Lyr Add: Gone Forever (Curtis & Loretta)

Subject: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: GaryD
Date: 05 Apr 99 - 12:05 AM

Went to a house concert a week ago performed by Curtis & Loretta. Loretta plays Keltic Harp as well as other instruments & Curtis plays Mandolin, guitar, etc. They are based out of Minneapolis area, but range all over the country. Loretta is a sister of a friend of ours and is to me, an incredible songwriter.

In particular, she recently wrote a song about her father & the hideous Alzheimer's Disease he had, which was incredibly sensitive & actually very positive. She points out in the song that even though her Dad doesn't even remember his children, there is still that spark of kindness and loving concern he always had. If there are any of you out there who are facing this nasty thing with a friend or loved one, you might find this song called "Gone Forever" a real comfort.

I found they have a web page too, and if you go there you may find it and other traditional songs, as well. http://www.acm.und.edu/~akeem/C&L/

Theirs was the only time we ever attended a "House" concert. It sure is neat to have that kind of intimate setting.

If any of you have more information about these artists, I'd like to hear about it... Thanks. Gary

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 06 Apr 99 - 11:52 PM

Thanks for your support, Gary. We really appreciate the kind of folks who come to our concerts, and enjoy folk music, period. Just wanted to let folks know "Gone Forever" just got a good review in the April issue of "Victory Review", out of Seattle. Their web address is www.victorymusic.org, though I haven't checked it out, and don't know if the reviews are printed there. But I'm sure there's info about the magazine, which has lots of reviews and info about music in the Pacific Northwest.

Anyone interested in our albums, be sure to check out our webpage as Gary suggested. Our tour schedule is also listed there, and also in Dirty Linen's Tour Schedules, at http://www.dirtylinen.com.

Love live folk music!! Curtis & Loretta

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 12:44 AM

Ummphh...errrhhgg...ahhhh...uhnn......Lemme' stretch just a bit more......uhmmmahh...uhm..uhm...ohuhuha...ooohhhhooooo...aahhhh.......that's better...

These falls off the turnip truck are getting to be a lot harder on me!!! The old commercialism was a bit blatant there wasn't it? I mean, there ain't a thing wrong with blowing your own horn...or in this case, strumming and picking your own guitar and plucking your own harp...but I'd just as soon you said:

"Hey all you folkies...We don't get to Mudcat very often but we know what a great folk site it is and to be truthful, things are going really well for us and sometimes you just have to tell somebody who understands...and we think you will. Our latest recording efforts brought us super reviews. We know that there are other recording artists at Mudcat and club performers too and anytime one of us gets a good review, WE ALL get a good review for the music we love. We've had plenty of down times, and if you're having one, come to our website and share the good times with us!!!"

...or something along those lines. The way it reads now, looks like ol' GaryD is the shill or opening act. You come along later and say "Thanks for the intro and blah,blah,blah." Just kinda' comes off a little shallow, you know......especially since y'all haven't posted to this forum since December 7, 1998...and this is your second posting.

But that's OK, come back and join us more often, we'd love to have you as part of the family here. I'm gonna' check out your website and see what's up. Seriously, stay with us and join in the Mudcat forum.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 01:09 AM

Hey catspaw - Thanks for your input. Seriously, I have posted several times, but I must not be very good about using the same name always. We looked for (and received!) the lyrics for Christmas Island, I looked for (and received) information about the duo Fraser and DeBolt, etc. I've checked out many, many threads, but didn't necessarily have anything to add. And I've used (gratefully) the digi-trad database.

We are on the road alot, and unfortunately don't have a laptop. So, whenever we are home, I get to get on the internet and check out Mudcat.

These qualifications made, I'm still very grateful for everyone (Mudcatters and others) who enjoy and support folk music. Considering the state of mainstream radio today, we're swimming against the tide, but I've always enjoyed swimming against the tide. And I truthfully am grateful for people like Gary (and no, he wasn't the opening act...) I guess I could have read his thread, and not answered, but I did.......so sue me......no, don't do that. You can't squeeze money out of a turnip, or out of a folk musician.

Curtis & Loretta

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 01:16 AM

Very cool... I feel infinitely better about you already!!! Stay in touch whenever and however. Lots of 'Catters out your way too. Most are looking for another set to go to somewhere.

Thanks for taking me exactly as intended!!!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: LEJ
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 01:35 AM

Curtis and Loretta...look for The Collected Witticisms of Catspaw: 49 years and Still Kickin Litter! at a Waldenbooks near you, a steal at $9.95 a copy...LEJ

Pssstt! Cats! Was that the kinda plug you had in mind?

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 01:38 AM

Ah Leej...great job my friend...AND ...I'm upping your percentage too!!!!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Night Owl
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 02:02 AM

Amazing the names that show up here at the mudcat....I've been asking for years what's happened to Fraser and DeBolt and just met a duo who have very similar talents. Usually when I play my ONLY album of theirs I get cross-eyed stares...used to see them a lot in coffeehouses in Canada...did you find a source for their music...(I'll check the old threads) Do you have a similar...sound???

