Songs that make you cry

Subject: Songs that make you cry
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 11 Dec 99 - 10:00 PM

Damn it. It happened again last night. I thought I was over it. I sang "Christmas in the Trenches" at an open mike (well it is Christmas time). I barely got through it what with a choking in my throat and tears running down my face.

I can sing it over an over again to myself without a problem (now I can, that hasn't always been true). And I can listen to someone else sing it, now, without crying.

But if I try a public performance I'm filling up with tears by the time I sing "and in two tongues one song filled up that sky." There were times I just couldn't finish the song.

There are some other songs that are a similar risk for me. One of them I have never tried to learn, because I know I could not handle it. That's The Randall Knife by Guy Clark. Another which I can usually get through now, depending on the night, is Guy's "Let Him Roll."

Anybody else have this problem? Any solutions?

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Metchosin
Date: 11 Dec 99 - 11:07 PM

Roger, there was a C.B.C. performance on the Vinyl Cafe of Christmas in the Trenches last weekend and I had to pull my car over to the side of the road as I couldn't see for the tears. It always does that to me. Also, I can't sing Amazing Grace without breaking up and I'm not a Christian, so it always takes me by surprise. My daughter finds that concentrating on a spot on the wall at times is helpful, although I did notice an emotional break during one of her a capella performances of She's Like a Swallow. It was certainly a stunning performance, and I think the emotional connection that the singer has with the music is what the audience longs for in a singer. Although, if it overwhelms you to the point that you can't finish it, I could see that as being a problem. Maybe there is some trick of distancing yourself from the piece without getting so far away emotionally, that you don't connect at all?

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: catspaw49
Date: 11 Dec 99 - 11:20 PM

Hi RiB and Mets too.....Well, I hate to admit it, but you've each hit one for me in the exact way and, in your case RiB, the exact line. I have another one too that has been getting me consistently. I was familiar with it for years, but it came along and struck a nerve awhile back when I heard Sandy Paton sing "Maggie." Its so damn bad now, I'm totally choked up from about the 17th bar on!!! I did a modified and abbreviated version at Karen's grandmothers graveside service 2 weeks ago and I struggled through that! Thankfully I had company. Beautiful song.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Metchosin
Date: 11 Dec 99 - 11:43 PM

Spaw, I'm not familiar with Sandy Paton's Maggie, could you elucidate?

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 12:20 AM

Sure Mets...The song is "When You and I Were Young" and its in the DT.....a true old chestnut of the first order, but I'd heard it from childhood and never paid much attention. I'm sure you'll recognize it when you see the lyrics. Sandy and Caroline Paton are 'catters of course, but they also own Folk-Legacy Records and have spent a lifetime collecting and recording AND performing traditional folk. There's a link to their website and as I wrote somewhere earlier today, ordering from Folk-Legacy is like getting an education....liner notes like you would not believe. In any case, Sandy thinks its one of the best love songs written and after he said that, I realized he was right! 'Course he's right a lot even if he is an old poot. There is something special in listening to Sandy sing it too. Its available on F-L's "Golden Ring Reunion" Album (which you should ask Santa for this Christmas).

Now the spirit seems to have rubbed off on me and the song likes to kill me.

CURSE YOU SANDY PATON YOU FOLK FOGEY !!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Winters Wages
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 01:53 AM

Roger...I don't know what it is...I have the same trouble with the song. I have tried to handle it myself. I have even tried to visualize the german soldier plunging the knife into the soldier from the scene in "Saving Pvt. Ryan" I still can not make it work Deep in side I know it Hollywood and I do believe a Scene like Christmas in the Trenches probably was real somewhere during the war back then. I can not even begin to sing Phil Colter's "The Old Man" Not just because my Dad passed much in the same way (it happened so sudden) but I relate it to Christmas in the Trenches cause he died Christmas Eve (between the 23rd and 24th of December) As I get older it seems to get worse I do not know what to tell you. I would like to hear the Randall Knife..Not familiar with that one. On second thought I'll pass for now**BG Happy Holidays Winters Wages

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: roopoo
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 02:42 AM

