ADD: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Brendi Walls
Date: 24 Jan 20 - 02:11 AM

I first heard Joan when she played the Edmonton Folk Music Festival in 1980, then saw her again in Calgary, when she played there as part of the 75th Alberta birthday celebrations. I had driven to Calgary from Edmonton with my friend who said that she would take care of hotels if I did the driving. About 2:30 am on Friday night I discovered she meant that she would arrange to house herself and I had the choice of a park bench or my small car. Joan overheard the conversation and immediately said "But there are two beds in my room, stay with me." What a delightful weekend, camping at the Palliser Hotel with Joan.
Her death touched me very deeply and I wrote a song as tribute to her, which Connie McCall sang on the Edmonton folk Festivals mainstage, in the break between the first two artists opening night. "Old Souls" was written for Joan and I hope that she heard it in her wanderings between worlds and that she realized how she had influenced me in my own writing. I still miss her charm and love of life, as black as it can sometimes seem.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 09 May 15 - 07:43 PM

Joan paid me a visit or two at my home in Edmonton sometime between 1980 and 1982. I felt honoured to spend time with her doing a bit of music in the dining room. She had a wonderful, strong and lyrical voice, magnificent songwriting talent and warm personality. I think of her very often and was sad when she passed away. Her songs remain in my heart and mind; thank you so much to her brother Paul for posting the videos on youtube and to those of you in this thread who transcribed them so they can be kept alive.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Guest Susie
Date: 24 Jul 14 - 02:00 PM

What a wonderful surprise to find this thread. I met Joan in Yellowknife NWT in the mid 80's at the Folk On The Rocks festival with Maggie Crystal ( who stayed with my daughter Gli and I) She was one of the warmest people I have met with a wicked sense of humour, we had the best time. She gave me her album and wrote on it "I hover over your left shoulder", one of my favourites. I still have it and treasure it. My other favourite is When I can't Play. Such a talent, a terrible loss. She is remembered with love.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 23 May 14 - 01:08 PM

Guest Margo, I would appreciate the lyrics of Jasper Park Lodge Blues.
is it possible for you to transcribe them?

Subject: Jasper Park Lodge Blues single
From: GUEST,Margo
Date: 23 May 14 - 12:41 AM

I had the pleasure of seeing Joan perform at JPL in the early 80's. She made a 45 called the Jasper Park Lodge Blues. It described your life as a "Lodgie:I still have 1 copy of the 45,but no one else remembers ever hearing it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 May 13 - 09:17 PM

Just lovely to find this thread. Like so many of you, I saw her perform in Edmonton from the early '80s until the last Edmonton Folk Fest she played before her - very untimely - death. What a terrible loss. I remember how hard it hit the folk music community. I had the album Wintersong as well - no idea today where it is sadly - so thank you to whoever put her songs up on YouTube, but I have to say that along with loving so many of her songs, I will never forget the night she sang "Oh Mother, How Pretty" - and I sang all the words with her. Joan was the first person I'd ever heard, outside of my family, to know that song. As in her family, my mother sang it to me, and my grandmother sang it to my mother before. It is a treasured lullaby in our family. And to find that it was also a traditional lullaby in Joan's family was amazing.

Happy memories. She is not forgotten - she still sings in our hearts.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Apr 12 - 12:02 AM

Actually...if any of YOU have more bio info on Joan I'm hoping you'll share it with me! :)

Unfortunately my late Grandma was my only connection to any information and I never had a chance to get it from her.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 12 - 11:53 PM

She also had "Personal Colours" actually, released it in 1990. I'm lucky enough to have mint copies of both LP's, as my late Grandmother was related to her father.

I'm delighted that so many of you have been keeping this thread alive for over 10 years!!!! I was introduced to Joan's music through my Grandmother, who had me transfer Joan's LP's to CD for her. I found myself humming the songs afterwards as I found them very catchy and touching. I really wish I had a chance to meet Joan before her untimely passing, her music certainly has moved me.

