Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook

25 Sep 00 - 03:24 PM (#305191)
Subject: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Here we go with our EIGHTH thread listing new additions to the Mudcat Songbook - well, it just goes to show how fantastic you Mudcatters are! So, if you have an original song to share with the rest of us, please post it here or send it me by personal message or email.

Better Than You by one of our more prolific 'Catters, Amos, can be found under the Threads category. The man always has something interesting to say!!

The Streets by Dharmabum, has a lot to say, too -- a great 'thinkin' song that goes straight to the heart.

Check 'em out, 'Catters!

-- Áine

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26 Sep 00 - 10:03 AM (#305648)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

I've added two very thought provoking songs by newbie MichaelAnthony this morning, Death Row Caddy I and Death Row Caddy II. Both of these songs were co-authored by Dirty, who's not a Mudcatter (yet). You can learn more about him by reading this thread. A little bird told me that we could be hearing these songs on the Mudcat Radio soon -- I sure hope so. Thanks to MichaelAnthony for sharing these songs with us.

-- Aine

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30 Sep 00 - 08:07 PM (#309247)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Good songs folks!

Aine, did you get my PM?

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30 Sep 00 - 09:16 PM (#309291)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Dearest Amergin,

Yes, darlin', I did get your PM -- Watch this space tomorrow ;-) (That pesky ole real life is hindering the Keeper of the Book - we're finally putting this old house on the market and repairs must be made *BG*. Just picture me painting, packing, and ripping up carpet...now I just have to find a wee St. Jo to bury in the yard...)

-- Áine

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30 Sep 00 - 10:49 PM (#309345)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Ok, thanks, I was just wondering...my ISP and P/C have been acting strange lately....Take it easy. Sounds like you're having fun...glad I'm not having that much fun....

Amergin

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30 Sep 00 - 11:08 PM (#309354)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Mbo

Ah, so you know about St. Joe! Here's another tip I've heard that always works. Paint your door yellow. Trust me.

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01 Oct 00 - 02:15 PM (#309666)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Here we go, Amergin, I've put down the hammer and paintbrush long enough to put Run With Me and A Conversation In Bed into the Songbook. Check these songs out, 'Catters -- powerful doesn't even begin to describe them...

Thanks, Amergin, for another couple of winners for the Book!

-- Áine

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01 Oct 00 - 05:03 PM (#309769)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: MichaelAnthony

Beautiful, touching songs, Amergin.

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04 Oct 00 - 09:18 AM (#311842)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

From the 'younger' heart of mousethief (circa 1983), comes his Chicago Blues, which I've added to the Songbook this morning.

Thanks mousethief, and I hope we get to hear this soon on the Mudcat Radio!

-- Áine

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04 Oct 00 - 12:08 PM (#311956)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

Wow, Amergin, what great songs, and so very different in feel. How wonderful and fragile is the heart.

Alex
O..O
=o=

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19 Oct 00 - 06:06 PM (#322865)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

This one is kinda dark and graphic. But it expresses something that needs to be expressed, and which is very close to my heart -- stopping and preventing domestic violence. I'm still working on the tune; it's a sort of descending-notes-of-the-scale sort of thing (cf. "Turn the Page" by Bob Seger, but different).

The Strength to Leave
by Alex Riggle

His supper's late again, he says;
Again he'll "make her pay."
Again he clenches up his fist;
Again she shrinks away.
There are bruises on her arms,
There is purple 'round her eyes
Yet tomorrow she'll protect him
With her self-destructive lies

(Chorus)
This is your mother.
This is your daughter.
This is your sister.
Who will mourn? Who will grieve?
Lord, hear my prayer.
Lord, make it stop.
Lord, help her find the strength to leave.

Again he rips her dress away
And throws her to the bed;
And brutally he takes her,
While she wishes she were dead.
And now, his lust and anger spent,
She hears him drive away.
She wonders why she married him;
She wonders why she stays.

(repeat chorus)

Once there was a little girl
With bright and shining eyes;
She loved lollipops and unicorns,
And rainbows in the sky.
She feels so very old now,
It's hard now to believe
She ever was so joyful.
Lord, give her the strength to leave.

(repeat Chorus)

©2000 Alex E. Riggle. All Rights Reserved.

------------------------

Thanks for listening everybody!

Alex
O..O
=o=

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19 Oct 00 - 08:06 PM (#322936)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: MMario

Alex - goosebumps....very powerful

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19 Oct 00 - 09:12 PM (#322989)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

My God, Alex, I second MMario's response....speechless...

BTW Thx for your kind words, Alex, and MA....

Amergin

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19 Oct 00 - 09:44 PM (#323020)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: GUEST,mousethief (from the library)

Thanks, MMario and Amergin!

Alex
O..O
=o=

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20 Oct 00 - 06:34 PM (#323618)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

This is a lullabye I wrote before I ever had any kids.

WARNING: this is religious. People who hate religion or things with religious topics, skip to next song.

Chords are FMaj7 and C, alternating, throughout (starting on FM7), two chords per "line" of the words as written here.

this clicky takes you to a page with an embedded midi of the melody (melody is same for chorus as for verses) (It's a little rough in the timing area, for which I apologize -- I haven't quite got the midi-maker program sussed yet.)

