The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #12089 Message #93303
Posted By: Sandy Paton
07-Jul-99 - 11:51 PM
Thread Name: Origin: Sam's Gone Away (Shanty)
Subject: RE: Info request on Sam's Gone Away (Shanty)
Jack Stanesco collected "Sam Gone Away" from fishermen on St. Vincent's Island when he was there in the Peace Corps. He brought it back with him and recorded it on our The New Golden Ring, Five Days Singing; Volume 2 (Folk-Legacy CD-42). Another great song he picked up there was the version of "Shenandoah" called "World of Misery." That one's on Volume 1 (CD-41). CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM LISTED (Hope this works!)
Jack is now back in Colorado and sings in a trio called Grubstake.
In answer to your question: the song is definitely traditional, but it didn't come with your last line (You'll never be a hero...). Someone else has added that one.
Another story: when the album was first released, Tony and Irene Saletan's son was overheard singing to himself, at an appropriate moment, "I wish I was a potty-chair aboard the man o' war..." He was about three at the time.
Sandy