Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread

Subject: SB: To Be With You by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:42 PM

To Be With You by Amergin
(Tune: Carrickfergus)

I wish I was back in California
If only to lie there by your side
Watching the sun slowly sink down
Into the ocean's ebbing tide
But the miles asre long to Portland
And the rain beats the Oregon streets
I remember your laughter and your smile
And feeling your gentle heartbeats

Fiery shadows flickered across your face
I was staring deep into your brown eyes
Fingers stroking the palm of your hand
falling asleep to your loving sighs
Watching you sleep through the night
Feeling your skin pulse against my chest
Holding your tender warmth to my body
Cuddling to the softness of your breast

My lonesome thoughts bring back sad reflections
Of those happy times I spend with you
And I would hear your loving laughter
As we laid together in the morning dew
And then the time when we last parted
With tear stained eyes you walked out the door
My own salt tears hid in the shadows
I long to see your smile once more

Subject: SB: To A Child by mousethief
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:41 PM

To A Child by mousethief

mousethief's Comments:  This is a lullabye I wrote before I ever had any kids.  Chords are FMaj7 and C, alternating, throughout (starting on FM7), two chords per "line" of the words as written here.  this clicky takes you to a page with an embedded midi of the melody (melody is same for chorus as for verses) (It's a little rough in the timing area, for which I apologize -- I haven't quite got the midi-maker program sussed yet.)

(Chorus -- repeat after each verse and twice at end)
Cry a little softer now
Put your head on my shoulder
Laugh a little louder now
In love, as you grow older

Once there was a baby child
In this darkness a stranger
Lying in His mother's arms
In a straw-filled manger
He would grow to be a man
He would suffer and die
But now she held him to her breast,
Mother's love in her eye

Once there was a preacher-man
Who would preach by the sea
People came to see Him there
Asking, Who can He be?
Mothers with their babes in arm
Would come down to the sea
He would call the children near
Saying, Come unto Me

Once I was a child like you
I could laugh without care
But now the world has hemmed me in
I have burdens I must bear
Teach me how to feel your love
And the laughter you bring
I would be a child once more
A child of the King

©1983 Alex E. Riggle. All Rights Reserved.

Subject: SB: Time Zones by Micca
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:40 PM

Time Zones by Micca

Oh it's summer time in Britain 
When it's winter down in Sydney
And the wild Mountain time
Is six hours ahead or twenty? 

Chorus:
Do you know, lassie, know? 
What the time is in Colorado? 
Or with kat in Wyoming 
Or Catspaw in Ohio? 
Do you know, lassie, know? 

What time is Radio 'Cat? 
If your Bonnie in Toronto
All this complicated math
Makes me want to lie down, pronto, 

Has the Hearme come and gone? 
While the time I'm spending counting
All this trouble with the time zone
And my phone bill it is mounting

When I first came to this infernal
Place, I was carefree
Now I have become nocturnal
And I need a maths degree

I am going to get a plug in
That will do the calculations
Of the Wild Mountain Time
And of all the other stations

Subject: SB: This Is Our House by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:39 PM

This Is Our House by Amergin

The flowers wink in the morning sun
Dancing in the garden with the wind
The trees chatter to each other
Rustling branches, leaves entwined

The birds pop up from their nests
Softly singing to their loved ones
The house stands glittering bright
Embraced in the arms of the sun

Chorus:
It's the house we lived in for 13 years
Throughout the hard times and the good
This is the yard we used to play in
And this is our neighborhood

The afternoon rays leak through the windows
The dogs are all sleeping in the shade
Our birds chirp and dance to "Green Acres"
Over the distant whirr of the mower blade

An ad on the tv advertises Cologne
A radio blares out a Top 40 song
My parents look about themselves and think
That this is where they do belong

Chorus

Now we gather within the evening shadows
The foreclosure notice in my father's hand
His eyes are red, he wipes them with his sleeve
His heart is broken and he can barely stand

Mom looks at me, tears running down her cheeks
I gaze deep down into her watery eyes
The boxes in storage, the bags ready to go
I take one last look and kiss the door goodbye

Chorus

Subject: SB: Thirty Pieces of Silver by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:37 PM

Thirty Pieces of Silver by The Shambles


My family fished for generations
It was all that we knew
The village bore it's losses Together, we would see it through
Now The Sunbeam dies in the harbour
We are paid to tear her apart
Now I may not perish on the ocean
Still, the fishing's in my heart

The pit work was dirty
But in to it, you just grew
It had its compensations
At the time; I thought them few
And now with all this spare time
My skill with pool cue and the dart
I look to the past, not the future
Still, the pit is in my heart

My father served in the Navy
His father, before him too
It was not the proud traditions
Just the only thing to do
Not a job, more like a family
In which, you played your part
And now they've closed down the dockyard
Still the Navy's in my heart

Thirty pieces of silver, how long will it last? 
With it you buy my future, my present and my past
With it you buy my future, my present and my past
Thirty pieces of silver, how long will it last?

Roger Gall

Subject: SB: Thiepval* by Micca
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:36 PM

Thiepval* by Micca
(May 2002)

Its Halloween** midnight in the low lands of Flanders
A cold pale fog on the land it is spread
And out of the mist, come a marching and singing
Long gaunt files of men near a hundred years dead

They stand, parade order, by the building at Thiepval
And at the command each steps up and stands tall
And receives in his turn from the ghost Colour Sergeant
His name rank and number removed from the wall

Their spectral Officer call the dismissal
And grey NCOS give each man his paybook
They salute and depart from the grim fields of Flanders
Without a glance sideways or a backward look

They march away and their singing is fading
But long before dawn their home places they've found
And finally back, after nearly a century
Each man with relief can sink into home ground

And all over Blighty*** their names are erasing
From column, memorial and empty tomb
The lost and the missing that have no known resting place
Returning to lie in their dark native womb

And now here at Thiepval there stands a cold monument
Blank and unmarked made of pale Portland stone
Because all the men it was made to memorial
Have all returned home, to sleep still with their own

"There's a long, long trail a winding into the land of my dreams
Where nightingales are singing and a pale moon gleams"


*Thiepval:  A monument to WW1 dead in Flanders on which the names, ranks and numbers of 75,026 men are inscribed who have no known resting place
**Halloween:  It is believed in some cultures that at Halloween, when the veil between the dead and the living worlds are thin, every 100 years those that met with sudden or violent death are allowed back to correct a wrong or right an injustice.
***Blighty: WW1 slang for Britain (or home) to "cop a Blighty", was to get wounded badly enough to be invalided home

Copyright M.A. Patterson, May 2002

Subject: SB: They Were Only Children by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:35 PM

They Were Only Children by The Shambles


The Shambles' Comments:  This song was written for the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, for Ester Brunstein and others who bravely returned there for that event and for the many others who did not.   The survivors of the Holocaust, who were still alive in 1994, were only children in 1944.  I chose the phrase, they were only children, very carefully, as this phrase seemed to sum up our ambivalence to children. For it has two, quite opposite meanings.   The first one is our compassion when we realise that it was children that had to endure these horrors and endure them still in 1999. As in "poor things they were only CHILDREN".   The second is the one that enable us to abuse and inflict pain and suffering on them and deny them the same consideration and rights, as we would adults, because they are ONLY children.   It would seem a good time to discuss our attitude toward the children of the world.


Through the frosty window, candles on the track,
She can smell them burning, there's no turning back
It's all written, in the lines on her face,
Look to blame no one, it's all our disgrace.

Are we not one family, on an island of stone?
We live with thousands, but die alone.

Why are they returning, old women and old men?
For eyes that have seen so much, were but children's then.
They were only children, what crime did they do?
For children they remain, be they Moslem, Serb or Jew

Are we not one family, on an island of stone?
We live with thousands, but die alone.

The place is in colour, surprised by the light,
I thought our darkest dreams, we dreamed in black and white?
The horrors are endless, what do you mention first?
One child, torn for her mother, what could be worse?

She's lost her family, lost her home,
Shipped with thousands, all died alone

The lessons are for learning, we don't seem to learn?
She looks to the candle, to watch it burn.

THEY....... WERE ONLY CHILDREN.
What crime did they do?
THEY....... WERE ONLY CHILDREN.
What crime did they do?
THEY....... WERE ONLY CHILDREN.

They.......... were only children.