To a Child
by Alex Riggle

(Chorus -- repeat after each verse and twice at end)
Cry a little softer now
Put your head on my shoulder
Laugh a little louder now
In love, as you grow older

Once there was a baby child
In this darkness a stranger
Lying in His mother's arms
In a straw-filled manger
He would grow to be a man
He would suffer and die
But now she held him to her breast,
Mother's love in her eye

Once there was a preacher-man
Who would preach by the sea
People came to see Him there
Asking, Who can He be?
Mothers with their babes in arm
Would come down to the sea
He would call the children near
Saying, Come unto Me

Once I was a child like you
I could laugh without care
But now the world has hemmed me in
I have burdens I must bear
Teach me how to feel your love
And the laughter you bring
I would be a child once more
A child of the King

©1983 Alex E. Riggle. All Rights Reserved.

-------

Once I get this midi thing figured out I'll post melodies for some of my other songs. I'll probably make pages at my site like with this one.

Thanks for listening!

Alex
O..O
=o=

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20 Oct 00 - 06:35 PM (#323620)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: wysiwyg

Oh.... aw....

~S~

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21 Oct 00 - 08:50 AM (#323903)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Catrin

Mousetheif - you're so talented!

Like everyone else, words fail me. Beautiful.

Catrin

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21 Oct 00 - 01:09 PM (#324019)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

Thanks, Cat, Praise. Y'all are sweet.

Alex
O..O
=o=

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24 Oct 00 - 11:03 AM (#326067)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Those are two extra special songs there, Alex. Thanks so much for sharing them with us all.

Although I'm back online now (after being oppressed by AT&T for a whole dang week!), my PC has bitten the dust in the meantime. This means that I won't be able to upload your songs into the Songbook until I can either get a new motherboard or load the editor software onto Dear Hubby's PC. I promise to get them in the Book ASAP, mousethief!!

-- Áine

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28 Oct 00 - 10:13 AM (#329169)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: The Shambles

Lady Of Substance

I see you're gonna be a lady of substance
And you don't care what your poison will be
You hear it calling,
With the rain falling
On your window sill
You don't need it and you never will

The world is at your feet but you don't see it
The weight of the world, is all you feel
We wish you wouldn't
You know you shouldn't
But it's part of the thrill
You don't need it and you never will

So hard to please to ones who love you
Easy to please to ones who don't care
There's time for living
Time for giving
But there's no time to kill
You don't need it and you never will

Winds blow and seeds are sowing
Dreams grow or fall apart
Don't you see that
It's not that easy?
You have to pay the bill
You don't need it and you never will

Roger Gall 1996

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28 Oct 00 - 10:38 AM (#329180)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

As usual, dear Lodger, you've shared a wonderful song with us. As soon as my 'slightly used brand new' PC is up and running (hopefully this weekend), I'll add your latest offering to the Book.

Smoles to you and the missus, Áine

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30 Oct 00 - 02:44 PM (#330499)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Wonderful stuff, Roger!!

Here's another one of mine.....

The Game

His cousin is at her work
His mom is at night school
A 12 year old boy watches him
He must obey all the rules
His homework is all done
He tries to find something to do
But evenings with Jerry are boring
Today he learned to tie his shoe
Jerry comes to him and asks,
"Do you want to play a game?"

They go into his darkened bedroom
Curtains block the eyes of the sun
The door slams shut behind them
Jerry slavers with anticipation
"The doctor is coming," he is told
And his pants fall to the floor
"Touch me right here, like this."
Jerry smiles, his lust begins to roar
Jerry moans softly into his ear
"Now we are ready to start the game."

He lies upon his bed, face down
Feeling the heavy body crawl upon him
Pain inflames his six year old body
As the hot flesh descends within him
Jerry pants into his young neck
Gasping aloud with each burning thrust
Warm fluid mixes with the child's blood
As Jerry spends his great power lust
The mom comes home and he hides ashamed
Realising that he lost this game

Amergin....

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31 Oct 00 - 09:25 AM (#331102)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

Smoles? Is that like snogs?

Lovely song, Roger! Effective use of repetition. I'd like to hear the melody sometime.

Amergin, your song is chilling. It's well crafted but I can't say I "like" it if you know what I mean! Which means you did your job well!

Alex (from home! got my modem working again! huzzah!)
O..O
=o=

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31 Oct 00 - 04:56 PM (#331390)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Alex,

Smoles is just how Texans say snogs....I thought everyone knew Texans couldn't speak English.....

BTW, thank you for your words...was one of the hardest things I have ever written...

Amergin

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02 Nov 00 - 11:34 AM (#332807)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

Amergin, kudos to you for writing it. It's facing our fears and sticky wickets that brings healing.

---

This song has nothing to do with healing but it's a lot of fun to sing. This is the sort of thing that folkies write when they become philosophy majors. Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be philosophy majors.

---

Existential Sheep

When I was a little lamb, my days were filled with joy
Running through the meadows like a carefree little boy
Eating, sleeping, drinking seemed to occupy my time
And thoughts of Sartre and Kierkegaard, they never crossed my mind

Then I went to Paris, where I saw the Louvre museum
The paintings there by Salvador, my friends told me to see 'em
And when I saw the Dali show, my life was changed for bad
He made me think of all the crazy thoughts I've never had

(Chorus) And now I'm just an existential sheep
When I think of it, it almost makes me weep
My common sense has gone over the deep end
Cos now I'm just an existential sheep, my friend
Now I'm just an existential sheep

When I was a little lamb, I didn't have a care
Running through the grasslands with the flowers in my hair
Talking to the other sheep and sleeping in the sun
When you forget philosophy, it's easy to have fun

But now my life is compromised in oh, so many ways
My brain is now befuddled by a neo-post-Nietzsche haze
My friends have up and left me 'cos they say I talk too weird
And here I sit in silence, I'm just waiting to be sheared

(repeat chorus twice)

© 1981 Alex E. Riggle All Rights Reserved.