I've said it before: "My Old Man" always gets me, and Bill Sables knows this so he gives me fair warning. With Christmas almost upon us, my favourite carol "It Came Upon The Midnight Clear" has started to affect me. I don't know if it's the words, which seem so right, somehow, even though it was written over a hundred years ago, or that it is reminding me of a Unitarian friend who died a couple of months back. (It's a Unitarian Carol, so he once told me). There are others, me being one of those people that music affects like that, but these are the most recent.

mouldy

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Winters Wages
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 03:20 AM

Mouldy...Im guessing it's the E minor chord in the song that gives a break on reflection so to speak. the song reminds you of brightnes "The midnight Clear" then we get into that chord that denotes tragedy....and some how it reminds you of your friend. Anyway ...thats my guess...But Who am I???I have the same problems with songs Its like trying to figure out your dreams...Which is why we write songs...Play music...Get up..Get down..Oh well...forget it...It's too late for me Good night Regards Winters Wages

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From:
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 04:36 AM

There's a song in the Country field, called Teddy Bear. Can't remember if it's Red Sovine. That's quite a tear-jerker. As is, Giddy-Up Go for that matter. Hmmm.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: The Shambles
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 05:01 AM

The most recent occasion, as it happens faily frequently, is Lowden Wainwright's song Pretty Good Day. On a CD of his topilal songs called Social Studies.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE RANDALL KNIFE (Guy Clark)^^
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 06:12 AM

Winters Wages,

Here 'tis.

THE RANDALL KNIFE
by Guy Clark

My father had a Randall knife.
My mother gave it to him,
When he went off to World War II,
To save us all from ruin.
If you've ever held a Randall knife,
Then you know my father well.
If a better blade was ever made,
I was probably forged in hell.

My father was a good man,
A lawyer by his trade,
And only once did I ever see,
Him misuse the blade.
It almost cut his thumb off,
When he took it for a tool.
The knife was made for darker things,
And you could not bend the rules.

He let me take it camping once,
On a Boy Scout jamboree,
And I broke a half an inch off,
Trying to stick it in a tree.
I hid it from him for a while,
But the knife and he were one,
He put it in his bottom drawer,
Without a hard word one.

There it slept and there it stayed,
For twenty some odd years,
Sort of like Excalibur,
Except waiting for a tear.

My father died when I was forty,
And I couldn't find a way to cry,
Not because I didn't love him,
Not because he didn't try.
I'd cried for every lesser thing,
Whiskey, pain and beauty,
But he deserved a better tear,
And I was not quite ready.

So we took his ashes out to sea,
And poured 'em off the stern,
And threw the roses in the wake,
Of everything we'd learned.
When we got back to the house,
They asked me what I wanted.
Not the lawbooks not the watch,
I need the things he's haunted.

My hand burned for the Randall knife,
There in the bottom drawer,
And I found a tear for my father's life,
And all that it stood for.

Roger in Baltimore

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: kendall
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 09:45 AM

Having been at sea for years, I understand Stan Rogers' "jeannie C" and Sean Gagne's 'WHEELHOUSE DOOR' they both get to me big time, but, "THE BAND PLAYED WALTZING MATILDA' is still the big one for me.

There are times when I must think of something else when the lump appears in the throat. Of cours, you must know the song by heart to do this, but, try thinking of something unpleasant, like your ex's lawyer lol

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Jeri
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 10:01 AM

Kendall, that makes it better???

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Winters Wages
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 01:07 PM

Roger in Baltimore: Just what I needed (just kidding) That is beautiful. Why do we hate but love those songs. In some way I feel we must relate. Boy...I couldn't do that song to save my life. Im going to try and get the CD I like Guy Clark. There are two other songs that I have problems with ...The Outside Track and Sunday Morning Coming Down. ..there is something lonely in a Sunday for sure...I guess I relate to Sunday Morning Coming Down to a past family life that was and is not anymore...Oh Well...Thanks roger and everyone else Regards Winters Wages

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From:
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 09:36 PM

No Jeri, it doesnt make it better..it helps me avoid coming apart

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 10:40 PM

Born Free

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Mbo
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 10:46 PM

As I've said before, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" always brings tears to my eyes. Also, there's a song I wrote for my friend when she moved away this Spring--I can't sing it now, I makes me cry. Not that the music's so sad, but just the general content of a group of good friends breaking up one by one...If anyone wants to see the lyrics, I'll post them. It'll be a long time before I can play without getting choked up...

