A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing

Subject: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:03 PM

Rue said she knew how much her Mom loved the songs and I don't recall any of the many song circle threads she didn't participate in. So while there are many songs on her obit and Tavern threads, I think we need to have a last one for her right here. If you posted a favorite elsewhere already, please post it again here.

It can be in any form just like always. Link your own recordings or something from YouTube or just the lyrics. Whatever works best or whatever you have. I'll start...........

Awhile back she and I discussed a song I had linked by Jewel. She loved her voice and loved the simple and yet poignant lyric...... And we loved you katmuluv............


Daydream Land

Deep in the canyon, down in the alders
Where the hermit thrushes sing
I sit where the sun shines in a ferny circle
And fly away on day dream wings

I fly and I fly, to my day dream land
I fly and I fly, till the sun goes down
I fly and I fly, till the moon comes up
And then I fly back home

Deep in the canyon, down in the alders
Where the hermit thrushes sing
I sit where the sun shines in a ferny circle
And fly away on day dream wings

I fly and I fly, to my day dream land
I fly and I fly, till the sun goes down
I fly and I fly, till the moon comes up
And then I fly back home
And then I fly back home


Spaw

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:14 PM

Many years ago, I wrote this to the tune of Star of the County Down....not much of a singer, so I am reciting it. This is for the voice recently silenced. Love ya, katdarling.

Silent Voices

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:16 PM

Well, here's one I did about Good Ol Wyoming, and I think Kat liked it. Anyhow, it goes out to her now...

The Old Double Diamond

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:18 PM

Spaw
when I wrote "Lights on the Sea" Kat wrote me for a week saying how much she loved the song and played it over and over again. It made me feel so good that she love it ... This one is yours Kat ..

lightsonthesea

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Alice
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:33 PM

I thought I had posted this to the forum, but I can't find it now. It is the original song from an old Australian children's nursery song book that is "Warm Kitty" (which was adapted by The Big Bang Theory).

WARM KITTY
words Edith Newlan
tune Adapted English Folk

Warm kitty, soft kitty,
Little ball of fur,
Sleepy kitty, happy kitty,
Purr, purr, purr.

Scanned image of the old book is HERE.

Under that song is:

By the fire pussy's lying,
Curled up fast asleep,
Leave your toys until tomorrow,
Hurry off to bed - quick.

Alice

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ranger1
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:38 PM

A couple of years ago, I sent Kat a copy of my cousin Deb's CD, autographed by Deb and her partner Peter. She was, of course, delighted that I'd thought of her and loved the CD. This has always been a favorite song of mine that they do and it seems appropriate here: Parting Friends.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 09:56 PM

No song circle for kat would be complete without something from one of her favorite musicians that she met here on Mudcat. When Rick died I think it took something from both kat and myself. The three of us came here at the same time and tonight I'm feeling that extra bit lonely. Here ya' go kat.....Rick leaves a handful of songs and you leave many warmed hearts.......I miss you both.................

Rick Fielding



Spaw

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: frogprince
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 10:03 PM

I linked this to the tavern thread, but it's the best I know to do here too. Kat told me she loved this, which did my heart good. I sat back and sang it for her, such as I can sing, when I learned she was gone.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 10:33 PM

Kat was a westerner. I'm an Appalachian hillbilly. One of our bonds was our recognition and appreciation of each of our strong sense of place, as different as those places are.   Kat would have appreciated this. Me singing, but not my song. http://soundcloud.com/mudcat-janie/west-virginia-chose-me-basic

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Rapparee
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 10:41 PM

One and Two.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 11:15 PM

Thank you so much Spaw for starting the thread and to everyone for all that you have shared..Rue

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 25 Jul 13 - 11:22 PM

Here's another one....Ashes on the Sea....intro by Utah....sung by our own Captain Kendall Morse.