I have created an artist page for Joan on the worldwide discography site Discogs - here is the link for those interested: http://www.discogs.com/artist/Joan+Macisaac

I put full info on both her albums on there as well, including all credits. Once I get more bio info about Joan I'll post it on there as well.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 04:12 PM

"Wintersong," 1982, was her only lp. Long out of print.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Mar 12 - 03:50 PM

I am trying to find anything on MP3 or CD that Joan MacIsaac sang on. My favourite song of hers is When I Can't Play and Farewell To Nova Scotia. If anyone knows a site to buy it from and or any other method, please can you post it????
I saw her at a couple of folk festivals here in Edmonton, Alberta and Joan and Stan Rogers were the best Folk Singers I have ever heard and they are both gone.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Oct 11 - 08:40 AM

Have found a copy. Thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Sep 11 - 03:09 PM

at the time (1984) i buyed her Lp at "canadian river music"
a mailing shop based in Texas, and still today i thanks the great
sense of love for music and poetry that mrs. Danna Garcia (the one that created canadian river music) put on her competent work, and God
bless her for the fantastic record of Joan MacIsaac she sent me after
reading a rewiew on the magagazine that then i think was a sort of
Holy Bilble for the north east folk scene, the fantastic "Come For To Sing" edited by another inccredible lady: mrs. Emily Friedman!

nino apa (italy)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Adrien
Date: 15 Sep 11 - 04:17 PM

I only ever had a cassette tape of Joan MacIsaac which I treasured for years. I would love now to get a hold of a CD of hers. I haven't heard her songs for such a long time... I can't find anywhere to download her music. Anybody have a link or suggestion? [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Seonaid
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 04:15 PM

I'm wondering if a television drama might have inspired the "When I Can't Play" song.
Back in the early 70's there was a TV series called "The Bold Ones: The New Doctors". One of the episodes included a pop musician with a neurological disorder that would eventually affect her hands and throat. But rather than being depressed, she was determined to enjoy life and music as much as possible. One of her lines was something close to, "When I can't play, I'll sing, and when I can't sing, I'll listen."
This line affected me enough to remain in memory after all these years (and I can't remember a single other thing about the series). Perhaps it sparked a song in Joan MacIsaac?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,TobyLauren
Date: 21 Jun 11 - 12:15 PM

I am so happy to stumble across this thread! Joan was my godmother, and was very dear to me. Her tragic death (when I was nine) impacted me deeply.

My parents toured with Joan- they became good friends. When I was born, she famously came to the hospital dressed in a sparkly purple gown, with acrown on her head and a wand in her hand, declaring herself my "fairy godmother".

That is what she was.

She invested her time and love into my life, taking on a role of magical proportions in my mind. I really believed, deep down, that she was magic.

As I matured she became even more precious to me. I remember her stories with fascination, and I made it my goal to one day perform with her.

Even though that wasn't meant to be kn this side of eternity, I hope her gift of music endures. I have a similar tone and vocal range, and have made it a point to keel he songs alive.

I have often hoped that the MacIsaac family could find a way to get my Fairy Godmother's music up on iTunes. That way, the magic of her talent could touch so many more people.

Until we meet again, I can hear he singing to me, "I hover over your left shoulder..."

Subject: wintersong and personal colours
From: GUEST,sarah slade
Date: 13 Jun 11 - 02:11 PM

i am so touched to find this thread. we had the LP, wintersong, and somehow when we left canada and moved to italy 6 years ago, it didn't come with us. my son is going to be 27 in 8 days, and i walked the floors at night, every night, with a screaming colicky baby, soothing him to the wonderful lilting tones of joan's beautiful voice.

i loved those songs, and really wish that her music was still available. i am clearly not the only one: so sad to know that she is no longer with us, but i am obviously not the only one wishing that her music still was. as well as a web site, perhaps a re-issuing of her recordings would be appropriate, and gratefully received by many. with very best wishes, sarah slade

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,guest MM
Date: 03 May 11 - 11:35 AM

I am Joan's sister and am very moved to read the words of appreciation for her music. For those that only know her through her moving lyrics you would love her warm rich voice with her amazing wide range. Her notes were clear and confident and conveyed her songs in a way that made you feel like she really understood your deepest feelings. She wrote in a very personal way and that was also the way she was in life. Sadly missed, but joyfully celebrated. She wrote many wonderful songs that never were recorded in either of her two albums.

