Lyr Add: John Hartford songs

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 07:41 PM

Is there anywhere in the Illinois area to ride a riverboat, without gambling, and hear songs and stories of the river? Sure would like to give my grandkids a taste of that time.
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 09:19 PM

What album is Joseph's Dream on? Not sure I have heard it before.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 09:26 PM

Oh, It is on, "Nobody Know's What You Do" If I finish preparing my taxes for the accountant to flagellate me over, before midnight, I'll post them if no one else does.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,jokermanj
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 08:31 PM

Oh, if you have the right lyrics to Joseph's Dream that would be amazing. Thank you harpgirl

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,grit
Date: 05 May 04 - 07:18 PM

Iam trying to find the lyrics to "Joseph's Dream that was on the album "nobody Knows What You Do'. Iorered a CDand it says it is "Joseph's Dream it's reallya song off a "dillard-Hartford-Dillard album. Thanx!!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,grit
Date: 05 May 04 - 08:03 PM

I'm try ing to find the lyrics for "Joseph's Dream" from the "Nobody Knows What You Do" album. HELP!! Thanx!!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,J
Date: 17 May 04 - 01:51 AM

I transcribed this version of Joseph's Dream myself a couple a days ago. I couldn't do a perfect job with it, and so at four places in the song, I have a ?, possibly followed by some brackets, with the closest thing I could figure phonetically. This is transcribed from Leftover Salmon's version of the song, and it probably slightly different than Hartford's original words. Please post any corrections you can find.

[When Leftover Salmon recorded this song, they misidentified it as "Joseph's Dream," having been misled by an incorrectly labeled John Hartford CD. The correct title is "Get No Better." "Joseph's Dream" is actually a different song. Better transcriptions of both "Joseph's Dream" and "Get No Better," based on actual correctly-labeled John Hartford recordings, can be found elsewhere in this thread.--One of the JoeClones]

Joseph's Dream as recorded by Leftover Salmon
Original song by John Hartford
Transcribed by Jesse Swidler

he caressed her breast and she ?[hi di died] his thighs
L and ?[ in the middle] was a wine bottles and cheese
he took a polaroid picture that was naughty, in a slip, yes he did
just when you think it can't be getting no better then it did

just when you think it can't get no better then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does
just when you think it can't get no better then it does

well they both wanted off today but neither one of them ?[got it]
he said I'll probably get in trouble now, but this time I don't care, now
I should be going to work but I would rather be right here with you instead, oh
just when you think it can't get no better, then it did

just when you think it can't be gettin no better, then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does

he dropped school and she played the five string banjo
she lived here in town and he traveled the whole world wide
he got in the car, scored a lid, ?[she caught a fly in the tea], oh
just when you think it can't be gettin any better, than it did

just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does

It was the perfect day for a ?[damure] and a picnic
and the driving range was a beautiful place for love, love yeah
overhead, the big texas sky with stars all shinning, yeah
just when you think it can't be getting no, no better than it does

just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does, yes it does
just when you think it can't be gettin no better
just when you think it can't be gettin no better
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does, oh now
it's always, (so much),
always, (so much), so much, (so much)
so much better than it ever was

just like all of them good things come at once, oh now
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does, oh now
just when you think it can't be gettin no better, oh
just when you think it can't get no better,
just when you think your down,
just when you think you it's out
just thinking about thinking about keeping on thinking ohhh
it time to get to be gettin better
woah you know you're gonna feel alright
oh dancin'll make you feel better, make you feel better,
feel all around the country, gonna feel good
it gonna get, I'm gonna give it to you
it's gonna feel strong, and you know, oh gonna get better
it's gonna get better and then it always does

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 May 04 - 08:59 AM

that isn't the Joseph's Dream, grit.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 May 04 - 12:34 PM

That IS the John we all knew on the Julia Belle Swain though. I could tell you tales the likes of which...

But I won't.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: MAG
Date: 17 May 04 - 12:40 PM

Well, write 'em down in a private file to be opened 50 years hence, Art.

A reason to live to be 105!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 May 04 - 02:04 PM

Joseph's Dream is about the bible story. It begins "Joseph had a dream when he was just a boy of seventeen." Since I didn't want to transcribe it because it is long and an icky song, I went out looking for the lyrics with that first line on my home computer. I picked up some spyware in the process and now my home computer is seized up and I can't use it.

