Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards

Subject: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 11 Nov 96 - 12:24 AM

Could anyone give me the Singer, who told the story of the bible by using a deck of cards Also if possible which label was it released on.

Thank you.

Fozzal

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: belter
Date: 21 Feb 97 - 06:12 PM

Tex Ritter recorded it, more recently I heard it on the grand old oprey updated to fit the gulf war.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Gene....what happened?
Date: 21 Feb 97 - 08:25 PM

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 21 Feb 97 - 08:37 PM

WOW! something went wrong with the mouse--got touchy! You can find THE DECK OF CARDS at:

* COWPIE * (click here for lyrics)

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 14 Feb 98 - 12:58 PM

hi, i am trying to find the words to the song deck of cards, which tells the story of a soldier who used a deck of cards as a bible. any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Feb 98 - 03:11 AM

Click here for the lyrics

- a link to the lyrics and a previous discussion of "Deck of Cards."
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 16 Feb 98 - 09:24 AM

For historical purposes: I have a copy of "The Deck of Cards" which was clipped out of a newspaper and pasted into an old scrapbook in the late 1870's."

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Paul Stamler
Date: 16 Feb 98 - 01:28 PM

And Les Barker has recorded a parody of "Deck of Cards", called something like "In The Seven Years' War of the Spanish Succession".

Peace. Paul

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 24 May 98 - 04:35 PM

All, Red Solvine also recorded this and at the end of his recording he indicated that he wrote it due to it happening with his son. I am also looking for the words. If any of you have record shops that deal with oldies but goodies you may find it there. sense I am at work I will check this option out later. Bill in Alabama if you get a moment would you copy the words down and send them to the web site for us. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Pete M
Date: 25 May 98 - 03:57 AM

As Bill indicated, this story pre dates any recording so claims to authorship are incorrect. I remember hearing this told in a civil war (English that is) context. My history master was a Scot, so that may tie in with the cutting which Bill refered to at greater length in the previous thread.

Pete M

Ps I suppose we ought to thank whoever did that awful C&W version for one of the enduring comedy throw away lines usable in virtually any situation: "I was that soldier."

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: 0tt0.spec.net
Date: 19 Jun 98 - 09:01 PM

song was recorded by wink martindale in the 50's would apreciate any info on where to purchase thanks please reply

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: glenda
Date: 23 Jun 98 - 01:33 PM

I would like lyrics to this song. My email is [e-mail] thanks

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Bert C
Date: 24 Jun 98 - 12:53 PM

Glenda,

Check Joe's Posting above.

Bert C

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 18 Jul 98 - 02:45 PM

I am looking for the words to the song "deck of cards" song by Tex Ritter. Can anyone please send me the words to the song or tell me an address where I might can find the words to the song.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 21 Jul 98 - 02:09 AM

Is it me or don't people read threads before adding to them? Or is this all part of some fiendish plot to make us all conform by threatening to ask for the "deck of cards" lyrics every time we stray from the prescribed "wholsome" path.

Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhnnnn

Paranoically yours

Pete M

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Bert C.
Date: 22 Jul 98 - 01:02 PM

Ahh, yes, Pete...it makes one wonder, doesn't it?

Bert C.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Zorro
Date: 22 Jul 98 - 04:12 PM

Maybe I go back further, but I recall T. Tex Tyler doing the song or recitation.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: nubbins
Date: 14 Sep 98 - 04:35 PM

hey i would like to know if any one knows where to find this song at the dallas fort worth area if so than leave a message i would like to say that this song is about a true man of faith that this dude had faith enough that hje believed that his deck of cards was a bible if christians had as much faith as this dude than we can reach as many people as we can

in christian faith nubbins

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: nubbins
Date: 17 Sep 98 - 04:27 PM

3 days

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Gene
Date: 17 Sep 98 - 05:31 PM

Deck Of Cards is on Tex Ritter's Greatest Hits CD
and also available on CAS at
CD UNIVERSE
* CLICK HERE *

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 08 Oct 98 - 07:03 PM

I am looking for the words to this song. I would appreciate any help that anyone can give me.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: cre8ive214
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 03:43 AM

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 03:46 AM

A little additional information...