ROGER GALL 1994

Subject: SB: That Wrong Road Again by BSeed (Charles Kratz)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:33 PM

That Wrong Road Again by BSeed (Charles Kratz)


The Shambles' Comments:  After adding a message to the copyright thread, I decided to try what I described and give a song its first publication. I wrote this a couple of months ago when it looked like the US was about to resume bombing in Iraq.   The melody is kind of generic folk, somewhat implied by the harmonic structure. I don't know how to put in MIDI (the directions I saw on some thread or other don't work for me because they were Windows and I'm Mac). --seed

Timing: 4/4 with each chord name in parentheses indicating one measure. The E7 chords are in brackets[ ] to indicate the change is in mid measure.   Oh, by the way, it's one measure per chord in parentheses: note that the E7 is in brackets, indicating it comes in the middle of the measure after the C. This time I've played it through off the thread to make sure all the chord changes are in the right places.

(Chorus)
(G7){two-three} Oh, we're (C)headin' down that (G)wrong road a-(C)gain, (C)
Back (F)on our way to (G7)somewhere we (C)shoulda' [E7]never (Amin)been;
We're (F)headin' down that (G)wrong road a-(C)gain, (Amin)
We're (F)headin' down that (G)long, wrong road a-(C)gain.

(Verse)
(C){two,three) There's this (C)guy across the (C)water got our (F)captain awful (C)pissed,
And our (C)captain says it's (C)time to make him (G)pay (G7)
He says (C)folks who play with (C7)matches can't com-(F)plain if they get (C)burnt;
He says (C)everybody (G)knows that that's the (C)way.
And I (F)guess that's right, but (G7)still I feel there's (C)something awful (Amin)wrong;
Seems I (F)heard that song from (G7)someone else be-(C)fore
But (F)all that happened (G7)that time was a (C)million [E7]children (Amin)died--
(F)This time should we (F)kill a million (G)more? (G7)

(to chorus again, I see--)

Singing Notes:  After this chorus, over the chords for the second half of the verse, spoken words to the effect: "We're worried about his weapons of mass destruction? Starvation is a weapon of mass destruction...gives a whole new meaning to the phrase 'women and children first'" and, after a brief pause, "From the nation that brought the world the blessings of the A-bomb, the H-bomb, the N-bomb (doesn't knock down buildings, just kills people--slowly), a new nuclear weapon, and we've already used it: 'depleted' uranium artillery shells--the gift that keeps on giving: Gulf War Syndrome, birth defects, childhood cancer." and into another chorus, this time repeating the third line but replacing the "Yes, we are" with phrases like "our brakes aren't working" and "out of control" and "look out below" and so on...kind of like Neil Diamond in "Running Against the Wind." --seed

Subject: SB: That's Not My Colorado by katlaughing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 11 - 09:31 PM

That's Not My Colorado by katlaughing
(Click here for tune)

That's not my Colorado
With the blue skies up above,
That's not my Colorado,
Where the school ran with blood.

That's not my Colorado
Where my parents grew up proud
That's not my Colorado
Senseless killing was not allowed.

Colorado was the beauty
Of the Rocky Mountains high
Colorado was the quiet
Of the river's gentle sigh.

Colorado meant a home to me
And now, I know it not
That's not my Colorado
Where the children felt the shot.

That's not my Colorado
With the blue skies up above,
That's not my Colorado,
Where the school ran with blood.

That's not my Colorado
Where my parents grew up proud
That's not my Colorado
Senseless killing was not allowed.

Subject: SB: That Mirror Image by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 07:42 PM

That Mirror Image by The Shambles

When you're back n the 'old routine'
You're just part of the great machine
The wheels grind round and round
Until the day they finally wear you down
You wipe a tear from your eye
To find that life has past you by

So come, come away with me
To a place where the mountains reach the sea
To watch, the white horses play
As they chase the sun down to another day
I don't care what they say
There's more than one way

You're sure to lose your soul
You're a square peg in a round
Well I know, how hard you tried
But you're just swimming against the tide
That mirror image, is it true?
Is that reflection really you

So come, come away with me
To a place where the mountains reach the sea
To watch, the white horses play
As they chase the sun down to another day
I don't care what they say
There's more than one way

Roger Gall 1999

Subject: SB: Tears And Winter Rain (The Shambles)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 07:41 PM

Tears And Winter Rain (A Song For Kayla) by The Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  This was not easy and I would not have chosen to attempt it but I am glad, now that I did.  I would urge others to attempt it too.  For whatever the merits of the end product, the quiet process of close examination of this truly terrible event does, enable some kind of personal accommodation to be arrived at.  It does not however provide much comfort for those who are directly involved in this particular case but, they are in my thoughts.  I was just trying to avoid thinking too much about it before, for she could have been my daughter and he could be my son.

The slightest glimpse of springtime
Drowned in tears and winter rain
Has the sun fallen so low
That it will never rise again?

Will things now be different?
Without you, they can never be the same
May the spark of your short life
Light a long and lasting flame

This life was not of her choosing
She made no choice to die
She did not 'choose her weapon'
Or choose not, to say goodbye

You and I do have a choice
And I choose to question why?
And if you choose to answer
Don't choose another 'bloody' lie

The slightest glimpse of springtime
Drowned in tears and winter rain
Has the sun fallen so low
That it will never rise again

Will things now be different?
Without you, they can never be the same
May the spark of short life
Light a long and lasting flame

© Roger Gall 2000 

Subject: SB: Talking Maple Syrup Blues by Willie-O
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 07:40 PM

Talking Maple Syrup Blues by Willie-O
(There ain't no tune, you just play it.)


Willie-O's Comments:  I remember back a few years ago when the price of maple syrup was just getting up to about twenty bucks a gallon, my neighbour in the city said to me:  "Can you believe the price of that stuff!  After all, it just comes out of trees, right?"  I wrote this song, or talking blues, or whatever it is, to set the record straight.

Just about five weeks ago we went out to the bush
And started drillin' holes in the sugar maple trees
When the tractor got stuck well we just got off and pushed
Till the damn thing blew a gasket

We all took some time off our regular jobs
Found a tractor that wasn't all done
Got the trails and the spikes and the buckets set out
Then we waited for the sap to run (and waited...and waited...and waited...)

Two weeks passed and we all went back to work
It looked like we'd get bugger-all.
Nobody would say it but I guess we all thought
This was the year that it wouldn't run at all.

What with greenhouse effect, and yer gypsy moth
Not to mention yer acid rain
The maple trees are hurtin', when they should be spurtin'
And someday they just won't run again.

But sure enough when we all got busy
With a million other things to do
The nights got clear and the ground began to thaw
and the sap came a pumpin' through.

Boilin' Bob started stokin' the fire day and night
And taking off a gallon or two
While Gary ran the tractor and the rest of us kept busy
Just doin' all the stuff you got to do

We were trottin' round the bush with our white plastic buckets
While the ironwoods whipped us in the face.
I swear to God my arms must have stretched three inches
While the tractor and the wagon I chased.

When the syrup comes off hot, that's when you want to pack it
And the summer kitchen's full of those orange and white cans
They're all labeled and graded and certified organic
So be sure to come and buy some real maple syrup, man.
(We accept cash)

This was the year that our luck finally turned,
We can pay for the tractor and the bottles and cans
We almost got out of the hole we were in...
But for next year we sure need a new front pan.

Yep....I reckon if we're lucky we might come through the season only owing five or six dollars for every hour we put in...it's yer trickle-down ergonomics.  Finally, yesterday we boiled down three hundred gallons of sap to about a quart of syrup. We're talkin' richly flavored, textured, full-bodied organic syrup here.  Burned about five cords of slabwood to do it. That's when the season's done, for sure.

          It's over now, thank God it's over,
          It's over for another year.
          The syruping is done, it sure had us on the run,
          But it's over for another year.

There's a couple of minor details before we're all home free
One is that our houses look like after World War Three.
Another is a thousand buckets still hangin' on the trees
So pass the scrub brush, and the hose and get down on your knees

          It isn't over yet, until the cleanup's done
          This is when our friends stop coming here.
          Get the scrub brush and the hose, be prepared to soak your clothes
          Then it's over for another year.

Copyright 1989, by Bill Cameron

Subject: SB: Talking Bill Gates Blues (PJ Skinner)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 20 Jan 11 - 07:37 PM

Talking Bill Gates Blues or Curtains for Bill Gates by P.J. Skinner


Bill Gates died and to heaven did go
St. Peter said, Bill, there's one thing that I've got to know
You can choose Heaven or Hell, he said with a wink
Have a look at both, and tell me what you think.
(Make the right choice though, it's a decision for eternity)

So he went in through that Golden Gate
The sight before him, both quiet and sedate
Angels all around, kneeling and a praying
Or sat on clouds, with their harps a playing
(Nice but kinda dull - like a snail on valium,)

In Hell the sun shone down on a clear blue sea
There were golden beaches, as far as he could see
The women were beautiful and the beer was free
There was money growing from every tree
(Everything a man could want and then some more)

Now Bill returned to the Golden Gate
Said to St. Peter, I've decided on my fate
I don't want Heaven, it's Hell for me
Cause Hells just perfect, as perfect as can be
(All those Beaches, Babes and Sun swayed our Bill)

Now he's back in Hell, but all's not right
No Babes, no Beaches, and it's always night
No free beer, just aggravation
Things ain't right, it's just pure frustration
(Bill thought Hell had been misrepresented - and that's not honest)

So Bill wrote to God, to complain about his lot
God said, Bill, you're stuck with what you've got
Should have seen the sign on Hell, not those sweet diversions
It said contained inside, the 'preview version'
(That's B for Beta - liable to change - Not the real thing!)

