New kind of songwriting contest

Subject: New kind of songwriting contest
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 12:21 AM

I once heard a version of "Dog and Gun", which is slightly different than the one that's in the DT here. The story is the same: the lady likes the farmer better than her erstwhile fiance the squire, contrives a trick to win him, and the lady and the farmer live happily ever after. But I felt something was missing, so I added a sort of epilogue:

But what of the squire, what's happened to him?
He lost his true love and things looked rather grim
But things in stories work out as they seldom do in life
For the farmer had a sister, who became the squire's wife

Anyway, it occurred to me that this might make a suitable subject for a contest of sorts:

Write another verse to tack onto the end of a well-known (or not-so-well-known) song, that adds a twist, gives a different perspective, or ties up a loose thread or two.

Give it a try and see what kind of fun we can come up with! Also, I would really like to know who recorded the version I remember hearing on the radio back in the early 80s. It was a solo male singer, probably English or Irish, with a sweet tenor voice. The first verse, as best I can recall, went:

A wealthy young squire in Downforth did dwell
He courted a lady and he loved her right well
The day was appointed for their wedding day
And a farmer was appointed to give the bride away

Any help out there?

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: New kind of songwriting contest
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 01:00 AM

Kewl idea, Mark, will have to think on it and get back here!

Subject: RE: New kind of songwriting contest
From: Jeri
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 11:53 AM

Mark, it's not quite what you suggested, but I have a habit of wanting to re-write things with depressing endings. Here's an alternate ending to Annachie Gordon. (Oh, blasphemy!)

The day she was to marry was the day that Jeannie left
She split with young Annachie, and her parents were bereft
And Lord Saltoun was surpris-ed, he was without a clue
But Jeannie's sister had the hots for him, and they hit the highway too

So you who have a daughter, don't meddle in her life
For she may, just to spite you, decide to change her life
And run off with a sailor, beggarman or tinker
And you will rue the day you didn't get to know the stinker
So the lives of all but Mum and Dad were filled with light and laugher
Since the couple wed in London town and lived happily ever after

Subject: RE: New kind of songwriting contest
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 12:52 PM

Somebody, please write a happy ending to that song in another thread where the innkeeper and his wife murder their daughter's lover and she ends up in Bedlam. Thanks,
Mary

Subject: RE: New kind of songwriting contest
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 10:50 PM

Wonderful, Jeri, that's exactly what I had in mind! And blasphemy be damned (so to speak)--call it folk process and the heck with 'em.

Mark

Subject: RE: New kind of songwriting contest
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:07 AM

FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE EC
Frankie she went up to Brussels
To the European Court
The said she was innocent
Did just what she ought
She shot her man
But they said it weren't wrong

Frankie came out of the jailhouse
Waiting wimmin gave her a cheer
So all you men be careful
If your main squeeze you fear
Don't go with floozies
Better stick with beer

RtS (George and Ira: your reputation is in no danger!)

Subject: RE: New kind of songwriting contest
From: Catrin
Date: 01 Aug 00 - 08:48 AM

An alternative ending to 'The Trees They do Grow High.....'

'Twas early in the morning, all at the break of day
They went into the hayfield to have some sport and play
What they did there, she never would declare
But she never more complained of his growing!

Cheers,

Catrin