Ashes on the Sea

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: bet
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 12:27 AM

Years ago Kathleen, yes that's what I call her, took part in a ethnic gathering in Casper, Wyoming. She and Roger were living there at the time. What a day, I lived in Craig, CO. and we talked on the phone and shared words etc. for a month before the day. I arrived in Casper Friday night and we did our first practice together. We both had our own way of doing all the songs except one. The Wayward Wind was just right. For as long as I can remember Kathleen loved the wind. It would be really great if someone out there would post that song for her. I have no way of doing it here in AZ., everything I own is in storage in Alaska. Please include this song in your song circle.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Alice
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 12:34 AM

The Wayward Wind
Stan Lebowsky and Herb Newman

The wayward wind is a restless wind
A restless wind that yearns to wander
And he was born the next of kin
The next of kin to the wayward wind

In a lonely shack by a railroad track
He spent his younger days
And I guess the sound of the outward-bound
Made him a slave to his wand'rin ways

And the wayward wind is a restless wind
A restless wind that yearns to wander
And he was born the next of kin
The next of kin to the wayward wind

[Oh, I met him there in a border town
He vowed we'd never part
Though he tried his best to settle down
I'm now alone with a broken heart

And the wayward wind is a restless wind
A restless wind that yearns to wander
And he was born the next of kin
The next of kin to the wayward wind

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 12:50 AM

A look back at Kat's Sweet Wyoming Home


Watch the moon
Hanging in the sky
Hum a tune
Prairie lullaby;
Peaceful wind,
Old coyote cry,
And a song of home --Sweet Wyoming Home.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 12:54 AM

Wayward Wind sung by Patsy Cline

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 01:15 AM

I was thinking that it's a damn shame we don't have hearme or paltalk to do this with...and then post what we performed....like the old days.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 01:18 AM

Amos, we'll do that one at the Getaway for her, out there under the moon, by the Bay, what do ya say?

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 02:15 AM

You are on, amigo!

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 03:31 AM

She really used to like the hearme/paltalk things.

Here's one from me. Willy Moore

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Will Fly
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 03:43 AM

When Kat was describing some of her problems on the 'Cat a few months ago, I dedicated a video to her with the words: "For Kat - with affection", and remembered her kind words about my recordings.

This is the video: I Only Have Eyes For You

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 03:49 AM

And something a bit more cheerefl from me.Going to the Well for Water

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:13 AM

Singing sessions around here usually end with The Parting Glass & as I can't find a video/MP3 of our Judy Pinder singing it, here's
Ronnie Drew

sandra

ps. I'm not saying this is the end of Kat's song circle! Keep singing, I've been enjoying your songs

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Micca
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:52 AM

Well, here is a link to a song Kat enjoyed on Paltalk many years ago Now,This includes the able support of "the Getaway audience, which was ,of course absent on Paltalk "The Gladiator" when I put this up on UTube Kat told me very much enjoyed it, I used to often read New songs and poems to her on the phone, This was one of the very last poems I read for her a coupla weeks ago that she liked

Tripped over a memory

This morning I tripped over a memory
And suddenly, pain,
like a heart attack gripped me ,
my chest was stabbed by an icicle,
sharp, cold and deep
What I thought had healed
and was a long way in the past ,
rose up and choked my senses
like smoke and left a taste
of decay in my mouth.
It is not the Pain ,
or the sense of having failed
that grieves,
but the Knowledge Of Loss,
that must be what Milton meant
by Paradise Lost,
not the absence
of Someone
but the Loss of the Promise,
Beyond hope of recovery
and all this,
all these overloaded senses
from the simple
scent of roses, earth and rain
© Micca Patterson June 20013

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 06:59 AM

Lovely all!

Micca... beautiful.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: freda underhill
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:01 AM

for beautiful katlaughing

Gracias a la Vida - thanks to life by Violeta Parra

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me two beams of light, that when opened,
Can perfectly distinguish black from white
And in the sky above, her starry backdrop,
And from within the multitude
The one that I love.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me an ear that, in all of its width
Records— night and day—crickets and canaries,
Hammers and turbines and bricks and storms,
And the tender voice of my beloved.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me sound and the alphabet.
With them the words that I think and declare:
"Mother," "Friend," "Brother" and the light shining.
The route of the soul from which comes love.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me the ability to walk with my tired feet.
With them I have traversed cities and puddles
Valleys and deserts, mountains and plains.
And your house, your street and your patio.

