YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Songs?

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Elmore
Date: 27 Apr 21 - 11:53 PM

Screw David Marsh. I'm so glad that Tom revived "my Lady's a Wild Flying Dove", my favorite Paxton song. Even the intro, when he talks about meeting the love of his life is memorable. I really enjoy two of his somewhat recent songs, "Ireland", and "If the Poor Don't Matter."

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Stewie
Date: 27 Apr 21 - 11:16 PM

Yes, the Chad Mitchell Trio did an excellent job on several Paxton songs.

My Paxton favourites are 'When Princes Meet' and 'Jimmy Newman'.

Recollecting on Paxton, I recall the unkind description of him by Dave Marsh in the 'Rolling Stone Record Guide' as 'a smugly sanctimonious product of the early sixties folk movement'. He went on to write that Paxton 'quickly declined into sentiment and a kind of ham-handed political sermonising about obvious subjects'. He gave a 1-star rating to 'Rambling Boy. This almost put me off reading Marsh reviews which I considered mostly very fine.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GerryM
Date: 27 Apr 21 - 10:12 PM

No one has mentioned Dubarry Done Gone Again. I don't know whether Tom Paxton ever recorded it, but he wrote it, and it's on the Chad Mitchell Trio album, Singin' Our Minds. Not my absolute favorite Tom Paxton song, but it's a good one.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: voyager
Date: 27 Apr 21 - 07:24 PM

Last Thing on My Mind (I forget).

voyager

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Apr 21 - 05:14 AM

There are so many. I was recalling My Son John, yesterday, and then there is the very funny, What a Way to Run an Airline.
I still sing Wild Flying Dove, Last Thing on my Mind, and Leaving London, among several others, in fact I think I have more of his songs in my repertoire, than songs by any other writer.

Subject: ADD: Early Snow (Tom Paxton)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Apr 21 - 05:26 PM

Jerry Michaels sings "Early Snow," and I love it.

http://www.mydfz.com/Paxton/lyrics/es.htm

Early Snow
Words and Music by Tom Paxton

The elk are coming down from the hills each morning.
The winter grazing´s better here below.
The evening sky last night was like a warning.
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow this morning,
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow.

Every year this town is getting smaller,
The kids can hardly wait to up and go.
And now they´ve closed the high school down forever.
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow this morning,
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow.

Clouds up over the Bitter Roots getting darker every day.
As soon as the wind turns westerly, they´re bound to head this way.
There´s been no rain all summer. All the grass is brown,
This rodeo is over. This circus is leaving town.

Another farming family left the valley.
They left last night, nobody heard ´em go.
They left the tractor standing in the hay field.
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow this morning,
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow.

Clouds up over the Bitter Roots getting darker every day,
Soon as the wind turns westerly, they´re bound to head this way.
There´s been no rain all summer, and all the grass is brown.
This rodeo is over. This circus is leaving town.

The elk are coming down from the hills each morning.
The winter grazing´s better here below.
The evening sky last night was like a warning.
It´s cold outside and looking like early snow this morning.
It´s cold outside, looking like early snow.
It´s cold outside and looking like early snow.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 06 Jul 17 - 05:18 PM

All along the Verdigris

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Wee Jock
Date: 06 Jul 17 - 07:35 AM

As it has been said there are to many to choose from but one of my favourites is Victoria Dines Alone which i first heard Alex Campbell singing. A very gentle but powerful song,,

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: topical tom
Date: 05 Jul 17 - 04:43 PM

All of his songs are great but I get a kick out of "Not Tonight, Marie".

Subject: ADD: Mary Got a New Job (Tom Paxton)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Jul 17 - 12:59 AM

Here's a 1980 Paxton song that still rings true:

MARY GOT A NEW JOB
(Tom Paxton)

Mary got a new job working on the line,
Help to make the automobile.
Wasn't very long till the job was going fine
And she liked the way it made her feel.
It gave her independence to pull into the lot
And pull her heavy work clothes on.
She liked her independence, she liked her new friends,
And her favorite was a man named John.

John was like a brother working at her side
And they both came on the job the same day.
Learned the job together, how the ropes were tied,
Went together down to draw their first pay.
Opening up his packet, Johnny dropped his cash,
Money was all over the floor.
Mary saw the money, saw to her surprise,
Johnny had a whole lot more.
And she said:

CHORUS:
"Who's been matching you sweat for sweat?
Who's been working on the line?
Who's been earning what she ain't got yet?
All I want is what's mine.
I've got eyes and hands and a back like yours
And I use 'em hard the whole day.
I stand here working just as hard as you do,
And I want my equal pay!"