This summer marks the 20th anniversary of Joan's passing and it would be good to open up a web-page dedicated to her music. I know there are people who would enjoy discovering Joan MacIsaac's music for the first time.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 02:20 PM

Hello Guest 'L',

It is good to have you on the thread. Joan has many friends 'out there' in the folk world. I was fascinated to hear there is another album and would love to get to hear it.

Do let us know if you manage to get it digitized.

Best wishes,


Peter

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,L
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:21 AM

I know it's an old thread... but I will comment anyway. Maybe someone, someday will search the name Joan MacIsaac.

I am the oldest of the nieces of the late Joan MacIsaac. It is very touching that so many people still keeping her name alive. Aunt Joan and I were very close and she was my musical inspiration as I am now a music teacher and continue to pursue my music.   I stumbled across this thread after searching the origins for 'Oh Mother How Pretty' for a book I am planning to illustrate for the birth of my friend's baby. This song is one that all of the MacIsaac clan sings to their children at bedtime. I remember singing this with my mother, Grandmother and even Aunt Joan. It has been passed on for generations and will continue to be passed on for generations to come. I have to giggle at the miswritten lyrics of "Hold bibled hands" because it wasn't till recently that I figured out that it was not, "Hold bible hand" and rather "hold by both hands". I'm glad I'm not the only one! :)

After reading another previous thread, I noticed that not many people knew about another album called "Personal Colours". This album contained songs such as 'Come to the River', 'Seven Hugs a Day' and 'Genevieve' (my personal favourite). I am trying to have this album digitised so that I can have a copy of it to go along with my 'Wintersong' album in my car and on my IPOD. When I finally get around to it, I will try to post some of the songs (with permission of course!) so that you can have more Joan MacIsaac.

Another piece of information to the person who said they saw Aunt Joan perform with her brother. I'm guessing that this song was 'The Little Blue Man', a really cute and funny song that we sang a lot at family gatherings. Always a good laugh!
-L

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 04 Dec 10 - 12:38 AM

Q...you have been such a wonderful help with this and there are no words to express my thanks and appreciation. I am seeking assistance from some musician friends to try and get chords for the songs and if successful I would like to post the songs on here again with the chords. The songs are too beautiful not to be sung and if I can share them with others, it would be an honor for me to do so.

Take care and hope that we exchange notes again sometime.

MG

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 09:42 PM

Oh Mother, How Pretty

Some errors in your transcription. I have the album, with notes and lyrics.

The song is traditional; adapted by Joan MacIsaac.
Introduction:
"My mother sang this lullaby to me when I was a child and my grandmother sang it to my mother in the cradle. It's been passed down through the family for generations and, according to family tradition, originated in Ireland."

This song appears in A Poetry Book for Children, 1854, Appleton Century. Author unknown.
Jim Dixon posted the old lyrics in 2008.
How Pretty

Corrections to lyris sung by Joan MacIsaac:
1
2
If you were up there with me and my friends
We'd rock in an icy blue sea.
We'd sit in the middle and hold by both ends
As nice as a cradle could be.
3
4
There we would sit in a beautiful sky
Through fluffy white clouds we would roam.
We'd see the sun rise and see the sun set
And on the next moonbeam come home.
5

Subject: Lyr Add: OH MOTHER HOW PRETTY (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 05:44 PM

Here are the words that I took from playing the song. Hopefully I got them correct, but if not, please let me know. Thank-you so very much. Do you know the origin of this song? Was it meant to be a lullaby? The melody is wonderful and the words unique :) MG

OH MOTHER HOW PRETTY – Joan MacIsaac

Oh Mother How Pretty
The moon looks tonight
Twas never so cunning before
With two little horns so sharp and so bright
I hope they won't grow anymore.

If you were up there with me and my friends
We'd rock in the icy blue sea
We'd sit in the middle and hold bibled hands
As nice as a cradle could be.

We'd call to the stars to get out of our way
Lest we should rock over their toes
And there we would sit,
Till the dawn of the day
And see where the pretty moon goes.