So, I would suggest you send me your snail mail address and I will send you a tape of the song. The song which is transcribed above has some lines from another John Hartford song but it is not a John Hartford song and is therefore A SHAM! (I am now in a really bad mood so don't aske me any more questions...)harpy

Subject: Lyr Add: BOYS FROM NORTH CAROLINA (John Hartford)
From:
Date: 19 May 04 - 11:05 PM

Well I'm a big fan of John Hartford and UNC Men's Basketball. In some twisted way both passions meet with this song. Needless to say I never found these lyrics anywhere on the web.

What follows is my transcription of "The Boys from North Carolina" from the "A Tribute to John Hartford" Live from the Mountain Stage CD. Please excuse any typo's, your input is appreciated.

THE BOYS FROM NORTH CAROLINA by John Hartford

Some say it comes a rolling down the hollers of Ole Ireland
Not the mountains of East Tennessee from back in North Carolina
The Scottish tones and Indian bones the wails of Railroad liners
They helped along that old time song the boys from North Carolina

Well it road and growed all in the west way out in old Missouri
And then took off around the world like lightning in its furry
There ain't no age you sound to strained in major or in minor
Disappears all in the years
Rings a Laugh through out the tears

Kentucky is the bluegrass state her sunny skies define her
The Western Slope of East Tennessee there nothin' could be finer
The Northern boys that make more noise to pick could not be finer
To make that sound and get it down it helps if you have been around
The boy from North Carolina

Well I stood in line around the block right back here at the Ryman
To hear that lick that old mule kick from the boy from North Carolina
Gastonia to Boiling Springs from Flint Hill back to Charlotte
Still trying to find the place of birth
Still talking about who played it first
Of the boys from North Carolina

Repeat the last verse

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 04 - 04:37 PM

WHat is an "icky" song, HG?

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,sandy
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 12:00 PM

Hi
I'm searching for lyrics to Joseph's Dream like thousands of other people. Sadly, "Get No Better", as posted above, is the song on the new re-issued CD that is in "Joseph's Dream"'s place. Anyone have the lyrics- I too searched all over the 'net to no avail, but didn't pick up anymore spyware luckily!!

sandy mackay
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,guest from NW
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 03:20 PM

the song "joseph's dream" is on an out-of-print LP called "headin' down into the mystery below" on flying fish records. it has not yet been reissued on CD to my knowledge.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 09:48 PM

not true, kind sir...

Headin Down into the Mystery Below

1. The Mississippi Queen
2. Mama Plays the Calliope
3. See The Julia Belle Swain
4. On Christmas Eve
5. Natchez Whistle
6. Kentucky Pool
1. Miss Ferris
2. Paducah
3. Headin Down into The Mystery Below
4. Beatty's Navy
5. In Plain View of the Town

It's on "Nobody Knows What You Do"

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: voyager
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 04:08 PM

No lyrics to add to this thread....

Just a photo....
   John Hartford - Merlefest '93

And a pointer to the Yahoo eGroups conference

    goodledays

voyager

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 04:15 PM

Isn't anyone going to add John's song "Sexual Harrassment"

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Sandy
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 09:52 AM

Hey you all down there in florida! Are you getting ready for your next big blow?!?! Good luck and god bless the plywood! I'm still searching for Joseph's Dream- I'll mail folks cold hard cash to get a taped copy, cd, inscription on stone or oil painting with the lyrics...

Subject: Lyr Add: FALSE-HEARTED TENOR (John Hartford)
From: GUEST,sandy
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 10:00 AM

FALSE-HEARTED TENOR
My False-Hearted Tenor, falsetto so high
I watch all your dobros as they slide on by.
My person is lonely I think it's because
My voice is not high and real thin like a saw
What would really be slick now if I learned how to sing
But they tell me to pick now 'cause that is my thing

It's genu-un-settle (wrong words) a voice without heart
I'm out in the meadow and I can't find my part
Just because I quit smoking and sit on a stool
and sing all them love songs like any dam fool
Remember the tenor when we render this waltz
I pick on a Fender in a tenor that's false

In my highest falsetto I can't sing this high
But I dam sure would like to and that's why I try
My voice is as much as two pitches too low
When I want to get high and get up like Munroe
But me no soprano without any pause
just a jug-throated croaker in a tenor that false

(Be careful when picking your key to play this in- you could get hurt. Any clues to the correct words in the beginning of verse 2?)