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Frank Maher
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 10:58 PM

Most of the Songs I Hear Today,Makes Me Cry (a lot)

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 11:02 PM

There that bad hugh Frank?
You should hear mine, you would be balling your eyes out!
BB

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Susan A-R
Date: 12 Dec 99 - 11:04 PM

Fred Small's Over the Olsund, and certain hymns. I also have to add Angels are Hovering Round, as it was the last song of the evening at the music party I held the night my dad died. A good way to go out, but I'll have to leave the singing of it to other folks for a time. John McCutcheon's Big Black Pot can also do it to me (It doesn't take much at all these days, so watch out.)

Susan A-R

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 03:54 AM

'Down upon the dugout floor', and 'Londonderry air/Danny Boy', but for totally different reasons.....

LTS

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Gord
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 05:03 AM

I can think of three songs that bring a tear to my eye and kind of choke me up any time I try to sing them: And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda, Willie McBride(Green Fields of France) and Kevin Barry. There are probably several other Irish reb songs that might do the same, 'cept I can't think of them right now. There's one other tune that I find hard to listen to, being ex-military and a RCL member - "The Last Post" (see Willie McBride).

Gord

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: AnTirKitten
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 01:02 PM

*sniffle* One song I rarely manage to finish without a tear is "Gone to America". Just such a heartbreaking song, really *sniffle* and so tragic. Another one is "Fare Thee Well, Love" by the Rankin Family. *sniff* Okay, I'm officially coming out as a sap.

Cat

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 01:12 PM

This year, the Gloucestershire Wassail, of all things, chokes me up- a dear friend of mine died this fall, who loved this song. We used to perform in the Cambridge (Mass., USA) Christmas Revels and he was invariably cast as the butler, carrying "a bowl of the best"- and when I heard a motley crew sing it yesterday I couldn't get thru the refrain without thinking of Tim - "and I pray that your soul in heaven may rest"
Allison

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 01:20 PM

BB -- regarding your last post, I sense a 'Spawism lurking in the wings......

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Matthew B.
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 03:49 PM

The song When You and I Were Young, Maggienever failed to make my grandmother cry.

For me, the Malvina Reynolds song Where Are You Going, My Little One from those 1960's Kodak commercials always chokes me up. And the song Cat's In the Cradle always haunts me, reminding me of how much more of a father I could have been for my son.

Yeesh! What a topic!

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: MMario
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 03:57 PM

For me it pretty much depends on the circumstances (and how exhausted I am) - but yesterday, there were very few dry eyes...at a performance (very well done) of "Amazing Grace" as we paid tribute to a comrade, whose passing we learned of during our street theatre gig.....It had been his favorite song.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Drewsmilitia
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 04:05 PM

There's a Tim Buckley song which I can't remember the name of but it contains the line " Is he a hunter, is he a dreamer, is he mammas little man, does he help you when he can,Oh what I'd give to know him", which absolutely rips my soul out and leaves me drained.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Frankie
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 04:57 PM

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Frankie
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 05:14 PM

Jeez, I hate when that happens.Victor Jara done by Arlo Guthrie usually provokes tears and then anger at that bastard Pinochet and at the forces in this country (USA) that aided him in all that torture, repression and murder. Also, the oft-mentioned Bees Wing by Richard Thompson causes me to leak, occasionally.

Frankie

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: kendall
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 07:44 PM

Where are you going is a song that would rip any parent apart

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Caitrin
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 08:54 PM

"On My Own" and "Do You Hear The People Sing" from Les Miserables always get me. So do Loreena McKennitt's arrangement of Tennyson's "Lady of Shalott" and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's "Find the Cost of Freedom." And the Christmas carol "O Come Emmanuel", particularly in Latin with the SATB harmony arrangement. Sometimes a thematic element will bring tears to my eyes, but sometimes it's just the pure beauty of the music. Also, performing is usually a pretty emotional experience for me, whether it's singing or acting.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Cara
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 09:39 PM

This year, all of the non-secular and some of the secular Christmas songs make me cry when I hear them sung well. It's been creeping up on me for a few years, and I've really no ideawhy.