-----

Thanks for listening!

Alex
O..O
=o=

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03 Nov 00 - 10:26 AM (#333518)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Good news! My new PC is working fine and I've managed to upload all the wonderful new songs into the Songbook. Here's a list of the latest entries:

Existential Sheep by mousethief

The Game by Amergin

Lady Of Substance by The Shambles

To A Child by mousethief

The Strength To Leave by mousethief

Thanks to everyone for these songs, and keep them coming!

-- Áine

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12 Nov 00 - 09:18 PM (#339438)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Pleasures Of A Backdoor Man

Chorus:
My toothbrush is in the drawer
The glasses I got her in a box
My beer is in the storage shed
My books are hiding neath her socks
Gone are my prints from the glass
Gone are my butts from the trays
Gone are all traces of my existence
Gone is the happiness of yesterday

I open the door and step outside
The cold rain freezing my cheeks
"Chris is coming, you have to go"
My tongue moves but never speaks
The clouds gather to darken my thoughts
As I slowly amble to my beatup van
But I think to myself and smile
Such is the pleasure of a backdoor man

Chorus:

The parking lot shines with sorrow
As it lies within the morning gloom
"I can't see us together in 20 years"
I hear the wind crying in winter's womb
The clouds are pregnant with the tears
As I step inside my blue beatup van
My smile grows wide and bitter
Such is the pleasure of a backdoor man

Chorus:

Her kitchen light shines through the glass
Like a star in the morning twilight
"I am old enough to be your mother"
I hear the laughter of the dying night
The clouds break loose their tears
As I drive away in my beatup old van
Salting the curves of my cheeks
Such is the pleasure of a backdoor man

Chorus:

Amergin

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14 Nov 00 - 11:33 PM (#340874)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Lament Of Captain McVay

With our orders in hand we are faring
On the wild and wasteful ocean.
It's on to Leyte Isle we are destined
As we follow the Pacific's motion

O we left the sunny California shores
With the Hiroshima killer were we shippin
I was Captain on a cruiser ship
And the summer winds were whippin

O we dropped our cargo at Tinian Isle
Then onwards to Guam we were sailin
In the peaceful waters I was faring
As I leaned against the starboard railin

Well, we left Guam for the Philippines
Though our escort was denied us
And the fog was thick, we could not see
That the rising sun was tracking us

It was in July late one Sunday night
With the first torpedo our hull was drinking
Communication was out, the order given
And with the second we were a-sinking

Why didn't you tell me they were hiding in the water?
Why was my escort so ruthlessly denied?
Tell me why did you see fit to court martial me?
I've got to know, friend, I've got to know why

I've got to know, yes, I've got to know friend
Ghostly faces ask me wherever I go
Comrades and friends are drowning around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why

900 men were floating in the sea
Four and a half days in the rocking ocean
Drinking the salt, and feeding the sharks
When we were found we numbered 317

Well, they put me on trial and I lost my rank
For following the orders that they gave me
They ruined my career they ruined my name
No more will I sail upon the lonesome sea

Well the years went by, my pain it grew
With the hate I felt from families of the dead
So I went in the front yard with a toy in my hand
I opened my mouth and put a bullet in my head

Why didn't you tell me they were hiding in the water?
Why was my escort so ruthlessly denied?
Tell me why did you see fit to court martial me?
I've got to know, friend, I've got to know why

I've got to know, yes, I've got to know friend
Ghostly faces ask me wherever I go
Comrades and friends are drowning around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why

Amergin

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15 Nov 00 - 09:49 AM (#341063)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Below are the newest additions to the Mudcat Songbook. Thanks to one and all for the wonderful songs!

Lament of Captain McVay and Pleasures Of A Backdoor Man by Amergin

Oh Boy Danny by Peter Benson and Jeff Porterfield (jeffp)

and a late Song Challenge! entry to Song Challenge! Part 44 by Jeri - From A Distance.

Keep playing, singing and writing, Áine

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15 Nov 00 - 01:13 PM (#341194)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Peter and Jeff, ROFLMAO!!!!!!

Jeri, that is truly a classic....:-)

Amergin

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11 Dec 00 - 05:04 PM (#355214)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

If you've been feeling a bit chilly, here's a song by Amergin guaranteed to warm you up called Summertime At Fall Creek. If this ditty doesn't get you in mood for some skinny-dipping, I don't know what will! ;-) Thanks to Amergin for another great song!

-- Áine

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13 Dec 00 - 06:21 PM (#356768)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

I just added another romantic lyric by Amergin to the Mudcat Songbook -- and I do believe that this is my favourite of all the wonderful songs I've seen from this particular 'Catter. If you need the cockles of your winter-chilled heart warmed up, take a look-see at The First Time. Enjoy!

-- Áine

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16 Dec 00 - 09:28 AM (#358222)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Ahhh, pour yourself a glass of wine and settle down on some comfy pillows in front of a glowing fire for Amergin's new contribution to the Mudcat Songbook, Floating. This is a perfect song for the season! Thanks, Amergin (a/k/a "Mr. Romance").

