Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules

Subject: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,Joanna
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 09:58 PM

Hello, I am new to this site. I am writing a research paper on the blues/folk music and the different roles that horses have within blues/folk songs.Any songs that speak of horses or mules would be great evidence. I am looking for songs that are about horses or mules as work animals (farming) or gambling (racing). Any other songs that even mention this, I am sure will be helpful... Any advice or information is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: bobad
Date: 16 Nov 10 - 10:06 PM

You can start here: http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=113151

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 12:09 AM

You can also search the site for, say, "mule". Avoid at all costs the threads about singing horses.

Subject: Lyr Add: PADDY, THE COCKNEY AND THE ASS (P Molloy)
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 03:42 AM

Two political songs, respectively from the late Tom Lenihan, and from Peggy McMahon, both from County Clare in the West of Ireland.
I was tempted to add Dobbin's Flowery Vale - but that would heve been silly.
Jim Carroll


PADDY, THE COCKNEY AND THE ASS
(Pat Molloy)

l Pat Molloy was an Irish boy, he left the County Clare,
He said he'd go to London to see the sights were there.
He often heard that London was a very pretty place;
'And be damn!' says Pat, 'I'll go and see if that be the case.'
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

2 When Paddy went to London he was taken by surprise,
The sights of that fair city fairly dazzled Paddy's eyes.
One day as he was going down the street meditating to himself
He met with a ragged Cockney and a donkey selling delph
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

3 This damned old ragged Cockney would not let poor Paddy pass,
He said: 'Speak to your brother,' and he pointed to the ass.
'I thought, me man,' says Paddy, 'that I had no brother here,'
And turning 'round he whispered something in the ass's ear'
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

4 As Pat was speaking to the ass, now boys, what did he do?
He slipped a pebble in his ear, he did bedamn, 'tis true!
The ass ran mad, upset the cart, broke all the earthenware
And this damned old ragged Cockney he ran crazy clear and clean.
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

5 He called upon the peelers to take poor Pat in charge,
Saying: 'Seize this Irish vagabone, he should not be at large.'
'Begone, you English spailpin ,' says Paddy with a smile,
'You took me for an ass because I came from Erin's Isle.'
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

6 'That's nonsense,' cried the magistrate, 'you know the ass went mad.'
'I do, indeed,' said Paddy, 'and I'm sorry too, bedad.'
'Be careful,' cried the magistrate, 'I want no nonsense here;
But come and tell me every word you whispered in his ear.'
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

7 'Oh, that I'll do,' says Paddy, 'your request I'll not refuse.
You always heard that donkeys were very fond of news?
I thought I'd say a word or two, the donkey's heart to cheer
And now I'll tell you every word I whispered in his ear:
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

8 'They say now, in Ireland, we have our wrongs redressed,
Our noble-hearted Irishmen no longer are oppressed.
We've got rid of all the landlords, Ireland to ourselves we have;
And when the donkey heard the news, by Heavens, he went mad!'
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.

9 The magistrate from laughing he had to creep his head
When he looked at poor old Paddy and thought of what he said.
And turning 'round to Paddy saying: 'A clever rogue you are,
And for your clever answers I'll dismiss you from the bar.'
Raddley fal de diddle ido, right fol de dee.


THE OLD GREY MARE

Good fellows all that's straight and tall,
Take counsel and be wise.      
Attention pay to what I say,
My lecture don't despise;
Let patience guide you on ev'ry side
Of traitors now beware
There's none but men would glory win
Can ride my old Grey Mare.

In Erin's Isle in ancient times,
She was rode by Brian Boru,
Phelim O'Neill, with sword of steel,
Owen Roe and Sarsfield, too,
Brave Michael Dwyer not long ago
Ranged Wicklow and Kildare
Tone, Tandy, Sheares, and other peers
Rode on my old grey mare.

Brave Bonaparte on her did start
He rode too fast, 'tis true.
And fell lame at Waterloo.
When she comes o'er to Erin's shore,
She'll have good farriers' care
At the very next 'chase she'll win the race,
My sporting old grey mare.