Johnny was a good man, Mary knew that,
Taught to think of women as queens.
Now here stood Mary in her yellow hard hat
And her broken down and faded blue jeans.
He liked her more than anybody he knew,
And he was close to understanding why
She didn't cuss or spit, she didn't raise her voice,
She looked him straight in the eye.
And she said:

"Who's been matching you sweat for sweat?
Who's been working on the line?
Who's been earning what she ain't got yet?
All I want is what's mine.
I've got eyes and hands and a back like yours
I use 'em hard the whole day.
I stand here working just as hard as you do,
And I want my equal pay!
And I want my E.R.A.!"

(Words and music by Tom Paxton, 1980)

Transcribed from live Paxton performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmmv3gOKTcg

This song can be found on page 256 of the Rise Up Singing Songbook.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 21 Jan 17 - 12:19 PM

'Annie's Going To Sing Her Song'
'Chrysler'

When Tom was living at Holland Park, London, in the early 70's, I was working at Heathrow and was able to help him out with a paperwork problem. After that, he would look out for me when he went through Arrivals, and we would chat guitars and music. Happy days.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: frogprince
Date: 20 Jan 17 - 08:20 PM

Backwoodsman, it's "Home TO Me". As it happens, a few minutes ago I was listening to it by Tom, Anne Hills, and Bob Gibson on the album "Best of Friends". Much as I love so many of Tom's songs, I too come back to that one. Makes me just want to squeeze my lady and just let the tears run down.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Acorn4
Date: 20 Jan 17 - 04:26 AM

I rather like the duet he did with Iris Dement on "On the Verdigris".

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 20 Jan 17 - 01:01 AM

'Home For Me'

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 09:13 PM

Just looked back at what I said in 2002: not changed much since then. Still love "Every Time" - as HE did it it, in very free time: no need for a big strum in metronomic 4/4 as you sometimes hear others do it.
And for topical - "Lyndon Johnson told the nation" - just substitute a few words, as Tom himself did when he updated it for George W Bush.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: keberoxu
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 02:33 PM

Depends on which part of me you ask.

My heart belongs to Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound.

My appetites rejoice to that garage-band cover of Bottle of Wine.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Pariah
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 10:25 AM

In light of what's to occur tomorrow, "We Didn't Know", "I Believe, I Do" and "Jimmy Newman" suggest themselves.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: voyager
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 09:31 AM

Here's a plug for -
Did You Hear John Hurt (Tom Paxton)

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Miriam
Date: 19 Jan 17 - 02:17 AM

Outward bound.

Subject: DT Correction: I Am Changing My Name to Chrysler
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 06:27 PM

I was thinking of deleting I'm Changing My Name to Chrysler from my MP3 collection, but maybe that's premature. Change the names a bit, and it fits today to a "T." "Chrysler" scans a lot better than "Wachovia" or "WaMu," but maybe that's a matter Congress can resolve...
Well, we could have, "I Am Changing My Name to Wall Street" - but then what do we do with Iacocca???
I can't say "Chrysler" is my favorite Paxton song, but it's a good one and deserves to be posted somewhere.
-Joe-

---

And since the DT needs correction, here are the corrected lyrics:

I AM CHANGING MY NAME TO CHRYSLER
(Tom Paxton)

Oh the price of gold* is rising out of sight,
And the dollar is in sorry shape tonight.
What the dollar used to get us, now won't get a head of lettuce,
No, the economic forecast isn't bright.
But amidst the clouds I spot a shining ray,
I begin to glimpse a new and better way:
I've devised a plan of action, worked it down to the last fraction,
Now I'm going into action here today.

CHORUS:
I am changing my name to Chrysler,
I am going down to Washington DC.
I will tell some power broker, what you did for Iacocca
Would be perfectly acceptable to me.
I am changing my name to Chrysler,
I am leaving for that great receiving line;
And when they hand a million grand out
I'll be standing with my hand out,
Yes, sir, I'll get mine.

