Halloween Songs [2]

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: GUEST,TheMom
Date: 25 Oct 10 - 05:31 PM

For rabbitrunning:

Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high
Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky
So beware, don't you dare
to even say you don't care, say a prayer
Or she will come and pull your hair!

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 26 Oct 10 - 01:49 PM

I Am Stretched on Your Grave - Kate Rusby does this, though my version's better, I think :)

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 08:16 PM

Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high
Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky
So beware, don't you dare
To even boast, or a ghost,
To your dismay will hear you say
That you don't care, say a prayer,
Or it will come and puuulll yoouurr hair!

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 08:45 PM

To Guest, Bob Zambanini, your request will most likely get lost in this thread. It's always a good idea to start a new thread for a specific request such as yours. I've done so for you: CLICK HERE. Chances are someone will know the song and you'll have found it at the "Mudcat!"

ATB,

kat - a moderator

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Oct 10 - 01:21 PM

Hallowee-ee-een the witch is riding high
Have you see-ee-een her shadow in the sky
So beware, don't you dare
To even boast, or a ghost,
To your dismay will hear you say
That you don't care, say a prayer,
Or it will come and spooook yooou OUT!!!

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: GUEST,Bobbi Nikles
Date: 26 Oct 21 - 04:06 PM

Anybody have a recording or hyperlink to Buddy Mondlock's "Skeleton"? Great tune but how does it go? Halloween is coming soon!
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: GerryM
Date: 26 Oct 21 - 07:49 PM

A Mighty Ship was the Gundremar, by Kathleen Davis. Full lyrics in the DT (under "A"). Final stanza:

A ghostly ship is the Gundremar
Ever sailing, ever sailing,
O'er winter skies she adventures far
Northward hailing, northward hailing.
No shadow falls on the silver night
As down the moonlit way she takes her flight
Ever sailing, ever sailing.

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: GerryM
Date: 26 Oct 21 - 08:03 PM

Where the Dead Men Lie
Barcroft Boake

The full poem can be found in the Australia/NZ Songbook thread. Here's the first stanza:

Out on the wastes of the Never Never -
That's where the dead men lie!
There where the heat-waves dance forever -
That's where the dead men lie!
That's where the Earth's loved sons are keeping
Endless tryst: not the west wind sweeping
Feverish pinions can wake their sleeping -
Out where the dead men lie!

For my money, the best tune is one Margaret Bradford wrote, but I can't find that on the web. Here are a couple of other musical settings:

Queensland Tiger
Richard Glover

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: oldhippie
Date: 28 Oct 22 - 01:29 PM

John's Garden - Peter Mayer
Crimson & Crystal - Julia Ecklar
Dear Departed - Kathy Mar

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs
From: Felipa
Date: 31 Oct 22 - 06:52 PM

it would be nice if someone who index this thread with a song list. I see that Monster Mash is listed; here is the mudcat thread: Monster Mash

I recently added a Scottish Gaelic love song in which the narrator sings of being on her own on Hallowe'en night: Tha Mo Rùn air a' Ghille

Who Were the Witches (Bonnie Lockhart)

Susan Jane Tucker: The Witch's Rune https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIn8ZDOX270

and Song of the Witches https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORDNWwHzdaE

Subject: Lyr Add: SPOOKY (Classics IV)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Nov 22 - 07:10 PM

This was mentioned back at the beginning of this thread by BeauDangles.


SPOOKY
Music by Mike Shapiro and Harry Middlebrooks, Jr., 1967.*
Words by James Cobb and Buddy Buie, 1968.
As recorded by the Classics IV, 1968.

In the cool of the evening, when everything is gettin’ kind o’ groovy,
I call you up and ask you if you'd like to go with me and see a movie.
First, you say no; you've got some plans for the night,
And then you stop, and say – “All right.”
Love is kind o’ crazy with a spooky little girl like you.

You always keep me guessin’; I never seem to know what you are thinkin’,
And if a fellow looks at you, it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin’.
I get confused, 'cause I don't know where I stand,
And then you smile – and hold my hand.
Love is kind o’ crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky, hey, yeah.

[saxophone break]

If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin’,
I'm gonna tell you all the things my heart's been a-dyin’ to be sayin’.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin’ my dreams,
So I'll propose – on Halloween.
Love is kind o’ crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky!