-- Áine

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16 Dec 00 - 08:15 PM (#358411)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: McGrath of Harlow

I put this on another thread. I think we ought to carry ion our disputes in song sometimes...

Only in America?

They were dimpled and pimpled and simple and clear, they were somebody voting for someone's idea. And they should have been counted, but that wouldn't do - for somebody stopped it, 'cos he thought he might lose.

When the year of elections came round in it's time
That big politician, oh his words were so fine,
He said "Trust the people", and "Count every vote"
but the words that he said, it's in water they're wrote.

When the voting was done with and the counting came on,
before it was over, he said "I'm the one",
for on the first count he came in by a nose,
and he said, "Now it's finished, let the counting be closed."

But there's thousands and thousands of votes thrown away,
By the worn out machines that have long had their day,
and when they were counted the votes they were true -
but the man who was winning said they wouldn't do.

They were dimpled and pimpled and simple and clear, they were somebody voting for someone's idea. And they should have been counted, but that wouldn't do - for somebody stopped it, 'cos he thought he might lose.

And he stood like a stone, with his head in the sand,
and the battle was waged in the courts of the land
and the counting was halted, and his friends did their stuff,
and the votes lying waiting - well they weren't good enough.

They were dimpled and pimpled and simple and clear, they were somebody voting for someone's idea. And they should have been counted, but that wouldn't do - for somebody stopped it, 'cos he thought he might lose.

And somebody said "Well at least now it's done",
and someone conceded, though maybe he had won,
and somebody lives in a House on the Hill-
but the votes that weren't counted are haunting him still.

They were dimpled and pimpled and simple and clear, they were somebody voting for someone's idea. And they should have been counted, but that wouldn't do - for somebody stopped it, 'cos he thought he might lose. No names in this song - that's not what it's about. This song is about the people who had their votes stolen, not about the man who may have benefitted by the theft, or the man who may have lost out... (This'd fit to all kinds of tunes - Villikins and his Dinah/Betsy from Pike, 1913 Massacre; I'ver got atune for it, but I can't put a name to it yet. Sounds familiar.)

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17 Dec 00 - 01:30 PM (#358603)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Thanks so much for this wonderful song, Kevin. It's not only perfect for the occasion that inspired it; but, it's perfect for all the instances of the same sort. Can't think of anyone who could have written a better song about this!

And you 'Catters can find Kevin's song here in the Mudcat Songbook.

-- Aine

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17 Dec 00 - 03:50 PM (#358639)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: McGrath of Harlow

Thanks - and it's occurred to me that another good tune that fits it would be Master McGrath. (My father used to say the Master was called after a relative of ours who was a kennel boy who looked after him when he was a runt. But my father was a great believer in telling the truth and adjusting the facts to fit if need be, so I wouldn't guarantee that one...)

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17 Dec 00 - 05:41 PM (#358708)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Mr. Romance?

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17 Dec 00 - 06:38 PM (#358746)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Dearest Amergin,

;-)

-- Áine

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21 Dec 00 - 11:27 AM (#361089)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

And you wonder why I call you "Mr. Romance", dear Amergin? Well, it must be because you keep writing such wonderful songs like your newest addition to the Mudcat Songbook called A Sleepless Night...just beautiful.

-- Áine

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21 Dec 00 - 11:54 AM (#361114)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Jeri

Áine, there's a song here - My Mother's Garden. It's up to you whether or not you add it to the songbook - I'm cool with whatever you decide.

Barry did a beautiful midi and there's a MIDIText file in the original thread (linked to in the thread I made the clicky for.)

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21 Dec 00 - 05:35 PM (#361357)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

There you go, Jeri, your beautiful song, My Mother's Garden (with midi and thread links) is now in the Mudcat Songbook. Thanks so much for letting all of us know about it. And thanks to Barry for doing such a wonderful job on the midi.

-- Áine

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22 Dec 00 - 03:18 PM (#361861)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: GUEST,Amergin in Idaho

Aine, I have another one....

Where My Heart Softly Roams

Feet stomping on the ground
Crunching the ice covered snow
Ears turning red and stinging
As the frozen wind begins to blow
The morning sky is clouding over
Snowflakes slowly start to appear
I gaze at the snow laden mountainside
And find myself wishing you were here

Cars slowly roll down the main street
Snow is packed tightly on the road
I gently balance down the walkways,
Feeling the beat of my frozen load
The hills shine bright in the cloudy sun
Absorbing the dim afternoon light
I imagine your shadow beside me
And smile with infinite delight

The fairgrounds are a lake of snow
With sleds sailing across the deep
Snowballs fly across the playground
As the children run, laugh, and leap
The cigarette smolders on the ice
As I trounce my way back home
Feeling your thoughts are with me
Wherever my heart softly roams

Amergin

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29 Dec 00 - 11:59 AM (#365110)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

The Last Time

The train slowly shudders to a stop
And we stand there hugging goodbye
The conductor calls the all aboard
I gently part from you with a sigh
I envision your waeary watery eyes
As aboard the train I start to climb
Never knowing, never dreaming
That we have kissed for the last time

I watch you lightly ease into your car
Through the tinted glass by my seat
The train curls down the rusted tracks
I remember your lips so soft and sweet
My closed eyes see the curves of your face
Recalling your beauty so sublime
Never knowing, never dreaming
That we have kissed for the last time

A smile rapidly unfolds across my mouth
Remembering the sweetness of the night before
When we cuddled and made angelic love
And our soft bodies we fondly explored
The train slowly ambles my way back home
And the whistle begins to loudly chime
Never knowing, never dreaming
That we have kissed for the last time

Nathan Tompkins

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31 Dec 00 - 09:32 PM (#366561)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Singing Auld Lang Syne

I stagger down the dampened street
And feel the passing time.
The moon shines softly through the clouds,
Singing auld lang syne.