Here's to the man that's six foot one,
And more then if you choose,
That stands up straight without deceit,
In Spanish leather shoes.
Likewise the youth that tells the truth
That he may have Liberty fair
And to every man in Ireland
That rides my old grey mare.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 01:17 PM

Thank you for all of your help. I really need songs mostly about farm/work horses. Anything?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: bobad
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 01:20 PM

"Get Behind The Mule" - Tom Waits

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,^&*
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 01:22 PM

Horses and Plough

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Amos
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 01:42 PM

Mule Skinner Blues, a classic.

A

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Amos
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 01:43 PM

I can assume you have already got the lyrics to "Erie Canal" which stars the mule named Sal?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 02:07 PM

Don't know if you have this one; "poor old mare", I know it from Newfoundland band called 'Fine crowd'. It's on "Poverty's Arse"-Kaneact

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 02:23 PM

Tickle Cove Pond from Newfoundland..a horse is pulling something and breaks through the ice and they heave him out...

Rocks of Bawn...tells Sweeney to rise up and give his horse some hay so he can plow the rocks

Camptown Races, Jingle Bells, Stewball about racing

Bonnie Dundee saddles up horses

Lots of cowboy: Strawberry Roan, I Ride an Old Paint,

Great one about horse seining in the Columbia River

My Horses Ain't Hungry they won't eat your hay

Wagoner's lad

Mule Skinner Blues

I have one about how they had to eat their donkey in the potato famine but it is very sad

Barbara here does a great one about plow horses

There was a great one posted about horses in WWI

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 02:46 PM

Some about pit ponies in coal mines..

One by Alister McGillvery....Coal Town Road..and we make the ponies pull till they nearly break their backs

Short Grass by Ian Tyson

msut be some about horses who pulled milk wagons, junk carts..

Tennessee Stud

Any pioneer songs? Crossing the prairies? Mormon? mg

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 04:05 PM

Anonymous guest, presumably Joanna - did you take bobad's suggestion? did you take my suggestion? You could save people a lot of duplicated effort if you would take those suggestions, compile a list, post that, and then ask whether there are any additions.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 05:19 PM

Well, I for one don't mind duplicating any effort..which is no effort at all...I might have put into thinking about this pleasant subject in the past. And I hate rehashed conversations although I think it is fine to refer to other discussions.

Must be some about timber work.

My >>>>> is a mule in the mines...

sweetheart?

a horse is a horse of course of course

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 10:15 PM

Is teaming up the Cariboo Road about horses? Perhaps oxen...mg

Subject: Lyr Add: TEAMING UP THE CARIBOO ROAD
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 10:18 PM

sure enough...


Here comes Henry Currie, he's always in a hurry,
teaming up the cariboo road.
He makes his horses go, through the dust and through the snow
teaming up the cariboo road.
you should see him sprintin' to the ball at Clinton
teaming up the cariboo road.
he makes the ladies prance, just like his horses dance
teaming up the cariboo road

Chorus:
When you hear that whip a'poppin
you can bet he's got a load
When you hear that sweet voice singing
stand up rowdy on the cariboo road.

The driver's on the deck with a rag around his neck
teaming up the cariboo road
While the swamper in the stable, makes sure the teams are able.
teaming up the cariboo road
When the roads are in a mire, then the freighters earn their hire
teaming up the cariboo road
but they can beat the weather when they all pull together
teaming up the cariboo road.

Chorus

In a wink and a shake, we'll be up in William's lake
teaming up the cariboo road
and we'll sure be feelin' swell once we get to Quesnel
teaming up the cariboo road
no more muck , no more dirt and i can finally change my shirt
teaming up the cariboo road
And the horses they can rest , cause they've sure done their best,
teaming up the cariboo road.

Chorus

YIP!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 10:37 PM

One of my favorites has always been Timber (Jerry the Mule) by Josh White.

Woody Guthrie's Oregon Trail contains references to horses.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Ferrara
Date: 17 Nov 10 - 10:50 PM

In the thread that bobad gave a link for, there is a wonderful song by C. Fox Smith (sp?) about farm horses that were used as artillery horses in WWI.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: open mike
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 01:22 AM

There is a song currently done by Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans about a war horse....Horse Soldier..
http://www.corblund.com/music.php?id=5

and there is one about a horse that carried a soldier in the time
around Custer's Last Stand. The only survivor of Colonel Custer's command at the Battle of the Little Big Horn" was Comanche, the war horse, which was found and nursed back to health.

