trees are peaceful When rain bends down the bow And I shall be More silent and cold-hearted Than you are now |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: katlaughing Date: 20 Dec 07 - 10:28 PM Thanks, kiki. Beautiful song. |
Subject: Lyr Add: LADY MARGARET From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle Date: 21 Dec 07 - 08:55 AM Margaret lay on a fine feather bed The Halloween drew near When a dreadful form came to her room And to her did appear. "Are you my father the king?" she said "Are you my brother John? Or are you my true love William From Scotland coming home?" "I'm not your father the king," he said "I'm not your brother John, But I am your true love William. From Scotland I've returned." "Margaret, Lady Margaret," he said, "In love, in charity, Will you give me back the plighted troth That once, love, I gave thee?" "No, I'll not give you back your plighted troth Nor any other thing Until you take me to your father's house Where oft-times I have been." He's taken her to his father's house And as they did enter in, The gates swung open at their own free will To let young William in. "Margaret, Lady Margaret," he said, "In love, in charity, Will you give me back the plighted troth That once, love, I gave thee?" "No, I'll not give you back your plighted troth Nor any other thing Until you take me to the chapel hall And marry me with a ring." He's taken her to the chapel hall And as they did enter in, The locks flew asunder at their own free will To let young William in. "Margaret, Lady Margaret," he said, "In love, in charity, Will you give me back the plighted troth That once, love, I gave thee?" She took the cross from around her neck And laid it on his breast Saying "Take you back your plighted troth And in Heaven your soul find rest." Silent stood the red red cock But loudly called the grey "It is time for the living to depart the dead And so you must away." |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,polly Date: 08 Oct 08 - 10:33 PM hey all, i am getting married this halloween, and am looking for cool songs for the reception. more specifically, a garter toss song and a bouquet toss song. cheers! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: katlaughing Date: 08 Oct 08 - 11:53 PM Well, you've got to have the Monster Mash...it'll get folks moving for sure! Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Halloween is my husband's birthday! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Guest (Bob Zambanini) Date: 12 Oct 10 - 02:13 PM Please help! Every year we visit Dorney Park (Allentown) on the first Sunday of October. This tradition goes back to and including 2000, although (a) we skipped last year due to illness, (b) we did it the second Sunday of October this year, and (c) it was probably our last time this year due to stupid new rules, rude people running the rides, and stupid new procedures (such as closing the flume ride when temps were in the 70s). Anyway, I'm trying to find a few songs from the soundtrack from the early years of our tradition (i.e., 2000-2004). I found 3 of them already: "Escape from the Planet of the Ant Men," "Tubular Bells," and "Under the Milky Way." However, I cannot locate the other song! It sounds like they're singing "Moonlight Shadow," but I'm starting to think that they are NOT singing these words, since the song is NOT the one by Mike Oldfield. It's a rather low, male voice singing it to a sort of swing beat. Can anybody help me locate this song? |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Seonaid Date: 12 Oct 10 - 03:35 PM Couple more suggestions from the Celtic side: Wexford Mummer's Carol Carlin Maggie Molly Malone (that old chestnut? Yeah!) *and* Dia Luain, Dia Mairt (Google "Barbary Grant" for a good recorded translation) (and it's my translation, so cough up if you use it!) |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Seonaid Date: 12 Oct 10 - 03:43 PM Note to last post -- Barbary recorded "Dia Luain, Dia Mairt" as "Donal Hunchback" on her CD "Celtic for Kids"... |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 12 Oct 10 - 04:31 PM I always thought 'Black Magic Woman' was by Peter Green, not Santana, and referred to his girlfriends' choice of chocolates. Really. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,TheMom Date: 25 Oct 10 - 05:31 PM For rabbitrunning: Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky So beware, don't you dare to even say you don't care, say a prayer Or she will come and pull your hair! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Suegorgeous Date: 26 Oct 10 - 01:49 PM I Am Stretched on Your Grave - Kate Rusby does this, though my version's better, I think :) |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 28 Oct 10 - 08:16 PM Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky So beware, don't you dare To even boast, or a ghost, To your dismay will hear you say That you don't care, say a prayer, Or it will come and puuulll yoouurr hair! