Lyr Req: When the Roses Bloom for the Bootlegger

Subject: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 19 Mar 97 - 04:37 PM

I am trying to find the lyrics to a song from the late twenties or early thirties but am unsure of the title. Something like Bootlegger's Lament or else maybe When the Roses Bloom Again Beside the River... Thanks for any help or suggestions!

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 20 Mar 97 - 07:13 AM

Could it be something like...

I was sailing down the river in my little red canoe. Revenue man was waitin' there for me. I was feelin' rather frisky when he caught me with the whiskey, Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

CHORUS When the roses bloom again beside the river, etc.

These's also "When the Roses Bloom Again Beside the River" about a soldier who has to leave his sweetheart, is mortally wounded, and asks the captain to return his body home. No mention of bootleggers in this one.

....Tiger

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 20 Mar 97 - 03:36 PM

That might be it? Do you know the artist or if the lyrics are available online?? Thanks so much for the help!!

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 20 Mar 97 - 06:25 PM

Which one do you want?

(I'd guess the first). My father-in-law sings it -- I'll be seeing him in a week or so, so I can review the words, or I could try my best to recall.

The second was done by Mac and Bob (blind musicians Lester McFarland and Robert Gardner) in the 20's. I have it on record and in their songbook, 1931.

Let me know your preference. ...Tiger

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 21 Mar 97 - 03:18 PM

Yes, that's right, the first one. If your father-in-law knows it and you would be willing to type that in, I would really appreciate getting the words. Thanks again for your help; this is great!

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 21 Mar 97 - 03:54 PM

Roger, WilCo. Just don't hold your breath, I won't be back until the 1st of April....Tiger

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: Ralph Butts (NEW WORDS)
Date: 04 Apr 97 - 11:52 AM

BCK..... Here are the words as recalled by my father-in-law. Can't vouch for them (he's a bit "flexible" with lyrics), but you should be able to have some fun.

.....Tiger

------------------------

The Bootlegger's Lament (your guess on the title)

I was goin' down the river to my little cabin home,
The revenue man was waitin' there for me.
I was comin' up the hill when they caught me with the still,
Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

CHORUS
When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the robin redbreast sings his melody,
Then my heart will fill with cheer, for I know I'll soon have beer,
And I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

They took me to the courthouse, the old judge he was there,
He didn't show me any sympathy.
Said, "You were feelin' very frisky when they caught you with the whiskey."
Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

CHORUS

They took me to the jailhouse to serve my ninety days,
And now I'm on the county rolls to stay.
I was feelin' very fine when they caught me with the wine,
Now I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the revenue men all have gone to rest,
Then I know I'll soon have wine, so be patient, pal of mine,
And I'll see you when the roses bloom again.

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 05 Apr 97 - 12:26 PM

Thanks for your help. That's great!

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 25 Apr 97 - 03:56 PM

Somehow half of this thread seems to have disappeared??!!

Not sure what happened there.

The historical society in town (Detroit Lakes, MN) is interested in getting the lyrics for the bootlegging song because there were a lot of bootleggers in this area. The lyrics your father-in-law recited are really close to the way I remember it. I just wish we had the artist and other info etc. so we could try to get the "official" lyrics. Any suggestions?? :-)

Thanks for your help Tiger! BCK

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 11 Apr 97 - 04:43 PM

Tiger- In a previous note you said, "the second was done by Mac and Bob (blind musicians Lester McFarland and Robert Gardner) in the 20's. I have it on record and in their songbook, 1931."

I would be interested in getting that songbook. Could you send me the information so that I can order it? Our local historical society is really interested in this, too.

Your father-in-law does not happen to remember who sang the bootlegger song? We would really like to get a recording or the "official" lyrics to that one, too.

You have been a great help! Thank you! BCK

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 12 Apr 97 - 11:49 AM

My last message was unclear. The historical society is actually interested in the bootlegger song - relates to local history :-)

Thanks for any help you could offer! BCK

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: Ralph Butts
Date: 12 Apr 97 - 03:35 PM

BCK....Did some more checking. My father-in-law says he learned this song from a man named Louis Shaw of Amsterdam, NY in about 1932-33. No idea of original artist or composer, he thinks Mr. Shaw just happened to know the song. However, we're gaining - you've got my interest up - I always liked the song anyway. Tell me why (&where) your historical society is interested, that may provide some additional clues.

As to the the Mac and Bob songbook.......You most certainly can't mailorder it. It was published in 1931 by Agricultural Broadcasting Co. They were associated with radio WLS in Chicago who featured many old groups such as the Carter Family and the Monroe Brothers (we're talkin' 30's here). Mac and Bob (both blind), also sometimes known as "The Knoxville Boys", were a popular group at that time and a strong influence on many of the next generation's musicians.

BTW - the full name of the book is "Mac and Bob's Book of Songs (Old and New)".

I'll keep looking.....Tiger

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 08 May 97 - 12:49 PM

Our historical society is interested because there were many bootleggers in this area. Becker County Minnesota. We will keep searching!!

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: BCK
Date: 31 Jul 97 - 04:02 PM

Still hoping to get the name of the composer/artist and the "official" lyrics for the song we discussed - Bootlegger's Lament. Any suggestions?? Thanks! BCK

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: MMario
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 12:10 PM

can anyone post the tune?