There we would sit in a beautiful sky
Through fluffy white clouds we would roll
We'd see the sun rise and we'd see the sun set
And on the next train we'll come home

(Musical Interlude)

Oh Mother How Pretty the moon looks tonight
Twas never so cunning before
With two little horns so sharp and so bright
I hope they won't grow anymore……..TAG

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm……..

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 04:52 PM

Knowlton Nash, not Walter.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 04:51 PM

Looks like we might have them all now except Oh Mother How Pretty

Subject: Lyr Add: THE MAN WHO DOES THE NEWS (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 03 Dec 10 - 04:34 PM

Hey there :) Here are the lyrics to THE MAN WHO DOES THE NEWS and hopefully I have them right. thanks for the words to Fifty Years Ago Today

I never get tired of hearing her sing.

THE MAN WHO DOES THE NEWS – Joan MacIsaac

I'm in love with the man who does the news
I go crazy over his pearly whites and his baby blues
And when he raises his eyebrows at me,
I want to snuggle up to my T.V.

I swoon at the sound of his voice,
I watch him Over Harvey Kirk and Walter Nash by choice
And when he tells me that inflation's higher
He sets my soul on fire.

(Goes higher here)

Ignore the doorbell, forget the phone
When six o'clock rolls around
You know I'm not alone
Don't need no paper, no radio, he's the anchor
Man in all my dreams because you know
I'm in love with the man who does the news
Even when the reception is poor he takes away my blues.
And when he tells me that the dollar is in
Decline….chills run up and down my spine.

Laladaladaladaladaladalalaladladaladaladalala

Laladaladaladaladalalladaladaladalaldaladalala

Laladaladaladaladalaladaladaladalaldaladalala

Ignore the doorbell, forget the phone
When six o'clock rolls around
You know I'm not alone
Don't need no paper, no radio, he's the anchor
Man in all my dreams because you know
I'm in love with the man who does the news
So our love is one dimensional I can't lose
For when he tells that there's more news at eleven
I'm in seventh heaven…………

(this line is very slow) I'm in love with the man who does the news……..

Subject: Lyr Add: FIFTY YEARS AGO TODAY (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 09:11 PM

Lyr. Add: FIFTY YEARS AGO TODAY
Music and lyrics by Joan MacIsaac

"Written for my grandparents, Dan and Marie MacIsaac"

Fifty years ago today
You took me for your bride
And promising to live our love
We stood there side by side
Fifty years ago today
We both said "Yes, I do"
And fifty years later I truly can say
That I'm still in love with you.

Fifty years ago today
I said I'd be your man
And with the final blessing said
We stood there hand in hand
Fifty years ago today
We watched as our love grew
And fifty years later I truly can say
That I'm still in love with you.

We've had our sorrows along with our joys
Not always been easy but then
If we were given another chance
We'd do it all over again.

Fifty years ago today
We became man and wife
And on that day so wonderful
We started a new life
Fifty years ago today
We promised we'd be true
And fifty years later I truly can say
That I'm still in love with you.

Copyright 1982 Mad Mansion Music.
From lp album "Wintersong."

Subject: Joan MacIsaac
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Nov 10 - 08:48 PM

Q...I looked at the album again and there it was 'You Drown in Rain'. Not sure how I missed it but I did so thanks again for waking me up on that one.

AND Thank-you for the words to two more of the songs. If you have more, keep them coming :)

I belong to a Jammers club and I played 'When I can't play' to the group today and they loved it. I can think of no better testimonial to Joan than people playing her music.

Again, my deep appreciation!

MG

Subject: Lyr Add: WINTERSONG (Lips, MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:40 PM

WINTERSONG
Music by Joan MacIsaac, lyrics by Tom Lips

You gave your summer love to me
I know how much it cost
But now the earth is cold
And the branches white with frost
And autumn's just a memory
Of leaves upon the ground
And colors swept away
Without a sound.

And when we both have turned away
And when we both have sinned
Will you fly before the winter
Like a feather on the wind.