True confession: I was in my teens before I could sing Puff the Magic Dragon all the way through. Got me every time.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WAYFARER (Padraig Pearse)^^
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 10:20 PM

The strangest things can crack you up. "Puff the Magic Dragon" definitely, last chapter in "House at Pooh Corner", several Christmas Carols - "Come Come, Come to the Manger", "O Little Town of Bethlehem". And "Somewhere over the Rainbow". There are always particular lines that suddenly do it.

Those aren't songs I sing on my own though. Generally I find if I'm up for singing, so to speak, I can get through. More likely to crack up when listening to someone else and joining in. Or just listening, maybe driving along.

It's not getting embarrassed at crying that's the problem, I got over that a long time ago. But if you're singing, the voice just goes completely.

Anyway, here's a poem that always brings tears to my eyes. I posted it in another thread a few days ago, because it seemed relevant, and now I've put a tune to it. But I don't know if I'll be able to sing it without cracking up.

It's by Padraig Pearse, and I learnt it from a reading by the actor Milo O'Shea on a record he made in 1967.

THE WAYFARER

The beauty of the world has made me sad.
This beauty that will pass.

Sometimes my heart has shaken with great joy
to see a leaping squirrel on a tree
or a red ladybird upon a stalk.
Or little rabbits, in a field at evening,
lit by a slanty sun.

Or some green hill, where shadows drifted by,
some quiet hill, where mountainy man has sown,
and soon will reap, near to the gate of heaven.

Or little children with bare feet
upon the sands of some ebbed sea,
or playing in the streets
of little towns in Connacht.

Things young and happy.

And then my heart has told me -
these will pass,
will pass and change,
will die and be no more.

Things bright, and green.
Things young, and happy.

And I have gone upon my way, sorrowful.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Caitrin
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 10:35 PM

I was listening to Les Miserables again today, which reminded me that "A Little Fall of Rain" makes me cry, too.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Mbo
Date: 13 Dec 99 - 11:45 PM

Caitrin, everything in Les Miserables makes me want to cry or scream at the top of my lungs!

On Friday coming home, me and my sister were doing the part "We now must decide who we are--do we fight for the right for a night at the opera now? Have you asked of yourself what's the price you might pay? Is it simply a game for rich young boys to play? The colors of the world are changing day by day--RED..." We were taking turns doing Enjolras & Grantaire's lines--"You talk of battles to be won, and here he comes like Don Juan..."

"Drink With Me" is also very sad--"Can it be you fear to die? Will the world remember you when you're gone? Could it be your death means nothing at all? Is your life just one more lie?"

If you've ever seen the Dream Cast version at Royal Albert Hall--after everyone dies at the barricade, the orchestra starts up a quiet instrumental version of "Bring Him Home" complete with pizzicato strings signifying the little fall of rain. As the music continues, the barricade on stage starts to turn around. As the music swells to "The summers fly one by one, how soon they fly on and on" the barricade turn completely around, and as the music and gongs climax, Enjolras' dead body is seen hanging over the front, still clutching the flag in his hands...I break down right there every time...

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Chris B
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 01:38 AM

Diana Ross and the Supremes Someday we'll be together

Whiter Shade of Pale

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Callie
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 02:50 AM

John Warner and Margaret Walters singing "Today I Saw Llewellyn Walk" about watching a baby taking first steps (CRRRYYYY!!) and Chet Baker singing Elvis Costello's song "Almost Blue" Callie

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Auxiris
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 04:00 AM

Stan Rogers' "First Christmas Away From Home", "The Green Fields of America" and many, many others. . .

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Neil Lowe
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 08:35 AM

..the theme from Gilligan's Island. From episode to thought-provoking episode (and educational, too...like how to make a radio using coconuts), I always wondered if they'd make it through that terrible storm....

RiB...maybe the next time you sing "Christmas In The Trenches" you'll be able to get through it if you think on this feeble attempt at humor. *BG*

Regards, Neil (whose tragic example of misspent youth in front of the boob tube should be a wake-up call to parents everywhere)

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: IceWolf
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 08:48 AM

Oh my. What a topic. Here's my collection:

Heart of the Appaloosa - Fred Small No Man's Land - Eric Bogle (aka Green Fields of France) Born on the 4th of July - Tom Paxton Allegory - Heather Rose Jones Eternal Loser - Leslie Fish

Much as I hate to admit it, a couple of my own songs do that to me too.