In the shadows, I gently lurch,
As my heart weeps and pines,
For my love holds onto another man
Singing auld lang syne.

So here's a drink to the dying year,
I drink to the coming time;
And here's a drink to lover's all,
For the sake of auld lang syne.

Now the seasons pass across the earth,
And the trees so lightly whine
And I hear the waves quietly roar,
Singing auld lang syne

So into the mists I walk alone,
Where the sidhe laugh and dine,
I Slowly raise my voice to the sky,
For the sake of auld lang syne…...

So here's a drink to the dying year,
I drink to the coming time;
And here's a drink to lover's all,
For the sake of auld lang syne.

Nathan Tompkins

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01 Jan 01 - 07:49 AM (#366664)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Fedele

STill not so clear to me how these things work, but some songs should be put in the database, like these (each one has its thread postes some time ago)

Werin Daear (Welsh worker's song)
The Last of the Great Whales (posted by Joe Offer, I think, an ecologist song by Andy Barnes)
Chimes of Freedom (Bob Dylan)
A lot of stuff from Dubliners that's not yet in the database
Ordinary Man, by Christy Moore

Some famous Italian songs that were posted and I think they should be there (the database is mostly English-speaking but these are widely known):
Bandiera Rossa (maybe posted as "Avanti Popolo"): check for MY posting with full lyrics
Bella Ciao

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01 Jan 01 - 07:51 AM (#366665)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Fedele

Peat Bog Soldiers
Working man
Heart like a wheel

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01 Jan 01 - 09:07 AM (#366671)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: McGrath of Harlow

The Digital Tradition and the Mudcat Songbook aren't the same thing, Fidele - the DT is made up of songs out there in the wild, traditional or not-so-traditional, and you get to it by clicking on the Digi-Trad search button up top - and if you know a song that you think ought to be there but isn't (remembering that song titles aren't the way to find a song, since they vary so much), you post it as a new thread with the prefix Lyr Add, and in time it'll get picked up and included. Or not, depending.

The Mudcat Songbook is made up of songs written by Mudcatters who are agreeable to having them included. And you get to that via the Quick Links button.

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02 Jan 01 - 06:57 AM (#367015)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Silence!!

Silence!! The wind whispers in the fog
Silence!! Bays out the old crying dog
Silence!! The horn blares on the river
Silence!! The trees sing with a quiver

Silence, silence, silence
And listen to the song I must tell to you
Listen to the breeze pregnant with the dew
Listen to the ships sliding upon the cold water
Listen to the forests bemoaning the slaughter
Listen to the heart breaking with each lonesome beat
Listen to the teardrops splatter the empty street
Listen to the music of the bean sidhe's wail
And you will see the sorrow in the broken tale

Close your eyes and see.....
Look upon the man who sits alone in a crowded room
Look upon the woman who laughs in the smoky gloom
Look upon the children who bear no hope in their eyes
Look upon the prisoners secure in their own demise
Look upon the upon the houses that guard the rich
Look upon the beggar huddled closely in the ditch
Look upon the strikers bearing signs "We will prevail"
And you will feel the sorrow in the broken tale

Reach out your hands and feel...
Now feel the holy despair of the drunkard's tomb
Now feel the terror of the babe evicted from the womb
Now feel the sap pulsing neath the bark of the trees
Now feel the devestation of the infernal disease
Now feel the ancient cold breath of the wintry moon
Now feel the pounding feet of the bloodstained platoon
Now feel the vibrating saws ring across the vale
And you will speak the sorrow in the broken tale

Speak!! The wind whispers in the fog
Speak!! Bays out the old crying dog
Speak!! The horn blares on the river
Speak!! The trees sing with a quiver

Speak of the songs of the dying whales
Speak of the sorrow in our broken tales

Nathan Tompkins

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02 Jan 01 - 09:32 AM (#367044)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Happy New Year everyone!

What a great way to start a new Mudcat Year by putting four songs by our wonderful Amergin in the Mudcat Songbook. The Last Time, Singing Auld Lang Syne, Silence!!, and Where My Heart Softly Roams are now added to the Book.

Well done, Amergin!

-- Áine

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03 Jan 01 - 04:57 PM (#367988)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Well, the New Year's haze finally cleared from my eyes and I found two more wonderful songs by Mr. Romance (a/k/a Amergin) -- A Late Night Walk and Candles In The Snow . . . both full of lovely, evocative images. Thanks for a couple more really nice songs, Nathan.

-- Áine

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05 Jan 01 - 01:02 AM (#368923)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Aine, Im glad you like them.....

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05 Jan 01 - 05:46 PM (#369295)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: GUEST,Trapper

Nope... It didn't. Sorry. Let's Try again...

- Al

Twenty Years Experience © Al Boyce 3/17/95

Tommy and his older buddies
went out drinking at the bar.
A pal had just reached the age of manhood,
being 20, Tommy drove the car.
But when Tommy tried to sneak a beer,
the waitress gave his ID a glance.
Tom said, "I've been drinking all my life,
I got 20 years experience."