Spooky! Yeah, well, all right, ... [etc., and fade]

- - -
* The song was originally written as an instrumental for saxophonist “Mike Sharpe” (Mike Shapiro). The vocal version was also recorded by Dusty Springfield in 1970, the Atlanta Rhythm Section in 1979, and Martha Reeves in 1986. (Reeves sings: “... with a spooky old lady like me.”)

Subject: Lyr Add: HANKENSTEIN (Cledus T. Judd)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 23 Nov 22 - 01:34 PM

This song was mentioned by SDShad back on Halloween 2001, and it aroused my curiosity, so here it is. Wikipedia tells me Cledus T. Judd is famous for doing parodies of country-music songs and has been called “the Weird Al Yankovic of country music.” (What? Has everyone forgotten Homer and Jethro?) If this one is a parody, I don’t know the original.


HANKENSTEIN
As recorded by Cledus T. Judd on “Did I Shave My Back for This?” 1998.

Hankenstein!

Midnight in Montgomery, full moon shinin’ on a shack,
For a country-music legend is about to be brought back.
Cledus got the idea from the late-night Creature Feature,
And figgered he would foller a simular procedure.

Hankenstein!

Now, laid out on the table is the body of a man
In a white suit, cowboy boots, an’ a guitar in his han’.
He’s hooked up to a tractor with a set o’ jumper cables,
And if anything could start a cold, cold heart, a John Deere should be able.

Now what’s about to happen here is nothin’ less than shockin’,
With a record player in the corner blarin’ “Hey, Good Lookin’.”
That foot begins to tap along with that ol’ forty-five,
And you could hear ol’ Cledus yellin’: “Oh-oh! It’s alive!”

Hankenstein!

CHORUS: He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!)
He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!)
He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!)
He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster. (Hankenstein!)

In no time Hankenstein is mo-oanin’ the blues,
And Cledus has decided that it’s time to spread the news.
They’ll hit the road and put on shows all over the nation.
Yeah, he’s gonna be the next country music sensation.

Hankenstein!

Ev’ryone still loves to hear the tale of ol’ “Kaw-Liga,”
And they all sing an’ dance when he cuts loose on “Jambalaya.”
Playin’ on the Opry stage was his final test.
Now Hankenstein has become a monster success.

Hankenstein!

CHORUS

Lovesick in a hotel near the Mason-Dixon line,
Hankenstein is sittin’ there so lonesome he could cry.
He’s had it with the life he leads, singin’ all them tunes.
Now he’s out there somewhere honky-tonkin’, howlin’ at the moon.

Hankenstein!

CHORUS

Hankenstein!

He’s a honky-tonkin’ monster.

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU WILL BURN (Steeleye Span)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 01:48 PM

This was mentioned by Peg on 26-Sep-2000 and by SDShad on Halloween, 2001:


YOU WILL BURN
Words and music by Peter Knight.
As recorded by Steeleye Span on “Time,” 1996.

[1] One night as you sleep in your goose-feather bed,
We will be kneeling at your bedside.
We'll pray for your soul like the good Lord said:
Let all be forgiven; let none be denied.

[2] Then one night as you sleep in your goose-feather bed,
We will be standing at your bedside.
Your bones will be broken and your blood will be shed.
Your eyes will be taken and your hands will be tied.

[3] Then we'll take you to the forest where none will hear your cry,
And we'll cut down the sycamore and broom,
And it's there we will forgive you, and it's there we'll watch you die
Like a dancing silhouette against the moon.

[4] And you will burn, you will burn.
We will purify your soul in the fire, in the fire,
And your spirit will live forever.
It will rise, it will rise,
From the ashes and the embers in your eyes, in your eyes,
And your spirit will live forever.

[5] Praise the Lord!
Another soul is saved.
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

[REPEAT 1]

[2 with variation:] Then one night as you sleep in your goose-feather bed,
We will be standing at your bedside,
But your home will be burning and your child will be dead,
Your eyes will be taken and your hands will be tied.

[REPEAT 3, 4, 5, 5.]

Subject: Lyr Add: MISS GHOST (Don Henley)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 24 Nov 22 - 03:38 PM

This was mentioned by richlmo on 27-Sep-2000, and by SDShad on Halloween, 2001:


MISS GHOST
As recorded by Don Henley on “Inside Job,” 2000.

