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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: topical tom Date: 18 Mar 08 - 02:08 PM If this song has been mentioned I didn't see it.Though not involving death, this brings chills and tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Coat of Many Colors |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MORE THAN JUST A NAME ON THE WALL From: Wesley S Date: 18 Mar 08 - 05:15 PM This one is about the Viet Nam War Memorial The Statler Brothers : More Than Just A Name On The Wall I saw her from a distance As she walked up to the wall In her hand she held some flowers As her tears began to fall And she took out pen and paper As to trace her memories And she looked up to heaven And the words she said were these... She said Lord my boy was special, And he meant so much to me And Oh I'd love to see him Just one more time you see All I have are the memories And the moments to recall So Lord could you tell him, He's more than a name on a wall.. She said he really missed the family And being home on Christmas day And he died for God and Country In a place so far away I remember just a little boy Playing war since he was three But Lord this time I know, He's not coming home to me And she said Lord my boy was special, And he meant so much to me And Oh I'd love to see him But I know it just can't be So I thank you for my memories And the moments to recall But Lord could you tell him, He's more than a name on a wall.. Lord could you tell him, He's more than a name on a wall.. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I DIDN'T RAISE MY BOY TO BE A SOLDIER From: GUEST,Joseph de Culver City Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:53 PM Brack& mentioned 'Pal of My Cradle Days' What about this WWI anti war song: I DIDN'T RAISE MY BOY TO BE A SOLDIER (Al Piantadosi and Alfred Bryan) Ten million soldiers to the war have gone Who may never return again; Ten million mothers' hearts must break For the ones who died in vain Head bowed down in sorrow, in her lonely years, I heard a mother murmur thro' her tears: CHORUS/"I didn't raise my boy to be a soldier, I brought him up to be my pride and joy. Who dares to place a musket on his shoulder, To shoot some other mother's darling boy?" Let nations arbitrate their future trouble, It's time to lay the sword and gun away. There'd be no war today, If mothers all would say, "I didn't raise my boy to be a soldier." What victory can cheer a mother's heart, When she looks at her blighted home? What victory can bring her back All she cares to call her own? Let each mother's answer in the years to be, "Remember that my boy belongs to me." CHORUS^^^ My dad's uncle [Al. Piantadosi) composed the music for both songs and many others. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,The Mole Catcher's unplugged Apprentice Date: 19 Mar 08 - 12:58 PM 'The Statler Brothers : More Than Just A Name On The Wall' this is an absolutely beautiful song, thanks for including the lyrics. Wesley. Charlotte (the view from Ma and Pa's piano stool) |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST Date: 22 Mar 08 - 01:06 PM I would add the Irish rebel song IRISH SOLDIER BOY to this thread. Painful last verse starting with: Goodbye, God bless you Mother dear, I hope your heart won't pain. (I have a couple of versions on vinyl somewhere). Chris Muriel, Manchester |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,Seth in Olympia Date: 12 May 08 - 11:22 PM I recently found a cassette of Hamish Imlach in the local Goodwill with some great songs on it, including "I DIDN'T RAISE MY BOY TO BE A SOLDIER" with four or five verses, a fine spirited march with pipes and drums that my children and grandchildren love to sing in the car. seth from Olympia |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: eddie1 Date: 13 May 08 - 02:12 AM If you want a real mother/tearjerker song try almost anything by Goebbel Reeves! Eddie |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: Brakn Date: 13 May 08 - 05:00 AM I see I first posted to this thread nearly 10 years ago and have just read through it. Thanks all. My mother died last Tuesday. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: open mike Date: 13 May 08 - 07:45 PM I am sorry to hear of your loss, Brakn. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,Kak Date: 01 Oct 08 - 08:57 PM I'm trying to remember the name of a popular country song from a few years back. It was sung by a female - (it might have been Faith Hill, but not sure) it's about a young girl leaving town w/her family and sees her best friend out of the back window of the car, her Mother says the same phrase - that is said all through out the song - and in the end the Mother dies, while the girl is at her bedside and the same phrase keeps going through out the song. Can anyone help me with the name of this song. Thanks in advance for your help. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ROCK ME TO SLEEP (Elizabeth Akers Allan) From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque Date: 02 Oct 08 - 08:37 PM Some years ago while performing some Civil War era songs on my gut strung parlor guitar sitting on a barrel at one of our 3rd Maine Volunteers reenactments, a group of spectators approached and listened for a while. In the center of the flock was the obvious Matriarch, who I'd guess to be in her 90s at least, hobbling along with a walker, surrounded by at least 3 generations of her family. When I'd finished the tune, the elderly lady asked: "Sonny; do you know 'Rock Me to Sleep, Mother'?" Somewhat embarrassed by my ignorance, apologetically confessed that I had never so much as heard of it! "That's a pity" she said; "My Mother used to sing me to sleep with that song back when I was but a child.". Obviously, that was a loooong time ago! It just so happened that the lady reenactor sitting nearby in her hoop skirt and bonnet was in her 20th century persona the Curator for the 5th Maine Regimental Hall and Museum on Peak's Island off of Portland, Maine. Overhearing our interchange, she remarked that she had just been going through a dusty cardboard box of old papers in the attic of the hall and came across some sheet music with that very title! A week or so later, in response to my fervent request she sent me a Xerox copy of it. I don't read music worth a hoot, but the lyrics about broke my heart. Eventually I picked and poked through the score to get the jist of the melody, and found that it was no less than beautiful. A check of the Smithsonian and LOC Archives turned up no reference to "Rock Me to Sleep Mother" or any recording of it ever having been made. Apparently although it was written in 1860 and had been fairly popular at the time of the Civil War, it had slipped into the oblivion of obscurity before recording technology was invented. The Levy collection has a couple of versions of the poem set to other scores, none nearly as pretty as the one I have though. It seems that Elizabeth Akers Allan was a woman ahead of her time - an Artist, Journalist, Civil War Correspondant, Sculptress and Poetess. After she wrote the poem of "Mother" a male Composer set it to music and made a lot of money off of it, as it was a big hit. Of course Elisabeth got no credit or royalty for her work. She sued the guy, but back then women did NOT sue men, and she only got a token settlement. After a couple of failed marriages and numerous exploitations, she died a pauper and is buried in Portland. Back about 5 years ago I guess we happened to have the TV on to the Morning Show (which we hardly ever do) on Mother's Day, and I heard a lovely female voice singing a pretty song - and something about the lyrics sounded familiar. Stepping into the room where the TV was, I heard some of the lyrics and realized that although the melody was different, she was singing "Rock Me to Sleep"! Turns out it was Robin Spielberg singing the old song, the first time I'd ever heard anyone other than myself sing it (and she does a much better job of it, by the way.). Looked her up on line and sent her an E-mail, to which she graciously and surprisingly replied. It seems that she was perusing an old book of poetry about Mothers in a New York City Library and came across one that really got to her. It was Allen's poem. She searched high and low for a score to it but since she never could find it, she composed her own. Actually, it isn't all that far off from the original. At her concerts, she would ask the audience if anyone had ever heard of this song in it's original score. Up to that point, none had. So I emailed back; "How would you like the other four verses (It has 6; she only had 2) and the original score as published in 1860?" She seemed delighted, as I was to provide the missing material to her. I don't know if she ever performed or recorded it in it's original form or not - I'd love to hear her do it though! This song was written for a voice like hers. It took me a while to figure out the chords to play it by, but I finally figured out that by capoing up to the third fret I could play it in "G" and have my vocal range about cover it. This is one of those old tunes that uses up a lot of range! I'd really like to hear someone who knows what they're doing and has the range for it perform it. I'd like to hear it done by a solo female, backed up with a harpsichord, hammer dulcimer, perhaps a violin - but definitely a bass viol. A bass viola teamed up with those lyrics will tear your heart out on a foggy night, i'll betcha. I'd post the scanning of my score... if MC would let me. But FWIW the lyrics: ******************************** ROCK ME TO SLEEP, MOTHER Elizabeth Akers Allan Portland, Maine Civil war Journalist \ War correspondent c. 1860 Backward, turn backward, O time in your flight, Make me a child again just for to-night! Mother, come back from the echoless shore, Take me again to your heart as of yore; Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care, Smooth the few silver threads out of my hair; Over my slumbers your loving watch keep; - Rock me to sleep, Mother; - rock me to sleep! Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years! I am so weary of toil and of tears, - Toil without recompense, tears all in vain, - Take them, and give me my childhood again! I have grown weary of dust and decay, - Weary of flinging my soul-wealth* away; Weary of sowing for others to reap;- Rock me to sleep, mother; rock me to sleep! Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue, Mother, O mother, my heart calls for you! Many a summer the grass has grown green, Blossomed and faded, our faces between: Yet, with strong yearning and passionate pain, Long I to-night for your presence again. Come from the silence so long and so deep; Rock me to sleep, mother, - rock me to sleep! Mother, dear mother, the years have been long since I last listened your lullaby song: Sing, then, and unto my soul it shall seem Womanhood's years have been only a dream. Clasped to your heart in a loving embrace, With your light lashes just brushing my face, Never hereafter to wake or to weep; - Rock me to sleep, mother, - rock me to sleep! Over my heart, in the days that have flown, No love like mother-love ever has shone; No other worship abides and endures, Faithful, unselfish, and patient like yours: None like a mother can charm away pain From the sick soul and the world-weary brain. Slumber's soft calms o'er my heavy lids creep; Rock me to sleep, mother,- rock me to sleep! Come, let your brown hair, just lighted with gold, Fall on your shoulders again as of old; Let it drop over my forehead to-night, Shading my faint eyes away from the light; For with it's sunny-edged shadows once more Haply will throng the sweet visions of yore; Lovingly, softly, its bright billows sweep; - Rock me to sleep. mother. - rock me to sleep! * One version prints as "Soul-Wreath" |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MY MOTHER (from Hank Snow) From: GUEST,''Mother'' Date: 02 Oct 08 - 11:46 PM I was looking for the words to one of my mothers old songs she used to sing. I could not find on this search. After I wrote them down, I just thought maybe someone else might be interested in this song? Words are below. MY MOTHER As sung by Hank Snow There are friends who will want you, but just for a day. There are pals you think true, but they'll cast you away; But there's one loving soul, boys, I'll sure recommend. Through this old world of sorrow, she'll be true till the end. Mother, though her hands are all wrinkled and old, Mother, silver hair that has lost all the gold-- You left her alone, went to roam through the years, But all that you left her was heartaches and tears; So kiss her old brow, whisper softly and true, "Mother, you're just an angel and I love you." [Spoken:] On the door of a cottage, a wreath sadly hung, And a hearse stood there waiting as the choir softly sung. There were flowers in their beauty, and the old parson he prayed. This was the last tribute, as they left for her grave. She won't meet you tonight, son, when you crave her caress. She has reared you to manhood, and now you've laid her to rest. Those flowers in their beauty, ah, to her they're unknown, 'Cause tonight she's with the angels up around God's great throne. So don't wait that late, son, to try and repay. Give those flowers and give those treasures, and give them today. Let her know that you love her, and kindly show her that you care, 'Cause she's your mother, God love her; she's as true as a prayer. So kiss her old brow, whisper softly and true, "Mother, you're just an angel and I love you." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: TO BE A SOLDIER From: Banjiman Date: 03 Oct 08 - 03:49 AM TO BE A SOLDIER Let me sing you of my son So bright and brave is he Just 16 and he's left school Now he's gone away from me He's gone away from me He's off to be a soldier boy To fight for his homeland He's learning how to use a gun He says he is a man He says he is a man My son just heard about Iraq The sand and sun shine bright The leaving it has come and gone His face was shining bright His face was shining bright Let me sing you of my son A man he'll never be Got taken to another man's war Is he ever coming back to me? Is he ever coming back to me? He landed in Bhazra town The heat was so intense I wondered why he'd been sent there But to him it all made sense To him it all made sense He and the lads got up to go To ride out on patrol The car that pulled up alongside Blew out their very souls Blew out their very souls My son, little one, oh my boy My tears you cannot see Tangled in another man's war You're never coming back to me You're never coming back to me Let me sing you of my son So bright and brave was he Just 16 when he left school He'll not come home to me He'll not come home to me Music and lyrics by Wendy Arrowsmith © 2006 |