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:49 PM

i recently heard a yonder mountain string band version of cukoo's nest but it is sung so quickly sometimes i can't even tell what is being said if anyone can tell me the lyrics it would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Well I dreamt...
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 09:12 AM

....I went away in a steam powered aereo-plane
I went and I stayed and I damn near didn't come back again

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From:
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 11:23 PM

I've been performing Joseph's Dream for over twenty years. If there is still interest I can post the lyrics as I sing them which would be very close to John's recording.

Scott

Subject: Lyr Add: JOSEPH'S DREAM (John Hartford)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 05:42 PM

Joseph's Dream
(John Hartford)

Joseph had a dream when he was only seventeen
he dreamt his older brothers would someday be his subjects
he told this to his father and his brothers they got mad and tried to kill him.
his father just took note,
but his brothers, they got mad and tried to kill him.

Joseph was a young man with 11 older brothers.
He was given by his parents a coat of many colors
and this made his brothers angry,
So they sold him into slavery down in Egypt.
they tried but couldn't kill him
so they sold him to the service of the Wazir.

Now, the Wazir's wife, when Joseph was a slave to her,
was heavily attracted she bragged to all her ladies
that she'd have this gorgeous slave to be her lover,
she tried but then she failed.
she had it all set up but Joseph,
he refused to go along with it.

Her husband he was wise to her when she had Joseph busted
so he did not have him put to death the way it was expected.
He just threw him in the dungeon for 2 years
with a butler and a baker
Who were having crazy dreams that Joseph had the knowledge to interpret.

When the dreams came true, the Pharaoh was advised of this
had Joseph sent to him to hear the dream of seven cows,
And Joseph gave such good advice, the Pharaoh released him from his slavery.
And not only that, he also made Joseph the new Wazir.

There was a famine up in Canaan, Joseph's father sent his brothers
down to Egypt to buy corn, but they were thrown in jail as spies.
In three days he had released them to return and come again and bring their father.
Who forgave them, as they gathered 'round just to live regular old lives right there with Joseph.

Just the way that he had dreamed it way back when he was just a boy of 17.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,polly
Date: 02 Apr 07 - 11:12 AM

Do you know if there is a place I could download the J. Hartford song "Mississippi Queen"? I have been all over itunes and can't find it, and I don't wnat the whole album.

Thanks.

--P

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 02 Apr 07 - 01:56 PM

I don't know of a site from which to download that song. I do believe that the song, written by John when Opryland was building the Mississippi Queen, was actually commissioned by Opryland. The tune was VERY CLOSE to an older song sung by Doc Hopkins from the WLS Barn Dance radio show out of Chicago. (That earlier song had no river connection.)

I did play the two songs back-to-back for John one day and he was pretty amazed at the coincidence.

Art

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 09:11 PM

I know there is a Hartford version of "The Lord's Prayer" as I have heard it before but I have no idea what CD it's on and all I can remember is there is one line in it, "please forgive those who have dressed up against us". Anyone know of the CD/album that this is on or the full prayer?

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 10:23 PM

Well, yes I have it but I can't remember which album it is. Can you give me some more clues so I don't have to listen to a bunch of old albums? If so, I can help you out, I'm sure. hg

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,SWR
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 04:48 PM

Can anyone make out guitar chords to John Hartford's Their Gonna Tear Down the Grand Ol Opry?
Thanks!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Severn
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 07:01 PM

GUESTGuest,

The Lord's Prayer parody is on the Flying Fish album "Mark Twang", where it is entitled "The Lowest Pair".

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,the flying dutchman
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 05:51 PM

Hey harpgirl, thank you for the steamboat lyrics. I Just heard the album for the first time and it felt like coming home to a place where I don't live. It's good to see there are still so many Hartford lovers.