Bill Gate's in Hell, things still going wrong
As a warning to others I wrote this song
So now before you make any decision
Always wait for the final revision

Subject: RE: Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 01:01 AM

I guess I'd better post another spacer message in case I missed one.

-Joe-

Subject: SB: Sweet Columbine by Dharmabum
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 01:00 AM

Sweet Columbine by Dharmabum

Dharmabum's Comments:  I wrote this song on April 20th 1999 while watching the story unfold on TV.   For all the people who have lost children to violent crime.  Ron.

April 20 just another day, 
Oh columbine, 
Except for those who got in the way, 
Oh sweet columbine, 

The class of nineteen hundred ninety nine, 
With the smell of smoke& columbine, 
Fifteen gone before their time, 
In sweet columbine. 

Some are injured some are dead, 
Oh columbine, 
It could've been our kids instead, 
Oh sweet columbine, 

It might have been you or me, 
No one knows what their fate will be, 
It could've been our destiny, 
To be in sweet columbine. 

The experts sit and analyze, 
Oh columbine, 
Won't stop the tears falling from our eyes, 
Oh sweet columbine, 

They'll never find the reason to be, 
Anything but stupidity, 
The answers up to you and me, 
In sweet columbine. 

What kind of boys could cause this pain, 
Oh columbine, 
Something snapped & they went insane, 
Oh sweet columbine, 

What could we do what could we say, 
That might have changed that fateful day, 
This will never fade away, 
In sweet columbine. 

There is a flower that grows in spring, 
Oh columbine, 
Upon the graves of children gone, 
Oh sweet columbine, 

Where they will lie for the rest of time, 
In a bed of columbine, 
Their memory burning in our minds, 
In sweet columbine. 

April 20 just another day, 
Oh columbine, 
Except for those who got in the way, 
Oh sweet columbine, 

No matter what the reasons be, 
It'll never make sense to me, 
Cause it could never happen here you see, 
In sweet columbine. 

Subject: SB: Summertime In Tennessee by Kim C
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:59 AM

Summertime In Tennessee by Kim C

Kim C's Comments:  This was one I did last summer when we were all griping about it being hot--- 

Well it's summertime in Tennessee
It's plenty hot enough for me
Gonna sing and dance and shout with glee
It's summertime in Tennessee

Well it's summertime in Nashville y'all
We didn't have no spring atall
That's just the way the seasons fall
So grab a beer and let's play ball

It's summertime in the South my friend
It feels like it won't ever end
That mercury hits a hundred and four
You're gonna drop to your knees and pray for snow
I might complain but I must say
I wouldn't have it any other way

When it's July in the Bible Belt
Do you reckon it gets hot as hell
I don't know but I've heard tell
We're in for a long dry spell

Well it's summertime in Tennesee
It's plenty hot enough for me
Gonna sing and dance and shout with glee
It's summertime in Tennessee

(Sugar, would you fix me a cold drink?) :)

c. 2000 Kim Feathers Caudell

Subject: SB: Summertime At Fall Creek by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:57 AM

Summertime At Fall Creek by Amergin

He stands on the culvert
Looking at the cool water below
Legs bending, arms swinging
Flowers dance in the summer glow
The water swallows him whole
His arms pull, his legs kick
As her fingers tickle his body
It's summertime at Fall Creek

He floats to the edge of the hole
And stands on the wet slippery stones
He slowly makes his way onto the land
Unsteady on his quivering bones
The heat bounces off his naked back
Warming his skin, wet and slick
As he stumbles among the rocks
It's summertime at Fall Creek

He climbs back onto the drainpipe
And he stares at the laughing deep
Flowers dance to the chirping birds
He laughs as he takes his leap
He dives down to the sandy bottom
Taking into his hand a sunken stick
Feeling the bubbling course around him
It's summertime at Fall Creek

Subject: SB: Such Is The God by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:55 AM

Such Is The God by The Shambles 

The Shambles' Comments:  It is news, such as the latest mass 'suicide' of up to 470 members of a cult in Uganda, that confirm my belief that we have created God, in our image and not the other way round.


You will find, in the finest of gardens
Some small place, where the wild flowers grow
And you can't train children, like a gardener trains roses
You can't thin out, you just reap what you sow

Inquisitions and witch-hunts and final solutions
Moral pollution, that defeats it's own ends
The obvious answer, is it always the best one?
It's wise to question, both your foe and your friend

The rose and the thorn, fine fruit and the poison
The soldier's warning? Just a young man, afraid
Through the eyes of the uncertain and the cries of believers
Such is the god in whose image we're made
The body of man, the heart of a woman
Songs of bright morning and the cool evening shade
Through the eyes of the poets and lies of deceivers
Such is the God, in whose image we're made

Do you join in the song, that everyone's singing?
Do you follow the path, just because it's well-trod?
Is faith just a way, to avoid hard decisions?
For religions are man-made, not made by God

The rose and the thorn, fine fruit and the poison
The soldier's warning? Just a young man, afraid
Through the eyes of the uncertain and the cries of believers
Such is the god in whose image we're made
The body of man, the heart of a woman
Songs of bright morning and the cool evening shade
Through the eyes of the poets and lies of deceivers
Such is the God, in whose image we're made

Roger Gall 1996 

Subject: SB: The Strength To Leave by mousethief
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:54 AM

The Strength To Leave by mousethief

mousethief's Comments:  This one is kinda dark and graphic. But it expresses something that needs to be expressed, and which is very close to my heart -- stopping and preventing domestic violence.  I'm still working on the tune; it's a sort of descending-notes-of-the-scale sort of thing (cf. "Turn the Page" by Bob Seger, but different).

His supper's late again, he says;
Again he'll "make her pay."
Again he clenches up his fist;
Again she shrinks away.
There are bruises on her arms,
There is purple 'round her eyes
Yet tomorrow she'll protect him
With her self-destructive lies

(Chorus)
This is your mother.
This is your daughter.
This is your sister.
Who will mourn? Who will grieve?
Lord, hear my prayer.
Lord, make it stop.
Lord, help her find the strength to leave.

Again he rips her dress away
And throws her to the bed;
And brutally he takes her,
While she wishes she were dead.
And now, his lust and anger spent,
She hears him drive away.
She wonders why she married him;
She wonders why she stays.

(repeat chorus)

Once there was a little girl
With bright and shining eyes;
She loved lollipops and unicorns,
And rainbows in the sky.
She feels so very old now,
It's hard now to believe
She ever was so joyful.
Lord, give her the strength to leave.

(repeat Chorus)

©2000 Alex E. Riggle. All Rights Reserved.

Subject: SB: The Streets by Dharmabum
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:52 AM

The Streets by Dharmabum

Dharmabum's Comments:  Say A Prayer For Dirty by MichaelAnthony got me thinking about something that happened to me some years ago.   It happened in the summer of ' 87.  I was walking the streets of Philadelphia one afternoon.  I saw a man foraging through the trashcans that were lining the streets.  Covered in filth, long greasy hair, wearing an old tattered US army jacket.  Filling his pockets with the treasures he was extracting from those wire mesh containers.  When I caught a glimpse into this mans eyes, I could see that he had been "shifted" off course.  Maybe not that far from the course that most of us follow.  But far enough that he was forced to live in "his world".   I went into a nearby deli & bought a sandwich & a cup of coffee.  I carefully placed the bag with it's contents into one of the trashcans a little further down the street.   As I walked on, I realized the only selfless act I could truly perform would be to offer this man the respect & dignity of not turning around & watching him find what I had left for him.   I never spoke a word to him, nor he to I.  I don't know his story.  This song came from that experience.  I wrote it two years later.

The Streets by Ron Horvath, 1989

I am a man, who's face is weathered,
From many winter days gone by,
I live on streets that have no conscience,
With other souls who cannot fly.

I fought for freedom, in the jungles,
For god & country, in the pouring rain,
I wore my medals on my chest,
I wear my shrapnel in my brain.