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: catspaw49
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 02:11 AM

Hey there Curtis and Loretta,

What did I tell you? You need to be in here more often now don'tcha'?

Truly...welcome(belatedly) and all the best,

catspaw

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 11:54 AM

Nightowl - You are the lucky one, with a copy of a Fraser & DeBolt album!! The answer to my thread was that they have not been together for years. They are still playing music, independent from each other, in Canada. As far as getting their old albums, I don't know...In the late seventies some friends of ours had an album of theirs, with a song called something like "This World is Just a Game", and I remember it being beautiful. Alas, we've long ago lost touch with these friends. As far as us having that same sound...we do alot of harmonies. But I remember their voices being almost classically trained-sounding. (We are more folky, traditional sounding.)

catspaw - Thanks for the welcome. I keep wondering if I should sign Curtis & Loretta, when it's really only Loretta writing this. (But we're joined at the hip). Curtis only knows how to get to e-bay on the computer, and cannot type to save his life.

Curtis & Loretta (really Loretta)

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: AlistairUK
Date: 07 Apr 99 - 12:24 PM

There's also paws New York Times Bestseller "Possums and how to blow wind up their asses" published by Warner books and a steal at just $6.99.

Now I want my cut you old cheapskate.

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From:
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 01:04 AM

I had heard also in the seventies that Fraser & DeBolt had broken up, just wishful thinking that maybe they had gotten back together....never heard that they were classically trained but with their musical knowledge/instincts it may be so....to me their music was "folk" with an incredible ability to 'play' with each others voices and to thoroughly enjoy the "risk" of improvising on the spot- - doing harmonies with any sounds that could be heard in the room, like electric fans, coffee pots, etc. They really gave great, warm performances. The album I have is "Fraser & DeBolt with Ian Guenther" (on fiddle). It's good to hear someone else familiar with them..I've been told over the years that their music "must be an acquired taste". Let me know if you want the names of the songs on the album, or the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From:
Date: 08 Apr 99 - 01:05 AM

Sorry...not sure why my name isn't appearing...the above post was mine...Night Owl

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: rich r
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 12:46 AM

I have had one Fraser & Debolt album for many years. I confess the whole album has never been one of my favorites. That said, I have always had a fascination for their "Columbus Hits the Shoreline Rag" Personally I would much rather listen to Curtiss & Loretta. I have heard them live at Dulano's in the Twin Cities. They are a very fine duo. Stick around, come back to Mudcat often, and come to Fargo more often too.

rich r

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Barbara
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 01:38 AM

If "This world is just a game" is the same song as "Leela Leela" I could come up with the words for you...
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 01:55 AM

Barbara, Yes, I think maybe it is the same song as Leela Leela. It went something like: The eyes of the baby behold everything from under, The eyes of the young man behold his lady's eyes with wonder, The eyes of the old man gaze upon the ....river, But what of he whose eyes are one, He'll reap this wheel forever.

Lee-la lee-la, this world is just a game, Those who say don't know, And those who know don't say.

Is that the song you're thinking of? If it is, do you have the rest of the words. I haven't heard it for years and years, but for some reason, I (kind of) remember that much of it. Did they write it?

Curtis & Loretta (Loretta, this time)

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: GaryD
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 01:30 AM

Wow, I see I've gotten some response since I've had a chance to get back here. You've really got me cranked up about this Fraser & Debolt..never heard of them, but sounds like I would like to.. C & L, it really was good to hear you again.. told my son about your gig at the Amazing Grace Bakery (Ain't that a grand name!) in Duluth next month from your newsletter... His sweetie is gong to St.Scholastica & know he'd like to go with her to it.

& Catspaw...what kind of stuff do you write? Want to lay down a few samples?...The word "witticism", caught my eye... always looking for more humor.. leave you with a meager one liner favorite of mine.. "If everything's going your way... WATCH OUT!....You're probably in the wrong lane...!... Good night & take care...Gary

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Night Owl
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 01:39 AM

....and...."Be careful, the light at the end of the tunnel could be oncoming train."

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: catspaw49
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 02:12 AM

With me dear Owl, it's always an oncoming train!!!

And Gary, I don't write at all...some things just strike me funny...like the way this thread started. I pushed the sarcasm envelope, but Loretta took it in the right spirit and saw what I meant. I tend to do that kind of thing around here and sometimes I get in a spot of trouble over it, but I always mean the best. Loretta has a sense of humor, and in my book, that makes you an automatic winner.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: rich r
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 11:49 AM

We can only hope the title of this thread is not one of them self-prophesizing fulfillments.

rich r

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Barbara
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 04:48 AM

The song "Leela Leela" was written, I believe, by Billy Schwartz, and recorded by Jody Stecher, Larry Hanks, and Reilly and Moloney that I know of. (Didn't know about Frazer and DeBolt). I'll post it for you in the next day or so. It's too late to do all that typing tonight.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Barbara
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 04:54 AM

Oh, I forgot. I must have posted it here before, because it even has the line breaks added. So do a Forum Search and you should be able to find the rest of the information.
Blessings,
Barbara
2. Where is the man who in his heart can really feel it?
Can he feel it in his heart and then can he reveal it?
Let him sit and sing, and face the flowing river
Snakes and arrows cannot go where sound remains forever.