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 01:00 PM

The book of songs is available from two used dealers at Abebooks (www.abebooks.com) for $25-30.
There were two printings- the one put out by Agricultural Broadcasting, Chicago, 1931, is the one you are looking for. The other may have different content.

Lester McFarland and Robert Gardner were blind singers who met at a blind school and teamed up as a country duo, according to one of the book offerings.

Subject: RE: Bootlegger's Lament
From: georgeward
Date: 30 Oct 03 - 01:25 PM

The words Ralph Butts's father learned in Amsterdam, NY are almost exactly those which were sung (never recorded, unless I have it on an unlogged field tape) by Lawrence Older of Middle Grove, NY. Lawrence was a well-known traditional singer in these parts ( see Folk-Legacy album CD-15).

Middle Grove is not far from Amsterdam. Lawrence had an aunt who would make baskets all winter and set out for Amsterdam in the spring, selling baskets as she went...and spending the proceeds when she got there.
I believe it was from that same aunt that Lawrence had the song.

I always thought - I think he thought - that she made the song (it is a parody of a popular song). Maybe she did, and it circulated. But it is equally possible that she just picked it up from local circulation.

Add me to the list of those who'd like to find out more. - George

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bootlegger's Lament
From: GUEST,BTL
Date: 31 Mar 12 - 12:26 AM

Would these lyrics be public domain?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bootlegger's Lament
From: GUEST,Cruiseinbob
Date: 01 Dec 12 - 03:15 PM

Hello
The Bootleggers Lament was performed by Ronny Cox in the movie Deliverence

Subject: When the Roses Bloom Again for the Bootlegger
From: GUEST,MVS
Date: 24 Mar 17 - 09:46 AM

This song was recorded by Roy Harvey (as Roy Harper) and Earl Shirkey at Johnson City, TN, 18 Oct 1928, and released on Columbia 15326-D. Harvey sings, and Shirkey does vaudeville yodeling between verses. Official title is "When the Roses Bloom Again for the Bootlegger." So far as is known, the song was composed by Harvey. There were a number of contemporary covers, including Earl Johnson and his Dixie Clodhoppers, Asa Martin, and Carson Robison (with Frank Luther), but all known recordings derive from that of Harvey and Shirkey, as do all known folklore collections.

Note that the song begins with a dialogue between Harvey and Shirkey, about their moonshiner friend Bill (the subject of the song), in which they address each other as "Roy" and "Earl." Same dialogue intro is used in the Carson Robison-Frank Luther version, with the boys calling each other "Roy" and "Earl."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bootlegger's Lament
From: eftifino
Date: 25 Mar 17 - 02:17 AM

Not a lament as such, but I don't know if this is already posted:


I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, I'm a long way from home
And if you don't like me, well, leave me alone
I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry
And the moonshine don't kill me, I'll live til I die

I've been a moonshiner for many a year
I've spent all me money on whiskey and beer
I'll go to some hollow, I'll set up my still
And I'll make you a gallon for a ten shilling bill

I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, I'm a long way from home
And if you don't like me, well, leave me alone
I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry
And the moonshine don't kill me, I'll live til I die

I'll go to some hollow in this counterie
Ten gallons of wash I can go on a spree
No women to follow, the world is all mine
I love none so well as I love the moonshine

I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, I'm a long way from home
And if you don't like me, well, leave me alone
I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry
And the moonshine don't kill me, I'll live til I die

Oh, moonshine, dear moonshine, oh, how I love thee
You killed me old father, but ah you try me
Now bless all moonshiners and bless all moonshine
Their breath smells as sweet as the dew on the vine

I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler, I'm a long way from home
And if you don't like me, well, leave me alone
I'll eat when I'm hungry, I'll drink when I'm dry
And the moonshine don't kill me, I'll live til I die

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN THE ROSES BLOOM FOR THE BOOTLEGGER
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Mar 17 - 01:23 AM

WHEN THE ROSES BLOOM FOR THE BOOTLEGGER
As recorded by Earl Shirkey & Roy Harper, 1928

I was going down the river to my little cottage home.
The revenue men was waiting there for me.
I was coming up the hill when they caught me with the still.
I'll be with you when the roses bloom again.

CHORUS: When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the robin redbreast sings his melody,
With the revenue men out west, I can have a little rest.
I'll be with you when the roses bloom again. [Yodel]

They took me to the courthouse; the old judge he was there.
He didn't show me any sympathy.
"They have caught you with the wine, so I'll send you down the line.
You'll be with them when the roses bloom again."

CHORUS: When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the revenue men have all gone to rest,
Then my heart will fill with cheer, for I know I'll get the beer.
I'll be with you when the roses bloom again. [Yodel]

They took me to the jailhouse to serve my ninety days,
And now I'm out on the county road to stay.
I am feelin' very frisky but they've caught me with the whiskey.
I'll be with you when the roses bloom again.

CHORUS: When the roses bloom again beside the river,
And the robin redbreast sings his melody,
As they've caught me with the wine, I can't be with you, pal o' mine,
But I'll be with you when the roses bloom again. [Yodel]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bootlegger's Lament
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Mar 17 - 01:29 AM

By the way, this song is a spoof of

I'LL BE WITH YOU WHEN THE ROSES BLOOM AGAIN
Will D. Cobb & Gus Edwards, 1901.

Lyrics have been posted here.