My demon's real, though you can't see them,
They scream at night, though you can't hear,
They steal your soul, they break your spirit,
Their names are Ignorance & Fear.

{Chorus}
Cast your eyes down as you walk past me.
Just make believe that I'm not there,
Walk down these streets that have no conscience,
Streets paved with ignorance & fear.

I had a wife, I can't remember,
I had a home, or so they say,
The memories have gotten faded,
The black & white's all become grey.

This cardboard castle is my home now,
Your throwaways, my treasure bin,
All I ask is you don't judge me,
Until you wear these shoes I'm in.

{chorus}

Cast your eyes down as you walk past me,
Just make believe that I'm not there,
Walk down these streets that have no conscience,
Streets paved with ignorance & fear.

So Jesus Christ come be my savior,
I'll drink your wine I'll eat your bread,
I'll live my life out in this jungle,
And you can save me when I'm dead.

{chorus}

© Ron Horvath, 1989

Subject: SB: Stoneground by The Shambles and Mrs. Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:51 AM

Stoneground by The Shambles and Mrs. Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  When we were living in the Shetland Islands, Katrina became very homesick for her birthplace Portland. Which is a big lump of limestone sticking out into the English Channel. The distance between the two places is about as far as you can get and still remain in the UK.  She wrote a poem about how she was feeling then, and if I had read it earlier we would have moved long before we did. We turned it into a song when she was feeling better and living on Portland. I just added the chorus and the first verse.

I see that limestone, look, in your eye
I know you can't help it but still you try
Is it a place you're seeking or a state of mind?
I can take you there, but what would you find

Roaring, pummelling thoughts aside
It plunges deeper, deeper than a knife
Uplifting, in forlorn moments
It ignores the natural forces of life

Stoneground…Where I want to be...On Stoneground
My roots down… Surrounded by the sea…On Stoneground
I'm home!……….I'm home!

Its twisted ways, torturous to the mind
Chosen paths, must be ignored
Like a jealous child, it holds the heart
Return to the nest, in innocence

Debilitating needs, thunder on
Ceaselessly pushing towards it's goal
Taken along, there is no rest
Oh! Let me be where I belong

Stoneground…Where I want to be...On Stoneground
My roots down…Surrounded by the sea…On Stoneground
I'm home!……….I'm home!

© Katrina Gall and Roger Gall. (Started in 1986 and finished after returning home to Portland in 1996)

Subject: SB: Standing At The Altar by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:50 AM

Standing At The Altar by The Shambles


The Shambles' Comments:  This is probably not to be sung at a wedding and not to be take too seriously but it is my latest baby and belongs to all of you at the Mudcat, for it was you who inspired it.  It was one of those songs that appear to write themselves.  It's out of my 'minimilist' period and has two chords, the 1st and 7th.  The sub-title is..... A Single Man's Second Thoughts.

I would like to say I love you but I just don't know
I would like a love that flowers but this just won't grow
I'm counting up the hours, they run so slow
I would like to say I'll miss you but you just won't go

Chorus:
I just can't seem to see the wood from the trees
You won't find me at my best at moments like these
It's not the ground that's shaking it's just my knees
I'm standing at the altar, Lord help me please

I say that there's no water at the bottom of this well
It maybe smells of roses but I've lost my sense of smell
I would like to say it's special but I can't tell
I would like to say it's heaven but it feels like hell

Chorus

I'm just try to tell you everythings gone wrong
But you just carry on singing that same old song
You don't know what you've got until it's gone
I know what I got and I know it don't belong

Chorus

They say that a good woman may turn water into wine
I think maybe somebody must have left the cork in mine
All the things you're saying only come out as a whine
But when you're far away, you will sound just fine

Chorus

Subject: SB: Spring On The Mississippi by Willie-O
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:49 AM

Spring On The Mississippi by Willie-O

Willie-O's Comments:  So I'm minding my own business, and all of a sudden it's friggin spring.  This doesn't normally happen in February in my part of the world, but this year it did, which is extremely weird. Consequently we're having an early syrup season, and I've got my first boil on outside and have to get back to it shortly. In celebration of this, here's yet another song about one of my favourite times of the year! (I think I've posted them all now!)   Gotta run, there's a pan of hot sap calling for my attention...

I think I hear that damn dog barking
Sounds so near to be out of sight
Over the creek, across the valley
He was howling, half of last night.

I used to live in a big old city.
It had its charms, but the times were tight.
Now I live near the Mississippi,
Where I don't mind a little noise at night.

Chorus:
Because spring on the Mississippi comes a little bit sooner here
The ice on the lakes is softening up, but the Mississippi River Runs clear, down to Sheridans Rapids
Now that spring is here.

Now I've heard there's another Mississippi
Flows to a town called New Orleans
The people there throw a hell of a party
Late in the winter when the weather up here is mean

One of these days, I'm gonna see that city
Learn a Cajun waltz called the Jolie Blon.
But when the weather turns warm, and the sap is running
You'll find me here in my northern home.

Chorus:
Because spring on the Mississippi comes a little bit sooner here
The ice on the lakes is softening up, but the Mississippi River Runs clear, down to Sheridans Rapids
Now that spring is here.

Subject: Songs from the Harlow Riding by McGrath of Harlow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:48 AM

Songs from the Harlow Riding by McGrath of Harlow

Subject: SB: Song Of The Third World by InOBU
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:45 AM

Song Of The Third World by InOBU
(Words by Lorcan Otway - Tune "Jamie Foyers")

Who profits, who profits, from all of our pain
While pointing their fingers at our ancient shame
while we stand divided, neighbor's blood on our hands
The industrial nations bleed the wealth from our lands

It's not about difference, we are all the same
We are all the pawns in the colonialist game
my neighbor and I worship God differently
so industrial nations turn my brother against me

My sister was murdered, for the wrongs of the past
In the Chitagong Hills, in the streets of Belfast
In Ramala, or Gujarat, in corners far away
while our poverty feeds gluttony in the USA

What more can I say now to finish this song
Don't look to your neighbor to pay for the last wrong
There is not enough blood to cleanse hatred from the past
But a third world united may end hunger at last

Subject: SB: Song For Caroline by Bradypus
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:43 AM

Song For Caroline by Bradypus

Bradypus' Comments:  This song was written when my daughter Caroline was 2 days old.  It was based on two very strong feelings: firstly, how wonderful life is, especially a new life, and secondly how quickly we learn to love someone new.  I'm sure I felt exactly the same way when Caroline's sisters were born - but this time, I wrote it down so I won't forget.

How does your heart remember to beat? 
Look at your fingers, so tiny and neat 
Red puffy eyes and soft baby skin 
New little life all set to begin.

Sleep when you can, and cry when you need 
Try to look round, and take a good feed 
Awake in the night, we try not to complain 
We just want to make you happy again.

There are people to meet, there are things to be done 
But just being with you is so much more fun. 
And so I've nothing better to do 
Than sit here and wonder at you. 

Subject: SB: Solace by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:41 AM

Solace by Amergin

He sits alone upon the barstool
Thinking of the times that have gone
Memories of laughter and of sorrow
Are but flowers dancing on an empty lawn
He swallows whiskey to kill the pain
To deaden feelings stirred from his past
Feeling the tears leaden his heart
Finding his solace in a whiskey glass

Chorus:
And he hears the music roar around him
And the laughter ringing in his ears
And he's hiding the pain behind his eyes
And he's hiding the trickle of his tears

The barman asks, "Would you like another?"
And he answers, "Yes, that would be good."
He sits back waiting in the barstool
As he recalls the times from his childhood
His boyhood friends laugh in the summer
Swimming in the river as they splash and play
Now they all have their own families
Now they have all gone their separate ways

(Chorus)

Now he finds himself staring at the whiskey
As it swirls round the bottom of his glass
Now his eyes glaze over with his memories
As he feels that cold winter slowly pass
He remembers the colors of her hazel eyes
And the golden hair dripping down her face
Now she's left him to go back to her husband
While he sits alone in this crowded place

(Chorus)

He lifts the glass up to his bearded lips
Feeling the liquor gently burn his throat
His fag burns lazily in the ashtray
And the voices around him begin to float
And he recalls the joking and laughter
Of his family in his young tender days
But now they have all left him behind
Now they sleep in a cold damp grave

(Chorus)

Now he stands from his lonely barstool
And easily staggers through the door
He happily bids goodnight to the barman
Knowing tomorrow he'll be back for more
For the seasons are passing around him
As he deadens the sharp pain of his past
Pouring the liquor down his throat
Finding solace in a whiskey glass

(Chorus)

Now he sits alone upon the barstool
Finding solace in a whiskey glass

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: The Softest Touch by Spider Tom
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:39 AM

The Softest Touch by Spider Tom

D
Please understand, a simple man like me, 
C
Could never make a move, you could reject.
D
Beware! The slightest movement of the eye,
C
Might show some feeling, someone could detect.
G D
But worry not I'll hide emotion, be it slight or strong.
C G D
But let me touch you softly, with my song.