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me a heart, that causes my frame to shudder,
When I see the fruit of the human brain,
When I see good so far from bad,
When I see within the clarity of your eyes…

Thank you to life, which has given me so much.
It gave me laughter and it gave me longing.
With them I distinguish happiness and pain—
The two materials from which my songs are formed,
And your song, as well, which is the same song.
And everyone's song, which is my very song.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: freda underhill
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:09 AM

This one was first posted by Janie on Kat's obit thread:

Sean Keane singing Journey round the sun


JOURNEY ROUND THE SUN
1
When I think of all the friends I used to know
Scattered now to places I don't go
Chasing lovers and careers
As we carry on this journey round the sun
Memories are passing one by one
Like moving pictures made from these restless years

2
Looking back on all the struggles lost and won
As we carry on this journey round the sun
Time has dried up all the tears
And the gold dust of experience remains
To be used to buy us freedom from the chains
And teach us how to fly from these restless years

Chorus
Standing on the edge of time with history fading far behind us
Searching darkly for the key
Sensing something undefined and wrestling with a greater mind for
Who am I and why are we
And as step by step discovery it goes on
In this never-ending journey round the sun
Wheels keep on turning round through these restless years

3
Living always in the shadow of the gun
In the wandering of this journey round the sun
Darkness never disappears
But as love flows through the bad times and the good
Connecting us in ways not understood
And lighting pathways drawn through these restless years

Chorus

4
Generations flowing onwards one by one
As we carry on this journey round the sun
Mystery hanging in the breeze
And as We look out on the trackless fields of time
With always one more mountain still to climb
To touch the stars we see through these restless years

Chorus

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:33 AM

I'm away for a few days. I believe this is the version Kat loved:

Along the Colorado Trail
(from the CD booklet from Faith's Favorites, by Faith Petric)

Eyes like the morning star
Cheeks like the rose;
Laura was a pretty girl
Everybody knows;
Weep all ye little rains,
Wail, winds, wail
All along, along along
The Colorado trail.

Laura was a laughing girl,
Joyful in the day;
Laura was a darling girl,
Now she's gone away.
Weep all ye little rains,
Wail, winds, wail
All along, along along
The Colorado trail.

Sixteen years she graced the earth,
And all life was good;
Now all life is buried
Beneath a cross of wood.
Weep all ye little rains,
Wail, winds, wail
All along, along along
The Colorado trail.

Ride all the lonely night,
Ride all the day,
Keep the herd a-movin' on,
Movin' on its way.
Weep all ye little rains,
Wail, winds, wail
All along, along along
The Colorado trail.

Wind's comin' down the gulch,
Night birds cry alarm,
Wish I'd stayed in Abilene,
Nice and dry and warm.
Weep all ye little rains,
Wail, winds, wail
All along, along along
The Colorado trail.

Traditional, collected by Carl Sandburg with additional words by Lee Hays and Faith Petric (looks like the last two verses are Faith's)

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,olddude
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:38 AM

She like Night Riders Lament also very much.
here

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:45 AM

A song crcle for Kat? A fine idea. But "a Last one"? I don't think she'd approve. Keep it going.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: MMario
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:00 AM

I suspect Kat will be at any song circle w/ mudcatters...for a long long time yet.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 12:14 PM

dick, MMario... yup.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ClaireBear
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 01:59 PM

Wasn't sure what to bring to the party, but it just came to me that I have just the thing. There doesn't seem to be a recording of Barry Finn singing one of his favorite chanties and, to my mind, the sweetest of all farewell songs, but I recently recorded "Roseanna" for YouTube with my band. I'm sure Barry is singing it for you too, somewhere.

You know, Kat, "I loves ya gal, indeed I do. Bye bye my Roseanna. I loves ya gal, you know I do. I won't be home tomorrow."

Claire

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 04:56 PM

The lovely Sara Storer singing a cover of Kev Carmody's Moonstruck...the moon guided Kat home.

Moonstruck

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:03 PM

Another one...Kev Carmody and the Pigram Brothers playing Eulogy for a Black Person.

Lay me where the forest blooms
In the land that's seen no plough
Where the fragrance on the western wind
Is carried from every spring time flower
Give me peace and give me rest
Lay me down on the mountain crest
Bury me softly without a sound
Let the scrub grow back across that mound
Make no monuments or mortal crowns
Or speak my name again when you lay me down

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: kendall
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:05 PM

I'd like to be able to send that post of Utah and me to friends who don't do Mudcat, but I don't know how.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:06 PM

oops...forgot the link...

Eulogy for a Black Person

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:17 PM

Kendall, if they have email or are on fb, you can share the link with them.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Peter T.
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 05:48 PM

What I remember about the first Mudcat song circle in Toronto was how even those that didn't sing contributed to the magical circle of all those faces and voices just by being there, faces and voices that some part of me was somewhat stunned to discover actually existed and weren't just names. I like to think that the members of the Mudcat who have passed on are still participants, silent perhaps, but continuing, contributing members of that ever-widening circle that Emerson talks about -- the circle whose circumference more and more extends its reach over the horizon, bending far away out of our sight, before it curves back, in its return to its ultimately unbroken completion.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 08:43 PM

I'm loving this thread.

