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Songs about ghosts
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Subject: Songs about ghosts From: Jayto Date: 28 Oct 08 - 07:16 PM What is you favorite song about a ghost? It doesn't even have to be totally about a ghost it can just mention one. I love ghost songs. I will get back to you on mine but I would like to hear from ya'll first. cya JT |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Azizi Date: 28 Oct 08 - 07:34 PM The first song that popped in my head was "Cssper the friendly ghost/friendliest ghost you know/grown-ups might look at him in fright/but children all love him so". This song might be on YouTube, but the video clip that I thought would be that song turned out to be catchy square dance style song that introduced Casper, Witch Wendy, and other characters from that American cartoon show. Here's the clip's summary statement: "The New Casper Cartoon Show debuted on ABC in 1963, and stayed on Saturday mornings until 1969. Here's the opening title sequence, which was heavily influenced by the folk music show "Hootenanny" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5YYbsoiNGI |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: DebC Date: 28 Oct 08 - 07:35 PM Here's my version of Dreadful Ghost Debra Cowan |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST From: Azizi Date: 28 Oct 08 - 07:38 PM Here's the lyrics to the first song I thought of: CASPER THE FRIENDLY GHOST Casper, the friendly ghost, The friendliest ghost you know. Though grown-ups might Look at him with fright, The children all love him so. He always says hello (Hello), and he's really glad to meetcha. Wherever he may go, He's kind to every living creature. Grown-ups don't understand Why children love him the most. But kids all know That he loves them so, Casper the friendly ghost. http://www.lyricsondemand.com/tvthemes/casperlyrics.html There's no information on this page about who wrote this song. That's a shame. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: DebC Date: 28 Oct 08 - 07:43 PM Oops. Forgot that was a sample :-) Here's an MP3 Debra Cowan |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Azizi Date: 28 Oct 08 - 07:49 PM You have a very beautiful voice, Deb C. ** Here is the link for that Casper The Friendly Ghost song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZGarpxTrMU&feature=related It's interesting that I have a vivid memory of that song, and not the Hootenany type song whose video I also linked to. Yet, in my opinion, that Hootenany song is musically the better one. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz Date: 28 Oct 08 - 08:08 PM The Ghost of Elvis... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRpHCVGi-yo BR |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Barry Finn Date: 28 Oct 08 - 08:13 PM My favorite is Walker of the Snow which I just posted to a new thread after seeing this one & not finding really anything about it. Barry Barry, the thread was deleted and the thread link amended to take folks to one of the many threads we have already had on this song. No need to start another one devoted to it. The thread linked to the song is one you contributed to back in 2002. If you type "Shadow Hunter" or "Walker of the Snow" into the search engine, you will get a number of discussions that have all ready occurred........ Muderator |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Paul Burke Date: 29 Oct 08 - 04:19 AM Ghost songs show that they have changed their behaviour considerably over the years. Back in the day, a murdering seducer had to beware of the poor girl's ghost tearing him in three, even on shipboard, thus giving the lie to the tale that ghosts can't cross water. Later ghosts were less strenuos, but appeared in dreams to reveal the location of the body, leaving vengeance to due legal process. And in America over the water, the ghost becomes the merely passive narrator who observes the veiled woman, without thoughts of even hiding the glasses of the real murderer who framed him (her?). |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Jim P Date: 29 Oct 08 - 05:14 AM Child #78 - The Unquiet Grave. It was quite a while before I realized that this was the same tune as Star of the County Down (albeit slower than that is usually played). When I did, I had to stifle some very inapropriate laughter during a young woman's very touching performance. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Black Hawk on works PC Date: 29 Oct 08 - 05:58 AM Long Black Veil Bringing Mary Home Ghost Riders in the Sky All modern songs on the theme that have stood the test of time. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE DUNDEE GHOST (Matt McGinn) From: Jim Carroll Date: 29 Oct 08 - 06:31 AM Long live Matt McGinn! THE DUNDEE GHOST Noo a deid man seldom walks; he very rarely talks. [dead] It's no very often you'll find him runnin' aroond, But I am a refugee frae a graveyard in Dundee, And I've come tae haunt some hooses in Glesga Toon. I've come tae haunt some hooses in Glesga Toon. The reason I arose was to get masel' some clothes, For it really gets helluva cold below the grund, But I whispered tae masel', "Ach, I think I might as well Hang aroond for a while and hae some fun, Hang aroond for a while and hae some fun." A man put oot his light on a cold and wintery night. I showed him one o' ma eyes and slapped his heid. He says "Oh", and I says "boo". He says, "Who the hell are you?" I says, "Don't be feart; I'm only a man that's deid. [afraid] Don't be feart; I'm only a man that's deid." Noo the fella knelt and prayed, and this is what he said: "Why, in the name o' God have you picked on me?" So I pulled away his rug and I skelped him one on the lug. [ear] "The reason," says I, "I'll very soon let you see". "The reason," says I, "I'll very soon let you see". When he brought the polis in, I belted him one on the chin. [police(man)] The polis turned aroond and he blamed my friend. He marched him tae the jile; he'll be in there quite a while, [off to gaol] But I'll see naebody taks his single end. [House of one apartment, flat] I'll see naebody taks his single end. Noo the polis thoucht him daft, and a lot o' people laughed When the fella said a ghost was in his hoose, But whit the fella said was true, and I might be visitin' you, So just remember, I'm still on the loose. Just remember, I'm still on the loose. Jim Carroll |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Susan of DT Date: 29 Oct 08 - 07:08 AM There are a number of ghosts in the Child ballads Child #47 Proud Lady Margaret Child #77 Sweet William's Ghost Child #78 Unquiet Grave, mentioned by Jim, above Child #79 Wife of Usher's Well Child #248 Grey Cock Child #255 Willie's Fatal Visit Child #265 Knight's Ghost Child #272 Suffolk Miracle There are a number of others suitable for Halloween as well, with the devil, fairies/elves, witches (or whatever you call women who can conjure their lovers out of their graves), silkies, etc. I can give you a list, but try cruising the keyword "myth" in the DT - I have that on most of these. Note that the titles of the versions in the DT are not necessarily as listed above - search for the Child # to get multiple versions of most of these. search for "Child #XX" to find them. I have fun with doing all supernatural ballads in October and a few throughout the year. At our sing earlier this month, I sang Child #49 Rolling of the Stones (she conjures him from his grave), Child #78 Unquiet Grave, Child #255 Willie's Fatal Visit, and the Black Fox (modern, devil plays a fox). |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Terry McDonald Date: 29 Oct 08 - 07:12 AM Cruel Ship's Carpenter |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Deskjet Date: 29 Oct 08 - 07:22 AM The Bay Of Biscayo - My William sails onboard a tender And where he's bound I do not know...... |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: quokka Date: 29 Oct 08 - 07:25 AM Your Ghost - by Kristen Hersh...haunting, beautiful, gets inside your head and just WON'T go away...also, harmonies by Michael Stipe! Your Ghost |
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Subject: Lyr Add: YOUR GHOST (Kristin Hersh) From: quokka Date: 29 Oct 08 - 08:16 AM YOUR GHOST Written by Kristen Hersh From the album 'Hips and Makers' 1994 If I walk down this hallway, tonight, It's too quiet, So I Pad through the dark and call you on the phone Push your old numbers and let your house ring til I wake your ghost. Let him walk down your hallway it's not this quiet slide down your receiver sprint across the wire follow my number slide into my hand. It's the blaze across my nightgown it's the phone's ring. I think last night you were driving circles around me. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Nigel Parsons Date: 29 Oct 08 - 08:20 AM With her head tucked underneath her arm |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Tom Bliss Date: 29 Oct 08 - 09:02 AM I know two stories about real ghosts which I've made into songs, Gill Field Sump and Pendle Hill (set on Halloween), and though Silverlode of Sark is an invention, it is sung by a ghost. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: greg stephens Date: 29 Oct 08 - 09:04 AM Unfortunate Miss Bailey (Kingston Trio and others) is a cracker. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Abby Sale Date: 29 Oct 08 - 10:42 AM I sing on Halloween: Tam Lin (#39) - no ghost but ghastly things and does mention Halloween. Faithful Johnny – no ghost but does mention Halloween. She Moved Through the Fair – whether she's actually dead is controversial but if Margaret Barry thought so then I prefer to think she is. Unfortunate Miƒs Bailey – yep, great. I don't know if K3 sing the last, handwritten verse, "Next morn his man knocked at his door..." but it's certainly includable. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: RTim Date: 29 Oct 08 - 12:42 PM I've just recorded a Hampshire version of The Dreadful Ghost (as from Deb Cowan above) - basically the same story with a different tune. The Collector George Gardiner said of the song ÒHereÕs an excellent plot for a tragedy or tragic opera?Ó My version is called - "I Am A Sailor". Tim Radford |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Rapparee Date: 29 Oct 08 - 12:45 PM Don't Go Down To The Quarry |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 29 Oct 08 - 12:59 PM Jesse Fuller wrote a song entitled "Old Man Mose". The protagonist as a young man happens upon a neighbor who appears to be dead on the living room floor. He runs in terror. Wish I could remember the words today, but it ain't gonna happen. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Mo' Handy Date: 29 Oct 08 - 01:00 PM Specializing in sea songs as I do, a couple of corkers come to mind, viz.: The Flying Dutchman (Roberts & Barand) Sir William Gower (Fairport Convention) Re the second one, it would be interesting to know whether it's a legit folk song and whether there's any more of it. If anybody has any info on Sir William, I'd be beholden. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Barbara Date: 29 Oct 08 - 01:40 PM the Ghostly Sailors or the version in DT Ghostly Crew Blessings, Barbara |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: greg stephens Date: 29 Oct 08 - 02:01 PM I don't think Jesse FUller wrote Old Man Mose, but I can't recall who did. Great song, in any case. But was it a ghost? I think the song just speculates whether Old Man Mose was dead, or just lying still. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 29 Oct 08 - 03:50 PM And whether he was going to chase the protagonist all the way home. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LOWLANDS + IN THE HILLS OF SHILOH From: VirginiaTam Date: 29 Oct 08 - 05:24 PM LOWLANDS I dreamed a dream the other night Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John; I dreamed a dream the other night Lowlands, my lowlands, away I dreamed I saw my own true love, Lowlands, lowlands away, my John, I dreamed I saw my own true love, Lowlands, my lowlands, away. And the salt sea weed it was in her hair, Lowlands, lowlands away, my John, And the salt sea weed it was all in her hair, Lowlands, my lowlands away. It was then I knew that my love was dead Lowlands, lowlands away, my John, It was then I knew that my love was dead Lowlands, my lowlands away. My love lies drowned in that lowland sea, Lowlands, lowlands away, my John, My love lies drowned in that lowland sea, Lowlands, my lowlands away. I dreamed a dream the other night Lowlands, Lowlands, away, my John; I dreamed a dream the other night Lowlands, my Lowlands, away and IN THE HILLS OF SHILOH Have you seen Amanda Blaine in the hills of Shiloh Wandering through the morning rain through the hills of Shiloh Have you seen her at her door, listening for the cannon's roar And a man who's gone to war from the hills of Shiloh Have you seen her haunted eyes in the hills of Shiloh Have you heard her mournful cries in the hills of Shiloh Have you seen her running down searching through the sleeping town In her yellowed wedding gown in the hills of Shiloh Have you seen her standing there in the hills of Shiloh Wind a blowing through her hair in the hills of Shiloh Listening for the sound of guns listening for the rolling drums And a man who never comes to the hills of Shiloh Have you heard Amanda sing in the hills of Shiloh Whispering to her wedding ring in the hills of Shiloh Hear her humming soft and low, poor Amanda doesn't know 'Twas ended forty years ago in the hills of Shiloh |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: open mike Date: 30 Oct 08 - 02:39 AM dave carter and tracy grammer kate and the ghost of lost love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLra7HZnvv8 http://www.tracygrammer.com/html/merch.html |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GHOST OF BENJAMIN BINNS From: Jim Dixon Date: 02 Nov 14 - 03:12 PM Dan W. Quinn made a cylinder recording of this song in 1903. You can hear it at the Internet Archive. His 2nd and 3rd verses differ from the lyrics shown below, but the sound quality makes it difficult to transcribe.