When my creditors come screaming for their dough,
I'll be proud to tell them all where they can go;
They won't have to scream and holler,
They'll be paid to the last dollar
Where the endless streams of money seem to flow.
I'll be glad to tell them all what they must do,
It's a matter of a simple form or two.
It's not just remuneration, It's a liberal education,
Aren't you kind of glad that I'm in debt to you?
CHORUS

Since the first amphibian crawled out of the slime,
We've been struggling in an unrelenting climb.
We were hardly up and walking, before money started talking,
And it's said that failure is an awful crime.
It's been that way a millennium or two,
Now it seems there is a different point of view;
If you’re a corporate Titanic, and your failure is gigantic,
Down in Congress there's a safety net for you.
CHORUS

*Arlo Guthrie has "gas"

from the 1980 Tom Paxton CD, The Paxton Report

The version in the DT has some serious spelling mistakes, even in the title. The DT lyrics are closer to the version Arlo Guthrie did on one of his concert recordings with Pete Seeger. I think the original Paxton lyrics are a little crisper. I'm sure many in Congress won't appreciate a song like this just now - but Dennis Kucinich will.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Katia
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 04:03 PM

'Kangaroo's Like To Hop' - got to be

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 03:48 PM

Back in the early 90's, Tom performed (IMHO) his greatest song ever, at the Clearwater Festival: the Ballad or lorena Bobbit.

I asked him about it a few years later, and he shrugged that he'd never bothered to record it in any form. What a pity.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,JimP
Date: 15 Aug 06 - 06:54 AM

My son just turned 18, and "My Favorite Spring" really gets me these days. Of course, I wish I could have imparted superior baseball skills to him, but mine are, well, "limited" is the best spin I can put on it.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: kendall
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 09:33 PM

Jacqui recently found a bunch of old recording I made before I lost my voice, and some of Tom's stuff is included. I believe "The Honor of your company" is among them.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Deckman
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 08:30 PM

"I Followed Her Into The West" and of course, his best love song that I sang to "Bride Judy" at our wedding: "My Lady's A Wild Flying Dove"!

CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson   Tom, if you're reading this, I was the guy that introduced you to Richard Gibbons, who wrote "Sully's Pail", when you sang at the Rainbow Tavern in Seattle somewhere in the 70's.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Sorcha
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 08:15 PM

Thank You Repbulic Airlines.....

Then That was the Last Thing on My Mind
and Ramblin Boy

But, dammit, they are ALL good

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: phinque
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 06:03 PM

My Pony Knows The Way
Ramblin' Boy
Last Thing on my Mind

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Hillheader
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 02:14 PM

Cindy's Crying.

For fun, Bayonet Rap Blues

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: stallion
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 05:50 AM

Katy

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: rich-joy
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 03:32 AM

ooohh ... so many good songs to choose from ... but, "When Princes Meet / When Kings Make War" just has to be one of the best!


Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Slag
Date: 14 Aug 06 - 02:54 AM

Tom Paxton's "Last Thing on My Mind" is, for me, one of the finest pieces in it's genre that I have ever heard. He settles into that little momentary gap between break-up/ resignation and the blues and stirs up all that old grief and memory like it was just this morning or maybe it was just this morning. If you've ever been in love and come to that moment you know what I'm talking about and by the same token you have to give Mr. Paxton and this incredible song their due.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 Jul 02 - 07:32 PM

Most of the above, but personal favourites include: "Leaving London" "Rambling Boy" "Every Time" "Bottle of Wine" "Outward Bound" "The Bravest" and, not so far mentioned, for its satire "Buy a Gun for your son"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Jul 02 - 09:49 AM

My favourite song is One Million Lawyers - I love the idea - then of course there's the song referred to above that prompts every travelling muso to worry about their instrument entrusted to the attentions of those who throw stuff into the aircraft hold.

I was listening to Elektra's "Ramblin' Boy & Ain't that the news' while reading this thread - so many good things there too.

Sandra

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: bflat
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 10:39 PM

I want to add: "Anytime." Best song of love and friendship,IMHO>

Ellen

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Argenine
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 01:18 AM

Well, the first two I learned to play were "the Last Thing On My Mind" and "Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound," and they're still among my favorites, but I think "Outward Bound" is awesome and "Saturday Night" is hilarious, as is "The Marvelous Toy." Also his 9-11 tribute, "The Bravest" is very moving.

How do you pick a favorite among so many gems?