What Dick said.

I'm wondering, does anyone (Bet, Rog, Colin, Rue?) have a recording of Kat singing that you be ok with posting?

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:01 PM

Written and performed by Alice Gerrard. Please do not share this link as I have not contacted Alice to ask permission.

http://soundcloud.com/mudcat-janie/20-agate-hill

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: bet
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:27 PM

Janie, I do have a couple but they are in storage in Alaska
Sinsull that is the favorite - Colorado Trail -We often sang it together.
Alice and Amergin - THANKS for the Wayward Wind

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 09:35 PM

this thread will be here and available for a long, long time, bet. when you and your stuff in storage are reunited and you have time....

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Jeri
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:02 PM

I'm glad it WILL be here for along time. It seems to be taking me forever to think of the right song...

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:07 PM

A friend posted this on Facebook today and I couldn't help but think Kat would have thought it was "kewl".

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ranger1
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:08 PM

Of course, it would help if I posted the link. Duh! Stand By Me

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Bert
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:19 PM

Kat will be with us every time we sing.

Here is one that she liked. I wrote it when Lou died.

Your life's hard work is over
all the storms have left the sky
the sun sets in the mountains
and its time to say goodbye

you have been my own true lover
the time has come I know
you'll be part of me forever
though I have to let you go

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Bert
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:23 PM

I don't know exactly how true it is that she liked it.

She was kind enough to say that she liked all of my songs and I KNOW that I have written some crap.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:34 PM

lovely words, Bert

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,daughter kirsten
Date: 26 Jul 13 - 10:41 PM

thank you everyone for all your love...my heart is broken..

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: maire-aine
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 12:16 AM

I don't have the words. I leave it to Si.

WHAT WILL I LEAVE

Words and music by Si Kahn

Late in the evening as light fades away
In silence we gather together
Searching the faces of those who are here
For those who have left us forever.

Chorus:
What will I leave
What will I leave
What will I leave behind
When I am gone
Who'll carry on
What will I leave behind.

Where are the ones who caught flame in the night
Fired up by the heat of devotion
Measuring their lives by the light of the truth
They burned like a lamp on the ocean.

Who will remember the words of the brave
That lifted us higher and higher
Who will remember the price that they paid
For lives lived too close to the fire.

Hearts of the ones who inherit your lives
Will rest in the truth you have spoken
Memory will echo the trust that you kept
Like you it will never be broken.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 01:59 AM

I was overjoyed when kat discovered the Appalachian dulcimer and of course that the "Mother of the Appalachian Dulcimer," Jean Ritchie, was a Mudcat member.

She too could appreciate the lineage in folk music and here's a great song that proves it. Two great voices from two different times blending in a mountain harmony second to none. The song is Jean's lovely "Dear Companion" with Jean Ritchie and Emmylou Harris providing a sweet harmony second to none in sheer beauty.

My Dear Companion



Spaw

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 03:06 PM

On A Day Like Today

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 05:14 PM

I'm loving this thread. I've had a hard time picking the "right" song, because there are so many. For now, here's one from my chorus, Animaterra:
Speak for Me

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Joybell
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 05:32 PM

"You've been a Friend to Me" is sounding in my head. I'd like to add it from inside my mind.
Joy

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 05:40 PM

Tears of solace falling, Allison. Thank you.

Folks, sing or share a song you love. This is a song circle. If the "right" song doesn't immediately arise, don't worry about it. Kat surely doesn't.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Bobert
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 05:48 PM

"Dancing With the Angels"

A blessing pure as an infant's soul
Bright as stars in the dark of night
An angel sent from above
Dancing in His loving light

Taken before the music's end
Her spirit lifted by His gentle hand
But she'd danced with all of those she loved
Touching woman, child and man

Chorus:

Heaven sent and Heaven bound
Yeah, tonight's she's dancing high
Dancing with the angels
In the starry Southern sky

Drenched in the light of His sweet love
How can this sorrow be
Knowing that she'll be waiting
When we're joined eternally

Chorus...

(Bob Harrison, 1996)

When my late wife, Judy, was dieing she asked me to write a song to perform at her funeral with the stipulation that I not play it for her... I went out to my studio and wrote the above song which I did perform at her funeral... I know that Judy would be honored to know that after all these years I have dusted off these dusty lyrics in Kat's honor...