From the sheet music at The Levy Collection: |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Bert Date: 02 Nov 14 - 04:02 PM Tom pierce. And here's a ghost story for ya Aghost story |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST Date: 02 Nov 14 - 09:17 PM I have 2 hours of songs , About ghosts and spirits ang graves and such on my latest radio show. You can listen and seevthebplaylist here...WWW.KROV.FM OPEN MIKE |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,open mike Date: 02 Nov 14 - 09:21 PM Show is called Crosssroads |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST Date: 03 Nov 14 - 11:39 AM She moved through the fair |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Pete Date: 03 Nov 14 - 12:02 PM The Yodeling Ghost by Patsy Montana. There is actually an Austrian version (and video clip) of this country classic yodeling ghost-Austrian version |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Genie Date: 03 Nov 14 - 12:25 PM "Caleb Meyer" - Gillian Welch and David Rawlings Caleb Meyer |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Genie Date: 03 Nov 14 - 12:29 PM "If You Could Read My Mind, love, What a tale my thoughts could tell Just like an old-time movie 'Bout a ghost from a wishing well In a castle dark or a fortress strong With chains upon my feet You know that ghost is me And I will never be set free As long as I'm a ghost that you can't see." (Gordon Lightfoot) |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Genie Date: 03 Nov 14 - 12:39 PM "Long Black Veil" is a song 'sung by a ghost' (i.e., the narrator of the story is telling the tale from his grave, after he has been hanged). Scots children's song "The Happy Land" (recorded by Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor). There is a happy land down in Duke Street jail Where all the prisoners stand tied to a nail. Ham and eggs they never see, and dirty water for their tea And there they live in misery. God save the queen!. The Glasgow Corporation came wi' a brand noo plan. They're building tenement hooses noo down in the happy land, But there's 16 murderers buried there, So watch yoursel' and dinna stare or a ghost'll com oot and grab you by the hair! God save the queen! |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Genie Date: 03 Nov 14 - 01:05 PM From "Walking In Memphis" (Mark Cohn) "Saw the ghost of Elvis On Union Avenue Followed him up to the gates of Graceland, Then I watched him walk right through. Now security they did not see him, They just hovered 'round his tomb, But there's a pretty little thing waiting for the king Down in the Jungle Room. " |
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Subject: Songs about ghosts -Ghost of Tom Joad From: Genie Date: 03 Nov 14 - 01:15 PM "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" (Bruce Springsteen) is track #10 on the album High Hopes. Men walkin' 'long the railroad tracks Goin' someplace there's no goin' back, Highway patrol choppers comin' up over the ridge, Hot soup on a campfire under the bridge, Shelter line stretchin' 'round the corner— Welcome to the new world order— Families sleepin' in their cars in the southwest, No home, no job, no peace, no rest. The highway is alive tonight But nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes. I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light Searchin' for the ghost of Tom Joad. He pulls a prayer book out of his sleeping bag, Preacher lights up a butt and takes a drag Waitin' for when the last shall be first and the first shall be last In a cardboard box 'neath the underpass, Got a one-way ticket to the promised land, You got a hole in your belly and gun in your hand Sleeping on a pillow of solid rock, Bathin' in the city aqueduct. The highway is alive tonight. Where it's headed everybody knows. I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light Waitin' on the ghost of Tom Joad. Now Tom said "Mom, wherever there's a cop beatin' a guy, Wherever a hungry newborn baby cries, Where there's a fight 'gainst the blood and hatred in the air, Look for me, Mom, I'll be there. Wherever there's somebody fightin' for a place to stand Or decent job or a helpin' hand, Wherever somebody's strugglin' to be free, Look in their eyes, Mom, you'll see me." Well, the highway is alive tonight But nobody's kiddin' nobody about where it goes. I'm sittin' down here in the campfire light With the ghost of old Tom Joad. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: MGM·Lion Date: 03 Nov 14 - 01:27 PM Surprised no-one has mentioned that fine old cante-fable "An old woman sat alone {And all she wanted was good company}". ≈M≈ |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST Date: 03 Nov 14 - 01:30 PM Joe Hill |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Anne Lister Date: 03 Nov 14 - 04:32 PM Jim Woodland had a cracking song about a ghost and the Falklands War ... and I have a song called "The Ghost" about a ghost in a women's prison. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,murrbob Date: 03 Nov 14 - 05:57 PM Brown Mountain Light by KT and others Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner by Warren Zevon (OK, maybe not a folk song) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MR. GHOST GOES TO TOWN (Five Jones Boys) From: Jim Dixon Date: 23 Nov 14 - 12:38 PM MR. GHOST GOES TO TOWN Words by Mitchell Parish and Irving Mills; music by Will Hudson, ©1936. As sung by The Five Jones Boys on YouTube Who's there? Who's there, Up there on the stair? Beware! Beware! I hear somebody coming. Upon his toes— Oh, look! There he goes! Why, Mister Ghost is going to town. He takes his cane, His gloves and his hat, And like a cat, He hurries down the alley. The moon is bright, And this is the night When Mister Ghost is going to town. He's feeling great, And he can't be late. He's got a date To do a little stepping. He'll shake his bones To hot saxophones, 'Cause Mister Ghost is going to town. The Five Jones Boys recorded this a cappella, with lots of "mouth music" imitating various instruments. The Internet Archive has recordings by: Hudson and De Lange Orchestra, Brunswick 7715, 1936. Louis Prima and his New Orleans Gang, Vocalion 3388, 1936. Midge Williams with Jerry Freeman and his Orchestra, Arc 7-02-08, 1936. Mills Blue Rhythm Band, Columbia 3158-D, 1936. Royal Navy Blue Mariners, Decca, 1936. Woody Herman and his Orchestra, Decca 1079, 1936. Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra, Victor 25509, 1937. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Ged with no cookie Date: 23 Nov 14 - 03:27 PM My Ladye's Coach |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: IamNoMan Date: 23 Nov 14 - 04:16 PM Boy Reading this thread made me realize I sing a lot of Ghost Songs. Many of my favorites have been mentioned. Two that have not are: "Molly Malone" "Waltzing Matilda" |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: IamNoMan Date: 23 Nov 14 - 04:26 PM Hey Bert, that's a good story. I'm going to put it in my repertoire. Do you have a reference so I can give credit where credit is due? A Ghost Story I pronounce it Wilksbear. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Musicboy Date: 23 Nov 14 - 05:50 PM Can't think of any songs not mentioned but there is the shortest ghost story in the world. Usually gets agroan: The last man in the world was set in his room. Somebody knocked at the door.... |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Bert Date: 24 Nov 14 - 02:55 AM Thanks, IamNoMan, I am pleased that you like it and wish to use it. I wrote it. The version that you see is on my website bertsolutions.com. Feel free to link to it. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Betsy Date: 24 Nov 14 - 07:00 PM This thing about Ghosts is not my dabble. However I highly commend ( noting that all the previous posts have not mentioned it ) the Lovers Ghost sang by Vin Garbutt . I believe that Vin "revived" this song in the 60's/70's . ( strange word in this context ) Extremely powerful delivery and rendition, of the Subject Matter and a very vivid portrayal of how things might have, or could have happened - in the song-writers mind - of course !!!! |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: MGM·Lion Date: 25 Nov 14 - 12:13 AM Above post reminds that Child contains several Ghost ballads which can be found by checking "Ghosts" & "Spirits" in his Index of Matters & Literature. ≈M≈ |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: PHJim Date: 25 Nov 14 - 02:03 AM Here are two songs, one ancient and one relatively contemporary, both with the same title and both about ghosts: Demon Lover P.D. Well met, well met, my own true love Well met, well met, cried he I've just returned from the salt, salt sea And it's all for the sake of thee I've come for the vows that you promised me To be my partner in life She said my vows you must forgive For now I'm a wedded wife Yes I have married a house carpenter To him I've born two fine sons For it's seven long years since you sailed to the west And I took you for dead and gone If I was to leave my husband dear And my two babies also Just what have you to take me to If with you I should now go I have seven ships out upon the sea And the eighth one that brought me to land With four and twenty bold mariners And music on every hand It was then she went to her two little babes She kissed them on cheek and on chin Saying fare thee well my sweet little ones I'll never see you again They had not sailed much more than a week I know that it was not three When altered grew his countenance And a raging came over the sea When they reached the shore again On the far side of the sea It was there she spied his cloven hoof And wept most bitterly Oh what is that mountain yon she cried So dreary with ice and with snow It is the mountain of hell he cried Where you and I now will go ***************************************** Demon