Arge

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Big Mick
Date: 05 Jul 02 - 12:38 AM

Just in from a gig. Had Tom on the CD player in the Jeep on the way home.

How the hell does one pick a favorite from this man's work. If I had to, I would go with Ramblin' Boy. I would probably also go with the song that Tom himself says is the finest song he ever wrote - "Home To Me (Is Anywhere You Are)". I think I got the title right. If you haven't heard Matt Wotroba sing this accompanied by Jan Crist, then you haven't lived.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 04 Jul 02 - 06:37 PM

"Peace will Come", "Saturday Night", "Hold on to me, babe", "The Bravest", oh, dammit, just about everything the man's ever written!

Thanks for them all, Tom!

Alan

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: raredance
Date: 04 Jul 02 - 09:49 AM

All of those above! I would add one not yet mentioned, "Life". It's a wonderful, uplifting song that's unfortunately on one of his more obscure 70's albums.

rich r

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: bradfordian
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 07:21 PM

My Lady's a wild flying dove. Well that makes two of us. Very surprised there's not more takers for this one! Evocative and of course, I'm trying to recapture my lost youth (aren't we all????) Brad

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: musicmick
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 06:46 PM

My favorite Paxton songs include two that he wrote and two that he didn't. When i met Tom, he was still doing some traditional songs in his set. He was a lover of cowboy songs, and his favorites were "Tyin' a Knot on the Devil's Tail" and a recitation called "Sully's Bucket". He was a wonderful cowboy singer. Some time later, he entertained the idea of writing a Broadway show about Ben Franklin's adventures in Paris. The only song I remember from that project was "You Cant Do the Monkey Like Me".

Tom was a regular at the all night poker games at the Gaslight. When he played in Philadelphia, we made up a game at Leon Aaron's house. The game started around eleven and Tom usually showed up about an hour later, after his last set. He would walk into Leon's diningroom where the other players, who were all Jewish, serenaded him with, "...And here's to you, my gamblin' goy."

Mike Miller

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Deda
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 06:22 PM

I love listening to Tom Paxton do his own songs. "My son John" is very evocative, and so is "Whose garden was this". Rambling Boy is great, and fun to sing, as is Bottle of Wine, and Last thing on my mind. Marvelous toy is a classic.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 03:05 PM

I caqn't believe I just cited "Thank you Republic Airlines" on the thread about stowing instruments. I have yet to hear any of Tom's songs that doesn't reach me at some level.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 11:55 AM

It depends on my mood and what else is going on. Lately I've been singing "Out Behind the Gypsy's" and "Dance in the Shadows". The nice thing about Paxton's music is that he has something for nearly every state of mind. As for funny songs, given the latest hoo-hah over the death penalty, I've been getting some new mileage out of "Bring Back The Chair"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Annie
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:38 AM

1) Annie's Going To Sing Her Song

2) Has Annie Been In Tonight?

3) When Annie Took Me Home

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: death by whisky
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:36 AM

Never heard him.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: beadie
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:35 AM

"The Last Thing on My Mind" . . . . he says its his favorite, too.

Funny :: "Ten Thousand Lawyers"

In between :: "The Natural Girl For Me"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: songs2play
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:30 AM

First heard Tom Paxton in 1964 on the Newport 1963 album, where he sang Ramblin' Boy and Willing Conscript. They have to still be my favorite after nearly 38 years. The Hostage and The Bravest are up there though. Forest Lawn for comedy.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:22 AM

Willie Seton. It's the only song of Tom's I've done. It's on the first album that he recorded on the Gaslight Label.

Jerry

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: SharonA
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:22 AM

It varies for me, depending on my mood (and on what he's written lately!), but "Little Bitty Gun" is right up there in my top five!!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:15 AM

Gotta go with "Bottle of Wine" as the funny one, Forrest lawn for satire, Last thing as my favorite overall.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:02 AM

Having just found this thread I find it hard to believe that 'Jennifer's Rabbit' only got mentioned once. Where's the magic going?

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: mousethief
Date: 31 Aug 00 - 06:36 PM

1. The Monkeys' baseball Game (not sure if that's the exact title.

2. Thank You, Republic Airlines

3. Not sure of the title, but the refrain is,

Big girls don't cry-yi-yi-yi (3x)
And the kid is not my son.