Luvya, Kat

Bobert

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,Rue
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 10:05 PM

thank you all

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Bill D
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 10:55 PM

What's the Life of a Man yes... it includes a wonderful woman. It just struck me...I hope it's ok...


WHAT'S THE LIFE OF A MAN

As I was a walking one morning at ease
A viewing the leaves as they fell from the trees
All in slow motion appearing to be
And those that had withered, they fell from the trees

What's the life of a man anymore than the leaves
A man has his season, so why should we grieve
Though all thru this life, we appear fine and gay
Like the leaves we will wither and soon fade away

If you'd seen the leaves just a few days ago
So beautiful and bright they all seemed to grow
A frost came upon them and withered them all
A storm came upon them and down they did fall

If you look in the churchyard, there you will see
Those that have passed like the leaves from the trees
When age and affliction upon us do fall
Like the leaves we must wither and down we must fall.


------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jul 13 - 11:14 PM

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a bed of roses
Sink me in the river at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The ballad of a dove
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them

The Band Perry - If I die Young

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJqUN9TClM

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: KathWestra
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 11:47 AM

I sing this a lot, for friends alive, and friends gone. Sang it for Helen Schneyer's memorial service in 2005, and for Lee Haggerty's memorial a few years earlier. Led it with Caroline Paton at a NEFFA workshop remembering Sandy Paton. Never get tired of it, so I'm singing it now, with love for Kat, who was my "Kat-kin" on Mudcat. We corresponded here, and she got her special nickname when we decided we really must must be family.

Total Strangers, by Alan Bell

When first we met, we were total strangers.
We didn't know if we could be friends.
How soon we came to love each other.
Now I know we will meet again.

Chorus:
So here's to you, and our time together.
I'll share with you now a parting glass,
And bid farewell, with a smile and laughter.
Our time apart will be short, and pass.

We talked of dreams, and the good tomorrows,
Of yesterdays with their dark despair.
We've had our share of joys and sorrows.
Now we part, as friends who care.

A long, long road now winds before me,
And fate may take me where it will.
Through deep valleys, and over mountains.
I'll not forget. I'll remember you still.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Cats
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 06:02 PM

The Parting Glass.

Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that ever I did
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in the town
That sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all

Oh, all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

Goodnight Kat. Walk the bridge to the Summerlands with gentle feet.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 07:26 PM

What You Give Me (copyright 1988 Laura Lingren)

To Walk in your forest,
To graze in your pastures,
To fly in your starry black night
Such is the garden, Such the devotion
Such is the fountain of love in my heart

To flow in your river,
To gaze at your colours,
To sway in your treetops so high
Such is the garden, Such the devotion
Such is the fountain of love in my heart

1st bridge
What you give me is a doorway to God, let us bathe in the Now
Never grasping at the days ahead
Just a patience of the heart in the pastures of truth
And love, trembling love.

To let out your kite string,
To feel your dark ocean,
to play in the breakers at dawn
Such is the garden, Such the devotion
Such is the fountain of love in my heart

To shatter on your hard floor,
To dance in your cobwebs,
To sing the song of our death
Such is the garden, Such the devotion
Such is the fountain of love in my heart

2nd bridge
You are teaching me songs that I never dreamed of.
Opening worlds that I never hoped for
I'm breathing my breath, I'm dying my death
Sing that the world doesn't end.

To read your sad story,
To bask in your glory,
To sit in the presence of god
Such is the garden, Such the devotion
Such is the fountain of love in my heart

To know beyond knowing
In the patience of being
Beyond thought, beyond wanting to know
Such is the garden, Such the devotion
Such is the fountain of love in my heart

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Ebbie
Date: 28 Jul 13 - 10:01 PM

I'm gonna sing with the angels
When my time comes around
This earth is just rehearsal
For when I'm heaven bound
And I'll be well prepared to take my place
With harmony and rhyme
I'm gonna sing with the angels
When it's time

I like to think of Kat and Rick in lively Elysian Fields. (It's a good thing I can't prove or disprove it, because life after life makes a pretty picture for me. And I like pretty pictures.)

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 12:33 AM

Here's one Louie Roy sent in:

JOE This tune came out of the West Virginia Hills and was taught to me by my Grand Mother in the 1930s.
I sent this to Kat about 10 years ago and she really liked it. I think it fits the thread. My Grand Mother was born in 1860. Anyway it's a new tune for Mudcat. Louie

---

Thanks, Louie. The song is "Climbing the Golden Stairs."