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Subject: RE: Correction: "Rock Me to Sleep" Posting From: GUEST,Uncle Jaque in Maine Date: 03 Oct 08 - 09:46 AM While rummaging through my binder of 19th C. music and practicing "Mother", I happened upon a print out of a reply to the e-mail that I mentioned. Apparently it was Cathie RYAN who did "Mother". Since Robin Spielbuerg did that TV gig with her, and I'm not sure but what she backed her up on piano, I got the two mixed up. In the letter Ms. Ryan mentions that she found the lyric by E.A. Allen in a book by Tillie Olsen titled "Mother to Daughter, Daughter to Mother". When Cathie went to write the score, having pretty much given up on finding the original, she says that it just "came to her" as if the Poetess had sent it from beyond the veil. It seems that she liked the melody until she found out that the chap who wrote it - "Ernest LESLIE, according to my copy of the score - stole Allen's poem as the lyrics and essentially screwed her out of a share of the royalties due to her. Rotten bum that he was for that, I reckon that he has been judged in a much less biased Court by now, and the judgment was much more equitable than it was in the first hearing here on Earth. Since that old score I consider to be settled, and this song having long since passed into the "Public domain", the perpetrator no longer to gain any fruits of his deceit, I personally have no moral reservations in "stealing" it back from Leslie to share with a public which, for the most part, has never before in their lives heard it. In doing so I always try to give full and due credit to Ms. Allen for her beautiful and moving tribute to Mothers everywhere. Should she somehow be aware of the goings on back here among the mortals, I sincerely hope that she would approve. The full web address to the scanning of this score only opens the photobucket home page and you can't access my pictures without a password, as far as I know. But thanks to a suggestion from Geoff the Duck on another topic, I was able to tweak the URL so as to open the file page with a few scannings of my collection (I have several boxes full of old stuff like this); click on the thumbnail of the last picture, and that should open it for you. Let me know if it works! Rock Me to Sleep, Mother; Scanned Score with chords (By ear) For the chords below the staff, capo up to the 3rd fret - for a Baritone anyway. YMMV, of course. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,Blake Pierce Date: 29 Dec 08 - 10:21 PM Thats my great grampa and you dont have the full song |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CLAUDY BANKS From: Barry Finn Date: 30 Dec 08 - 12:29 AM I learn this from the singing of Jeff Warner Claudy Banks (Collected by Jeff Davis & Dick Swain from Fred Redden of Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, ca 1990.) In youth I craved adventure, to Australia I did stray Leaving friends and my dear mother for adventure far away She begged me not to leave her or to return some day To the bonny banks of Claudy, ten thousand miles away Chorus: Oh blame me not for weeping, oh blame me not I say For I long to see my mother, ten thousand miles away Last night as I lay sleeping, I had a dreadful dream I thought I saw my mother who was waiting there for me She said that she must leave me, she could no longer stay By the bonny banks of Claudy, ten thousand miles away Today I got a letter, it came from sister dear Telling me of my dear mother and wishing I were there She said that they have laid her in a grave so cold and gray By the bonny banks of Claudy, ten thousand miles away I wish I were a little bird, I'd fly so far away, To the bonny banks of the Claudy, ten thousand miles away. As the years roll on before me, I'll sometimes kneel and pray. For the bonny banks of Claudy, ten thousand miles away. Last verse complied from Almedia Riddle's version |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DEAR BROTHER (Hank Williams) From: Ebbie Date: 30 Dec 08 - 01:23 AM This is the song that I grew up with, quite different from the Carter Family one that followed it in, I think, 1937. Will the Circle be Unbroken 1907 Ada Habershon There are loved ones in the glory, Whose dear forms you often miss; When you close your earthly story, Will you join them in their bliss? Refrain: Will the circle be unbroken By and by, by and by? In a better home awaiting In the sky, in the sky? In the joyous days of childhood, Oft they told of wondrous love, Pointed to the dying Savior; Now they dwell with Him above. You remember songs of heaven Which you sang with childish voice, Do you love the