Lover Michael Smith I knew a girl who came from Little Falls Her name was Agnes Hines She fell in love with a boy named Jimmy Harris But he had a short life-line A year after Jimmy was killed in a car crash She married a man from Cornell They had three little kids and a big house In upper Montclair The gypsy wind it says to me Things are not what they seem to be Beware One day her husband's at work and the kids are at school And who comes toolin' up the drive Looks just like Jimmy Harris And he says he's just got back from Paris And he's lookin' very much alive Ooh, Jimmy she cried I thought you had died He laughed and he said So did I cherie And if it was not for your love I would not be here The gypsy wind it says to me Things are not what they seem to be Beware The neighbors say that as they pulled away in his Chevrolet His face began to change And in the middle of that bright suburban morning They disappeared in flames Maybe you have a demon lover Who might have been your husband or your wife Watch out for people who belong in your past Don't let 'em back in your life. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BALLAD OF WIDOW McSUBURB From: Jim Dixon Date: 14 Jun 25 - 06:11 PM From The Worker (Wagga, NSW: Sat 2 May 1903), Page 3: BALLAD OF WIDOW McSUBURB. (During a Melbourne, Vic., Police Court trial recently, a fortune-teller and medium, prosecuted for plying her nefarious trade, stated in cross-examination that most women, particularly widows, had great faith and belief in mediums, clairvoyants, and other spiritual manifestations. She knew of one case where a widow committed suicide by poison because a medium had told her that she had communicated with her late husband, who strongly disapproved of his widow's intended second marriage, and desired her to join him in Paradise.) The widow McSuburb lay restless in bed, Her heart full of doubt and of trouble. She couldn't decide 'twixt the Mac who was dead And the love of the living McStubble. Since William McSuburb—a church-going man— Had died, we may just as well mention, John Michael McStubble, of similar clan, Was paying the widow attention. The widow McSuburb had faith and belief In spiritual manifestation. She hied to a seance in search of relief From her doubt and her sore tribulation. "The spirit of William," she cried, "shall decide The fate of myself and McStubble." And the medium begged the Mac who had died To drop in and settle the trouble. The gas was turned down, and trembling with sheer Excitement and keen expectation, The widow sat breathless, with hand at her ear Awaiting the weird consultation. "McSuburb is here," then a ghostly voice sighs, And begs his dear wifey in trouble To join him at once up in Paradise And turn a cold shoulder to Stubble. The gaslight flared up, and the medium woke, And the ghost of McSuburb had vanished; The grave spell of doubt of the widow was broke, And McStubble immediately banished. Then the faithful poor widow took poison and cried: "You've called, Mac—I come—I am dying!" And ancient St. Peter heard something outside His portal that sounded like crying. "McSuburb?' asked Peter, in tones of surprise, "He doesn't live here, my good woman," And the sorrowful tears in the good widow's eyes Made the saint feel remarkably human. "McSuburb," Pete stammered, "was unfit to dwell With angels and saints here in heaven. His rakish skulduggery has sent him where—well— He's roasting on grate number seven." |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,PMB Date: 16 Jun 25 - 06:55 AM 27 years down the page and no one's mentioned the Ghost that Haunted Bunty? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GHOST THAT NEVER WALKED From: Jim Dixon Date: 03 Jul 25 - 01:23 PM From the sheet music at University of St. Francis: THE GHOST THAT NEVER WALKED Words by William Jerome, music by Jean Schwartz, ©1904. From the play “Piff! Paff!! Pouf!!!—A Musical Cocktail,” book by Stanislaus Stange, produced by F. C. Whitney. 1. Don’t shake with fear as I draw near; I’m just a harmless creature. Don’t think me wild; I’m weak and mild, for weakness is my feature. Please have a little pity, and listen to my ditty. I’m not the great Elijah who heals “heels” in Zion City. CHORUS: I’m the ghost of a troupe that disbanded in Peoria. I’m the ghost of a bunch that were only out for glory. Glory, glory, hallelujah-lujah! Money never talked. In me you see a novelty: I’m the ghost that never walked. 2. On sal’ry day, they used to pray that I’d make my appearance, But railroad fares and empty chairs, they caused an interference. Show days are not all sunny, and don’t think me too funny When I tell you I couldn’t even pay them with stage money. CHORUS - - - YouTube has recordings by Billy Murray, Victor 2849, 1904. “Ragtime” Bob Roberts, Columbia 3035, 1904. Arthur Collins, Zonophone 67, 1904. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Tom Patterson Date: 03 Jul 25 - 01:59 PM The Ballad of Old Seth Davey - verse 4. " Now some stormy nights etc |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Jack Campin Date: 04 Jul 25 - 03:10 AM Extraordinarily gruesome broadside from 19th century Edinburgh: MacKinnon's Garland |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: Jack Campin Date: 04 Jul 25 - 05:29 AM Wrong link. I meant this one. McKinnon's Ghost BTW "The Hills of Shiloh" doesn't feature a ghost. Great song though. BTW I just noticed the tune is very similar to the CoE hymn "To Be A Pilgrim" - where did Silverstein get it? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GHOST OF THE VIOLIN (Kalmar,Snyder) From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Jul 25 - 11:45 AM From the sheet music at Indiana University: THE GHOST OF THE VIOLIN Words by Bert Kalmar, music by Ted Snyder, ©1912. 1. In a quaint old antique store, For a thousand years or more, Laid a musty, laid a dusty violin. Suddenly a ghost appeared, Played upon it wild and weird, And the ghost, and the ghost, owned a violin. He made his violin moan In a weepy, creepy tone! CHORUS: The ghost (the ghost, the ghost) of the violin, The ghost (the ghost, the ghost) played the violin. His bony fingers are shivering. Each moan just sets me a-quivering. Don’t, don’t, don’t, don’t, make a sound, Or he’ll know we’re around. His eyes (his eyes, his eyes) have a mournful glare. His cries (his cries, his cries) haunt me ev’rywhere. He’s here! He’s there! Beware! Take care! Keep away from the ghost of the violin! 2. Pretty soon the tale went ’round That a wierd old ghost was found With a moaning, with a groaning violin. Ev’ry night when twelve would chime, People made it meeting time, And they’d creep from their sleep to the violin. They’d whisper soft and low As the ghost would wield his bow: CHORUS. - - - The Internet Archive has the following recordings: Arizona Jack, “Cinch” Record 5057, 1913. Columbia Quartette, Columbia A1244, 1912. H. Cove and T. Jackson, The Winner 2254. Standard Band, United Record A1292. YouTube has the following recordings: Frank Weston, Homochord Peerless Quartet, Columbia A-1244, 1912. Prince’s Band, Columbia A-1292, 1913. Walter J. Van Brunt and Maurice Burkhardt, Victor 17195-B, 1912. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GHOST OF THE UKULELE (Brockman, Smith From: Jim Dixon Date: 04 Jul 25 - 03:51 PM Maybe this was inspired by the previous song: “The Ghost of the Violin.” There was also one called “The Ghost of the Saxophone” but I haven’t found any sheet music or a recording. From the sheet music at Indiana University: THE GHOST OF THE UKULELE Words and music by James Brockman and Jack Smith, ©1916. 1. Last night in dreams, I could plainly see The land of Honolulu far across the sea. I was on the beach at Waikiki When a million ukuleles started chasing me. Bing, bing!—That’s the sound that’s haunting me. Bing, bing!—The ukulele melody. CHORUS: That’s the ghost, that’s the ghost, that’s the ghost of the ukulele, Strumming gaily. How they sway when they play on the gay little ukulele, playing daily! First, it makes you sad, Then it makes you glad. Take it away, I say! Take it away, I say! Take it away, ’cause it’s driving me mad. That’s the ghost, that’s the ghost, that’s the ghost of the ukulele. Hear it daily; no matter where I go, it follows me. (There it is, there it is, there it is!) My dignity I’ve tried to keep, But I did the hula-hula in my sleep, From the ghost of the ukulele melody. 2. When I awoke, I was full of fright From hearing ukulele music played all night. I locked the door, turned out the light, Crawled back into my bed, and hid right out of sight. Bing, bing!—There’s that melody again, Bing, bing!—That sneaky creepy funny strain. - - - YouTube has recordings by: Peerless Quartet, Victor 18254, 1917. M. Ryan Taylor. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about ghosts From: GUEST,Jim McLean Date: 07 Jul 25 - 02:38 AM On being frightened of the dark. Ghaists an bogles, baukies tae, Flit aboot when the lift is grey, Frichten weans wha fear the nicht An gar them seek an ingle bricht. They steek their heids ablow the sheets When bedtime beckons time tae sleep. Whit lurks in Ilka shadow, dark, Can only be Auld Clootie’s wark. An only speerits micht be seen Wi pairted fingers ower oor een. But Ah wis wee then, lang, lang syne Afore yer haun an hert touched mine …aiblins An when Ah hear a hoolet cry Or eerie creak or ghaistly sigh Ah listen fur anither noise Ah listen hard…….is that your voice? Could you be there, a speerit free? Come back tae sing yer sang tae me? Your ghaist wad be a welcome sicht. Ah fearna dark…… PIT OOT THE LICHT! |
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