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The Tear Jerker Thread (songs) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MY MOTHER'S BIBLE (Williams/Tillman) From: ragdall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:42 AM Two songs that always get to me: My Mother's Bible Charlie D. Tillman/ M.B. Williams There's a dear and precious Book, Though it's worn and faded now, Which recalls those happy days of long ago, When I stood at mother's knee, With her hand upon my brow, And I heard her voice in gentle tones and low. Refrain Blesséd Book, precious Book, On thy dear old tear stained leaves I love to look; Thou art sweeter day by day, as I walk the narrow way That leads at last to that bright home above. As she read the stories o'er Of those mighty men of old, Of Joseph and of Daniel and their trials, Of little David bold, Who became a king at last, Of Satan and his many wicked wiles. Refrain Then she read of Jesus' love, As He blessed the children dear, How He suffered, bled and died upon the tree; Of His heavy load of care, Then she dried my flowing tears With her kisses as she said it was for me. Refrain Well, those days are past and gone, But their memory lingers still And the dear old Book each day has been my guide; And I seek to do His will, As my mother taught me then, And ever in my heart His Words abide. Refrain Triumphant Service Songs, The Rodeheaver Company, 1934. Tell It Again Mrs. M.B.C. Slade/ R.M. McIntosh Into the tent where a gypsy boy lay, Dying alone at the close of the day, News of Salvation we carried, said he; "Nobody ever has told it to me!" .... Rodeheaver's Sunday School Songs - no publication date, but my mother wrote her name and "~ 1918 ~" in it. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Slag Date: 22 Jan 07 - 02:02 AM Two C&W greats were GIDDY-UP GO PHANTOM 1-OH-9 (I think, may have be 4-OH-9 but that might just be the detergent talkin') I don't recall the artist or all the lyrics but the deserve an honorable mention. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE WATER LILY (Henry Lawson) From: JennyO Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:41 AM The words of Henry Lawson's poem "The Water Lily" have been put to music in a haunting version, sung by Karen Lynne. I have it on a tape, but I can't find a link for it anywhere on the 'net for others to listen to unfortunately. The Water Lily Henry Lawson A lonely young wife In her dreaming discerns A lily-decked pool With a border of ferns, And a beautiful child, With butterfly wings, Trips down to the edge of the water and sings: 'Come, mamma! come! 'Quick! follow me— 'Step out on the leaves of the water-lily!' And the lonely young wife, Her heart beating wild, Cries, 'Wait till I come, 'Till I reach you, my child!' But the beautiful child With butterfly wings Steps out on the leaves of the lily and sings: 'Come, mamma! come! 'Quick! follow me! 'And step on the leaves of the water-lily! And the wife in her dreaming Steps out on the stream, But the lily leaves sink And she wakes from her dream. Ah, the waking is sad, For the tears that it brings, And she knows 'tis her dead baby's spirit that sings: 'Come, mamma! come! 'Quick! follow me! 'Step out on the leaves of the water-lily!' |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bert Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:15 AM They have a place, sometimes they have to be written. Just three years ago my daughter, Rachael lost her baby "Ariseli". She was born premature and lived for two hours. Ariseli Sleep softly my pretty one Sleep softly my darling You promised a happiness that only you could bring You came for a moment and then you were gone Faded away like a snowflake in spring Sleep softly my pretty one Sleep softly my love |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Alec Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:58 AM 20 Odd years ago a bunch of friends & I were in a pub where we were somewhat less than satisfied with the quality of the service. So we programmed the jukebox to play "Old Shep" 10 times in a row. Then we left. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:48 AM pdq, I have to disagree. Put My Little Shoes Away et al when sung sincerely are moving. If the singer respects the song, it can be put across. If the singer goes for "over the top" maudlin effect, it becomes laughable. Helen Shneyer could perform this material both ways. Listen to the Blue Sky Boys version of "Shoes" and you will see what I mean. SINS |
Subject: Lyr Add: FATHER'S A DRUNKARD AND MOTHER IS DEAD From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM From the sheet music in the Levy Collection: FATHER'S A DRUNKARD, AND MOTHER IS DEAD Poetry by "Stella" (of Washington); Music by Mrs A. E. Parkhurst. ©1866. 1. Out in the gloomy night, sadly I roam. I have no Mother dear; no pleasant home. Nobody cares for me—no one would cry Even if poor little Bessie should die. Barefoot and tired, I've wandered all day Asking for work—but I'm too small they say. On the damp ground I must now lay my head— "Father's a Drunkard, and Mother is dead!" CHORUS: Mother, why did you leave me all alone, With no one to love me, no friends and no home? Dark is the night, and the storm rages wild. God pity Bessie, the Drunkard's lone child! 2. We were so happy til father drank rum, Then all our sorrow and trouble begun. Mother grew paler, and wept ev'ry day. Baby and I were too hungry to play. Slowly they faded, and one Summer's night Found their dear faces all silent and white; Then with big tears slowly dropping, I said: "Father's a Drunkard, and Mother is dead!" 3. Oh! if the "Temp'rance men" only could find Poor, wretched Father, and talk very kind— If they could stop him from drinking—why, then I should be so very happy again! Is it too late? "Men of Temp'rance," please try, Or poor little Bessie may soon starve and die. All the day long I've been begging for bread— "Father's a Drunkard, and Mother is dead!" |