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: katlaughing Date: 28 Oct 10 - 08:45 PM To Guest, Bob Zambanini, your request will most likely get lost in this thread. It's always a good idea to start a new thread for a specific request such as yours. I've done so for you: CLICK HERE. Chances are someone will know the song and you'll have found it at the "Mudcat!" ATB, kat - a moderator |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST Date: 30 Oct 10 - 01:21 PM Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky So beware, don't you dare To even boast, or a ghost, To your dismay will hear you say That you don't care, say a prayer, Or it will come and spooook yooou OUT!!! |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GUEST,Bobbi Nikles Date: 26 Oct 21 - 04:06 PM Anybody have a recording or hyperlink to Buddy Mondlock's "Skeleton"? Great tune but how does it go? Halloween is coming soon! bobbinik@gmail.com |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GerryM Date: 26 Oct 21 - 07:49 PM A Mighty Ship was the Gundremar, by Kathleen Davis. Full lyrics in the DT (under "A"). Final stanza: A ghostly ship is the Gundremar Ever sailing, ever sailing, O'er winter skies she adventures far Northward hailing, northward hailing. No shadow falls on the silver night As down the moonlit way she takes her flight Ever sailing, ever sailing. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: GerryM Date: 26 Oct 21 - 08:03 PM Where the Dead Men Lie Barcroft Boake The full poem can be found in the Australia/NZ Songbook thread. Here's the first stanza: Out on the wastes of the Never Never - That's where the dead men lie! There where the heat-waves dance forever - That's where the dead men lie! That's where the Earth's loved sons are keeping Endless tryst: not the west wind sweeping Feverish pinions can wake their sleeping - Out where the dead men lie! For my money, the best tune is one Margaret Bradford wrote, but I can't find that on the web. Here are a couple of other musical settings: Queensland Tiger Richard Glover |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: oldhippie Date: 28 Oct 22 - 01:29 PM John's Garden - Peter Mayer Crimson & Crystal - Julia Ecklar Dear Departed - Kathy Mar |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs From: Felipa Date: 31 Oct 22 - 06:52 PM it would be nice if someone who index this thread with a song list. I see that Monster Mash is listed; here is the mudcat thread: Monster Mash I recently added a Scottish Gaelic love song in which the narrator sings of being on her own on Hallowe'en night: Tha Mo Rùn air a' Ghille
Who Were the Witches (Bonnie Lockhart) Susan Jane Tucker: The Witch's Rune https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIn8ZDOX270 and Song of the Witches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORDNWwHzdaE |
Subject: Lyr Add: SPOOKY (Classics IV) From: Jim Dixon Date: 18 Nov 22 - 07:10 PM This was mentioned back at the beginning of this thread by BeauDangles. SPOOKY Music by Mike Shapiro and Harry Middlebrooks, Jr., 1967.* Words by James Cobb and Buddy Buie, 1968. As recorded by the Classics IV, 1968. In the cool of the evening, when everything is gettin’ kind o’ groovy, I call you up and ask you if you'd like to go with me and see a movie. First, you say no; you've got some plans for the night, And then you stop, and say – “All right.” Love is kind o’ crazy with a spooky little girl like you. You always keep me guessin’; I never seem to know what you are thinkin’, And if a fellow looks at you, it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin’. I get confused, 'cause I don't know where I stand, And then you smile – and hold my hand. Love is kind o’ crazy with a spooky little girl like you. Spooky, hey, yeah. [saxophone break] If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin’, I'm gonna tell you all the things my heart's been a-dyin’ to be sayin’. Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin’ my dreams, So I'll propose – on Halloween. Love is kind o’ crazy with a spooky little girl like you. Spooky! Spooky! Yeah, well, all right, ... [etc., and fade] - - - * The song was originally written as an instrumental for saxophonist “Mike Sharpe” (Mike Shapiro). The vocal version was also recorded by Dusty Springfield in 1970, the Atlanta Rhythm Section in 1979, and Martha Reeves in 1986. (Reeves sings: “... with a spooky old lady like me.”) |