Every horse in cowboy songs is a working horse...herding cattle,
inspecting fences, and other jobs on the ranch are done a-horseback.

you can hear some of these songs here:
http://www.westernfolklife.org/site1/index.php/Cybercast.html
Corb LUnd's band starts at about 40 minutes in..

you might also find some good songs here
http://www.westernfolklife.org/site1/index.php/Cybercast.html
in the "Hold Your Horses" or "Boots and Pearls" shows.

Then there are the "heavy horses" draft horses who pull carts, plows
wagons and other heavy loads...Shires, Clydesdales, Belgians, and
Vanner or Gypsy Cobs.

If you look on my blog, http://www.myspace.com/laurelwoodsorrel
i played 4 hours of cowboy songs last weekend. and each December
for the last several years I have focussed on cowboy songs...you
can find them all listed on my blog.

Mike Beck does wonderful songs about horses...he is a horse trainer, and one great song he has is about Patrick...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzkfjfvHa-s

here's a song called Spotted Mule by Michael Gaither
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz2jN7QDt_4

here is my favorite mule song...Whoa, Mule, Whoa.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS0FJgzSV3o

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Haruo
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 04:03 AM

Orientis Partibus, if you're allowing donkeys in.

Haruo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,Andrew
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 04:27 AM

The Horse's Prayer recited by Hank Snow is excellent. Here's a link Artillery Horse's Prayer

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,pitponyman
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 05:09 AM

The soundtrack of this little video speaks of Pit Ponies. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=undcMKLT3fE and was sung by Gordon Carter.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 11:36 AM

I googled last night and one that I had not thought of was Heart of the Appaloosa...there are also more on this one site especially. mg

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Arkie
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 12:06 PM

The Osborne Brothers sing "Georgia Mules and Country Boys". This is not technically a folk song but rather sadly proclaims "you don't see many mules these days...or many old boys pitching hay."

There are also quite a few stories in the folk tradition about mules.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Arkie
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 12:17 PM

Also meant to mention Patonio, cowboy song and Widdecombe Fair which is about Tam Pierce's gray mare which has a rural base though not about agriculture.

Another suggestion that might be helpful is on the main page that lists all threads there is a box beside the word "filter". If you enter the word "mule" or "horse" in the box and the select "All" in the Age box and then Refresh you will find all that has been put into Mudcat on this subject.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: topical tom
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 12:26 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww137Y37OnA

Molly and Tenbrooks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,keith a of Hertford
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 02:07 PM

This is a WW1 song, but its theme is farm horses that went to war.
thread.cfm?threadid=26502

This is a song that makes good mention of mules as army pack animals.
thread.cfm?threadid=7609#1089034

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Haruo
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 04:21 PM

I just realized I didn't specify I was talking about the original "Song of the Ass" Orientis Partibus text, not "The Friendly Beasts".

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 06:46 PM

More artillery trains: Kadinlarimiz

Ruhi Su singing/reciting a poem by Nazim Hikmet about women during the Greek-Turkish war of 1922 driving a train of ox-wagons loaded with shells through the mud by moonlight - the pictures used in the video are a pretty accurate reflection of the text.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: greg stephens
Date: 18 Nov 10 - 06:52 PM

Has anyone mentioned the Geordie song "Little Chance"? Or, indeed, Stewball? That must be the most well-known horse in song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: open mike
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 02:04 AM

Heart of the Appaloosa is by Fred Small
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sefa3322aME
it is the title song of his c.d.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BLIZZARD (Jim Reeves)
From: Beer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 06:38 AM

Jim Reeves "THe Blizzard"