You filled me up with mystery
You gave me what I lack
But now the ground is white
And you'll never take me back
And all our love is history
Of battles lost and won
So there's no better time
To break and run.
And when we both have turned away
And when we both have sinned
Will you fly before the winter
Like a feather on the wind.

You gave your summer love to me
But summers always pass
And now your love is cold
As patterns on the glass
The seasons circle endlessly
The winter melts away
I never felt the cold
Until today.

Joan MacIsaac, lp album "Wintersong," 1982, Mad Mansions Music.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:24 PM

That's TOM Lips.

Subject: Lyr Add: MISTER, YOU STOLE THAT SONG (MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:23 PM

MISTER, YOU STOLE THAT SONG
Music by Joan MacIsaac, lyrics by Tom Lips

Chorus:
Mister, hey mister, you stole that song from me
I don't care if you say you wrote it back in 1963
You say that it was bought and sold
When I was only eight years old
But I don't care- it's me in there.
Mister, you stole that song from me.

You must think that I'm deaf and blind
To steal my song and to read my mind
I heard you singing late last night
It puzzled me that the words were right
I might have known
The words were all my own.

Chorus

Don't know how you ever dared
To sing a song that I never shared
And I know where you got the part
About a man who broke a woman's heart
And went away
That happened yesterday.

Sung by Joan MacIsaac, lp album "Wintersong," 1982, copyright Mad Mansion Music.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 05:00 PM

You Drown in Rain" from the LP album, "Wintersong."

Subject: Joan MacIsaac
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 04:44 PM

Q: thanks for the additional information, it definitely helped. Also appreciate the song 'You Drown in Rain'. I have not heard that one...was it ever recorded?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 03:20 PM

From Lyrics, Joan MacIsaac, included with "Wintersong."

"While I Can't Play," introduction written by Joan MacIsaac.

Awhile ago, while on mu way to Peace River, Alberta, I met a gas station attendant who told me that at one time he had been quite a good guitar player. However, fate had intervened and he developed a serious form of arthritis which primarily affected his hands and eventually he was forced to give up the guitar.This man made a deeo impression on me, for, despite his pain, he was still thankful for being able to listen to and appreciate music.

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU DROWN IN RAIN (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 03:13 PM

Lyr. Add: YOU DROWN IN RAIN
Music and lyrics by Joan MacIsaac

I watch you stumble and fall
I hear you call
I see the hurt in your eyes
You can't disguise.
I want to help you so much
But you don't feel my touch
And try as I might
It's not right.

I watch as you writhe wih the pain
You drown in rain
There's no more peace in your heart
It's torn apart.
I want to help you stand tall
But you don't listen at all
And do as I may
There's no way.

I know that you are angry and scared
You're unprepared
You say that you can't cope anymore
And close the door.
I want to help pull you through
But now it's all up to you
And here I will stand-
Take my hand.

Copyright 1982 Mad Mansion Music.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 02:58 PM

The Harvest Excursion- words and music by Dan Somers, arranged Joan MacIsaac.

Pelt it is. Commonly user for coat, or cover, in western Canada, where the pelt of animals also is harvested.

In the 4th verse-
And nevermore I'll go a'soar to the far Saskatchewan. The apostrophe left out.
She got a bit inventive here, or the word is a Saskatchewanism I haven't heard.

Subject: Lyr Add: HARVEST EXCURSION (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 24 Nov 10 - 12:28 PM

Hello Joan MacIsaac fans. I have just got the words to Harvest Excursion however I am not clear on a couple of lines. The one is where she sings...'as the land of the golden ???? I think it is pelt but not sure. And last verse, third line. Anybody know these for sure? Here are the words from listening to the song. Thanks for any help you can give. Oh...and if you have the chords that would be FANTASTIC!


HARVEST EXCURSION - Joan MacIsaac

Oh, hark and listen to the whistle of the train.
We're pulling from the station for the land of the golden grain,
But when we return again our friends will drink our health,
But there's no place here with such cheer, as the land of the golden pelt.

O Molly dear, I greatly fear that soon I will be gone.
I'm going away on a harvest train, to the far Saskatchewan.
Streets of rain on the western plan, where the Buffalo used to roam,
And I leave you alone in your island home, my dear Colleen bawn.

