looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger

Subject: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Aug 23 - 02:27 PM

Can anyone help me locate a cd with Seeger's version of this song. The Garden Song, Inch by Inch Row by Row.

It struck us as being very appropriate for the funeral of a very keen gardeber,

Would be grateful for any help.

Subject: RE: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Aug 23 - 02:52 PM

Hi, Al - it's on a Pete Seeger album titled Circles and Seasons (1979). Here 'tis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi_5BOgRuzM

And in concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u90qRE2F7CM

But on the concert recordings Arlo Guthrie did with Pete, Arlo owned that song, and Pete played second fiddle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2obPs5R4-ss

And here's a 1978 recording by David Mallett, who wrote the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRO2_S1rdSs

And here's the recording by Peter, Paul and Mary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjW3alRdoeM. Noel "Paul" Stookey did a lot to help David Mallett get started in a career as a musician. Note the similarities in the guitar work.

Subject: RE: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Aug 23 - 03:03 PM

Good choice, Al.

Subject: RE: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 01 Aug 23 - 05:24 PM

By “funeral” do you mean that some sort of service is taking place at the local crematorium? If so, have a word with the funeral director. Crematoria have access to some sort of music library and they’ll generally acquire whatever is requested so you don’t have to track down a recording yourself. They had no problem getting hold of an obscure Sarah Jarosz piece for my mother’s funeral.

The only version of Inch by Inch I’m aware of is the Arlo Guthrie version - I have the vinyl ….. somewhere!

Subject: RE: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Aug 23 - 08:56 PM

many thanks for these responses.

Subject: RE: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 05 Aug 23 - 06:19 PM

The only version I have heard is by The Clancy Brothers, but hopefully you've got your answer from Joe.
The lyrics I've got are much the same as those in the DT. (And the tune is there too)

Subject: RE: looking for Inch by Inch by Pete Seeger
From: PHJim
Date: 06 Aug 23 - 05:13 PM

Besides "The Anti-Gardening Song" which would not be appropriate for a gardener's funeral, I have heard two versions of the chorus. I'm not sure which was written by David Mallet:

Inch by inch, row by row, Gonna make my garden grow,
Gonna mulch it deep and low, gonna make it fertile ground.

Inch by inch, row by row, Gonna make my garden grow,
All I need is a rake and a hoe and a piece of fertile ground.