There's a blizzard comin' on how I'm wishin' I was home
For my pony's lame and he can't hardly stand
Listen to that northern sigh if we don't get home we'll die
But it's only seven miles to Mary Anne it's only seven miles to Mary Anne
You can bet we're on her mind for it's nearly suppertime
And I'll bet there's hot biscuits in the pan
Lord my hands feel like they're froze and there's a numbness in my toes
But it's only five more miles to Mary Anne it's only five more miles to Mary Anne
That wind's howlin' and it seems mighty like a woman's screams
And we'd best be movin' faster if we can
Dan just think about that barn with that hay so soft and warm
For it's only three more miles to Mary Anne it's only three more miles to Mary Anne
Dan get up your ornery cuss or you'll be the death of us
I'm so weary but I'll help you if I can
All right Dan perhaps it's best that we'll just stop awhile and rest
For it's still a hundred yards to Mary Anne it's still a hundred yeards to Mary Anne
Late that night the storm was gone and they found him there at dawn
He had made it but he couldn't leave ol' Dan
Yes they found him there on the plains his hands froze to the reins
He was just a hundred yards from Mary Anne
He was just a hundred yards from Mary Anne

ad.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Beer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 06:42 AM

Stan Rogers "Harris and the Mare"
Garnet Rogers   "Small Victory"
ad.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Beer
Date: 19 Nov 10 - 06:59 AM

A wonderful tear jerker of a song.    "Old Ned" by Brendan Nolan.
ad.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,Mule song
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 09:19 PM

I'm looking for a song my granddad use to sing as a kid. The only part I can remember is : 'get up mule gotta get to town. gotta get to town before the sun goes down.' Please help.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Genie
Date: 09 Dec 10 - 09:41 PM

"There's a Gold Mine in the Sky" is explicitly a prospector singing to his mule.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 07:23 AM

I have the lyrics up for the "High Mettled Racer" on my bandcamp site.

It traces the downward progress of a race horse's life.

Robin Madge

Subject: Lyr Add: MULES (C. Fox Smith)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 08:07 AM

The song mentioned above based on a poem by C. Fox Smith is titled "Homeward," aka "Home, Boys, Home." Here's a link to the original words and some notes on the song version at the Oldpoetry Website: Click here for website

Smith also composed a tribute poem to the Army mules:

Mules

I never would 'ave done it if I'd known what it would be;
I thought it meant promotion an' some extra pay for me,
I thought I'd miss a drill or two with packs an' trenchin' tools,
So I said I'd 'andled 'orses — an' they set me 'andlin' mules.

An' 'orses they are 'orses — but a mule 'e is a mule
(Bit o' devil, bit o' monkey, bit o' bloomin' boundin' fool!).
Oh, I'm usin' all the adjectives I didn't learn at school
On the prancin', glancin', rag-time dancin' Army Transport Mule!

If I'd been Father Noah when the cargo walked aboard
I'd 'ave let the bears an' tigers in an' never spoke a word;
But I'd 'ave shoved a placard out to say the 'ouse was full,
An' shut the Ark up suddent when I saw the Army mule.

They buck you off when ridden, they squish your leg when led;
They're mostly sittin' on their tails or standin' on their 'ead;
They reach their yellow grinders out an' gently chew your ear,
An' their necks is indiarubber for attackin' in the rear!

They're as mincin' when they're 'appy as a ladies' ridin' school,
But when the fancy takes 'em, they're like nothin' but a mule,
With the off-wheels in the gutter an' the near wheels in the air,
An' a leg acrost the traces, an' the driver Lord knows where!

They're 'orrid in the stable, they're worse upon the road,
They'll bolt with any rider, they'll jib with any load;
But soon we're bound beyond the seas, an' when we cross the foam
I don't care where we go to, if we leave the mules at 'ome!

For 'orses they are 'orses, but a mule 'e is a mule
(Bit o' monkey, bit o' devil, bit o' bloomin' fool!)
Oh, I'm usin' 'eaps o' adjectives I never learned at school
On the rampin', raw-boned, cast-steel jawboned Army Transport Mule!

Notes:

From "Fighting Men" (Elkin Mathews 1916) pp 40-42.
Also reprinted in SONGS AND CHANTIES 1914-1916, edited by Cicely Fox Smith, published by Elkin Mathews, London, UK, © 1919, p.p. 209-208. First published in PUNCH magazine, Volume 151, August 16, 1916, p. 118.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: clueless don
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 08:31 AM

It isn't about a horse or a mule, but Delaney's Donkey is about racing.