Click to play (joeweb)

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 12:44 AM

Here's one from me: "Long, Long Ago."

Click to play (joeweb)

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: bradfordian
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 02:13 AM

SLEEP ON BELOVED (Trad) Watersons

Not quite sure if it is good to offer this one now. I do sing it at times of loss. The melody is beautiful.


Sleep on, beloved, sleep and take thy rest,
Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour's breast.
We love thee well but Jesus loves thee best,
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.
        
Until our shadows from this earth are cast,
Until He gathers in His sheaves at last,
Until the twilight gloom is over past:
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.
        
Until made beautiful by love divine
Thou in the likeness of thy Lord shalt shine,
And He will bring that golden crown of thine,
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.

Until we meet again before the throne
Clothed in the spotless robes He gives His own,
Until we know as we have known:
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.

goodnight Kat

bradfordian

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: nutty
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 02:42 PM

I've only recently written this - it hasn't got a proper tune yet but I'm sure the sentiments are ones that Kat wouldagree with


THANK YOU

Now, something in my life would have been missing
If I'd not taken time to watch children play
And If I had never seen true lovers kissing
Life would have been lived in a sad and dull way
And if I had never heard people sing
A rousing chorus that joined them as one
Then life would have been a poor, barren thing
With no special memories to dwell upon


Now I know that if I'd spent all of these years
In solitude and we'd never met
Then life would now be so full of tears
Not these wonderful mem'ries I'll never forget
And if I didn't know that you cared
And worried about me when we were apart
I'd never have found the courage to have aired
These feeling of love buried deep in my heart


So, know that your kindness has carried me through
And helped make the darkest days sunny and bright
For when I've felt down, I've been lifted by you
Just being in your comp'ny made everything right
So when my spirit is used up and gone
And no one on this earth has the power to save me
Don't weep and don't mourn, send me off with a song
And reflect on the pleasure that knowing you gave me


So thank you for the music and thank you for the songs
And thank you for the friendships I've seen grow
And I'll say another thank you to each and every one
For being the nicest kind of folks to know
YOU ARE - BELIEVE ME
You are the nicest kind of folks to know

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 10:59 PM

I would put out in Kat's song circle When I Go by Dave Carter (I posted one of the youtube videos on the facebook page) and Robin Williamson's Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally. Here's a link of Margaret Nelson, Paul Goelz and me playing it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfEFZkYChyU sorry I've never been able to do the blicky thing. Here's the Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer link if you didn't catch the FB page:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZk1CvsDSZc

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 29 Jul 13 - 11:17 PM

Here you go, Phil. Fare Thee Well Sweet Mally

When I Go

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 30 Jul 13 - 07:32 AM

Thank you, Janie. When I've followed the directions, it doesn't seem to work. Don't know what simple thing I've left out.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 04:47 AM

Phil - I used to have trouble using 'cut & paste' instead of 'copy'

Another problem is when folks leave off the http:// & the blickifier thinks it's a page on mudcat.com

sandra

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 02:10 PM

This is my contribution. It means a lot to me after seeing what everyone has written. It's not just about kat... it's about kat's friends... you.

Long Night

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Amergin
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 04:03 PM

Kat was one of two women who inspired this poem...

The Concert

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ranger1
Date: 31 Jul 13 - 06:37 PM

Gnu, thank you for posting that! I couldn't remember the name nor the group. The CD is now on its way to my mailbox.

Nathan, that was incredible. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 08:00 AM

Sometimes there's a thread that makes me aware of how grateful I am for the gift of the Mudcat - and so much of that is thanks to the way Kat influenced how it developed.

Here's a song of mine I am likely to sing when people I feel close to die.


Now you've left us behind and you've gone on your way,
over the edge of the world.
You left without warning with so much to say.
Are you just round the corner, or far far away?
Well, goodbye, and I hope I might see you some day,
over the edge of the world.
Now you've gone where nobody can find you,
over the edge of the world.
To follow a star, like the wise men of old,
to search for a treasure, far richer than gold,
and to find a great secret, can never be told,
over the edge of the world.

I'm watching and waiting and trying hard to see
over the edge of the world.
Now your prison is opened, and now you are free,
and that's how I always have known it must be.
And maybe now somewhere you're waiting for me,
over the edge of the world.
Now you've gone where nobody can find you,
over the edge of the world.
To follow a star, like the wise men of old,
to search for a treasure, far richer than gold,
and to find a great secret, can never be told,
over the edge of the world.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 11:50 AM

And here is a link to a youtube recording of that I have just put up. Not sung as wll as kat deserves. Stick it in the address bar if you want to hear it - my blue lickies seem to go wrong these days...


http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=plcp&v=-0Dwgy_W-KE

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 11:53 AM

But maybe this clicky will work...