On a misbegotten moonless night, I stumbled in my door,
Disgusted with my circumstance, soaked to every pore,
When floating from my bedroom came a moaning and a sigh.
“Oh, I’ve had one too many; it’s just the wind,” says I.

I lit up a cigarette and poured a good stiff drink.
You see, I needed to compose myself; I needed time to think.
No sooner had I settled down, the moaning came again,
Drifting through the silence like some other-worldly violin.

I bounded up the staircase and I went slippin’ and slidin’ down the hall.
You know, I’ve been around the whole wide world but I was not prepared at all.
“Uninvited visitor, unsuspecting host,
Well, I see you’ve made yourself at home; good evening, Miss Ghost.

“You’re more beautiful than ever and I feel just like a kid.
I commence to trembling when I think of all the things we did.
Skin as pale as marble, lips as red as blood,
Imagine my surprise, my dear; well, I thought that you was gone for good.

“You look so lovely lying there all stretched out on your back,
But I’m the one who’s strung up here on ol’ temptation’s rusty rack,
And in the wee small hours, is when I miss you the most,
And I confess it: I have missed you, ahh, Miss Ghost.”

I threw open the window an’ I howled at the rain,
An’ I cursed the weakness of the flesh, this breath and bone, and this brute reptilian brain.

Now what dirty tricks the mind can play in the lonely dead of night
When you bump into the shadow of a faded love that wasn’t right.
Way down beneath the surface, far beyond the light of day,
So many things lie buried deep, and, baby, they should stay that way.

Of my wicked little habit we really made a mess,
And everything’s been trivialized in our vain pursuit of happiness,
And even though you’ve come for me, I won’t go back with you
To some temporary heaven down some empty dead-end avenue.

But it’s been so good to have you here, and I propose a toast:
Here’s to seeing though you, mm-hm, Miss Ghost.

Subject: Lyr Add: MOON OVER BOURBON STREET (Sting)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Nov 22 - 06:46 PM

This song was mentioned by BeauDangles on 02-Oct-2000, and by SDShad on Halloween, 2001.


MOON OVER BOURBON STREET
As recorded by Sting on “The Dream of the Blue Turtles,” 1985.

There's a moon over Bourbon Street tonight.
I see faces as they pass beneath the pale lamplight.
I've no choice but to follow that call:
The bright lights, the people, and the moon and all.
I pray every day to be strong,
For I know what I do must be wrong.
Oh, you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street.

It was many years ago that I became what I am.
I was trapped in this life like an innocent lamb.
Now I can never show my face at noon,
And you'll only see me walking by the light of the moon.
The brim of my hat hides the eye of a beast.
I've the face of a sinner but the hands of a priest.
Oh, you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street.

She walks every day through the streets of New Orleans.
She's innocent and young, from a family of means.
I have stood many times outside her window at night
To struggle with my instinct in the pale moonlight.
How could I be this way when I pray to God above?
I must love what I destroy and destroy the thing I love.
Oh, you'll never see my shade or hear the sound of my feet
While there's a moon over Bourbon Street.

Subject: Lyr Add: THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC (Mercer, Arlen)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 Nov 22 - 12:56 PM

This was mentioned by Vampira on 10-Sep-2001.


THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC
Words by Johnny Mercer, music by Harold Arlen, 1942.
Written for the Paramount picture “Star Spangled Rhythm,” 1942, in which it was sung by Johnnie Johnston.
As recorded by Johnnie Johnston with Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra on Capitol 130 (the first recording).

That old black magic has me in its spell—
That old black magic that you weave so well,
Those icy fingers up and down my spine,
The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine,
The same old tingle that I feel inside,
And then that elevator starts its ride,
And down and down I go,
Round and round I go,
Like a leaf that’s caught in the tide.

I should stay away, but what can I do?
I hear your name and I’m aflame,
Aflame with such a burning desire,
And only your kiss can put out the fire.

For you’re the lover I have waited for,
The mate that fate had me created for,
And ev’ry time your lips meet mine,
Darling, down and down I go,
Round and round I go,
In a spin,
Loving the spin I’m in,
Under that old black magic called love.

- - -
The Internet Archive has lots more recordings.

Wikipedia has an article, too.

Subject: RE: Halloween Songs [2]
From: T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 07 May 23 - 10:48 PM

Joe Offer, on September 28 2001 you wrote "Can anybody supply leads to historical documents that prove the Christian feasts were established to counteract pagan celebrations held on the same dates? The Christian feasts have many elements related to their pagan predecessors - this would seem to indicate an evolution from the pagan celebrations, rather than something legislated to supplant the pagan feasts. I'll stick to my 'folk process' theory until somebody comes up with solid evidence to the contrary."

