The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #114362 Message #2464836
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
13-Oct-08 - 08:00 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Work Gang Songs
Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Work Gang Songs
Janie, I have noted if music was provided- perhaps someone might provide a few midis. A very few are on Smithsonian recordings, but many have never been recorded.
Most were sung as part chant, part song, the 'leader' using whatever tune or tunes came into his head. Lyrics were changed to provide variety. Use whatever seems to suit the work rhythm.
Machinery changed the rhythm and worker interactions, the songs have largely disappeared.
I hope I have covered some of the range of these songs. I have a few more, but there is little point in posting slight variations.