D
Do you listen to the words I spill, like tears,
C
That spring from crying of the heart,
D 
Or smile on nonsense, in a song, 
C
That I might finish soon, before you start.
G
As I was running up some hill, 
D
Did your ears track my footsteps, weak or strong,
C
God knows I can't ignore you,
G D 
So, let me touch you, softly, with my song.

(CHORUS)

D 
You understand the meanings, I've wrapped within,
C
And, in between, the lines,
D
At times I trapped your smile in them,
C
I've caught your laughter, often, other times.
G
I wasn't singing solo, your mind was up there,
D
With me, all along.
C
All things in life are possible,
G D
So let me touch you softly, with a song. 

(Chorus)

D G
Could I touch you with my song today, 
D 
For fate may never give another chance, 
G D 
Two paths may cross but once, and never stir the earth in dance. 
G D
I'll keep it simple, you knew I was that, all along.

(Chorus)

C G D
Two paths may cross but once, yet, I might touch you, softly, with a song.

© Ken Robertson 12/10/1999

Subject: SB: Soave, Soave by Schantieman
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:38 AM

Soave, Soave by Schantieman
(Tune: Sovay, Sovay (trad.); New words by Steve Freedman)

Soave, Soave, on any day
Far nicer than a Muscadet
With a bottle and glasses all by your side,
It's with your true love,
It's with your true love you may imbibe

Fitou, Fitou, for me and you
The sort of wine that you have to chew.
And it's made from grapes that grow in the south;
It's rich and fruity,
It's rich and fruity all in your mouth.

Le Beaujolais, nouveau où vieux
Je voudrai boire un verre où deux.
Et le Bourgogne rouge, c'est le vin qui j'aime
Pour boire du soir
Où pour déjeuner, c'est toute la même.

The Beaujolais, if old or new,
I'd like to drink just one glass or two
And red Burgundy, that's the wine I like,
To drink at lunchtime,
To drink at lunchtime or drink at night.

I'd like a glass of Blanc de Blanc
Much better than a bottle of plonk
And Champagne – its bubbles, so mighty fine!
It truly is,
It truly is the king of wine.

For I do intend, all for to drink
These wines I love as well you may think.
And as you can tell from these things I've said
I'll keep on drinking
Until the moment I drop down dead.


Copyright ©S. J. Freedman

Subject: SB: The Smell Of Mother Nature by McGrath
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:36 AM

This song was posted in response to a song challenge made by McGrath of Harlow on this thread.  Below is the newstory that prompted McGrath's challenge:

Mounties Punish Fragrant Offences (June 4, 2000) --  The Canadian province of Nova Scotia has outlawed perfume in public places after claims that it contains toxic chemicals .  The ban, observed in government buildings, schools and a growing number of private workplaces includes all fragrances, including those in hairspray and gel, mouthwash and deodorants. Some employees have been sent home to shower for being too sweetly scented.   The ban signals a victory for anti-perfume activists who lobbied outside the City Hall of the province's capital, Halifax, wearing gas masks. Their complaint is that fragrance is composed of undisclosed chemicals, some of which cause MCS - multiple chemi cal sensitivity. Critics say MCS is a spurious condition.  In Halifax not everyone has come to terms with the anti-perfume rule. An 84-year-old woman was escorted from a council meeting at City Hall for having a dab of perfume behind her ears.  Sheet Harbour High School was the scene of another scent showdown when a 17-year-old pupil refused to trade in his hair gel and deodorant for unscented alternatives. It almost got him a criminal record. His teacher, highly sensitive to fragrance, blamed the scent for triggering a vomiting attack. She called the incident an 'assault' and was backed by the school. The teen was handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police but released without charge. 

The Smell Of Mother Nature by McGrath of Harlow

McGrath's Comments:  That last verse scans better with the first line being: Oh these Yanks with their deodorants can be pretty bad to smell . . . But after all the fuss about "fat Americans" I thought I'd better pay safe.   I only hope I haven't been the cause of bad blood between the North Americans neighbours. Or bad breath. But what the hell - here's my contribution in response:

Oh the smell of the pine trees is a smell beyond compare, 
and the smell of the creatures that delight to live in there,
oh the moose and the squirrel and the great big grizzly bear,
you might not hear them coming, but you'll surely know they're here.

Oh the smell of Mother Nature
it is better left alone,
don't you spoil it with your perfume,
we'll have no Eau de Cologne.
We don't mind if you're fragrant,
but that scent you wear is flagrant,
and we'll count you as a vagrant,
yes, we'll lock you in the jail.

Oh these tourists with deodorants can be pretty bad to smell,
with the stuff they stick upon their hair, that kind of smelly gel,
and they come to Nova Scotia with another smell as well -
it's the smell of Coca Cola - and O but that's the stench of hell.

Oh the smell of Mother Nature
it is better left alone,
don't you spoil it with your perfume,
we'll have no Eau de Cologne.
We don't mind if you're fragrant,
but that scent you wear is flagrant,
and we'll count you as a vagrant,
yes, we'll lock you in the jail.

Subject: SB: Sir Tristram -- Tune & Words by Barry Finn
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:34 AM

Sir Tristram -- Tune & Words by Barry Finn

Across the raging waters
Across the Irish Sea
I bring King Mark my Uncle
My love his bride to be

It's dark and I'm dreary
As we sail o'r the main
It's wet and I'm weary
Though I'm with my love again

I was trusted to the Kings right hand
Protector of the realm
There's no a man in all the land
To me would not bow down

My name it is Sir Tristram
Nephew to the King
I am a knight of high renown
Though with the Queen I've lain

May Iseult forgive me
I pray Mark do the same
The love I bare for King and Queen
I'll take unto my grave

Sad is my fate that I should love
The King's chosen Queen
I wished I'd died when I was young
And been born without a name

Barry Finn 1997

Subject: SB: Sir James' Reply by MMario
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Dec 10 - 12:31 AM

Sir James' Reply by MMario
(For the tune, click here)


Whither thou Goeth, I'll go.
And Whither thou stayeth, I'll stay.
I''ll be Your Partner Forever, if only You'll say I may.

Put your Hand in my Hand, Dear.
Walk by my Side, My Love!
We were Meant for Each Other,
just as the Hand fits the Glove.

Would that I wake to your Beauty,
at the Dawn of each Day.
And I would praise God each Evening,
if I were Permitted to Say:

Whither thou goeth I'll go.
And whither thou stayeth I'll stay.
I'll be your True Love forever, if only You'll say I may.

With this Ring I would Wed thee,
With your Ring make me thine.
But two Metal Bands, about Our hands, are but the Outward Sign.
The Flame of Love we have Kindled, May it always Shine!
May we always See its Light, in each Others Eyes!

Whither thou goeth I'll go.
And Whither thou stayeth I'll stay.
Side by Side, forever, if only You'll say I May.

Let us grow Olde together,
United through thick and through thin.
Two made One, forever, Surrounded by Kindred and Kin!
I will pledge You my Love, Dear;
If You will pledge yours Mine.
All I have, and All I am, are Yours for All of Time!

Whither thou goeth I'll go.
And whither thou stayeth I'll stay.
I will be faithful forever, if only You'll say I May.

Yes I will be Faithful Forever, If Only You'll Say I May!

Subject: SB: The Sinking by Micca
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:49 AM

The Sinking by Micca (verse 4 by Dave the ancient mariner)
 (Tune:  Fiddler's Green) 
 

I went on a package to Thailand last year 
To visit the night-spots and try the Thai beer 
I heard all my comrades after nights on the booze 
Complaining out loud as they made for the loos 

Chorus:
I'm going to whoop my cookies 
I'm going to spew my ring 
The turmoil intestinal's 
Worse than the Maelstrom 
And there's no soft tissue at the Holiday Inn 

It wasn't the whiskey it wasn't the gin 
It wasn't the ice cubes that floated within 
It was not Delhi belly or the plague that's bubonic 
We all went down with the Thai tonic.