O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 09:41 PM

"Last Thing On My Mind" has been the perma-tune in my every gig over the years. I've never heard anyone sing "Rambling Boy," with the ease and assurance of Tom Paxton, himself. Sorry, Sandy, I've not heard you sing it, but if reputation bears out, perhaps I can coerce you to do it at The Getaway. There are many other prolific singer/songwriters, but there is a genius about Paxton, that boggles the mind. He possesses the emotions of "everyman," otherwise, how else could he write "Marvelous Toy," "Last Thing On My Mind," or "Talking Viet Nam Pot Luck Blue?" And the list just keeps going on ...

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Ely
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 07:26 PM

Oh, man . . . "Can't Help But Wonder", "Rambling Boy", "Last Thing On My Mind". "Chrysler" and "What Did You Learn In School Today?" are both pretty funny/scathing.

I saw him at Anderson Fair in Houston when I was in high school and he had written one about Lorena Bobbitt that, tired as I was of hearing about the incident, was pretty doggone funny.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 06:04 PM

Too many to choose from, but no-one's mentioned the funny song that I identify most with - "Not Tonight, Marie!".

I've often wondered about "So much for winning" - funny or mock serious, or serious, or what?

The Paxton song I sing most often - "Leaving London". I first heard him sing it at the Troubadour in the sixties, and it's been with me ever since.

My favourite Paxton song sung by someone else - Alex Campbell's version of "Hold on to me, babe"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: bobby's girl
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 07:03 PM

Nobody's mentioned "Whose Garden was this?" which I have always loved, and I'm always amused by "I lost my heart on a 747"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 03:30 PM

Whenever I'm sitting around and trying to think of something to sing, the first thing on my mind is often "The Last Thing On My Mind". Other goodies, "Life", "My Favorite Spring", "The Spirit Said, No" and on and on and on....

John Denver recorded "Ballad of Spiro Agnew". Could that be one of the shortest songs ever covered by someone else?

A song I don't really care for "Suzy Was A Rocker"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Jim Krause
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 02:52 PM

The Marvelous Toy

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 01:09 PM

Thats true Sandy, But I started listening to Folkmusic a such an early age.

Don

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:42 PM

Thanks Doc! I knew there had to be someone out there who liked "Now That I've Taken My Life" besides me!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,DocJohn
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:37 PM

Mourning again; Now that I've taken my life; Jimmy Newman

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Groucho Marxist (inactive)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:29 PM

"Whoever is running your foot up my leg, I love you" is a line from Paxton's song "Saturday Night."

My favorites are his three songs about Annie:

"When Annie Took Me Home,"

"Has Annie Been In Tonight," and

"Annie's Going To Sing Her Song."

Groucho

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:26 PM

OOOh that sounds like a good one!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:17 PM

"Marvelous Toy" and Whoever is running your foot up my leg, I love you or whatever the actual name may be.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Faded Denim
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 08:58 PM

It's so hard to pick favourites - His songs always show up in our rehearsals and gigs. "Honour of your Company", "Leaving London", "Ramblin' Boy", "The Marvellous Toy","Bottle of Wine", "Wasn't that a Party", and one of my favourite anti-war songs "The Willing Conscript". There are too many to name. I'm glad there are so many of us passing all these wonderful songs along. Reid :o)

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 08:42 PM

The 'Bunny Wunny' song is the only one I hate on the 'Politics' CD - all the others are great, particularly 'The Ballad of Spiro Agnew' :-) ... All his other classics have been mentioned several times over.
He was at Tonder Festival some years back, the only time I saw him live - just great! - Susanne

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Rana who SHOULD be working
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 05:03 PM

My! This thread must be the LAST THING ON MY MIND

:-)

Another weak attempt at humour!

Rana

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Groucho Marxist (inactive)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:51 PM

"Bunny Wunny" is definitely a Paxton song. I've heard him do it many times and have the LP that it's on.

Groucho

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:46 PM

Did Tom P write "bunny wunny in a wittle wow boat"? I remember Arlo Guthrie singing it in a concert with Pete Seeger at Red Rocks, Colo almost 20 years ago. I thought Arlo said he wrote it.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:58 PM

I'm listening to Tom right now...oh GOD is "All Night Long" a gorgeous song. Those cellos just tear me apart...and it sound so much like ELO...

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Bob Schwarer
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:36 PM

Ramblin' Boy

Outward Bound

Bob S.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:16 PM

So many I'd pick, but if it came down to just one, I'll say "The Honor of Your Company."