Over the edge of the world

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 07:31 PM

McGrath... thanks. It was lovely.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 08:28 PM

McGrath... may I post the lyrics and your link to my Facebook page... timeline... status... whetever the hell it's called? I would like to share it with my friends.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 08:42 PM

You're most welcome to do that gnu.

I wrote it some years back when someone I really admired died, and I find it can be the best way to say what I feel like saying sometimes. Hits the spot for me.
.........................
I've been going through this thread listening to the songs and such, and it's really something special. I know I'll be coming back to it again.   Thank you spaw for starting it. And thanks to kat for inspiring it.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 01 Aug 13 - 09:40 PM

Lovely, Kevin. Thank you.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 02 Aug 13 - 09:43 PM

Someday My Ship Will Sail

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 02 Aug 13 - 09:58 PM

Glory Bound

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ranger1
Date: 02 Aug 13 - 11:04 PM

I can't believe no one has posted this one yet: I'll Fly Away.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Aug 13 - 02:05 PM

This thread set me thinking about the strange friendships we build up on the Mudcat, and I remembered a song I wrote about that back in 1999, quite soon after I found my way here

THE BLUE CLICKY THING
I spied it one day, I was trawling the net,
a fish like a cat, what an elegant pet.
When I reached out to touch, me head started to spin -
I was off for a ride on the Blue Clicky Thing.
The Blue Clicky Thing, the Blue Clicky Thing,
it can take you away like a magical ring.
It can make you as free as a bird on the wing,
the Mudcat Cafe and the Blue Clicky Thing.

I was off on a ride and admiring the view,
there were places I got to that I never knew,
there were stories to hear, there were songs for to sing,
there were all kinds of folk in the Blue Clicky Thing.
The Blue Clicky Thing, the Blue Clicky Thing,
it can take you away like a magical ring,
It can make you as free as a bird on the wing,
the Mudcat Cafe and the Blue Clicky Thing

There are names you can mutter and photos to see,
of neighbours next door, 'cross the wide rolling sea,
and a tavern where you can drop in for a drink,
and gossip with friends, in the Blue Clicky Thing.
The Blue Clicky Thing, the Blue Clicky Thing,
it can take you away like a magical ring,
It can make you as free as a bird on the wing,
The Mudcat Cafe and the Blue Clicky Thing.

Well I try to explain, and you might understand,
it's a fine place to go to when you're feeling grand -
but when your heart's heavy, and you're shackled and pinned,
you can reach out for help with the Blue Clicky Thing
The Blue Clicky Thing, the Blue Clicky Thing,
it can take you away like a magical ring,
and holds us together like brown paper and string,
the Mudcat Cafe and the Blue Clicky Thing.

So I went back and looked at the thread (mudcat magic...), and there in the very next post was katlaughing, such a kind welcoming response - and I'll print the rest of the post, kat being encouraging to someone who was a bit down:

Oh Kevin, thank you for that. It's been a very, very blue day here, for me and your sonyg just made me smile. Why don't you sing it and send it to Max, for the radio show? Then Rick Fileding can really go down in history; he will never live down the fact that it was himself who coined the term, "blue clicky thing(ie).
Steve, young women or ones without too much experience with "hunks" or whatever, may feel that way about sensitive men, but those of us who've been there, done that, learn we are none of us exactly as hoped for and we learn to compromise through the eyes and heart of love. This is damn hard to do, sometimes, like today, but still it seems worth it in the long run, esp. after a history together. I love attractive men, which I consider all of you Mudcatters to be, BUT that is not what attracts me to want to know a man more. Rather it is the depth of his feelings, emotions, beliefs, opinions, listening ability, willingness to forgive and/or apologise, perception, ability to "read" emotions and to act upon that whether he feels like it or not, sometimes, etc., etc. that would make me want to know a whole lot more about that man. These are not impossible standards...almost everyone of you here have demonstrated them repeatedly. Women get tired of men expecting them to be fashion-plate bimbos, with the starved, pre-pubescent body look of Madison ave. Some of us eschewed such strictures a long time ago and have been wearing purple, Birks, and all cotton, even our undies, for years, in a bid for comfort and independence from all pervasive mass media. Thank gawd I found the Mudcat where that seems to be more the norm than t'other!

katstilldepressedbutfeelingbetter|

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 03 Aug 13 - 06:09 PM

Hot Damn! What a "find", McGrath! Lovely song and the ensuing kat quotation is... you know.