Subject: Lyr Add: ONLY ME (Ford/Bratton) From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM Only Me By Walter Ford & John Bratton A mother of fashion was being arrayed By her dainty French maid, Babette. Her two little girls in the nursery played But one was her darling, her pet. A sound from the room caused the mother to cry "Was that you my dear Marie?" The answer came back twixt a sob and a sigh "No, Mother, it's only me." CHORUS Only me. Only me. Sobbed in a weary tone. Wrung from an innocent baby's heart That felt so much alone. One got the kisses and kindly words. That was her pet Marie. One told her troubles to bees and birds. That one was only me. Close to a white cot on a bright summer day The mother's heart wakened at last. The life of her baby was ebbing away And tears of repentance fell fast. "Now don't you cry Mother dear You needn't care. It isn't your dear Marie. And maybe the angels will have love to spare A little for only me." CHORUS |
Subject: Lyr Add: COCKLES AND MUSSELS / MOLLY MALONE From: number 6 Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:17 AM Cockles and Mussels ... this song has to be mentioned in this thread. In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone As she wheeled her wheel-barrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O! Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! She was a fish-monger, but sure 'twas no wonder For so were her father and mother before And they each wheeled their barrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O! Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! She died of a fever, and no one could save her And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone But her ghost wheels her barrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O! Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! |
Subject: Lyr Add: ONLY THE HEART MAY KNOW (Dan Fogelberg) From: michaelr Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:12 AM ONLY THE HEART MAY KNOW (Dan Fogelberg) Silent sea, tell this to me Where are the children that we used to be? At picture shows where nobody goes And only the heart can see Starry skies, soft lullabies Where do they go when their melody dies To a day far, far away That only the heart may know CH: Friends we knew who followed us through All of the days of our lives Love we shared waits for us there Where our wishes forever reside Falling tears, memories' mirrors Where are the summers, oh where are the years Carried far to a wandering star That only the heart may know (CH) Repeat 1st verse and CH |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: number 6 Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:11 AM "Tecumseh Valley" .... by Townes Van Zandt "No One Knows my Name" .... by Gillian Welch biLL |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Stilly River Sage Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:09 AM Ed McCurdy has some in his Sin Songs Pro/Con album. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:03 AM I dunno, "Little Joe" is a bit too lively to qualify as a real tear-jerker for me. The words are sad, but the tempo (at least in all the versions I've heard, my own included) is just a bit too upbeat. To me, true tear-jerkiness comes from a combination of the lyric and the delivery. |
Subject: Lyr Add: FATHER DEAR FATHER COME HOME WITH ME NOW From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:51 PM Song 95. To the tune of "Come Home Father" FATHER, dear father, come home with me now! The clock in the steeple strikes one; You said you were coming right home from the shop As soon as your day's work was done. Our fire has gone out--our house is all dark, And mother's been watching since tea, With poor brother Benny so sick in her arms And no one to help her but me. Come home! come home! come home! Please, father, dear father, come home! Father, dear father, come home with me now! The clock in the steeple strikes two; The night has grown colder--and Benny is worse-- But he has been calling for you. Indeed he is worse--Ma says he will die, Perhaps before morning shall dawn! And this is the message she sent me to bring, Come quickly or he will be gone! Father, dear father, come home with me now! The clock in the steeple strikes three; The house is so lonely--the hours are so long, For poor weeping mother and me. Yes, we are alone--poor Benny is dead! And gone with the angels of light: And these were the very last words that he said, "I want to kiss Papa to-night?" Come home! come home! come home! Please, father, dear father, come home! Hear the sweet voice of the child Which the night winds repeat as they roam Oh, who could resist this most plaintive of prayers, Please, father, dear father, come home! From The Temperance Songster; a Collection of Songs and Hymns for All Temperance Societies at the Library of Congress, at from dig.lib.niu.edu/teachers/l3-songgroup.doc |
Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE BOY BLUE (Eugene Field) From: Stilly River Sage Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:49 PM My father put several Eugene Field poems to music. This was my favorite. I asked him to sing it at a hoot one night and was surprised (and relieved) to see lots of furtive tear and nose wipes as the song came to a close--I thought I was the only one who cried over this one. I have this song on a tape, but I don't have the music transcribed. I could probably send the file to anyone who is interested. LITTLE BOY BLUE The little toy dog is covered with dust, But sturdy and stanch he stands; And the little toy soldier is red with rust, And his musket moulds in his hands. Time was when the little toy dog was new, And the soldier was passing fair; And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue Kissed them and put them there. "Now, don't you go till I come," he said, "And don't you make any noise!" So, toddling off to his trundle-bed, He dreamt of the pretty toys; And, as he was dreaming, an angel song Awakened our Little Boy Blue--- Oh! the years are many, the years are long, But the little toy friends are true! Ay, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand, Each in the same old place--- Awaiting the touch of a little hand, The smile of a little face; And they wonder, as waiting the long years through In the dust of that little chair, What has become of our Little Boy Blue, Since he kissed them and put them there. |
Subject: Lyr Add: DAHN THE PLUG'OLE From: JennyO Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:24 PM Jennie, here's one of those Victorian melodramas - DAHN THE PLUG'OLE A mother was bathing her baby one night The youngest of ten, a poor little mite The mother was fat and the baby was thin 'Twas nowt but a skellington wrapped up in skin. The mother turned round for the soap from the rack She weren't gone a minute, but when she got back The baby was gone, and in anguish she cried 'Oh, where is my baby', the angels replied Your baby has gone down the plug'ole Your baby has gone down the plug The poor little thing was so skinny and thin He should have been bathed in a jug Your baby is perfickly happy He won't need no bathing no more He's working his way through the sewers Not lost, just gone before. |
Subject: Lyr Add: DARLIN' LITTLE JOE From: Bill D Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:21 PM DARLIN' LITTLE JOE - (different from the one in the database...I have been singing this version, learned from Norman Blake, for about 35 years) What will the birds do, mother, in the spring To gather the crumbs 'round our door? Will they fly from their nest in the top of the tree, And ask why Joe wanders out no more. What will the kitten do, Mother, all alone, To stray from his frolic for the day? Will he play on the rug beside my bed, Like he did before I went away? And what of Thomas, the old gardner dear, When you ask him for flowers for me? He'll give you the roses he tended with care, The fairest lot that grew around the tree. Keep Tag, Mother, my poor little dog, Blind and helpless, it's true. Watch over him as older he grows, Sleepin' the whole Summer thru. Show him my coat, Mother, so he may know, That his master then will be dead. Speak to him kindly, amd often of Joe, And pat him on his brown, shaggy head. And you, dearest Mother, shall miss me but a while. For in Heaven, I shall no larger grow, And any kind angel you meet at the gate, Will take you to your darlin'little Joe. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JennieG Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:52 PM I luuuurrrve these songs - especially those Victorian melodramas. "Don't go down the mine daddy" is one. Cheers JennieG |
Subject: Lyr Add: WATER IN THE FUEL (Fred Eaglesmith) From: GUEST Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:49 PM Fred Eaglesmith (but Kasey Chambers sings it better, IMO) Water In The Fuel Well, darling, I'm a coming down old route number sixty-seven. I just got off the turnpike avoiding the Ohio state inspection. Johnny law followed me up the road, but then he turned off and he let me go. I guess this old truck ain't worth shutting down. And your voice last night on the telephone said you wouldn't be there when I got home So, when I get to Cleveland I'm going to head back south. Chorus: The light keeps coming on, I've got water in the fuel. My brakes are gone, I've got a left front tire throwing thread. By tomorrow morning, I could be dead. Baby, maybe you were right all along. You said you couldn't stay with a man who was always going away, And all you wanted to do was settle down. You wanted to buy that little trailer, out on the edge with the money you saved. It had a carport, a colour TV and no place to turn around. (Chorus) Bridge: Remember that winter when the lake froze over, We drove out there after we'd unloaded, We revved that truck and we spun it 'round and 'round. Then we left it idling out on that ice, Crawled in the sleeper and I held you tight. Baby, I'm sure on thin ice now. (Chorus) |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: pdq Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:42 PM Bill Grant & Delia Bell do a song called "Jack & Lucy". The only tear-jerker that works on me. Songs like "Put My Little Shoes Away" are amusing, but not real effective as tear-jerkers. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:39 PM Yep, "Nobody's Child" - (is that the name of the song?) is definitely a tear jerker. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Joe Offer Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:39 PM Hey, there's a Dead Teenager Website that covers all those sappy songs from the 50's and 60's. I wonder why it's so much fun to sing those songs.... Also, be sure to see the Saccharine overload thread. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:36 PM How about the John Prine song that goes: "Daddy's got a hole in his arm Where all the money goes" I've always liked that one. |
Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY'S CHILD From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:35 PM Sorry, Bobad. I still like the song (and have performed it on rare occasions--usually involving vodka). Terry, ya don't get off that easy. These are the lyrics Terry really WANTED TO POST! As I was slowly passing an orphan's home one day, I stopped for just a little while to watch the children play. Alone a boy was standing and when I asked him why, he turned with eyes that could not see and he began to cry. I'm nobody's child, I'm nobody's child. Just like the flowers I'm growing wild. I got no mummy's kisses I got no daddy's smile. Nobody wants me, I'm nobody's child. No mummy's arms to hold me or sue me when I cry, 'cos sometimes I feel so lonesome I wish that I could die. I'll walk the streets of heaven where all blinds can see. And just like for the other kids it will be a home for me. I'm nobody's child, I'm nobody's child. Just like the flowers I'm growing wild. I got no mummy's kisses I got no daddy's smile. Nobody wants me, I'm nobody's child. |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Leadfingers Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:29 PM I feel that IF I had any remnant of good taste left , I would steer WAY clear of this thread ! But ! I'm Nobody's child , I'm Nobody's child Just like a flower , I'm growing wild I've got no Mommy's kisses , No Daddy's smile Nobody loves me , I'm No body's child At which point the Taste triggers and I CANT bring myself to post the verses ! |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:28 PM Drats, I was gonna mention "Patches" |
Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:22 PM And of course there is "Patches" (which is in the DT). |
Subject: Lyr Add: TELL LAURA I LOVE HER (Ray Peterson) From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:19 PM Tell Laura I Love Her ( Ray Peterson ) Laura and Tommy were lovers He wanted to give her everything Flowers, presents, But most of all, a wedding ring He saw a sign for a stock car race A thousand dollar prize it read He couldn't get Laura on the phone So to her mother, Tommy said Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura I may be late I've something to do, that cannot wait He drove his car to the racing grounds He was the youngest driver there The crowed roared as they started the race Around the track they drove at a deadly pace No one knows what happened that day Or how his car overturned in flames But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck With his dying breath, they heard him say Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die Now in the chapel where Laura prays For her poor Tommy, who passed away It was just for Laura he lived and died Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE GOLDEN GUITAR From: kendall Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:16 PM Today, out of the blue, I thought of an old country song and I thought, why not start a tear jerker thread? Sort of a Can you top this? The Golden Guitar I walked into a Honkey Tonk one night down in New Orleans, Up above the bar hung a big guitar, like none I'd ever seen, Its neck was set with diamonds, and although the strings were old, Like kings of sound they wound around six keys of solid gold. A man stepped up beside me, his breath was strong of wine, And he said, "That guitar once belonged to a real close pal of mine. He used to play it, right here, it was '45 I think, I could tell you quite a story friend, if you'd care to buy me a drink." Well possessed by every weakness that makes a man a fool, I bought a round, and he drank it down, and leaned back on his stool. "I remember now" he said,"It was '45 alright, He'd just returned from the great war, that's where he lost his sight. His buddies gave him that guitar, at the time it was simple and plain, He added the gold a jewels as he played his way to fame. He was doing a show in Nashville on the night he received the call to Come up to the Grand Ol' Opry, the greatest show of all. I was driving him to Nashville, it was cold and misting rain, The signals flashed and the whistle blew but, Mr. I never saw that train. I heard the doctor tell him, just after he'd used his knife, 'You're lucky son, it was only your arm, it could have been your life.' But, he died that night, life just demanded more than he could give, I think he could have made it, but he just lost the will to live. But, this earth's loss is Heaven's gain for tonight he's still a star, He plays with a band of angels; that's my son's golden guitar. |
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