The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #168299   Message #4066455
Posted By: Mysha
29-Jul-20 - 01:44 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Johnstown Flood
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Johnstown Flood
OK, but the OP asked for the lyrics, so though we may not worry about it, it may not be enough for the intended purpose.

Other than that, I wasn't asking about what the song was doing here, but rather what that guitar work is doing in this song. Look, the Devil went down to Georgia has beating the devil as its topic. That theme in itself doesn't need a violin battle, but there is one in that song for a good reason: That violin work is there as it's part of the story.

So, similarly: What is that guitar work doing here in what appears to be intended as a story about a dam giving way? A disaster ballad isn't about the music; it's about the disaster: A recent disaster if it's still news, and a traditional story if it's old. The music should preferably support the story and at the least not hinder it. Here we have guitar work that doesn't seem to do anything in this song except take time that could otherwise have allowed more of the story to be told. So, I wonder why that guitar work is in the song.

I hope that makes the "here" a bit clearer.

BFN
Mysha