BTW, Carolyn Hester's new album, "A Tom Paxton Tribute" is an all-Paxton set.

Also, Tom and Anne Hills are recording an album of duets of songs by other writers.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Guest, BobP
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:08 PM

Under a canopy two weeks ago at the Lake County Folk Festival, Lake Zurich, IL Tom honored us by engaging in, believe this, a songwriting workshop.

For an hour he shared his songwriting secrets, so now we are as good at songwriting as he is.

So then of course I figured I'd stare at a picture of Einstein for five minutes and now I'm ready to go out give lectures on quantum physics.

Seriously, I'm not a big fan of superlatives (I think for instance at oscar time they should simply honor good moviemaking and forget all this "best" stuff) but the one exception I'd make is TP.

He is simply the best that every lived at what he does.

Besides those mentioned above, try these on sometime:

- Jimmy Neuman - Favorite Spring - Jennifer's Rabbit - On the road to Sri Brinitza (forgive spelling) - When I go to see my son

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:19 PM

Of course, "My Lady Is A Wild Flying Dove" is so so true...

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Turtle
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:13 PM

For funny songs, "I don't want a bunny-wunny in my widdle wowboat"—still gets a whole circle of my friends singing and laughing at the same time every time it comes up. And what about "Daddy's Taking Us to the Zoo Tomorrow"?

For serious songs, I think that whole first album of his, which I listened to over and over and over when I was growing up in the 60s, is just stunning.
"What Did you Learn in School Today?"
"The High Sheriff of Hazard"
"Last Thing on My MInd"
"Ramblin' Boy"
"Standing on the Edge of Town"
"Job of Work" "Can't Help But Wonder"
I'd be hard put to choose one,maybe because that whole album is so much of a piece in my mind. How could anyone get so many good songs on *one* album, not to mention on his *first* album?

And I've always loved "Even a Gray Day" and "Leaving London" for wistful love songs.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: BlueJay
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:30 PM

Funny: it's a tossup between Forest Lawn and Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues. Serious? Now is that serious children songs or adult songs. Or fun children's songs that could be taken seriously by an adult? Perhaps "funny" protest songs that should be taken seriously by adults or children. Too many choices, I'm getting confused. Can't help but wonder where I'm bound, except off to bed. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:15 PM

Many years ago, at one of the Philadelphia Festivals, Tom and Midge brought their "babe in arms" into our camper to change a diaper (no facilities for such a thing being provided by the festival!), While Midge did the dirty work, Tom sat at the dinette and sang a song he had just finished: "Cindy's Crying." I was moved damn near to tears. That "babe in arms" now has a PhD, I'm told.

Hey, Don: ain't nobody 'round here older than Greenhaus and me -- and I've got six months on him!

Sandy

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:04 PM

"Dear Little Boy of Mine" by a long shot.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Jacob B
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:02 PM

Someone has to mention Jimmy Newman. The most powerful anti-death song ever written.

And someone needs to mention Wasn't That A Party.

I haven't heard some of the songs mentioned here. I don't think I want to hear the Bobbitt song. Although I do know You Squeeze Mine, Anita, and it hasn't twisted me (too badly.)

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Grab
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 11:28 AM

Gotta be Mr Blue. For some reason the feel of it reminds me of The Matrix (or vice versa) - strange. Fave funny: Talking Vietnam Pot Luck Blues.

Grab.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Wesley S
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:43 AM

I was able to see him live a few months ago. After a concert about 2 hours long what amazed me was the number of classic songs he DIDN'T have time to do. That really says something about his body of work.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: jeffp
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:14 AM

For me, it's "The Marvelous Toy."

Last week, Noel Paul Stookey was in the studio of the radio station I listen to while driving in to work. He had to leave because Tom Paxton was waiting for him to go play golf.

jeffp

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: JedMarum
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:07 AM

Where I'm Bound and Last Thing On My Mind

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:07 AM

He's nice people too. I met him when he used to perform around Philly in the mid-60's.

Anyone remember the Guitar Workshop or the R&W Deli or the Artists Hut? All were around Rittenhouse Square.

I lived around the corner from the Second Fret. We shared an alley and on summer nights I got to hear all the concerts free because the back windows were left open for ventilation.