Phil Harris (voice of Baloo in Disney's Jungle Book) also recorded it in the 50's too. he was the one that used the "I know this story's true... because I was that soldier" line. I once had a recording of this on a 2 cassette set called: "that's what i like about phil harris" and i haven't been able to find it; any help in this would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Mar 99 - 09:39 AM

As one of the most irreverent SOB's around, I must say that this little ditty is one of the worst pieces of tripe and epitomizes the worst that C&W has to offer. Should be sung immediately prior to the Steve Goodman song in the "General Purpose C&W Song" thread.

catspaw49

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 01:38 PM

i am trying to find the words to the song deck of cards, can anyone help me?

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 01:52 PM

I need a consensus. Are we aloud to be flat out rude to flat out dick-heads?

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Pete M
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 05:16 PM

My feeling Rick is that anyone who actually want's this tripe is too bloody thick to notice whatever you say. Of course knowing our lot, the post immediately above yours could be a wind up.

Pete M

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Some Lonesome Dude
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 06:50 PM

Hi! I'm looking for a song about this Dude who kept posting requests for a song about this Dude who would read the thread, forget he had posted the original thread about the dude, then something would jog his memory about this song about this dude who had these cards who the Dude believed they told the story of the Bible to this other Dude. Not sure if it's the same dude.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 06:59 PM

Well, I keep hoping there's an explanation. This stuff looks perfectly clear on reasonably new computers, but if you're trying to look at this on WEBTV or even on a computer with a low-resolution display, the 'Cat isn't too easy to read. My dad is a technical genius with several patents to his name, but he has WEBTV - and you should see the (seemingly) dumb questions he sends me.
I figure these people have technical problems, or they're overwhelmed. Nobody could be that stupid. Or, if they are, then maybe we should be nice to them. Whatever the case, it appears that some people like this song. Why not leave them alone and let them enjoy it?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Banjeray (inactive)
Date: 14 Apr 99 - 09:29 PM

Thank you Joe, While I am not a regular churchgoer, haven't been to one since Bowser was a pup, I believe that each of us is free to worship as we please. I heard this recitation many years ago by one of the early C&W artists and it has sort of been a reminder to me that my concept may not be all wrong. It may be a piece of tripe, trash or other garbage to some, but to others it may be an inspiration. To paraphrase an oldie, "Beauty is in the ear of the beholder"

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: ddw in windsor
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 12:57 AM

Yeah, Joe and Banjer -- stick with the first amendment rights.

But which amendment is it that gives us the right to get up and leave when this kinda tripe comes on? :-)

ddw

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: SingsIrish Songs
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 02:50 AM

Lots of great info about the song/recitation. Another person to record it is Wink Martindale...

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 12:08 PM

My comment was in regards to the repetition of the requests (where it appeared that some had not read the earlier postings in the thread) and NOT, repeat NOT connected in any way to the quality or content of the song. I learned long ago that one man's/women's tripe is another's steamed lobster!

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 01:23 PM

OK, I enlarged the links at the beginning of this thread so they are clearly visible (some browsers just don't make links stand out very well). If people still add requests to the bottom of this thread, we'll really have reason to wonder - or maybe they're pulling our leg and very effectively making fools out of us.
Nevertheless, even though comments that point out others' apparent stupidity may seem warranted and may be quite funny at the time, I think they tend to drag down the spirit of the discussion. Many of us enjoy the 'Cat because it has been such a friendly place. Comments that make other people look stupid tend to take that friendly spirit away. I'm not looking for a humorless place full of warm fuzzies - that would make me gag. I DO think that we need to treat every visitor and every member here with respect.
As for this piece, I've always thought of it as a classic. I can picture some radio preacher like those guys in the 50's on Clear Channel WWVA in Wheeling, using this speech a hundred times and getting people to send in their donations by the thousands.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Pete M
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 04:37 PM

OK OK Ok its my turn to have my wrist slapped. I would just like to say to Banjeray that I have no problem with the religion espoused in this work, nor the concept of its pictorial representation, nor do I want to proscribe what other people listen to. I was trying to point out that there does seem to be a high degree of correlation between requests for this work, in this and several other threads, and an inability, or unwillingness, to read preceeding posts; far more so than for any other work that I can recall, or which would be explained by Joe's theory about ancient browsers.