Subject: Lyr Add: GET NO BETTER (John Hartford)
From: GUEST,TNTed
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 07:20 PM

Here's the best transcription I could come up with for "Get No Better" which I have seen in other posts referred to as "Joseph's Dream." It is my understanding from another forum that "Joseph’s Dream" is actually an entirely different song, but there was a mistake in the original pressing of the record that titled "Get No Better" track incorrectly...whatever (ref. to the John Hartford Forum if you don't believe me.) I was compelled to post the real Hartford lyrics out of respect for the most amazing and talented original lyricist. Mr. Hartford picked his words pretty carefully and for a reason. (ref. "Gentle on My Mind" if you don't know what I am talking about) With what respect is due Leftover Salmon, my opinion is you don't screw with perfection. Here you go!

GET NO BETTER
John Hartford
Chords: E, G#m, C#m, B, A

He caressed her breast, she hi-de-di-died his thigh,
And a billet on a pill amongst a wine bottle and the cheese.
He took a Polaroid picture of her so naughtily a slip, yes he did,
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did.

CHORUS: Just when you think it can't get no better, then it does.
It's always so much better than it ever was.
Seems like all them good things come at once, yes it do,
And just when you think it can't get no better, then it does.

(Mandolin solo)

Well, they knew what they liked; they were neither one of them naïve.
She said, “I’ll prob’ly get in trouble, but this time I don't care.
Well, I should go to work but I’d rather be with you instead,"
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did. CHORUS

(Dobro solo)

She taught school and he played the five-string banjo.
She lived here in town and he traveled the whole world wide.
Well, she packed a lunch, brought the wine, he drove the car and scored a lid, mmmm,
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did. CHORUS

(Guitar Solo...very "funky")

It was a perfect day for a dalliance and a picnic,
And a riverbank was an excellent place for love.
Well, the sun was shinin' and the birds were a-singin' overhead,
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did. CHORUS

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,GERARD1208
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 12:02 PM

HI! LOOKING FOR THE MISIP LYRICS THANKS

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,grerard1208
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:14 PM

lyrics to the m.i.s.i.p

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Jerry 19
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 06:24 PM

Does anyone have the lyrics to Julia Belle Swain?
Thanks,
Jer

---

Hi, Jerry-
Look at the very top of this thread.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 04:27 PM

"Don't Take Your Eyes off the Game, Babe" John Hartford..Steam Powered Aero Takes....this song has some of the "Don't Let Your Dean Go Down lines, verses," but it is a different song.. Anyone have the lyrics to it?
Thanks,
Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Normynull
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 10:07 PM

Wow! I stumbled onto this site and the conincidences are awesome. I was looking for the lyrics to a couple of John Hartford songs that I just recently heard for the first time. I had no idea he did a song about the Julia Belle. I grew up in central Illinois and recall as a child taking field trips to Peoria to take a ride on the Julia Belle Swain. I have a big (bleep) eating grin on my face right now. I'm quite happy.

-Normy

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Mike Bunting
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:38 AM

Does anyone have the lyrics and changes to I Wish We had Our Time Again?

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: DON'T EVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 08:34 AM

"Don't Take Your Eyes off the Game, Babe," track 17 on Steam Powered Aero-Takes...I have posted lyrics, the way I hear them on the track. "Eye On the Game" I guess is John's take off on "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down." I am posting below as a way of returning favors others have done for me in posting lyrics I was seeking.
Verne:


Don't Let Your Deal Go Down
Track 17: DON'T EVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE GAME, BABE
by: John Hartford
Steam Powered Aero-Takes
Rounder 22 January 2002

Chords tabbed by:
Verne Garrison
November 9, 2008
Banjo tuned E Key D Capo 1

B7                      E7
Don't ever take your eyes off the game, babe
   A7                           D
If you don't want your deal to go down
   B7                      E7
Don't try to get away on a sunny day
A7                     D
That's the time to hang around

   B7                      E7
They'll try to tell you, ain't nothing wrong
   A7                               D
Your shirt gets short, where it should be long
    B7                      E7
And setting around singing that old love song
   A7                D
Don't let your deal go down

All together now....(Chorus)(same chords)

B7            E7
Don't let your deal go down
   A7                D
Don't let your deal go down
   B7                     E7
Don't let your deal go down, sweet mama
   A7                        D
Till your last gold dollar is gone

   B7                         E7
Don't ever take your eye off the scoreboard, babe
    A7                         D
There's a lot of pretty lights up there
    B7                            E7
Don't ever bet your ass on a snow-white horse
    A7                D
It might not be going anywhere