O Molly dear, when night is here and I am far away,
With willing heart you'll do your part and for me you will pray.
When the pigs are fed, they go to bed and the kids play on the lawn,
Then you heave a sigh for your absent boy, in the far Saskatchewan.

O Molly dear, dry up your tears. I'll soon be home again
With pockets lined with the gold I find in the fields of the golden grain,
And never more I'll go a soar in the far Saskatchewan
And leave you here, my Molly dear, in your little island home.

Oh, hark and listen to the whistle of the train.
We're pulling from the station and we're homeward bound again,
And when we do return gain, our friends will drink our health,
For there's no place here where there is such cheer,
As the land of the golden pelt...Land of the golden pelt.

Subject: RE: Joan MacIsaac
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:25 PM

I remember seeing and hearing Joan in Edmonton back in the early 80's as well. Met her at an outdoor concert and she was as friendly and nice as they come. She did a song with her brother that had us in stitches but it was not on her LP. Pity...it was wonderful.
I think it was called "I love you" but not 100% sure on that.   
We talked about her doing another LP and she said that she hoped she could one day but unfortunately it was not to be. She deserved the recognition then and it is wonderful that people are still showing an interest in her music today. MG

Subject: Lyr Add: I HOVER OVER (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MG
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:17 PM

Thanks so very much Denyons. It is really appreciated. I think you also have 'I Hover Over' on that tape.....maybe another challenge to do the Chords for it also.

I hover over your left shoulder
I am the sunlight in your eyes
Though you don't know it I'm right with you
In the shadow that is walking by your side.
The miles between us - they don't mean a thing
We conquered them so many years ago
I hover over your left shoulder
And I just wanted you to know...

I hover over your left shoulder
I'm in the wind that rocks the trees
My thoughts are with you no matter where you are
And I even say "God Bless You" when you sneeze.
In the dark or daylight I'll always be around
Though you may not know that I'm nearby
I hover over your left shoulder
I am the sunlight in your eyes ...

I hover over your left shoulder
I sing a song to you each day
In times of sorrow I will comfort you
Though I may be twenty thousand miles away.
It may sound silly and impossible
But what I'm saying really is quite true
I hover over your left shoulder
And it's all because I think so much of you.

Subject: Chords Add: WHEN I CAN'T PLAY (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Denyons
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 02:48 PM

I managed to borrow the tape from my guitar club friend and I figured out the chords on my guitar.
This may be slightly different than the original but it sounds right to me.
Wonderful song......

    D                                           A
He picked up the picture and smiled as he said,
         D                         A --E
"I was a handsome devil back then,
      D                                    A
But it's been so long, just so many years,
       D                      E
That I can't remember when.
D                         A
When I was a young lad so dashing and proud,
D                              A --E
I used to play this here guitar.
       D                               A
All the pretty young girls would gather 'round me
    D                               E
As I sang about love and the stars.
    D                            E
But life has a way of changing things,
    D                                     A
And it's done its cruel number on me.
    D                                  A
But though my hands are crippled with age,
D                                    E
I live by this phil-oso-phy:

Chorus: (Play 2 times).
A                               E
When I can't play, I'll sing.
D
When I can't sing, I'll whistle.
A                                        E
And when the day comes I can't whistle no more,
    D          E                           A
I'll sit myself down and I'll listen.

Oh, oh, when I can't play, I'll sing.
When I can't sing, I'll whistle.
And when the day comes I can't whistle no more,
I'll sit myself down and I'll listen.

      D                                           A
Well, I haven't seen him for a number of years,
D                                       A --E
But it always comes into my mind,
       D                                           A
When I struggle, I think, that I'll give up the ghost,
      D                                     E
These few words that he left behind:

Chorus: When I can't sing... (play twice)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 09:24 PM

My daughter has transferred the lp to cd for family members.
A re-issue on cd would be great!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Arlene
Date: 07 Nov 10 - 08:04 PM

Every year when CKUA in Edmonton, Alberta, has their fundraiser and takes requests, the song I request is 'When I Can't Play'. So thanks to CKUA her music is still being played. Wouldn't it be wonderful if her music could be re-issued on CD!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,MacIsaac
Date: 05 Nov 10 - 03:34 AM

I realize this is quite an old thread, although it appears there have been resurgences recently. I came across it and felt compelled to write something.