Chorus

I don't want a gin with ice and a slice 
The memories it brings back are not very nice 
I spent half my hols in the bog on my own  
and flew back to Gatwick seated on the throne 

Chorus

I've just had another, followed through from a fart 
I felt like I shit out a Donkey and cart 
They said don't drink the water my God its not true 
Don't eat or drink anything's what you should do 

Chorus

I'll never go back to South Asia again 
I left half my insides afloat in a klong 
The weather is lovely the temples are free 
But sinking Thai tonic is too much for me

Subject: SB: Singing Voices by Matthew Edwards
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:47 AM

Singing Voices by Matthew Edwards
(For An Croenan)

Matthew's Comments:  I've got a new song which I sang at the Manchester Mudcat Meet on Saturday.  Its called "Singing Voices", and it celebrates the pleasure that singing bestows, and the power that there is in song to overcome troubles, and find contentment and happiness. You may recognise it as an "improved", and more generalised version of my song for the Stony Stratford Gathering.  I've dedicated it to my singing teacher in Liverpool who has helped me discover some more of the joy that there is in singing.


Let me rise up in the morning to the murmuring of voices,
That fills the room with music, to greet the dawning day.
And the air all round about me is trembling with sweet noises,
Whose gentle notes float in air to drive my fears away.

Chorus:
How I love to spend my days among the sounds of voices singing
In joyful melodies that flood the fresh sweet air.
From the earth up to the heavens happy harmonies are ringing,
And the sound of singing voices will free my heart from care.

Let the hours of my days measure time to notes in rhythm,
And I'll count myself so happy as I sing, and dance, and play.
Where the sounds of voices lead me, I shall surely follow with them,
Guided by the melody, and never go astray.

Oh! Let me spend my evening among pleasant voices dwelling,
Until the music's over, and the last note fades away.
In the failing light, my mind's ear will still hear a chorus swelling,
Forth in a joyful burden to bless the dying day.

Matthew Edwards 26 November 2001

Subject: SB: Singing Auld Lang Syne by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:45 AM

Singing Auld Lang Syne by Amergin

I stagger down the dampened street
And feel the passing time.
The moon shines softly through the clouds,
Singing auld lang syne.

In the shadows, I gently lurch,
As my heart weeps and pines,
For my love holds onto another man
Singing auld lang syne.

So here's a drink to the dying year,
I drink to the coming time;
And here's a drink to lover's all,
For the sake of auld lang syne.

Now the seasons pass across the earth,
And the trees so lightly whine
And I hear the waves quietly roar,
Singing auld lang syne

So into the mists I walk alone,
Where the sidhe laugh and dine,
I Slowly raise my voice to the sky,
For the sake of auld lang syne…...

So here's a drink to the dying year,
I drink to the coming time;
And here's a drink to lover's all,
For the sake of auld lang syne.

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: Silent Voices by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:43 AM

Silent Voices by Amergin
(Tune:  Star of the County Down) (originally posted in this thread)

Amergin's Comments:  This recent talk of departing loved ones has got me to thinking about the ones that I have lost . . . . My great aunts and uncles and friends . . . . It got me to thinking about all the stories that were never recorded.  About all of the important facts of our histories that are lost forever.  It got me to thinking of the voices I will never hear again . . . the laughter . . . the joking . . . I mentioned in another thread that this had the makings of a song or something . . . . Hold on to your memories, for they are the greatest gifts bestowed upon us by those who have gone before . . . and if you have the chance record the stories of your elders or your own . . . . Blessed be.

In the woods one night, round a fire bright
Were my loved ones, dead and gone,
I stood and stared in the frosty air,
And the moon was pale and drawn;
Oh, they looked at me and smiled at me
And they beckoned me to a chair,
But I stood amazed, in the glowing blaze
And I thought, "Was I really there?"

CHORUS:
Oh, their voices rang and the coyotes sang,
And the laughter began to roar.
Round the crackling might of the fire bright
Were the voices I shall hear no more.

"Sit down" they said and I shook my head
To clear the visions of my dream,
But the forms they stayed so I obeyed,
And their eyes began to gleam
They began to sing and the woods to ring,
Twas a song that I heard before,
Oh, in the fiery heat they sounded sweet
The voices I shall hear no more

(Chorus)

The coyotes wailed as they told their tales
Of the life upon the range;
I looked around as the flames died down
And the skies began to change.
The mists arose and I watched them go
And my heart grew pale with woe,
With a tearful cry I bade goodbye
To the voices I'll hear no more.

(Chorus)

Now among the trees in the wintry breeze
On the paths I walk alone
With great delight I found where the fire bright
Burned red among the stones.
Amidst the storm the coals were warm
From the craic of the night before,
I smiled my friend for in the wind
Whispered the voices I'll hear no more.

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: Silently, Silently by MMario
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:39 AM

Silently, Silently by MMario


MMario's Comments:  This is a cooperative effort. First, thanks to LEJ and bbc who made me feel comfortable
enough to try posting original lyrics to the MudCat Tavern thread.

Silently, silently, see the leaves falling
Overhead as they fly, hear the geese calling
Summer is past, and the warmth ebbs away
As light leaves the sky, at the end of the day

Remember the days when the sun shone so brightly
Merry the songs, and the dancers stepp'd lightly
Laughter rang out, always fresh, always new
And each way we'd glance there were comrades so true

Silently Silently, see the leaves falling
High overhead, now hear the geese calling
The circle must turn, we must all travel on
Night it must come before we greet the dawn

Old friends and new friends, we gather this evening
To say our farewells for we soon shall be leaving
Raise up a toast as we all bid "Adieu"
For when we next meet, then shall warmth rise anew

Gently and Quietly, let the leaves fall now
Plaintive and distant, the wild geese call now
Winter must come, but so shall the spring
With the warmth and the joy that true friendship brings.
*

*[repeat first quatrain]

Thanks to jeri - who not only liked them but took a .wav file and created an ABC from it.
[yes, I know about MediaRing. I cannot use it from where I am]

T:Silently, Silently M:2/2 L:1/8 Q:70 C:Leo Pola K:D||DFA GEC D D>|A,D =C3D2z |DFA GEC D D>|A,D =C3D2z | DFA GEC D2| D D A,D =C3 D| D A,D =C3 A,/2A,/2=C |D> C Which I then processed through NoteWorthy composer and back through Mid2txt to get the following. Enjoy!

MIDI file: silently.mid

Timebase: 192

ABC format:

T:SILENTLY, Silently
M:3/4
Q:1/4=120
K:D
D2=F2A2|G2E2C2|D4A,2|D2=C4|D6|D2=F2A2|G2E2C2|D4A,2|D2=C4|D6|D2=F2A2|G2E2C2|D4A,2|D2=C4|D2D2A,2|D2=C4|A,2A,2A,2|D2C2D2|-D7/4||

Subject: SB: Silence!! by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:35 AM

Silence!! by Amergin

Silence!! The wind whispers in the fog
Silence!! Bays out the old crying dog
Silence!! The horn blares on the river
Silence!! The trees sing with a quiver

Silence, silence, silence
And listen to the song I must tell to you
Listen to the breeze pregnant with the dew
Listen to the ships sliding upon the cold water
Listen to the forests bemoaning the slaughter
Listen to the heart breaking with each lonesome beat
Listen to the teardrops splatter the empty street
Listen to the music of the bean sidhe's wail
And you will see the sorrow in the broken tale

Close your eyes and see.....
Look upon the man who sits alone in a crowded room
Look upon the woman who laughs in the smoky gloom
Look upon the children who bear no hope in their eyes
Look upon the prisoners secure in their own demise
Look upon the upon the houses that guard the rich
Look upon the beggar huddled closely in the ditch
Look upon the strikers bearing signs "We will prevail"
And you will feel the sorrow in the broken tale

Reach out your hands and feel...
Now feel the holy despair of the drunkard's tomb
Now feel the terror of the babe evicted from the womb
Now feel the sap pulsing 'neath the bark of the trees
Now feel the devastation of the infernal disease
Now feel the ancient cold breath of the wintry moon
Now feel the pounding feet of the bloodstained platoon
Now feel the vibrating saws ring across the vale
And you will speak the sorrow in the broken tale

Speak!! The wind whispers in the fog
Speak!! Bays out the old crying dog
Speak!! The horn blares on the river
Speak!! The trees sing with a quiver

Speak of the songs of the dying whales
Speak of the sorrow in our broken tales

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: Shopping Cart Wrangler by Reggie Miles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:32 AM

Shopping Cart Wrangler by Reggie Miles
(Tune: Ghost Riders In The Sky)

Reggie's Comments:  I didn't know if this song is technically a parody, or just insanity.  You choose.  It does, however, fill an important void in today's fast paced, sound and video bite oriented culture.  This brief saga tells about a real, honest to goodness folk hero who proudly steps forth from the canvas of modern American culture to be counted.  It is just one of the stories about untold numbers of Americans who relentlessly toil away their lives at thankless, low paying jobs.