...sigh...

troll

sorry 'bout the thread creep

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: kendall
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:41 AM

I spent an evening with Tom Paxton swapping songs and lies at the home of a mutual friend. It was kinda wierd, I'm in the presence of a great song writer, and, all he wants from me is to sing him "Moose turd pie"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:33 AM

Alex Cambell did a splendid version of Rambling Boy, even having the temerity to change a phrase in the chorus to good effect. And for humour I liked "Is this anyu way to run an Airline?" among so many others. Dated again.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:24 AM

Tell you what Allison....That's one hell of an "introduction" to folk music. Kinda' like going from grade school to college in the same year.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:13 AM

Same as Kendall. 'Course, I'd never heard of the guy until I was at a small concert at an Audubon Ctr in eastern NY state on the Connecticut border, 'round about '70 I think it was. A nice young couple sang several of his songs. I discovered folk music, Tom Paxton, and Sandy and Caroline Paton all in one fell swoop!
Nobody can sing "Rambling Boy" better than Sandy. Excepting Tom, of course!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:07 AM

Somewhere back a long time ago, we were discussing Paxton and I think I said then that the spectrumof songs we writes is unequalled. There isn't a bad choice on the list so far is there?

NOW....Take a look at the style and subject matter. I find it amazing that the same guy who wrote "Last Thing On My Mind" also wrote "Bobbitt".....or that the same fella' wrote "Marvelous Toy" AND "G,S, and C"...........He really just amazes me. He seems to do each type with great brilliance. Amazing.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 06:47 AM

Ramblin' Boy (and I'm not quite as old as Sandy!)
RtS

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,HUTZUL
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:23 AM

Ramblin' Boy

Katy

Chrysler

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:05 AM

Okay...I guess I do know a few of them. I'll go for "Ramblin' Boy".

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Jill Rogoff
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:01 AM

I've loved his songs since I was about 5 years old so it's hard to choose, but from among the more recent ones, I love the lilt of Along the Verdigris. For humour, I love the one about his daughter Katy, and of course the one about the Bobbitts. For serious intent, I'd vote for Johnny Got a Gun.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: P05139
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:34 AM

I actually had breakfast with him when I was about 8 and he says he sings a song called "Katy" and that all Katys are the same!

Of course, that's not true!

Katy!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:30 AM

OK Meebo?

troll

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:30 AM

I don't really have a favorite. I like all his work.

troll

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 11:38 PM

Sandy, we seem to have the same taste. But dated? Us? Never.

Can't Help...

Goodman, Scwerner, and Chaney. (So powerfull)

Dogs at Midnite

Just so many to chose, never a bad one tho'..

Forest Lawn,

Chrysler

Yuppies In the Sky.

Don

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: campfire
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 11:33 PM

My favorite Paxton tune is "Bad Old Days".

campfire

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: bflat
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 11:20 PM

Ditto ditto ditto, to all the above. But, I've always loved "Getting Up Early" and a colaboration with Susan Graham White which I think the title is: "A Long Way From My Mountain."

For humor, can you beat "John Wayne Bobbitt?"

bflat

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 10:36 PM

"Last Thing"...."Deep Fork" (I had never heard it til I heard Rick do it)...."Marvelous Toy"......."Talkin' VietNam Pot Luck Blues"........."Chrysler".........."I Thought You Were An Arab (The Abscam Song)"........."What Did You Learn in School?"........"Even a gray Day Is A Good Day Now"...........too many other choices.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Bugsy
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 10:30 PM

I Like a lot of his songs, but particularly,

Where I'm Bound; Last Thing On My Mind, Who's Passing Dreams Around; When Annie Took Me Home; and for funnies?

Thank You Domestic Airlines (for breaking the neck on my guitar)

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:48 PM

My personal favorite is "Now That I've Taken My Life."

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:44 PM

Ramblin' Boy or Cant help but wonder where I'm bound. The honor of your company is also great

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: gillymor
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:31 PM

I dearly love Rambling Boy and for funny, Changing My Name to Chrysler.

F

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 09:23 PM

"Ramblin' Boy," although "Deep Fork River Blues" runs a close second. These choices must really date me!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,bert
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 08:10 PM

too many to choose from

Subject: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 08:01 PM

Well, what's your's? Also, what's you favorite FUNNY Paxton song! FUN!

--Matt

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Some Paxton lyrics here (click).

https://www.azlyrics.com/t/tompaxton.html