20 Years experience
at drinking from a glass.
20 years experience,
at drinking, I surpass!
And what'cha mean this ain't my real ID?
Oui, "mah-damn", I really AM from France!
And we all start drinking young there
so I got 20 years experience!"

Thomas got him a wife and family,
and a mortgage at the bank.
Age 30 found him flat broke,
with his blue-collar job to thank.
So he applied for a higher paying job,
that would help him pay the rent.
But his boss said, "We've hired an outside guy
who's got 20 years experience."

20 years experience?
I bet that guy's his brother-in-law!
20 years experience?
I'd like to bust him right on his jaw!
The boss would see that I'm the better man
if he had just a lick of sense!
I'm gonna tell him just where to stick his
frickin' 20 years experience!

The gang surprised old Tom with a party
for his lasting 40 years.
He barely blew out all the candles,
and he had too many beers.
He started flirting with some sweet young thing,
She said, "Tom, I think you're Too Old to dance!"
He said, "Hell, I'm only just 20, honey -
with 20 years experience!"

20 years experience
at developing my style!
20 years experience
at making the ladies smile!
Younger guys are fast and foolish,
older men have elegance...
'cause when it comes to being 20
I got 20 years experience!

Twenty Years Experience © Al Boyce - All rights reserved

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10 Jan 01 - 01:45 PM (#372281)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: mousethief

Don't Think Once
tune: Don't Think Twice (Dylan)

It ain't no use in turnin' on your brain, babe
Like you never done before
It ain't no use in turnin' on your brain, babe
You don't need it any more
When Limbaugh's on, just set your dial
Sit down, kick back, and listen for a while
Then say "ditto" with a vacant smile
Don't think once, it's alright.

It ain't no use in checkin' out the facts, babe
Rush swears that it's all true
Now it ain't no use in checkin' out the facts, babe
Would Rush ever lie to you?
There's no need to even give a thought
To whether what he says is true or not
Some say he's lying, but that's just a liberal plot
Don't think once, it's alright.

It ain't no use in getting mad at me, now
If you hate this little song
Said it ain't no use in getting mad at me, babe
If your liberal friends sing along
There's no point raising your voice to complain
It's so much nicer to shut off your brain
And Rush says he's just there to entertain
Don't think once, it's alright.

©2001 Alex Riggle. All Rights Reserved.

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21 Feb 01 - 10:28 PM (#403396)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Hello, hello, all you wonderful songwriters!! The Keeper of the Book is happy (estatic actually) to report for duty again. I got the all-clear from the doctor today and I've been using the hands like they just grew out on the ends of my arms. ;-) First, I'd like to apologize for being out of action for so long (but, that's another story), and I hope to be seeing loads of new songs from all you fantastic 'Catters out there! So, without further ado, here are the latest additions to the Mudcat Songbook:

Twenty Years Experience by Trapper (a/k/a Al Boyce)

Don't Think Once by mousethief

A Seafarer's Lament by Amergin

Black Nylon Thread by Amergin

Wunnerful, wunnerful stuff, as usual. Let's keep it coming, OK?

All the best, Áine

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21 Feb 01 - 11:34 PM (#403430)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amos

Dear Goddess:

This is from an older challenge related to the civil tort of keeping ferrets. However this song never made it into the songbook! So I tender it to your gentle ministrations, for whenever you might have a moment to spare now that you have recovered from shagging the carpet, or whatever it is you were doing....

The True Story of Patrick Wright's Wrong-Doing

(Tune: Bally Jame's Bluff)  Click to play

Patrick Wright, sir, was born out in warm California
Where weirdoes cavort by the sea.
And he always enjoyed things a privileged boy
Has when born to the land of the free.
He had his own cell-phone by the time he was 12,
And a "Woody" before twenty-one!
A happy white male growing under the law
In the land of the free and the sun!

He began his career selling sweet Baby's Tears
In a Home Depot garden display
And by learning the ropes and by staying quite stoked,
He soon managed the whole garden bay
So the future looked bright, and the pay was all right,
And he thought he might soon take a wife!
But young Wright's aspirations were tumbled as soon
As two young ferrets entered his life!

Now the thing was begun all in innocent fun,
He just yearned to seem different and cool,
To attract Susie Lake, whom he'd met on a break,
A young student at hairdresser's school.
Young Patrick looked 'round and he rapidly found
The coolest and newest thing yet!
Two ferrets quite rare, a beautiful pair
In the classified ads, under "Pets".

Now this stunt was successful, and not very stressful;
Young Susie surrendered her keep
On the very first kiss, and with unfathomed bliss
In her hairdresser's arms he did sleep
But early next morning from his dreams he was torn
By the light of a flashing blue glare!
And a terrible pounding on his  front door was sounding,
And a cop yelling "We know you're there!"

It was just before dawn, and young Susie was gone
And Patrick, afraid for his life
Staggered up to his feet, with his mind half asleep
And picked up a large sushi knife
As he opened the door, he was slammed to the floor,
And by three cops was brutally mugged!
And his head it was ringing, his poor face was stinging
And they rolled him away to the jug.

Now the judge made the claim, in the State's noble name
That he'd broken the law and done harm!
And for keeping those ferrets, he would quickly inherit
SIx months in the County's worst farm!
Though he protests and cries and all wrong he denies
The inmates there grant it no merit!
They are sure it's a crime, for which he's doing time,
And have taken to calling him "Ferrett".