I know of no such documents. But Pope Gregory the Great's letter to Abbot Abbot Mellitus is widely cited in this context so I will quote it at length here:

"When then Almighty God shall bring you unto our most reverend brother Augustine, bishop, tell him what I have long time devised with myself of the cause of the English: that is, to wit, that the temples of the idols in the said country ough not to be destroyed; but the idols alone which are in them; that holy water be made and sprinkled about the same temples, altars built, relics placed: for if the said temples be well built, it is needful that they be altered from the worshipping of devils into the service of the true God; that whiles the people doth not see these their said temples spoilt, they may forsake their error of heart and be moved with more readiness to haunt their wonted place to the knowledge and honor of the true God. And for that they are wont to kill many oxen in sacrifice to the devils, some solemnity shall be granted also by way of exchange in this matter: as that on the dedication days or birthdays of holy martyrs of whom the relics be there placed, they make them bowers of branches of trees about the said churches which have been changed from temples, and hold solemn feast together after a religious sort; and that they no more sacrifice animals to the devil but kill them to the refreshing of themselves to the praise of God, and render thanks to the Giver of all things for their abundance: that whiles some outward comforts are reserved unto them, they may be brought the more readily to agree to accept the inward comforts. For it is doubtless impossible to cut off all abuses at once from rough hearts, seeing that he too that laboreth to climb up into a high place, goeth upward by steps and paces but not by leaps." (Church History of the English People, 1.30.)

Note what this says: the former pagans may slaughter oxen and make merry in honor of Christian saints. Note also what Pope Gregory does not say: He does not say that the former pagans should hold festival on the same dates as they formerly did, but that they should now hold festival on the feast days of the saints whose relics are placed in the new churches.

I know of no certain cases where St. Gregory's policy of converting pagan temples into Christian churches was ever carried out in Britain. The only example I know of a pagan temple converted into a Christian church is the Pantheon in Rome. But the slaughtering of oxen on Christian holydays is documented. According to Ronald Hutton "oxen were killed in honor of St. Benyo at Clynnog Fawr in Gwynedd until 1589 and to St. Maelrubha in Wester Ross until 1678. Both traditions then encountered reforming churchmen and were suppressed, having survived centuries of other Christian masters who apparently regarded the practice as acceptable." (The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: their Nature and Legacy, Blackwell, 1991, p.329.)

In the particular case of Hallowmas (All Saints' Day) on November 1st the evidence is against the placing of the festival on this day to compete with survivals of pagan festivals. November 1st was the date a chapel was dedicated to all saints in St. Peter's in Rome by Pope Gregory III (731-741). The anniversary of this dedication was celebrated locally in Rome, then was made a universal feast of all saints for the Latin Church by Pope Gregory IV (827-844). (Blackburn and Holford-Strevens, The Oxford Companion to the Year, Oxford, 1999, p. 440.) I know of no evidence that the Pope was trying to compete with the observance of Samhain in faraway Ireland.

In the particular case of Christmas the evidence is mixed. A document known as the Chronograph of 354 notes that December 25th is natalis Invicti, the birth of the Unconquered Sun. This was not an official Roman Holiday. The official Games of the Unconquered Sun (Ludi Invicti) were held every 4 years in October. But it may have been a popular observance. December 25th to the Romans was bruma, midwinter, a time for partying and gift-giving. Devotees of the Unconquered Sun may well have held this day in special esteem because it was the traditional Roman date of the Winter solstice. But whether Christmas was placed on this date to compete with popular devotion to the Unconquered Sun is not clear. Christian chronographers had already decided that March 25th, the traditional Roman date for the Spring equinox, was (a) the day the world had been created, (b) the day Jesus was concieved, and (c) the day Jesus was crucified. Nine months from conception on March 25th gives a birth date on December 25th. It was the Christian chronographers' esteem for the Spring equinox, and their idea that the date of his conception and crucifiction should be on the same date that the world was created, that set the date of Christ's birth to December 25th.

Easter was not set to compete with any remembered pagan festival. It was set where it was because that is where, according to Josephus (Antiquities 3.248) Passover was observed in Herodian-era Jerusalem.