I'm up at dawn, and work all day till the wee hours of the night.
My polyester uniform, it just don't fit me right.
And they don't allow me to take tips for the service I provide.
I work for minimum wage, with poverty by my side.

Yippee-yi-yah yippee-yi-oh-oh-oh-oh!
I'm a shopping cart wrangler, 16 years old.

In the drivin' rain or the blazin' sun or the freezin' hail or snow
When the boss says, "Go and git them strays." It's out the door I go.
I round 'em up and corral them with all the rest inside.
I'm a shopping cart wrangler, got my price gun by my side.

Yippee-yi-yo yippee-yi-ya-a-a-a!
I'm a shopping cart wrangler, is my cry!

Dodgin' trucks and automobiles over huge speed bumps and curbs.
And SUVs full of groceries, on their way back to the burbs.
Through potholes the size of Texas and puddles as big as lakes,
I drive my chatterin' herd homeward.
Then I take a coffee break.

Yippee-yi-ya yippee-yi-oh-o-o-o!
I'm a shopping cart wrangler, till I die

Copyright ©2002 by Reggie Miles

Subject: SB: Shades Of Memory by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:29 AM

Shades Of Memory by Amergin

In silence she walks across the floor
Naked, softly padding towards me
Smiling with her gleaming eyes
Arms open in the siren's decree 

She bends down to squash her lips
Pressed against my bearded face
My head starts to spin and flip
Succumbing to her female grace 

I look up into her shining eyes
Her smile stretches up her cheeks
Her blushing face glows in the sun
As the rays kiss the mountain peaks 

She lays down her body beside me
Snuggles her head close by my ear
Whispering to me with the wind
Body shaking in her glistening tears 

I listen to the music of her voice
As her soft breathing sings to me
I arise from my slumber to find
She was but shades of my memory

Subject: SB: The Seeds of More by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:28 AM

The Seeds of More by The Shambles


The Shambles' Comments:  This song was written about 5 years ago when I realised that the 1st World War was started with a bullet from a Serbian Nationalist's gun and that the settlement of that conflict led directly to the cause of the 2nd World War, the settlement of which, led directly to the present conflicts, in what was then called Yugoslavia. It looked possible to me then and it does so again today, that a 3rd World War could be the result. The song is called the Seeds Of More and I would like to give you all the opportunity to sing it with me, loudly.

The tune is a very simple one.

EEFGEDCDC
EEFGEDCD
EEFGEDCDC
EFEDCBDC

The Seeds Of More

All around the tears were falling
As they waved young men goodbye
For brave, they hear their country calling
For the cause prepared to die

Soon, they'll return home to 'Blighty'
For they're sure to turn the tide
With the help of God almighty
Who they're told is on their side

No place for the faint hearted
Off to the war to end all wars
But nothing's solved, when wars are started
They only sow the seeds of more

Back to a home that's fit for heroes
Never to go to war again
But for the ruling families, in their death throes
The world will never be the same

For the Empire and it's dominions
For it's the whole world they're to save
But was it worth the lives of millions
To ensure Britannia, rules the waves?

No place for the faint hearted
Off to the war to end all wars
But nothing's solved, when wars are started
They only sow the seeds of more

Those that kept the home fires burning
Watch as dreams all fall to dust
But the lesson's there for learning
Take care where, you place your trust

A trigger pulled in Sarajevo
Loaded at the treaty of Versailles
Now fires another salvo
Do another fifty million die?

No place for the faint hearted
Off to the war to end all wars
But nothing's solved, when wars are started
They only sow the seeds of more

Roger Gall 1994

Subject: SB: The Schmielzo Polka by Praise
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:26 AM

The Schmielzo Polka by Praise

Tonight's the night, the band is here--
Come to the Schmielzo Polka!
Come as you are, no need to fear,
It's just the Schmielzo Polka.
From miles around, you'll see, they'll come,
The old and young to frolic.
So grab your shoes and come on down,
And do the Schmielzo Polka!

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Look over there, it's Mr. Brown,
He loves the Schmielzo Polka.
His Sansabelts are fallin' down
But he's doin' the Schmielzo Polka.
His partner now is Edith Lee;
Have you seen her brand new dentures?
Hike up your skirt and join them as
They do the Schmielzo Polka.

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

There's Cindy Ann and Casey Pugg,
They always Schmielzo Polka.
She's lost a leg, he wears a rug
But they do the Schmielzo Polka.
It isn't hard to learn this dance
As Cindy Ann can show you.
Just shake a leg, give this a chance
Hey it's just the Schmielzo Polka.

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

[break/bridge thingie with fanfare:
Hike up your skirt!
Ladies, do the Schmielzo Polka.
No one gets hurt!
Now it's just the Schmielzo Polka.
Just shake a leg!
You can do the Schmielzo Polka.
Don't make us beg
You to do the Schmielzo Polka!]

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Is that the Rev'rend Eustace Bayre?
He knows the Schmielzo Polka!
Look, half his church is over there,
They love the Schmielzo Polka.
We heard one Sunday after church,
At coffee hour he taught them.
Now he won't have to sneak away
Just to dance the Schmielzo Polka!

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Now all of you with two left feet
Must dance the Schmielzo Polka.
Step on some toes but keep the beat
You've got the Schmielzo Polka.
There are no rules, you won't be judged--
We never give out ribbons!
It's good old fashioned family fun,
As we dance the Schmielzo Polka.

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

We promise we won't laugh at you
Come do the Schmielzo Polka.
Now it's the only thing to do—
To dance the Schmielzo Polka.
Just look at all the rest of us,
We'd win no prizes either!
So have no fear, the time has come,
To join the Schmielzo Polka.

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

[break/bridge thingie with fanfare:
Don't sneak away,
Proudly dance the Schmielzo Polka.
Left feet are best,
When you do the Schmielzo Polka.
Just family fun,
And it's called the Schmielzo Polka.
Your time has come,
Time to dance the Schmielzo Polka.]

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Well now that everyone has danced,
Has danced the Schmielzo Polka.
It's time to pack it in and go
Till tomorrow's Schmielzo Polka.
But some of us have learned a trick,
I'll tell you all about it,
It's possible to dance through life—
It's just a Schmielzo Polka.

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Yes, it's the truth I tell no lie--
Life is the Schmielzo Polka.
No need to fuss or carry on,
Just dance the Schmielzo Polka.
For everyone you meet is merely
Waiting for the music.
And once it starts they'll dance with you.
All dance the Schmielzo Polka!

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah! Deeda deedle eedle dee,
deeda doodle eedle dee Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

[break/bridge thingie with fanfare:
We know a trick,
And it's called the Schmielzo Polka.
Start dancing quick,
Always dance the Schmielzo Polka.
Don't fuss or fret,
Make 'em dance the Schmielzo Polka.
They'll do it yet-
And it's all a Schmielzo Polka.]

[instruments: Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee,
Doo duh dee doo dee dah!
Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee,
Doo duh dee doo dee dah!
Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

[fading]….Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee,
Doo duh dee doo dee dah!
Deeda deedle eedle dee, deeda doodle eedle dee
Doo duh dee doo dee dah!]

Subject: SB: Say Goodbye by Mbo
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:24 AM

Say Goodbye by Mbo (Words & Music)


Say goodbye
Tomorrow you'll be far away
I hope you know just how much
We enjoyed your stay

Say goodbye
It's so bad to see you go
We were such friends, we had some fun
I won't be the same without you

Chorus:
We were young, the world was ours
And we were on our way
The days pass by, oh how time flies
Till none of us remain

Say goodbye
It's been such a crazy ride
But don't give up the dreams you had
Don't cast them to the side

For you know
This was just a stepping stone
You're moving up, up in life
The life you call your own

But don't forget when
Chorus

Say goodbye
Now it's time to depart
Don't be sad, please don't cry
Don't trouble your heart

Say goodbye
We must now say Godspeed
Don't look back, don't look back
Just follow your heart's lead

Chorus

Matthew Richards (2000)

Subject: SB: Say A Prayer For Dirty (MichaelAnthony)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:22 AM

Say A Prayer For Dirty submitted by MichaelAnthony

MichaelAnthony's Comments:  I live near an area of Atlanta called L5P. You wouldn't believe the stuff crazed people give you when you give them some change.  This was all on paper, no tune for it.  I was walking up to the gas station to get some cigarettes when I made the mistake of making eye contact with him, and then I had no choice but to deal with him.  I gave him exactly enough money, including tax, to buy a 22-ounce beer.  I decided to have one myself to deal with what I had in my hands.  Personally, I'm not through figuring out the risks of association with this subject matter. But Dirty doesn't seem to have anything to lose, so I posted it.