While he stands at the fence in a pose of repentance
There's a young lawyer  out on a flail
He is Ronnie McBurney, prosecuting attorney,
Who sent our young Patrick to jail
And he pulls up before  old Sherriff Lake's door
And he's only a few minutes late,
Gives a handshake in peace to that chief of police
And runs Susy Lake out on a date!

---

22 Feb 01 - 08:35 AM (#403609)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Dear Amos,

If I'd done the deed, I'd be the first to plead -- however, your Challenge song IS on the Winners' page and has been all the time...you really should break down and get those bifocals, you know ;-) Here's the blue clicky thing for it.

All the best, Áine

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22 Feb 01 - 08:38 AM (#403614)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Here's another great song from our own Amergin, His Only Consolation. Check it out, 'Catters.

Thanks Amergin!

-- Áine

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22 Feb 01 - 09:00 AM (#403625)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: MMario

Don't overdo!

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22 Feb 01 - 09:05 AM (#403630)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: wysiwyg

Aine, welcome BACK!!!

I have 2 procedural questions and two idears.

1. Would it be helpful for some of us to suggest songs we may have spotted (if any) in the threads in your absence?

2. That little stinker Dharmabum has written a WONDERFUL song that he has never posted or submitted. (singsong: I think he's a little shy...) He sez I can submit it for him. A, where shall I do it so all can see it, and B, what sort of punishment can we devise for this attitude? *G*

IDEARS
1. Lots of new members. Some may actually have talent! *G* Is there a thread or something that describes song challenges and stuff about songbook submission? Have I foolishly forgotten a piece written for the FAQ or is one needed? (CRS)

2. Can we start a songbook section for sacred music? Do a search on Liland's posts.... I have a few as well, one in the songbook at least but more here and more coming I suspect.

DO NOT OVERDO THE USE OF THE NEWLY REPAIRED HANDS.

Love,

Susan

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22 Feb 01 - 09:18 AM (#403640)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: alison

Welcome back Aine... where have you been? we were worried,..... *grin*

lovely to see you again

slainte

alison

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22 Feb 01 - 09:41 AM (#403654)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Dear Wysi (hehehehe) who will always be Peace to me,

Brilliant questions/suggestions (as usual)! Answers (less brilliant, but hopefuly helpful) follow:

1. You bet! I've always depended on the kindness of you all to be the Songbook 'scouts' -- If you've seen something you'd like in the Book, send me a PM or an email -- [e-mail]

2. You can post dear Dharmabum's song (of course it's wonderful!!) right here. As for his punishment, I suggest a gang-cheek kissing . . . kissing all his cheeks twice always seems to 'inspire' him (hehehehe).

IDEARS:
1. I think the Song Challenge and the Mudcat Songbook is covered in the FAQ permathread -- but, I'll check on that and, if not, I'll see what I can do to get the word out to the newbies.

2. What a wonderful idea! A sacred music section will be added as soon as I get the songs -- and I'll leave it up to you to let the songwriters know about it (and, if you'll send me links to the songs in threads, I'll be happy to go huntin').

And I promise to try not to over use my still-healing appendages -- In a way, this was a chance for me to slow down and use my ears and eyes a wee bit more. It's true what they say about a door closing and a window opening. I've got lots of new tunes and songs in my head, and they'll just have to 'stew' for a while till I can get them all written down -- and you all know that a good song deserves a good 'stew' ;-)

And alison -- Dia duit, a chara! I missed you, too. I'll let Amos tell you how I hurt my pinkies and went missing in action -- I'm sure he'll do a wonderful job at telling it (hehehehe). Glad to be back where I belong, back in the bosom of the 'Cat!

All the best, Áine

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22 Feb 01 - 03:31 PM (#403954)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Dharmabum

OK,OK I surrender,Here it is........But I still get my punishment,Right?

PORCELINE ANGELS
Martha had a little place,
in the corner of the house,
Where she collected little angels,
made of porceline & glass,
Walt never thought much of them,
he'd just always walk on by,
Just something else to collect more dust,
Never really caught his eye,
That's pretty much the way it went
Or so he seemed to feel
Till Martha died a year ago,
And it all became too real.

Seems like things all fell in place ,
A little bit too late,
Before their dreams were ever really shared,
And he told her that he loved her,
But he wished he'd said it more,
He never knew how much he really cared.

They were married in the forties,
Right after the war
A single rose & a borrowed suit,
Was all they could afford,
Then came banks & then the mortgages,
There were kids & there were bills,
At times it felt like a carnival,
With all the noise & thrills,
And at times she drove him crazy,
He never knew the reason why,
She could laugh with him one minute,
Then the tears would fill her eyes.

Some days there was laughter,
Some days there were tears,
Sometimes,the love was hard to find,
But they stood beside each other,
And they made it through the years,
Good or bad,they didn't seem to mind.

Now he wakes up every morning,
On the same side of the bed,
That he shared with her for forty years,
Where she used to lay her head,
And he sits down to his breakfast,
At a table set for two,
As he stares into his coffee cup,
Cause there's nothing else to do,
Now he takes a little time each day,
To do the simple little things,
As he picks up every angel,
And wipes the dust off of it's wings.