Subject: Lyr Add: HANKENSTEIN (Cledus T. Judd) From: Jim Dixon Date: 23 Nov 22 - 01:34 PM This song was mentioned by SDShad back on Halloween 2001, and it aroused my curiosity, so here it is. Wikipedia tells me Cledus T. Judd is famous for doing parodies of country-music songs and has been called “the Weird Al Yankovic of country music.” (What? Has everyone forgotten Homer and Jethro?) If this one is a parody, I don’t know the original. HANKENSTEIN As recorded by Cledus T. Judd on “Did I Shave My Back for This?” 1998. Hankenstein! Midnight in Montgomery, full moon shinin’ on a shack, For a country-music legend is about to be brought back. Cledus got the idea from the late-night Creature Feature, And figgered he would foller a simular procedure. Hankenstein! Now, laid out on the table is the body of a man In a white suit, cowboy boots, an’ a guitar in his han’. He’s hooked up to a tractor with a set o’ jumper cables, And if anything could start a cold, cold heart, a John Deere should be able. Now what’s about to happen here is nothin’ less than shockin’, With a record player in the corner blarin’ “Hey, Good Lookin’.” That foot begins to tap along with that ol’ forty-five, And you could hear ol’ Cledus yellin’: “Oh-oh! It’s alive!” Hankenstein! CHORUS: He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!) He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!) He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!) He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!) In no time Hankenstein is mo-oanin’ the blues, And Cledus has decided that it’s time to spread the news. They’ll hit the road and put on shows all over the nation. Yeah, he’s gonna be the next country music sensation. Hankenstein! Ev’ryone still loves to hear the tale of ol’ “Kaw-Liga,” And they all sing an’ dance when he cuts loose on “Jambalaya.” Playin’ on the Opry stage was his final test. Now Hankenstein has become a monster success. Hankenstein! CHORUS Lovesick in a hotel near the Mason-Dixon line, Hankenstein is sittin’ there so lonesome he could cry. He’s had it with the life he leads, singin’ all them tunes. Now he’s out there somewhere honky-tonkin’, howlin’ at the moon. Hankenstein! CHORUS Hankenstein! He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. |
Subject: Lyr Add: YOU WILL BURN (Steeleye Span) From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Nov 22 - 01:48 PM This was mentioned by Peg on 26-Sep-2000 and by SDShad on Halloween, 2001: YOU WILL BURN Words and music by Peter Knight. As recorded by Steeleye Span on “Time,” 1996. [1] One night as you sleep in your goose-feather bed, We will be kneeling at your bedside. We'll pray for your soul like the good Lord said: Let all be forgiven; let none be denied. [2] Then one night as you sleep in your goose-feather bed, We will be standing at your bedside. Your bones will be broken and your blood will be shed. Your eyes will be taken and your hands will be tied. [3] Then we'll take you to the forest where none will hear your cry, And we'll cut down the sycamore and broom, And it's there we will forgive you, and it's there we'll watch you die Like a dancing silhouette against the moon. [4] And you will burn, you will burn. We will purify your soul in the fire, in the fire, And your spirit will live forever. It will rise, it will rise, From the ashes and the embers in your eyes, in your eyes, And your spirit will live forever. [5] Praise the Lord! Another soul is saved. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! [REPEAT 1] [2 with variation:] Then one night as you sleep in your goose-feather bed, We will be standing at your bedside, But your home will be burning and your child will be dead, Your eyes will be taken and your hands will be tied. [REPEAT 3, 4, 5, 5.] |
Subject: Lyr Add: MISS GHOST (Don Henley) From: Jim Dixon Date: 24 Nov 22 - 03:38 PM This was mentioned by richlmo on 27-Sep-2000, and by SDShad on Halloween, 2001: MISS GHOST As recorded by Don Henley on “Inside Job,” 2000. On a misbegotten moonless night, I stumbled in my door, Disgusted with my circumstance, soaked to every pore, When floating from my bedroom came a moaning and a sigh. “Oh, I’ve had one too many; it’s just the wind,” says I. I lit up a cigarette and poured a good stiff drink. You see, I needed to compose myself; I needed time to think. No sooner had I settled down, the moaning came again, Drifting through the silence like some other-worldly violin. I bounded up the staircase and I went slippin’ and slidin’ down the hall. You know, I’ve been around the whole wide world but I was not prepared at all. “Uninvited visitor, unsuspecting host, Well, I see you’ve made yourself at home; good evening, Miss Ghost. “You’re more beautiful than ever and I feel just like a kid. I commence to trembling when I think of all the things we did. Skin as pale as marble, lips as red as blood, Imagine my surprise, my dear; well, I thought that you was gone for