Joan MacIsaac was my aunt and she passed away in 1991. I was only two years old so I really have no memory of her, but I still feel like her and her music has had a lasting impression on me. My dad was her bass player for a number of years, and they did a lot of touring together. I've heard many stories over the years of the long road trips to small town bars and the mishaps and hilarities along the way, enjoying (and hating) each others company in ways only a brother and sister could. One of his highlights while playing with her was their trip to Japan where they played at the Canadian pavilion for Expo '85.

I've always enjoyed her albums, and have only recently come to appreciate her witty lyrics and soaring vocals. I am especially fond of "Oh Mother How Pretty" since it was my favorite lullaby that my mother sang to me when I was a child.

I only wish that she was still alive so that I could really have gotten to know who my aunt was. Knowing aunt Joan only through photos, stories, and music, she takes on somewhat of a mythical presence in my head. Judging by the continued interest in her music today, if she was still around to write beautiful music many people would take notice.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,From: fulurum
Date: 27 Oct 10 - 01:36 PM

Thanks for the words to WHEN I CAN'T PLAY but would anyone have the GUITAR CHORDS FOR THIS SONG?

DENYONS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 30 May 10 - 08:19 PM

Lovely lyrics.

Subject: Lyr Add: I HOVER OVER (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,D. Attwater
Date: 30 May 10 - 03:34 PM

I hover over your left shoulder
I am the sunlight in your eyes
Though you don't know it I'm right with you
In the shadow that is walking by your side.
The miles between us - they don't mean a thing
We conquered them so many years ago
I hover over your left shoulder
And I just wanted you to know...

I hover over your left shoulder
I'm in the wind that rocks the trees
My thoughts are with you no matter where you are
And I even say "God Bless You" when you sneeze.
In the dark or daylight I'll always be around
Though you may not know that I'm nearby
I hover over your left shoulder
I am the sunlight in your eyes ...

I hover over your left shoulder
I sing a song to you each day
In times of sorrow I will comfort you
Though I may be twenty thousand miles away.
It may sound silly and impossible
But what I'm saying really is quite true
I hover over your left shoulder
And it's all because I think so much of you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,Dan McNamara
Date: 15 Apr 10 - 10:38 PM

I read with interest your posting about Joan MacIsaac's music. Does anyone by chance have the words to her song "I hover over"? A friend of mine in Edmonton AB needs them.
I used to own the Joan's record, but have misplaced it over the years.
Thanks all,
Dan McNamara, Ottawa, ON

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,pengrafyx
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 02:42 PM

I love Wintersong, too.

I saw Joan once ... in a most amazing concert ... small venue, and she was fabulous. When she didn't become famous, I knew she must have passed away - cause there was no way this woman was anything but brilliant and destined for greatness. I still sing to myself the songs from that album ...

The Man Who Reads the News is a good song, as is Harvest Train, but my sentimental favourites are Wintersong and Mother How Pretty the Moon is Tonight (sorry, can'r remember the exact title at this moment, and I'm not at home to check the album).

I love that she's still being appreicated. :)

- Penelope

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 01:20 PM

Wintersong is a treasured LP in my collection.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: GUEST,djosephp
Date: 05 Oct 09 - 11:09 PM

Joan MacIssac passed away back in the early 90's I believe at far too young an age.

I saw her play twice, in 1982 in Saskatoon opening for Connie Kaldor and a few years later at the Copper Kettle in Regina. She had a tremendous voice and stage presence. Her brother played bass with her that night.

Check out her ode to Peter Mansbridge, The Man Who Reads the News. Wintersong was unfortunately her only release and was pre-CD.

DJ

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When I Can't Play (Joan MacIsaac)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 25 Nov 08 - 03:53 PM

Hello Stanistreet,

Welcome!

Yes...she was a very good singer and songwriter.

Best wishes,

Peter