   B7               E7
Now I don't mean to make you sad
   A7                              D
But you are having the best time you ever had
   B7                         E7
It's just your nature makes you wanna be bad
    A7                D
Don't let your deal go down

All together now:

B7                   E7
Oh no don't let your deal go down
   A7                D
Don't let your deal go down
   B7                E7
Doobidee, doobidee do do ...down
   A7                      D
Till your last gold dollar is gone

Instrumental:

B7                        E7
Now I don't know what I said last night
    A7                        D
I think it was about quarter to eight
    B7                      E7
I think things were going to go down
    A7                   D
Because we couldn't commun--i--cate

   B7                      E7
But now, I think things are all right
    A7                      D         
Nobody knows when things go bad,
   B7                E7
Things have got to get better
   A7                        D
If I don't want my deal to go down


All together now:
B7               E7
Don't let your deal go down....

Subject: Lyr Add: MORNING BUGLE (John Hartford)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 12:55 PM

MORNING BUGLE
John Hartford

Here I am, too wasted for the evening ride
Down to mother Mary's other place.
Can I hang out here beside your fireside?
Listenin' to the rain fall, fall along the earth ball.

You know I tried, my dear, to be like everybody else,
But my body and my mind had other plans,
So here I am, laid out beside your fireside,
Listenin' to the rain fall, fall along the earth ball.

Oh, say, please don't go away. I haven't got much I can call to.
You're not here but somewheres else outside,
Some scene I'll make myself fun to keep on laughing.
I'll get by with a little bit o' luck again.

Gonna get me a place down here for Thanksgiving dinner, don't you know?
Gonna get me a lid and keep back out of sight.
It keeps me mellow, gets me way down low,
Playin' in the morning sun, singin' with a silver tongue.

Gonna dig me a hole, down here in all these patchwork quilts,
Keep my banjo by my side, right there in bed,
Pretend I'm in a rowboat down at the railroad pond,
Playin' in the morning sun, playin' with a silver tongue.

Oh, me! What do I see? not much left in the cupboard.
Half past three and time to make the survey again.
The street's up, the street's gone up, the town below got flooded.
I'll get by with a little bit o' luck again.

[From "Morning Bugle" (Warner Bros., 1972; Rounder, 1995) and "Steam Powered Aereo-Takes" (Rounder, 2002).]

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 10:07 PM

Jim Dixon, thanks once again for helping me out on another J Hartford song. That Morning Bugle site is an interesting one. Appreciate your direction.

Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 10:43 PM

"You Don't Have to Do That"...is on the Nobody Knows What You Do cd. I have listened many times trying to get the lyrics....

one line..."Why you got all those jams, jelly preserves
            Why you got all that syrup on your face.......

The line preceding these two, I can't make out[as well as others]. Any help appreciated.
This is a catchy little tune, I sure would like to work up the progressions and play along and sing it as well.
Thanks,
Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 08:55 AM

"When Guiding Star Came To Tell City" is a great song of John's and I wonder if the lyrics are out there somewhere? I try to listen to the mp3 and am working on it; just wondered if anyone has already transcribed it. Thanks,
Verne

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: WHEN THE GUIDING STAR CAME TO TELL
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 08:05 PM

Subject: Add: John Hartford Songs


When The Guiding Star Came To Tell City
John Hartford
No End of Love
Transcribed by: Verne Garrison

(This is a five minute track, and I took the words down best I could.

Welcome any corrections. The Guiding Star was built in Cincinnati in

1878, 1800 tons capacity...cut down by ice south of New Madrid, Mo in

Jan 6, 1893)(300 x 41.5 x 7.5)


When The Guiding Star Came To Tell City

    C               F   
The late Bert Fenn, was a long time friend
                            C
The river, we both were fond of
                         F
He related this tale, from a letter in the mail
                G          C
From his home in Tell City, Indiana

                   F
His father told him of days of old
                     C
An era of wonderous progression
                      F
Era of indoor plumbing and telephones
            G       C
And other modern inventions

C
Oh my darling,
                C
An era of wonderous progression
                  F
Of indoor plumbing and telephones
          G          C
And other modern inventions

                   F
Back then they set around discussing it
                         C
The old folks were just a figurin
                  F
Wouldnt believe they would see
            G          C
Electric lights a flickering