good. “You look so lovely lying there all stretched out on your back, But I’m the one who’s strung up here on ol’ temptation’s rusty rack, And in the wee small hours, is when I miss you the most, And I confess it: I have missed you, ahh, Miss Ghost.” I threw open the window an’ I howled at the rain, An’ I cursed the weakness of the flesh, this breath and bone, and this brute reptilian brain. Now what dirty tricks the mind can play in the lonely dead of night When you bump into the shadow of a faded love that wasn’t right. Way down beneath the surface, far beyond the light of day, So many things lie buried deep, and, baby, they should stay that way. Of my wicked little habit we really made a mess, And everything’s been trivialized in our vain pursuit of happiness, And even though you’ve come for me, I won’t go back with you To some temporary heaven down some empty dead-end avenue. But it’s been so good to have you here, and I propose a toast: Here’s to seeing though you, mm-hm, Miss Ghost. |
Subject: Lyr Add: MOON OVER BOURBON STREET (Sting) From: Jim Dixon Date: 27 Nov 22 - 06:46 PM This song was mentioned by BeauDangles on 02-Oct-2000, and by SDShad on Halloween, 2001. MOON OVER BOURBON STREET As recorded by Sting on “The Dream of the Blue Turtles,” 1985. There's a moon over Bourbon Street tonight. I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight. I've no choice but to follow that call: The bright lights, the people, and the moon and all. I pray every day to be strong, For I know what I do must be wrong. Oh, you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet While there's a moon over Bourbon Street. It was many years ago that I became what I am. I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb. Now I can never show my face at noon, And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon. The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast. I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest. Oh, you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet While there's a moon over Bourbon Street. She walks every day through the streets of New Orleans. She's innocent and young, from a family of means. I have stood many times outside her window at night To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight. How could I be this way when I pray to God above? I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love. Oh, you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet While there's a moon over Bourbon Street. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC (Mercer, Arlen) From: Jim Dixon Date: 29 Nov 22 - 12:56 PM This was mentioned by Vampira on 10-Sep-2001. THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC Words by Johnny Mercer, music by Harold Arlen, 1942. Written for the Paramount picture “Star Spangled Rhythm,” 1942, in which it was sung by Johnnie Johnston. As recorded by Johnnie Johnston with Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra on Capitol 130 (the first recording). That old black magic has me in its spell— That old black magic that you weave so well, Those icy fingers up and down my spine, The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine, The same old tingle that I feel inside, And then that elevator starts its ride, And down and down I go, Round and round I go, Like a leaf that’s caught in the tide. I should stay away, but what can I do? I hear your name and I’m aflame, Aflame with such a burning desire, And only your kiss can put out the fire. For you’re the lover I have waited for, The mate that fate had me created for, And ev’ry time your lips meet mine, Darling, down and down I go, Round and round I go, In a spin, Loving the spin I’m in, Under that old black magic called love. - - - The Internet Archive has lots more recordings. Wikipedia has an article, too. |
Subject: RE: Halloween Songs [2] From: T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird) Date: 07 May 23 - 10:48 PM Joe Offer, on September 28 2001 you wrote "Can anybody supply leads to historical documents that prove the Christian feasts were established to counteract pagan celebrations held on the same dates? The Christian feasts have many elements related to their pagan predecessors - this would seem to indicate an evolution from the pagan celebrations, rather than something legislated to supplant the pagan feasts. I'll stick to my 'folk process' theory until somebody comes up with solid evidence to the contrary." I know of no such documents. But Pope Gregory the Great's letter to Abbot Abbot Mellitus is widely cited in this context so I will quote it at length here: "When then Almighty God shall bring you unto our most reverend brother Augustine, bishop, tell him what I have long time devised with myself of the cause of the English: that