Don

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules i
From: GUEST,semi-submersible
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 09:37 AM

Beer, I learned "The Blizzard" from a Marty Robbins album a long time back. Though I can't check whether I'm mistaken, I suspect the above lyrics switched parts of the second and third verses. I remember them as:

2. You can bet we're on her mind, for it's nearly suppertime,
And I'll bet there's hot biscuits in the pan.
That wind's howling, and it seems mighty like a woman's screams
But it's only five more...

3. Oh my hands feel like they're froze, and there's a numbness in my toes,
And we'd best be moving faster if we can.
Dan, just think about that barn, with the hay so soft and warm
For it's only three more...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: GUEST,DonMeixner
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 10:08 AM

Heavy Horses by Ian Anderson(Jethro Tull)
The Last Trip Home by Davey Steele (The Battlefield Band)

Two of my favorites about the end of horse farming. Brilliantly written and performed.

Both songs have had threads here in the past.


Don

Subject: Lyr Add: BODACHAN CHA PHOS MI (from Julie Fowlis)
From: GUEST,Tim
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 05:37 PM

Julie Fowlis - Bodachan cha phòs mi

In the line, And horses for cows.

Bodachan cha phòs mi

'S na hóró laoi leó
Seinn óro nàilibh
'S na hóró laoi leó

Seann duine cha ghabh cha ghabh mi
Bidh e fada 'g èirigh
Fada dol 'na eudach
Fada fada ri cuir uime
Cha ghabh mise ludar bodaich
Cha tèid e mach gun am bata
Cha tig e steach gun an casda
Saoilidh e gur geòidh na cearcan
Saoilidh e gur caoraich clachan
Saoilidh e gur bò na h-eachaibh.

I shan't marry an old man

'S na hóró laoi leó
Seinn óro nàilibh
'S na hóró laoi leó

An old man, I will definitely not have
He is late to rise
Takes a long time to dress
A long, long time to get his clothes on
I shan't have a clumsy old man
He can't go out without a walking stick
He can't come in without a cough
He mistakes hens for geese
He mistakes stones for sheep
And horses for cows.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST TRIP HOME (Davy Steele)
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 08:18 PM

Joanna

Here's three I can think of:

The Last Trip Home (Davy Steele)

A've aye worked on farms an frae the start
The muckle horses won my heart
Wi big broad backs they proudly stand
The uncrowned kings o' a' the land
And yet for a' their power and strength
They're as gentle as a summer's wind

Chorus (after each verse):
So steady, boys, walk on
Oor work is nearly done
Nor more we'll till or plough the fields
The horses' day is gone
An' this will be our last trip home
So steady, boys, walk on

Now you'll hear men sing their songs of praise
Of Arab stallions in a race
Or hunters that fly wi' the hounds
Tae chase the fox and run him down
But none o' them compare, I vow
Tae a workin' pair that pulls a plough

And a' the years I've plied my trade
And a' the fields we've ploughed and laid
I never thought I'd see the time
When a Clydesdale's work wid ever end
But progress runs its driven course
And tractors hae replaced the horse

As we head back, oor friends have lined
The road tae be there one last time
For nane of them would want tae miss
The chance tae see us pass like this
They'll say they saw in years tae come
The muckle horses' last trip home

On the album "Leaving Friday Harbour" by the Battlefield Band

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

Copper And May (Eric Payne)

When times were much harder and these limbs were strong
I cared for my horses and sang them my song
I would talk through our duties to cart and to plough
How I miss, how I wish I could talk to them now

When I could see clearly I often could tell
By the birds in the sky, how the weather would swell
By the feel of the share as it turned back the clay
Knowing May and old Copper would plough well that day

Chorus

How I miss, how I wish I could talk to them now
With a song and a whistle we'd get through somehow
How I miss, how I wish I could talk to them now

When I could hear clearly I often would slow
For those still quiet moments that nature bestows
And I'd whisper as horse breath out over the frost
Come now me beauties they'll think we be lost

When my mind was more agile I'd colour my dreams
But these images now count for little it seems
What I once understood iis no longer the way
And few understand not like Copper and May

As I hold this old curry comb tight in my hand
I so easily dream of my days on the land
And if heavens a paradise Lord hear my prayer
That my dear May and Copper would plough with me there

On the album "Through Mists of Time" by Eric payne or can be heard on "Jackeroo" by Martyn Wyndham-Read

Last of the Clydesdales
composed by a Fife horseman Archie Webster around 1950

Noo come aa ye young plooboys an 'list tae ma tale,
Wha sit roon the table aa drinkin your ale;
I'll tak ye aa back tae yon far distant day,
When I drove the last Clydesdales tae work on Denbrae.