Wel I live here in Georgy the year is 2000
An they call me Dirty or Crazy, an I beg for my housein
Twaz 4 years ago those olympics ride thro here
And some people they dont anser to no one did these things I fear

Now I stay in Atlantah and thats where it happend
It waz ninehunert ninteensix and I woodve been there
Maybe been killed as I stud there
The bombs berstine in the air at the Olympick Park
but my freind he too drunk we went to his home

Now we didnt watch the television but I was ichin for an eskape
Been pondring too much about the plane been shot down
And hunerts of people saw the missils they lookd like pink fire works
And the plane it exploded it warrant no coincidence
And hunerts of people killed body piaeces fell in to the ocean
I was trubbled that night and hopin for some ansers
But some people dont anser to know one wont listen to 200 diffrent witneses about missils.
An today.

An the next morning we wached the television had some coccola an cigars
Now I can tell when a man is lyin but that man Jewell warrant lyin
But the paper said he done it put the bomb in that bag
An some people don't answer to no one who trick him into signing away his rites
Im really troubled why they dont anser to no one.
An today I get remindid case of that Ho Ly chinaman is Jewell all agein
Cause some people dont anser to no one do politics.

Now that Rudolf he wicked and is sure going to hell if he bomb the clinics
But any 1 with any commen sense know he no motive to bomb those olympicks
So who did it some people dont anser to no one just like the people on that plane dont no more.
An two people at the park no more.

Now at that very time twaz fours years ago
That wanted new legeslasen to get throu the congress conserning explozons
Now Im realle troubled an some people don't anser to no one dont ansir to no one.

An if you were to come at me and have me commuted
Or arrested for trees or rail road me bad
Im Dirty and Im a coward and dont know nothin
I beg for my housein an pay by makin up the beds
I'L take a drink if its offerd to quit down my restlesnes

So say a prayer for Dirty and to give me back my sanite.
An for the people they dont anser to no one.
Cept if theres a god but Im not figurin on a god right now
Im still yung an still hav my memory.
And you could remembra and 25 years on down we can find out what is provd true.
But 25 years on down some people still dont anwer to no one cause evrybody craze.

So say a prayer for Dirty an to give me back my sanite
Cause Im Dirty and Im a coward and dont know nothin
I beg for my housin and pay by makin up the beds
I'L take a drink if its offerd to quit down my restlesnes.

Subject: RE: Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 02:51 AM

Guess I'd better post another space-filler message in case I missed one....

Subject: SB: Saviour Of The Land by Mrs. Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 02:50 AM

Saviour Of The Land by Mrs. Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  Not one of my songs but another fine song from Mrs. Shambles. She says, "It was written about the back of the head of a complete stranger who was driving the car in front of me one morning!" You have been warned.


She has heard that he's returning home
To take the reins once more
The freedom that he fought for
Should have opened her some doors
Through the fear, she understands his shunning of her kiss
But the man that she is shackled to
She would dearly like to miss

Coming home from war, he is a hero
Honoured as a saviour of the land
Knowing only duty to the service
And men at his command

She'd offered him a sanctuary
But a prison, it's become
The chains are bound so tightly
She's not free enough to run
She sees the medals on his chest
That he gained for valiant deeds
Will he never see the ones at home
Are the ones with greatest needs

Coming home from war, he is a hero
Honoured as a saviour of the land
Knowing only duty to the service
And men at his command

She applies the same old make-up
To cover her new bruise
The children sit so quietly
Too afraid to move
He plays domestic warfare
As he sees as his birthright
But the ones who loved him dearly
Have their nightmares through the night

She does not see the hero that they speak of
Not for her the saviour of the land
Seeing only painful days before her
Living with a man who must command

Katrina Gall 1996.

Subject: SB: Running Waters by Amos
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 02:49 AM

Running Waters by Amos

Amos' Comments:  This song is played in a cascading, tumbling series of chords in double-D tuning.

The rivers in the heart's own time drive deep
Beside the frozen barricades
And the careful guards cannot imagine words
To the songs
Of running waters

The sergeants on patrol have certain airs
Preventing passage in defense
Their keenest eyes will never see the fires
That warm the depths
Of running waters

Chorus:
Rolling in the moment,
Living in the freedom
Of driving to the ocean and its distant calling bell;
Deeper than the hardest hurt that ever the heart can know
Running waters
Sooner or later
Running waters always tell.

Though the fallen moon has left a frosted night
The streets made careful in their pain
It is distant meadows that have sent the sunfire
Forming deep songs
In running waters

The shades of mother's warning dim the light
Keeping the safety seeming whoie
Cool hearts in safer corners cry for fires
That warm the depths
Of running waters

Chorus:
Rolling in the moment,
Living in the freedom
Of driving to the ocean and its distant calling bell;
Deeper than the hardest hurt the heart can know
Running waters
Sooner or later
Running waters always tell

Copyright ©2002 by Amos Jessup

Subject: SB: Run With Me by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 02:47 AM

Run With Me by Amergin

They lie in the grass
Her head upon his chest
Gazing up at the pink sky
As the sun drifts west
His hand runs through
Strands of her blonde hair
He kisses the top of her head
Feeling the summer heat
Of the sun's dying glare 

Chorus:
He whispers softly in her ear
As we lie together in the lea
My heart is content,
My love,
Why don't you run with me? 

She turns down her head
Lips puckered to kiss his chin
He kisses back, and stares at her
Revealing a crooked grin
He runs his hand down her side
Feeling the curves of her waist
She reaches over to finger
His hand, so gently placed 

Chorus: 
He squeezes her to his body
Feeling her heat in her breath
They talk and joke and laugh
The world as quiet as the death
She looks up at him smiling
Glistening with summer dew
He looks down and studies her eyes
The colors of green, brown, and blue 

Chorus:
She whispers softly in his ear
"Across the west I will pursue
The makings of my heart, my dear,
So I will run with you" 

Subject: SB: Rough Diamond by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 02:46 AM

Rough Diamond by The Shambles


I need to learn
You, teach me how to earn
Try to kill the flame inside
That needs to burn

I need to run
Not to walk in line
Take hold of this rough diamond
And make it shine

Not to pass some test
But to be my best
To be as good as I can be
And not step on the rest

You teach me the how
But not the why
You teach me how to crawl
When I've wings to fly

Trample all the new growth in the forest
To get some to the top of the tree
You let me wear this badge of failure
When it's you that's failing me

I may not be wise
But you may be surprised
If you could see the world
Through my eyes

Don't take, the few
Teach me too
Then you can learn from me
As I learn from you

Teach me how to grieve
How to believe
How to find a lover
And how to leave

How to share
How to care
Show me wild horizons
And take me there

Roger Gall 1996.

Subject: SB: Rosie Again by KingBrilliant
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Nov 10 - 02:45 AM

Rosie Again by KingBrilliant
(The tune should be sort of swingy & waltzy -- or whatever fits)

KingBrilliant's Comments: This song took its starting point from an old whore who used to frequent one of the town pubs about twenty years ago. It was making me think about what it might be like to be an old tart who's looks had gone. She comes out as a bit of a game old bird in the song anyway. The chorus was written a while ago & has a bit of pathos whereas the verses are a bit of a laugh with the joke on the sailor boy. It's a mismatch, but that's just the way it came out (so I'll call it contrast) & hopefully it works OK.  

She's a blowsy old whore from the Old Boar's Head 
She's used up and dried up and tired she said
But still she sits with her pint
Hoping one night 
In a generous light 
Some young man will sit by her side 
And it'll be Rosie again, Rosie again, 
Rosie again, once more 

A tipsy young sailor fresh in from the boat 
With money to burn and a thirst in his throat 
Was too whiskey'd to see and too horny to care 
What a wreck he would raise if he sat in that chair 
He jumped in with a will for to sink or to swim 
She favoured the boy with a lecherous grin 
Old Rosie was raising the rigging with him 

She's a blowsy old whore from the Old Boar's Head 
She's used up and dried up and tired she said 
But still she sits with her pint 
Hoping one night 
In a generous light 
Some man young will sit by her side 
And it'll be Rosie again, Rosie again, 
Rosie again, once more 

Now the wind it blew cool and the wind it blew warm 
Rose and her sailor boy kicked up a storm 
Dancing her round with lust in his heart 
The sailor boy courted the filthy the old tart 
They sailed off away for to finish the game 
We all watched them go & we heard when he came 
Old Rosie was raising the rigging again 

She's a blowsy old whore from the Old Boar's Head 
She's used up and dried up and tired she said 
But still she sits with her pint 
Hoping one night 
In a generous light 
Some young man will sit by her side 
And it'll be Rosie again, Rosie again, 
Rosie again, once more.

© Kristin King (2001)