Thanks.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 03 Aug 13 - 07:50 PM

This just seems to fit.

Darlin' Kate Emmylou Harris

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Aug 13 - 10:35 PM

Yes it does.....Thank you Janie..............

Spaw

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 04 Aug 13 - 04:49 AM

Ditto that, Spaw.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: catspaw49
Date: 04 Aug 13 - 12:47 PM

I'll add one more, a song she and I both liked that hits many others with the beauty of this simplistic idea......an idea which touches the depths of my heart. By Peter Himmelman, The Best Kind of Answer.


Spaw

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: gnu
Date: 04 Aug 13 - 05:23 PM

Spaw... Like. Thanks.

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 04 Aug 13 - 11:38 PM

Has anyone suggested Elder Joseph's "Simple Gifts"? I am sure that Kat has "come 'round right."

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: bet
Date: 05 Aug 13 - 10:50 AM

All beautiful! Thanks Mudcatters!

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: topical tom
Date: 05 Aug 13 - 11:05 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIHFxIQfSxc

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Janie
Date: 02 Jun 14 - 10:11 PM

Last song circle for Kat? Perhaps. But circles never end.

Sweet Honey in the Rock - When I Die

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Rex
Date: 03 Jun 14 - 01:07 PM

I don't get on here as much as I used to and sometimes I pay a price for that. I didn't know Kat was gone. She and I would share cowboy songs, something her father enjoyed. I guess I figured she would always be here. Below is something by Badger Clark that I recite sometimes for those I'm missing. Thanks for sharing the songs Kat.

The Lost Pardner
Badger Clark

I ride alone and hate the boys I meet.
Today, some way, their laughin' hurts me so.
I hate the mockin'-birds in the mesquite--
And yet I liked 'em just a week ago.
I hate the steady sun that glares, and glares!
The bird songs make me sore.
I seem the only thing on earth that cares
'Cause Al ain't here no more!

'Twas just a stumblin' hawse, a tangled spur--
And, when I raised him up so limp and weak,
One look before his eyes begun to blur
And then--the blood that wouldn't let 'im speak!
And him so strong, and yet so quick he died,
And after year on year
When we had always trailed it side by side,
He went--and left me here!

We loved each other in the way men do
And never spoke about it, Al and me,
But we both knowed, and knowin' it so true
Was more than any woman's kiss could be.
We knowed--and if the way was smooth or rough,
The weather shine or pour,
While I had him the rest seemed good enough--
But he ain't here no more!

What is there out beyond the last divide?
Seems like that country must be cold and dim.
He'd miss the sunny range he used to ride,
And he'd miss me, the same as I do him.
It's no use thinkin'--all I'd think or say
Could never make it clear.
Out that dim trail that only leads one way
He's gone--and left me here!

The range is empty and the trails are blind,
And I don't seem but half myself today.
I wait to hear him ridin' up behind
And feel his knee rub mine the good old way
He's dead--and what that means no man kin tell.
Some call it "gone before."
Where? I don't know, but God! I know so well
That he ain't here no more!

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jun 14 - 03:13 PM

In Everything, Turn, Turn, Turn
There is a season, Turn, Turn, Turn
A Time for Every Purpose Under Heaven

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Jun 14 - 07:10 PM

Keep your lamp trimmed and burning
Keep your lamp trimmed and burning
Lamp trimmed and burning
Jesus gonna make up my dyin bed

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Felipa
Date: 19 Jul 21 - 06:03 PM

in memory of a mudcatter who passed 21 July 2013

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Jul 21 - 07:01 PM

to Kat

sandra (raising a glass of tomato juice!)

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: rich-joy
Date: 19 Jul 21 - 07:47 PM

What a beautiful thread.
At first, I couldn't work out how I'd missed it first time around - then I took note of the dates : both my Mother and my Beloved passed in its time.

To me, Kat surely represented the goodness of Mudcat; a lovely, welcoming and generous soul. I too, raise a glass to her memory.

Rich-Joy xox

Subject: RE: A Last Song Circle for Katlaughing
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Jul 21 - 07:48 PM

I just played 8-9 of the above. I need donations for more tissues...