There were twa bonnie blacks wi white faces an feet,
In the hale country roun they could never be beat,
Ye'd tae look roun gey far 'tween the Forth and the Tay,
Tae match ma twa Clydesdales, the pride o Denbrae.

They were matchless in power in the cairt, binder or ploo,
Ma voice and ma hands on the reins they well knew;
There wis niver a thocht in theior minds but obey,
Ma twa gallant Clydesdales, the pride o Denbrae.

But the time it wears on and the winters grow cauld,
And horses like men can dae nocht but grow auld;
But I mind on them still though it were yesterday,
When I drove the last Clydesdales that worked on Denbrae.

So come aa ye young plooboys an 'list tae ma tale,
Wha sit roon the table aa drinkin your ale;
I'll tak ye aa back tae yon far distant day,
When I drove the last Clydesdales tae work on Denbrae.

I haven't managed to find a recording for this but it fits with a tune called "The Luckenbooths" which is the instrumental break in the Battlefield Bands "The Last Trip Home"

Hope this is of help

CC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Artful Codger
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 08:55 PM

"Jerusalem Cuckoo" (aka. "Donkey Driver")—originally a music hall song, but it's entered the folk tradition.

"Lie Stone Dead in the Market" (The Donkey Song)

"Doran's Ass"

"Whoa, Mule, Whoa"

"My Little Brown Mule", by N. Howard "Jack" Thorp, 1912, about his pet trick mule

"The Old Gray Mule"

"Old Matha Gummersal's Mule" (see the Yorkshire Garland Group website)

"Go [A]long Mule"

"The Mule Song", by Edward Harrigan and Dave Braham, pub. 1882

"The Muleteer", minstrel song by D.A. O'Meara

"On the Road to Cook's Peak"

"A Man Named Hods"—his mules survived an Indian raid better than he did, but the song is obviously more about the man.

"There's a Mule Up in Tombstone, Arizona", a composed song Burl Ives used to sing.

"Mules": On mules we find two legs behind...

"Hacia Belén va una burra", a villancico initially about the burro the Virgin Mary rode to Bethlehem (and did you know Mary and Joseph were chocolatiers?!)

"Le mule de San Giacomo"

? "My Sweetheart's the Mule in the Mines"

? "Compré una mula en Tafalla" (I Bought a Mule in Tafalla)

? "Quita la mula rucia" (Unhitch The Light-Brown Mule)

"Creeping Jane", about a racehorse. Surely mentioned in the horses thread, but just in case.

"Galtee Farmer" and related songs, about a farmer and his son who sell their old horse to a slick operator who tarts it up and sells it back to them for a hefty profit.

"Chilao", by Herbert Henry Knibbs

You might also search for "moke", a slang term for a donkey (Brit.) or horse (Oz/NZ).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: mousethief
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 09:11 PM

He hit that Reverend like a kick of a mule
And to my way of thinkin' it took a pure fool
To turn the other cheek to that lumberjack,
But that's what he did, The Reverend Mr. Black.

The only version of this I know was sung by the Kingston Trio. The song title I believe is "Reverend Mr. Black."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Beer
Date: 10 Dec 10 - 11:29 PM

You know GUEST,semi-submersible, I do believe that Bill Anderson also did "The Blizzard". As far as the word changes it sure is possible.
The song "Last Trip Home" witch is a fabulous tear jerker, I have it as written by Davy Steele and John McCusker. Just thought that I should bring this up if it was co-written.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Crane Driver
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 03:24 AM

I wrote a song called 'Lifeboat Horses' based on a traditional story from Swansea, South Wales. The local undertaker's horses fall sick just before an important funeral, so he borrows two of the horses that usually launch the lifeboat to pull his hearse. Unfortunately . . .
well, you can read the words on our website Crane Drivin' Music - go to 'Our Songbook' for lyrics.

Not a traditional song, but a traditional story lies behind it.