Chorus

3.How can a man accept life who cannot accept dying?
How can a man achieve his purpose without ever trying?
How can a man have courage who cannot as well be tender?
He who wins is he who is learning to surrender.

4. Where is the man who in his heart can really feel it?
Can he feel it in his heart and then can he reveal it?
Let him sit and sing, and let his heart be gladder
Chants to God until the masquerade no longer matters.

Last Chorus:
Leela Leela, this world is but a game
Winners lose and losers win,
And the game is still the same
Leela Leela, this life is but a play
God doea not forget the one who sings his name.

See the thread called info req: LAYLA, LAYLA for Barbara’s previous (complete) posting of this song, plus 2 other versions. --JoeClone, 8-May-02.

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: lightseeker (inactive)
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 05:07 PM

Hey dad send me an e-mail your son Erik [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: GaryD
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 09:12 PM

Okay son, I'll do it!... You know I have a personal page here, too, don't you? Sorry others, this is not a plug for my personal page, but I'd be glad to get stuff from you, too... had no idea my son would show up here...

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 26 Apr 99 - 12:41 PM

Barbara, Thanks so much for posting the words for Leela Leela. It is the song I was thinking of, though it seems a bit different. Maybe Fraser & DeBolt changed it a bit, or more likely, maybe I don't remember exactly what I heard 20 years ago!!

Sorry this thanks took so long. Been on the road, without a laptop.

Curtis & Loretta (actually, Loretta this time)

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: Curtis & Loretta
Date: 29 Apr 99 - 11:52 PM

Night Owl - You mentioned you'd found a duo similar to Fraser & DeBolt. Who might they be? Could we listen to them too, and where? thanks, Loretta

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: GUEST,Chuck J.
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 04:16 PM

My wife and I first heard you perform at The Two Way Street coffee house in Downers Grove, IL
I was a social worker with hospice care at the time and your music resonates deeply with me.
Now many years later I am looking to share the sweet irony of "Gone Forever" with a family member
in the last year she has lost her Mother and her Father is in memory care. He fades in and out of denial of her loss. I can access your performance on youtube, but it would be more meaningful if she had the lyrics in front of her as she listens to you play
So far I haven't been able to find the lyrics in printed form.
Thanks for being an inspiration to many people.

Subject: Lyr Add: GONE FOREVER (Curtis & Loretta)
From: cnd
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 04:48 PM

Transcribed from here (where you can listen to it as well)

GONE FOREVER
(Curtis & Loretta)
As recorded by Curtis & Loretta on "Gone Forever" (1999)

Every night when supper was done,
Oh, we kids had a chance to run.
My dad said: "OK, we've got dishes to do.
Mom cooked the food; we're the clean-up crew."

So he stood at the sink and he washed each one.
The rest of us dried till they were all done;
But now a disease works in his brain.
He's forgotten those children who carry his name.

One day as I vacuumed he watched me, then said:
"You've done all the work; I've done nothing yet."
So I got him a dust rag and he worked with me.
He was still an example for this kid to see.

CHORUS: If I think of all the things that I've lost,
I can simply not bear the thought.
I am gone forever from his memory
And he cannot do things he once did for me.
When I watch my dad and who he is now,
Plagued by Alzheimer's, still, somehow,
Through the confusion, his soul shines through.
He says: "Come anytime; we love having you."

At the end of the driveway, in the old blue truck,
He stopped for a moment, the kids to instruct.
He pointed a long finger down the road,
First to the east and the west as he told:
"To the left is Stillwater; to the right is St. Paul.
He taught us directions when we were so small.
Now I drive my dad to the new Walmart.
Once inside he pushes the cart.

I say: "Dad, at the end of this aisle, turn right."
But he just stops, his lips drawn tight.
So I point for him, and we both turn that way.
He says: "I am sure lucky to be with you today."

CHORUS

He came to recitals to hear me play piano.
He came down to the basement to watch puppet shows.
He drove to my college to see me in plays,
A hundred miles in the big Chevrolet0

"Do you have lots of bookings?" he'd always say. "You are so lucky you can sing for your pay."
And now he doesn't know who I am--
Maybe a relation, maybe a friend.
"Sit down at the piano and play over there."
He sings along from his armchair.
He says: "Where did you learn?" and he claps for me,
And then he keeps singing that old-time melody.

CHORUS

He says: "Come anytime; we love having you."

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: cnd
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 04:49 PM

Oops, I had originally formatted all the stanzas in 4-line couplets (hence the "two stanzas" next to some of the choruses) but changed it to be 8 lines for most stanzas to be clearer. You can ignore that comment now.

Subject: RE: Curtis & Loretta... 'Gone Forever'
From: GUEST,Chuck J
Date: 22 Mar 20 - 07:09 PM

Much thanks to Mudcat for your quick response to my request for the lyrics to "Gone Forever."
Very much appreciated!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Gone Forever (Curtis & Loretta)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 Sep 20 - 03:43 AM

Curtis & Loretta have some online concerts coming up. Take a look at their Website:

https://www.curtisandloretta.com/