Of course the way in which I noted this apparent correlation may have had something to do with the fact that I agree totally with Catspaw about the merits of the saccharine way in which this story is presented by the C&W fraternity.

As I have said before, if they ended their recitation with something along the lines of " And the Sarn't Major said, 'Get digging those latrines you effin' little smart arse.'"; I just might find it just bareable.

A contrite (but not very) Pete M

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 05:17 PM

Alright Joe, you pushed the right button. I too remember those radio shows from far away, with their offers of "live baby chicks", "Last Supper tablecloths", and "personalised" Bibles (they stamped your name in gold on it) I loved the country and gospel music (even remember T Texas Tyler singing his hit "you know what..I'm not mentioning it's name again". One of the names I remember was "lonesome" lee Moore, the coffee drinkin' nighthawk. The gospel songs never converted me but they became a huge part of my musical life (still are).

So I apologize for calling those merry pranksters "dickheads", when I meant "deckheads". Also for not spelling "allowed" correctly. I suspect some want this thread to go away, so I promise not to respond again if it drops out of the "top ten". (I'll try, anyway)

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Banjeray (inactive)
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 06:36 PM

Hey everybody....No apologies necessary, least not here! If we all thought alike this would be one dreary existence, wouldn't it? I respect anyone's right to disagree with my opinion, and I will, when I feel the need to, disagree respectfully with yours. We, the members of Mudcat, all know that it is OK to do so. I would guess that a lot of us think like Rick does, that the gospel songs are a large part of our musical lives. I truly enjoy "old time" and country gospel. Both listening to and playing. To me it seems closest to our roots because of the often simple melodies one can see that it was written largely by folks like us! Although I can read music to a degree, I play by ear, and it just seems that the old gospel material is so easy to play. Is that just my own idea or do others feel likewise?

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 08:20 PM

Well..............

I find myself in general agreement with all of the last few posts. I remember a lot of the singing I did in my youth was at home and in church and of course a lot of that was hymns and gospel which is an obvious tie to the Southern Mountain music that I love and the offshoots such as Bluegrass which relies heavily on gospel. Pete hit the nail on the head squarely on the head when he mentions the way the song is presented. It's not the song as much as the presentation by some, such as Phil Harris, which makes it come off so badly. Sure, it's a bit scmaltzy for me, but if I had heard it done by Audie Murphy.......

But Joe, it's easy to offend and I try to keep my "sideshow" tone light enough so it's hopefully not taken too badly. But realize too that your last comment could be taken offensively. Living and growing up only a scant few miles from Wheeling, are you implying that folks in the hills and the river valley are just stupid hillbillies and could be easily duped into doing anything with the right approach? Why not use Chicago or New York? Or go to Nashville for the biggest caountry shows of those days? Or even WLW in Cincy? I know that's not what you meant Joe, far from it. But it certainly could be taken that way.

I will take issue with you on one point Joe...regarding Rick's dickheads, uh deckheads. You say we should be nice to everyone and include them in the community of Mudcat. I can prove, with logic you cannot refute, that you are wrong. When I came on I stayed because everyone was nice to me......and look how this has turned out for you!!!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 99 - 09:29 PM

Ah, Catspaw, WWVA was the absolute classic of the gospel radio stations, and they could be heard all over the Eastern U.S. when I was a kid. I often think those radio preachers target audiences far away from home, and I'm sure most of those contributions to the preachers came from outside West Virginia, maybe from my neighbors in the Midwest.
I also think that the people who compose things like "Deck of Cards" do it with an interesting sense of humor. Same with a lot of gospel songs - they're so much fun to sing, they MUST be sinful. "Power in the Blood" is one of my favorites, although I think it stinks from a theological standpoint.
As a graduate of a rather liberal Catholic seminary, I guess my initial tendency is to look down my nose at fundamentalism. As I've grown older, I've learned that maybe I didn't learn all the answers with my theology training, and maybe the folks with the simple, old-time religion have a better understanding of what is profound. Old-time religion sure beats buzzword-laden "mainstream" liberal Christianity in some ways.
Still and all, despite my hardest attempts to be open-minded and generous, I get a good chuckle when I read stuff like "Deck of Cards." And I am more than a bit cynical of radio preachers.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 03:31 AM