Andrew

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 04:53 AM

Beer

As far as I am aware the lyrics are by Davy and the tune by John.

CC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules i
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Dec 10 - 12:25 PM

Joanna-

Are you still there?

Charley Noble

Subject: Lyr Add: HORSE SOLDIER, HORSE SOLDIER (Corb Lund)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 May 13 - 02:25 PM

This song was mentioned by Open Mike above. It truly is an impressive song. You can hear it on Spotify.


HORSE SOLDIER, HORSE SOLDIER
As sung by Corb Lund on "Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!" and "35 Years of Stony Plain."

1.  I'm a hussar; I'm a Hun.
    I'm a wretched Englishman,
Routing Bonaparte at Waterloo.
    I'm a dragoon on a dun.
    I'm a Cossack on the run.
I'm a horse soldier, timeless, through and through.

2. Well, I's with Custer and the Seventh
    In seventy-six or seventy-seven,
Scalped at Little Big Horn by the Sioux;
    And the tears and devastation
    Of a once proud warrior nation,
This I know 'cause I was ridin' with them, too.

3. And I drank mare's blood on the run
    When I rode with the Great Khan
On the frozen Mongol steppe while at his height.
    And I's a White Guard; I's a Red Guard.
    I's the Tsar's own palace horse guard
When Romanov was murdered in the night.

4. And I knew Saladin
    And rode his swift Arabians,
Harassing doomed crusaders on their heavy drafts,
    And yet I rode the Percheron
    Against the circling Saracen,
And once again against myself was cast.

[REPEAT 1.]

5. Well, I've worn the Mounties' crimson.
    If you're silent and you listen,
You'll know that it was with them that I stood
    When Mayerthorpe, she cried,
    As her four horsemen died,
Gunned down in scarlet, coldest blood.

6. Well, I's the "fustest with the mostest"
    When I fought for Bedford Forrest,
Suffered General Wilson's Union raid,
    And mine was not to reason why.
    Mine was but to do and die,
At Crimea with the charging Light Brigade.

7. On hire from Swiss or Sweden,
    Be me Christian, be me heathen,
The devil to the sabre I shall put.
    With a crack flanking maneuver,
    I'm an Uhlan alles uber
Striking terror into regiment of foot.

[REPEAT 1.]

8. Well, I knew my days were numbered
    When o'er the trenches lumbered
More modern machinations de la guerre.
    No match for rapid fire,
    Or the steel birds of the sky,
With a final rear guard action I retreat.
    No match for barbéd wire
    Or the armoured engines' whine,
Reluctant I retire and take my leave.

9. Today I ride with special forces
    On those wily Afghan horses.
Dostum's Northern Alliance give their thanks.
    And no matter defeat or victory,
    In battle it occurs to me
That we may see a swelling in our ranks.

[REPEAT 1.]
I'm a horse soldier, eternal through and through

10. I's with the Aussies at Beersheba,
    Took the wells so badly needed,
And with the Polish lancers charging German tanks.
    Saw Ross's mount shot down at Washingtown
    The night we burned the White House down,
And cursed the sack of York and sons of Yanks. [FADE]

Subject: Lyr Add: SPOTTED MULE (Michael Gaither)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 May 13 - 07:47 PM

Here's another one that Open Mike mentioned:


SPOTTED MULE
As sung by Michael Gaither on "Spotted Mule and Other Tales"

Saw him out on Larkin's farm, standin' in the rain.
They take in horses to raise and train.
This odd beast was just standin' in a field.
I think I know how he feels.

CHORUS: Spotted mule down Old Adobe Road,
Dad was donkey; mama was a roan.
I pass him ev'ry day on my way back home.
Wonder if he feels alone?

He's no Silver or Trigger, you see.
Won't be in the movies or up on the TV,
But if I had my way, I'd saddle him and sing:
"Hi-yo, spotted mule, away!" CHORUS

Pegasus rose from the blood of Medusa.
Spotted mule's mom was a brown appaloosa.
A mule doesn't breed; he's a one-of-a-kind.
If you're a misfit, friend, you're a friend o' mine. CHORUS

Yeah, he unique like you and me and everyone I know.
Wonder if he feels alone? (3x)

Subject: Lyr Add: GEORGIA MULES AND COUNTRY BOYS
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 May 13 - 08:22 PM

Mentioned by Arkie earlier:


GEORGIA MULES AND COUNTRY BOYS
As sung by The Osborne Brothers on "From Rocky Top to Muddy Bottom: The Songs of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant," "The Essential Bluegrass Collection," and "The World's Greatest Bluegrass Bands."