Some days there's still laughter,
He can hear it in the walls,
Sometimes, he sees her when he sleeps,
But the days are getting shorter,
Leaves are falling from the trees,
And the memories,are all he's got to keep.

R.Horvath 2000.

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22 Feb 01 - 05:01 PM (#404024)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: wysiwyg

OK, Dharmabum, but I'm copyrighting MY version in which porcelain is spelt proper, the commas get their due space, and the CHORDS are included. As soon as I can figure out how to float the chords. I know Joe Offer has told us but now I have to actually LEARN!

And I guess you'll really have to bend over backwards and forwards several times to fully collect all the punishment due.

Anyone care to help with the further adminstration of MudJustice? *G*

~Ron's Bratty Lil Sister

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22 Feb 01 - 05:30 PM (#404040)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Dharmabum

WHACK!....Thank you Ma'am, May I have another?

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22 Feb 01 - 06:10 PM (#404087)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

*G* Bend, Dharmabum, Bend!! *G*

Forwards or backwards (hehehehe) you'll still be able to see that Porcelain Angels is now in the Songbook.

Now bend the other way and SMILE...

-- Áine

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22 Feb 01 - 07:17 PM (#404142)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Dharmabum

Thanks for correcting the spelling Aine.

Ron. ifeellikesuchadumbschitt.

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22 Feb 01 - 09:35 PM (#404231)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amos

The Wilderness Trail

(Tune: With God On Our Side)

Come ye people of conscience,
Of awareness and Mind.
And please heed a warning,
Nor take it unkind
For your mind it will tumble,
And your spirit may fail,
If you walk unprepared on
The Wilderness Trail

Past the ranges of language
And the songs of the heart,
Where beliefs all are ending,
And something else starts
You may feel like a prisoner,
Released from his jail
When you first turn ytour mind to
The Wilderness Trail

Leave your fine mathematics,
Leave your poetry, too;
Walk away from the notions
You've presented as You;
Banish all preconceptions,
And your mind starts to pale;
When it sees your are bound for
The Wilderness Trail.

Turn away from the icons,
You have held for too long;
Cast off every image
Used to make others Wrong;
Bid farewell to fond formulas
You have run out of bail;
And your time is beginning
On the Wildrness Trail.

I was born in the suburbs,
Where the grasses are tame;
Raised into a fortune,
Brought up under a name.
I was promised fine schooling,
At Harvard and Yale
But I turned my face elsewhere--
To the Wilderness Trail.

Now the men that you find there
Are not of your kind;
For the space-winds have burned them,
And their faces are lined
But they see through your pity
And your heart's tongue may wail
You may curse your beginning
Down the Wilderness Trail

I have crossed every pitfalls,
Scaled the windfalls of time;
Crossed the Ethical Mountains,
And left them behind;
I have vanquished the Maiden
And her cold bed of nails;
But there's country beyond her,
On the Wilderness Trail.

The trailhead is near you,
Not more than a day;
But as you love your comfort.
Turn away, turn away!
Let your heart keep its Answers;
Let your eyes keep their scales.
For there's nothing but Change
On the Wilderness Trail.
 
 
 

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23 Feb 01 - 08:23 AM (#404434)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

There you go, dear Amos, The Wilderness Trail is now in the Songbook. Wonderful song, I'd love to hear sometime (hint, hint). ;-)

Keep playing, singing, and writing, Áine

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23 Feb 01 - 11:59 AM (#404567)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amos

Oh ta, Great Green One!

Can you fix a typo ?(mine, not yours). "Pitfall" should be singular, not plural.

Just imagine Dylan singing "With God on Our Side".

Regards,

Amos

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23 Feb 01 - 12:16 PM (#404579)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

Dear Amos,

Well, you of all people should know that I could imagine Bob singing your song; but, I'd rather hear you... ;-)

And the 'fix' is in now...

Hugs & snogs, Áine

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23 Feb 01 - 12:35 PM (#404594)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Amergin

Not sure if I sent this in to you or not, Aine....but here goes....

Come Ye Back, My Love
(tune: I'LL LAY YE DOON, LOVE)

Chorus:
Oh, come ye back, my love, I'll take your hand
Come ye back, my love, come back to me
Oh, come ye back, my love, I'll take your hand
Come ye back from across the sea

There is a town, by the Kootenai River
Settled in the midst of the northern hills
And as I was walking, upon the shoreline
I spied a young lass a-crying her fill

Chorus:

I have a love, who's gone fishing up north
Among the deeps of the cold Bering Sea
And it's many a month since he's been gone
And I yearn for him to return to me

Chorus:

Many's the day and night he trawled the water
Dragging the net behind "The Banshee",
But the storm it swept the freezing ocean
And swallowed my Willie into the sea.

Chorus:

She opened the locket upon her breast
Inside lay a picture of her young man
Her teardrops stained his smiling face
As she walked slowly off the land

Chorus:

To this day she still haunts my dreams
And I yet wake with a tearful sigh
I see her wading into the rushing river
Even now my ears echo with her cry

Chorus:

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24 Feb 01 - 12:50 PM (#405308)
Subject: RE: Part VIII - Additions to Mudcat Songbook
From: Áine

This thread was getting a bit long for those folks with slower connection speeds, so I've started a new Part IX Additions thread, so please submit your songs for the Songbook to that thread from now on.

Don't fret, Amergin -- I've started the new thread off with a link to your song above!

Keep playing, singing, and writing, Áine

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