The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #150367   Message #4112244
Posted By: GUEST,#
03-Jul-21 - 09:18 PM
Thread Name: info on: Joe King (from Maritime Canada)
Subject: RE: info on: Joe King (from Maritime Canada)
The following is from

https://www.invernessoran.ca/entertainment/661-highland-guitar-society

There was a special guest at last week’s session, a gentleman who was inspired to write an ode several years ago to the Highland Guitar Society, Tom Hill of Vermont.

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"Ode to the Highland Guitar Society" written by Tom Hill

They come to town, guitars in hand, from every walk of life.
Folks from away just passing through, the farmer and his wife.
The old ones with their memories, the young ones starting out,
Expect to laugh in sheer delight, expect to cheer and shout.

Leona in the kitchen, and greeting at the door.
The volunteers who pour the tea and make the cakes and more.
Did I mention this provender is free to one and all?
(I doubt you'd get a deal like that in old Carnegie Hall).

There's Bill MacDonald: founder, sound man, keeper of the flame,
Try to find a music buff who doesn't know his name.
Likewise. try to find someone whose hand Bill hasn't shaken
A stranger are you. friendless here? Stranger, you're mistaken.

But if you only plan to watch, and maybe clap your hands.
I warn you: Bill has eagle eyes and may have other plans.
Walk in there with an instrument; he'll spot you in a flash.
Before you know it, there you are displaying your panache.

Ballads from the old world and ballads of the sea,
Work songs from the hills and fields, are sung out strong and free.
Those sad old country classics may bring a tear or two.
Until some whipper-snapper belts out something fresh and new

As Robert Burns observed: though much is taken. much abides.
You still can hear the skirling pipes along the mountainsides.
So head on down to Judique, let the music set you free.
Celebrate. oh celebrate – and don't be late for tea!

END

PS I have no idea what the melody is nor can I easily locate any info about this song's author, not that I expect anyone will really give a damn.