--IceWolf

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: kendall
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 12:59 PM

Phil Brown written by my friend Dave Mallett.(the garden song )

...and he'd come to town with his old wool hat pulled down
Surrounded by the dogs that were his friends
At times too drunk to stand, he'd shake familiar hands
Then, sit around the ESSO station 'til his loneliness would end.

And all through the night, a faded yellow light
Would burn inside the room where he would stand
And play the old Victrola, and drink his rusty wine
And conduct the Mozart music with his hard and shaking hand.

there is more..its about the town drunk in a small Maine town.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Clifton53
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 01:17 PM

My parents split when I was very young, my old man was a big fan of western movies and all things cowboy. I've never gotten through "Desperadoes Waiting For A Train" without gettin wet-eyed. The song hits in my boyhood like nothing else ever sung.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Drewsmilitia
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 03:48 PM

Can anyone out there help me with the name of the Tim Buckley song which as I mentioned a few postings ago kills me

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Bert
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 03:54 PM

You're right McGrath, the voice just goes. It happened to me at the Getaway while I was singing Katlaughing's song "That's not my Colorado". I got to the line "Colorado was a home to me" and went all squeaky.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: feet of clay
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 04:20 PM

"500 Miles", the melody haunts and the lyrics, simple, connote a deep desperation. Is anything sadder than being dispossessed of home and hearth? Perhaps only death is a more compelling subject and then listen to "Grace" as interpreted by Anthony Kearns on the PBS special "The Irish Tenors", it would coax a tear from the most granite of hearts. The song begs the question, what is it that can compel an individual to make the ultimate sacrifice for an ideal. Is such a quality to be admired or pitied. At one point in this existence, I could definitively answer the question, today I cannot.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: CE Morgan
Date: 14 Dec 99 - 09:22 PM

Some of these I haven't thought of in years... "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof, "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel. I used to sing both of these in a choir, and I'm sooo thankful I wasn't singing solo. However, I did do "You'll Never..." as an audition piece, and I found listening to the tone of my own voice, rather than the words, helped. They stopped me early, so I guess it got to them too!

My best advice would be to not let it worry you if the song gets to you. If you show some emotion, your audience will respond sympathetically. (I always feel very sorry for the bugle player who has to play at war memorial services.)

I heard "First Christmas Away From Home" for the first time last July, and I *bawled*! Now it's the holidays, I have a recording of it, and I don't think I can listen to it!

Waaahhh!! But nice to know I'm not alone. CIndy Ellen

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: ddw
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 12:50 AM

Merry Christmas to ye all!!!

Have to admit, though, there are a bunch that get to me. Christmas in the Trenches, the two Eric Bogle songs mentioned, a lot of Civil War songs (All Quiet Along The Potomac, I'm Afraid To Go Home and Don Gibson's Civil War Trilogy are the big three there) and the one I used to to and have been trying to get back into my play list for about six months, without success, Streets of London by Ralph McTell.

Not quite as bad, but on the tough-sledding list are Joni Mitchell's Urge For Goin' and Tom Rush's No Regrets.

Gawd, I must me a wimp!

david

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Slider
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 11:18 PM

Not too many words of explanation,but a couple that come to mind are "The Dutchman" by Steve Goodman and another song that was on a David Bromberg album many long years ago, the title of which escapes me, but was a song about leaving home for the first time ,or for good. It had little accompaniment at first but builds to an emotional crescendo that left me and my roommates welling up, all of us thinking ,I guess, of the similar experience we had just gone through and how things would never be the same at home. Anybody remember the title? Gee Whiz! Nothing like a bit of holiday melancholy. Just don't let the tears dilute your eggnog.

Subject: RE: Songs that make you cry
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 15 Dec 99 - 11:47 PM

Slider,

Could that by Child's Song written by Canada's own Murray Mc Lauchlan? "Goodbye, Mom. Goodbye to you, too, Pa".

Roger in Baltimore