is, to wit, that the temples of the idols in the said country ough not to be destroyed; but the idols alone which are in them; that holy water be made and sprinkled about the same temples, altars built, relics placed: for if the said temples be well built, it is needful that they be altered from the worshipping of devils into the service of the true God; that whiles the people doth not see these their said temples spoilt, they may forsake their error of heart and be moved with more readiness to haunt their wonted place to the knowledge and honor of the true God. And for that they are wont to kill many oxen in sacrifice to the devils, some solemnity shall be granted also by way of exchange in this matter: as that on the dedication days or birthdays of holy martyrs of whom the relics be there placed, they make them bowers of branches of trees about the said churches which have been changed from temples, and hold solemn feast together after a religious sort; and that they no more sacrifice animals to the devil but kill them to the refreshing of themselves to the praise of God, and render thanks to the Giver of all things for their abundance: that whiles some outward comforts are reserved unto them, they may be brought the more readily to agree to accept the inward comforts. For it is doubtless impossible to cut off all abuses at once from rough hearts, seeing that he too that laboreth to climb up into a high place, goeth upward by steps and paces but not by leaps." (Church History of the English People, 1.30.) Note what this says: the former pagans may slaughter oxen and make merry in honor of Christian saints. Note also what Pope Gregory does not say: He does not say that the former pagans should hold festival on the same dates as they formerly did, but that they should now hold festival on the feast days of the saints whose relics are placed in the new churches. I know of no certain cases where St. Gregory's policy of converting pagan temples into Christian churches was ever carried out in Britain. The only example I know of a pagan temple converted into a Christian church is the Pantheon in Rome. But the slaughtering of oxen on Christian holydays is documented. According to Ronald Hutton "oxen were killed in honor of St. Benyo at Clynnog Fawr in Gwynedd until 1589 and to St. Maelrubha in Wester Ross until 1678. Both traditions then encountered reforming churchmen and were suppressed, having survived centuries of other Christian masters who apparently regarded the practice as acceptable." (The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: their Nature and Legacy, Blackwell, 1991, p.329.) In the particular case of Hallowmas (All Saints' Day) on November 1st the evidence is against the placing of the festival on this day to compete with survivals of pagan festivals. November 1st was the date a chapel was dedicated to all saints in St. Peter's in Rome by Pope Gregory III (731-741). The anniversary of this dedication was celebrated locally in Rome, then was made a universal feast of all saints for the Latin Church by Pope Gregory IV (827-844). (Blackburn and Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford, 1999, p. 440.) I know of no evidence that the Pope was trying to compete with the observance of Samhain in faraway Ireland. In the particular case of Christmas the evidence is mixed. A document known as the Chronograph of 354 notes that December 25th is natalis Invicti, the birth of the Unconquered Sun. This was not an official Roman Holiday. The official Games of the Unconquered Sun (Ludi Invicti) were held every 4 years in October. But it may have been a popular observance. December 25th to the Romans was bruma, midwinter, a time for partying and gift-giving. Devotees of the Unconquered Sun may well have held this day in special esteem because it was the traditional Roman date of the Winter solstice. But whether Christmas was placed on this date to compete with popular devotion to the Unconquered Sun is not clear. Christian chronographers had already decided that March 25th, the traditional Roman date for the Spring equinox, was (a) the day the world had been created, (b) the day Jesus was concieved, and (c) the day Jesus was crucified. Nine months from conception on March 25th gives a birth date on December 25th. It was the Christian chronographers' esteem for the Spring equinox, and their idea that the date of his conception and crucifiction should be on the same date that the world was created, that set the date of Christ's birth to December 25th. Easter was not set to compete with any remembered pagan festival. It was set where it was because that is where, according to Josephus (Antiquities 3.248) Passover was observed in Herodian-era Jerusalem. |
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