There are versions of the Deck of Cards from the 17th - yes, the 17th, not the 19th or the 18th! - century, which makes for pretty good historical bona fides. Maybe it's been around too long, and that's why it's become trite?

Steve

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Penny
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 05:27 AM

Do tell, where can they be found? You can't just mention antique versions and just leave it like that, can you?

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 07:13 AM

Blimey, how should I know?

Well actually, Penny, about twenty-odd years ago I got into a discusion like this one with a couple of friends. One of them had a magazine article with the details in. I can't get in touch with the others, but the mag was probably "Folk Review"; I don't know if it's still going - any offers, guys?

Steve

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 08:02 AM

Penny--

The version I have dates from the 1870's, and the story is told by a soldier "who was taken before the magistrate in Glasgow;" so that I assume the original anecdote to have a Scottish locale. What I have is an old blacksmith's ledger book from the early-mid-1800's which, when the pages were filled, was made into a scrap book for newspaper clippings. Among the clippings are such things as the reports of the murder of Jesse James, and a clipping headed 'The Religious Deck of Cards,' or something like that.

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 09:23 AM

You might like to have a look here and here. They don't go into history, but it's interesting.

Steve

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Penny
Date: 16 Apr 99 - 05:38 PM

Oh dear, Oh dear, Oh dear, and there I was growing up in a good Christian household with no cards! So much so that when I tried to construct a trick out of a box of conjuring tricks, and reached the instruction "cut the deck", I used scissors! (I know better now). By which I intend to convey that it seems to me that cards are cards, and religion is religion, and putting texts on cards doesn't sanctify them., if you have doubts about their appropriateness. I was curious about that song going back to the 17th century, because it would tie in with the 12 Days of Christmas being a mnemonic, too, which I didn't find convincing. Bearing in mind the nature of the English armies at that time, it couldn't have been someone sending up the New Model Army, could it?

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Pete M
Date: 18 Apr 99 - 05:03 PM

That's an interesting point about sending up the New model army Penny, because when I was at school we were told the story by our history master as occuring during the Civil war, and I admit I can find it believable in the that context, given the depth of religious feeling at that time.

Nowadays? Nah.

Pete M

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Dolly-Maui, Hawaii
Date: 14 Oct 99 - 02:50 AM

Aloha, Mahalo (thank you) for posting the "Deck of Cards", it is played on our radio station, and it always, brings tears to my eyes. Kudos go to the author of this beautiful and very inspiring message. God bless and have a great day!

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From:
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 04:50 PM

The song, "The Deck of Cards" was done by Wink Martindale, written by T. Texas Tyler, 1959. It hit the Top 10 in 1959. It can be found on a CD entitled "God, Love, and Rock and Roll."

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: Melbert
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 04:58 PM

Richard Digance often threatened audiences that he would sing "Deck of Cards" or "Bright Eyes" if they didn't join in the choruses of his songs......

Subject: RE: Singers Title: Bible Story with Deck of Cards
From: fox4zero
Date: 05 Dec 99 - 05:25 PM

Abbridge, Rick & Zorro: I am sure that the version which was popular in the late 1940's and early 1950's was song by T. Texas Tyler. It was one of those sentimental songs at the end of a romantic era, which means it preceded rock & roll. In this version a US soldier was playing cards when he should have been attending to some assigned official duty. The provost marshall tells him that unless he has an explanation, "he would be pumished as no man has ever been punished before". He then explains that his deck of cards is a bible, almanac and prayer book. Its really edifying to learn the early Brittish roots of this song.

Parish