Georgia mules and country boys are fadin' fast away.

1. I know the world goes on; we can't keep livin' in the past.
Still there's a thing or two I sure do wish could last.
I've got a crazy case of blue nostalgia,
Remembering mules and corn fields out o' my past.

CHORUS: Well, you don't see many mules these days; you don't see many mules,
And you don't see many old boys balin' hay.
I ain't knockin' progress, but it hurts me some to say
That Georgia mules and country boys are fadin' fast away.

2. I see lots of kids these days in jeans of faded blue.
They never saw a mule, but they're nostalgic too.
They're tryin' hard to capture what is missing,
Although they know deep down those days are through. CHORUS

3. How many girls do you know now that ever milked a cow?
How many boys that ever walked behind a plow?
And who have you seen lately churnin' butter?
Who do you even know that might know how? CHORUS


[Also recorded by Dave Nichols on "Looking Back" and Georgia Class on "Lure Records: Getting Out of Hand."]

Subject: ADD: Mister, Here's Your Mule
From: GUEST,Mister, Here's Your Mule
Date: 29 May 13 - 08:59 PM

From the US Civil War we have this:

LYRICS

MISTER, HERE'S YOUR MULE

A Farmer came to camp one day, With milk and eggs to sell,
Upon a mule who oft would stray, To where no one could tell.
The Farmer, tired of his tramp, For hours was made the fool,
By everyone he met in camp, With "Mister, here's your mule."

CHORUS:
Come on, come on, Come on, old man, And don't be made a fool,
By everyone you meet in camp, With "Mister, here's your mule."

His eggs and chickens all were gone Before the break of day,
The "Mule" was heard of all along, That's what the soldiers say.
And still he hunted all day long, Alas! the witless fool,
Whil'st every man would sing the song Of "Mister, here's your mule."

CHORUS

The soldiers ran in laughing mood, On mischief were intent;
They lifted "Muley" on their backs, Around from tent to tent.
Thro' this hole, and that, they push'd His head, -- And made a rule,
To shout with humorous voices all, I say "Mister, here's your mule!"

Alas! one day the mule was miss'd, Ah! who could tell his fate?
The Farmer like a man bereft, Search'd early and search'd late,
And as he pass'd from camp to camp With stricken face -- the fool
Cried out to everyone he met, Oh! "Mister, where's my Mule?"

CHORUS


Bob Clayton

---

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y5CS4Mo0Eg
Digital Tradition Version

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: songs that speak of horses or mules in t
From: mg
Date: 29 May 13 - 10:13 PM

I have a sad one about a donkey in the potato famine and unfortunately he gave his life so the family could perhaps survive.

Subject: Lyr Add: THIS OLD WHITE MULE OF MINE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 31 May 13 - 08:13 PM

THIS OLD WHITE MULE OF MINE
As sung by Glen Campbell and the Green River Boys, on "Big Bluegrass Special"

Well, away up high in the mountain in the kingdom of the pine,
I live with with the best old pal I know, that old white mule of mine.

When they have a dance in the valley, I quit my job at the still,
I climb aboard my old white mule, and go ridin' down the hill.

Oh, his back's caved in and he's mighty thin,
But his legs are strong and fine.
I sing a song as we go along,
This old white mule of mine.

He shares the joys and sorrows, shares my bed and wine.
He even wants to share my girl, but that's where I draw the line.

The other night we quarreled and I caused him a nasty name,
So he kicked me down the mountainside, but I love him just the same.

Oh, his back's caved in and he's mighty thin,
But his legs are strong and fine,
So I sing a song as he carries me on,
This old white mule of mine.

Well, the judgment day's a-comin' and the golden stairs I'll climb.
I know St Peter will welcome me on this old white mule of mine.

Oh, his back's caved in and he's mighty thin,
But his legs are strong and fine,
So I sing my song as he carries me on,
This old white mule of mine.