They seen infact, the great impact
The things we take for granted
The whistle blew, and everyone knew
That the Guiding Star had landed

Oh my darling,
The things we take for granted
When the whistle blew, everyone knew
The Guiding Star had landed

The Guiding Star, was a sumptious car
An elegant sidewheel steamer
Seen in Cincinnati and New Orleans
And major towns between there

Guiding Star was from afar
And like a star, did twinkle
Her Captain and crew were always looked up to
For always the latest wrinkle

Oh my darling,
And like a star did twinkle
Her Captain and crew were always looked up to
For always the latest wrinkle

Instrumental:

The Guiding Star came down the river
And she landed at Tell City
Connected on board to a long power cord
Was honest to God real electricity

The people on the street couldnt believe
It caused such an incredible sensation
August Schriber was so impressed
He called for an official occasion

Oh my darling,
Such an incredible sensation
August Schriber was so impressed
He called for an official occasion


All day long, the happy throng
Lined up to get aboard her
To site the electric lights
Just to stare and wonder

The Captain was touched, to see how much
Every heart was yearning
To see the site, in broad day light
Of the electric light a-burning

Oh my darling,
Yes every heart was yearning
To see the site in broad daylight
Of the electric lights a burning

The mechanical fan and the calliope
The city fathers, gentlemen and ladies
Folks were there from Tell City Chair
Back then in the 1880s

Everyone came from miles around
Down at the boat, were standing
The first electricity on the Ohio River
Came to Tell City Landing

Oh my darling,
Down at the boat, were standing
The first electricity on the Ohio River
To come to Tell City Landing

Captain Hegler, of the Guiding Star
Wanted to show the rest there
His appreciation for the celebration
Gave the most magnificent guesture

So at the high point of this event
As the afternoon slid toward nightfall
Made a speech and presented the mayor
With a freshly burnt-out light bulb

Oh my darling,
As the afternoon slid toward nightfall
He made a speech and presented the mayor
With a freshly burnt-out light bulb

The light bulb was an instant hit
And the mayor owned a drug store
It was put on display in a museum case
Everyone relished it even more

It was still there in later years
They moved it into the window
One night some neighborhood boys made some noise
And threw a brick through the drug store window

Oh my darling,
They moved it into the window
One night some neighborhood boys made some noise
And thre a brick through the drug store window

Now all we know is a few old photos
Old pictures of old steamboats loadin
Stuff that Bert Fenn collects
And the stories his daddy told him

You know Bert Fenn, was a long time friend
I always liked to visit him
The other day, he passed away
You can bet I sure do miss him

Oh my darling,
I always like to visit him
The other day, he passed away
You can bet I sure do miss him

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 01:13 PM

Corn Cob Blues...all I have heard in 30 seconds on Rhapsody...It is from John Hartford on RCA Legends Album...looking for lyrics.
Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 08:41 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 07:16 PM

You'll find it on Vinyl 1976 Walnut Valley Festival

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs-Grand Republic
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 07:25 AM

The Burning of the Grand Republic, lyrics of track....I think it is on cd No End of Love.

Have the lyrics been posted somewhere, here or other places? I haven't been able to find them....thanks,

Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 08:46 PM

http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnhartford2

thanks for making me aware of this album, br10. I am going to download it from itunes if I can, to hear this song. A snippet is at the link. I had not heard it before.

Subject: Lyr Add: I WISH WE HAD OUR TIME AGAIN (J Hartford)
From: GUEST,Wish We Had Our Time Again
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 10:17 AM

I just listened to this song on Part of Your History, very slowly, and did the best to transcribe it myself. I have been looking for the lyrics everywhere, and can't find them so here it goes:

WISH WE HAD OUR TIME AGAIN
As sung by Sam Bush and others on "Part of Your History: The Songs of John Hartford" (2006)

1. Oh the roads we ran and the folks we knew.
The risky things that we used to do.
Now it's over and I know we're through.
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

2. Well, I couldn't go to sleep. Got up and made a light.
Trying to write it down in the middle of the night.
Lookin' for the words, but it won't come right.
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

3. If not for love I can hardly see.
I looked at you and you looked at me.
Your memory love won't let me be,
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

4. Oh me, oh my, how the years do fly.
It makes no difference and we all know why.
Dear old friends have to turn their eye.
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.