hymns they taught you, Or are songs of earth your choice? You can picture happy gath'rings 'Round the fireside long ago, And you think of tearful partings, When they left you here below. One by one their seats were emptied, One by one they went away; Here the circle has been broken— Will it be complete one day? A newer tear-jerker that I also like: DEAR BROTHER Hank Williams, Sr. (Williams sings harmony to Audrey Williams' lead) Dear Brother, Mama left us this morning, the angels they took her away She's gone to join Daddy up there in heaven But we'll meet again someday Chorus She left this world with a smile on her face Whispering her Saviour's name Dear brother, Mama left us this morning For that city where there is no pain As I stood by her bedside those last few moments I lived my childhood again I thought of you, brother, and of the old homestead And my tears, they fell like rain. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,DWR Date: 30 Dec 08 - 02:22 AM Blake Pierce, I may be wrong, but I am assuming that you are referring to Otis Pierce. Be assured that your great grampa has any number of fans here. If you have more than what we know about, we'd be glad to have them. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,Mariah Ransome Date: 07 Jan 09 - 10:55 PM Otis Pierce was Great Grandfather also! I just emailed Bay Records tonite to try & a copy of the Every Bush and Tree album. What a small world! |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: Acorn4 Date: 08 Jan 09 - 05:05 AM "STITCHES" by Sammy Kershaw from the album "I want my money back" Bit of a George Jones soundalike who just about avoids the sickbucket because it's such a good tune and arrangement. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,merrymax Date: 17 Apr 09 - 08:32 AM I thoroughly enjoyed looking through this site, and found words of many songs I had known in my childhood. LITTLE BLOSSOM (I have an old 78 of this somewhere), In the Luggage Van Ahead (I have a Tex Morton recording of this) Also, the "Lightning Express" although on the recording I have of it is called "Please Mr Conductor. What I would like the words of is the song recorded by Slim Whitman back in the 1980's called "PAINT A ROSE ON THE GARDEN WALL, so mum will think summer's still here". I would also like the words of the "THE LETTER EDGED IN BLACK", and another old song recorded by Tex Morton that starts off: "A stranger was reading a letter from home, A letter which brought bitter tears, All over this world he started to roam, A wanderer for many long years, Over and over he read every word And this is what I heard. Come back to the valley, come back to the hills, Come back to the ones that love you so, The old folk are weary their time is drawing nigh, They need you their heads are bending low. A light still burns in the window each night To guide you wherever you may go, Come back to the valley come back to the hills, Come back to the ones that love you so". That is all I can remember of it, but would love the rest. And while it is not a "Mother" song, I would like to know the words of an old music hall number "Gimme the ground" |
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Subject: RE: Every Bush & Tree From: GUEST Date: 27 Apr 09 - 09:54 AM Dixie I appreciate the lyrics to Every Bush & Tree. My mother used to sing this song seventy years ago. I didn't recognize the title but the first verse was so familiar. I"m singing it as I remembered it, but would love to hear the first two verses, just to know if I'm getting it right. Thanks, dixiedamron@hotmail.com |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,mayomick Date: 27 Apr 09 - 11:32 AM Did a song with the lines "Don't close the lid of the coffin until I kiss my mother goodbye " ever exist , or was it just a spoof ? |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST Date: 11 May 11 - 12:29 AM Anyone know words for The One Word, Mother ? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ON THE EVENING TRAIN (from Johnny Cash) From: autoharpbob Date: 11 May 11 - 09:58 AM A couple I can add - and I have read through to check they haven't been mentioned.
"THE PICTURE ON THE WALL" - Carter Family - already in digitrad. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: MorwenEdhelwen1 Date: 15 Jul 11 - 03:03 AM "LINSTEAD MARKET"? Translated from the Jamaican patois- "All the children linger, linger, for what their mama don't bring, all the children linger, linger, oh how will the children eat?" |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,Desi C Date: 15 Jul 11 - 01:37 PM Hank Williams's Mother's Day is a real tear jerker. WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN MOTHER by Ann Breen is good too |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: topical tom Date: 15 Jul 11 - 03:23 PM "The Faded old Sunbonnet" [possibly MOTHER'S OLD FADED SUNBONNET] |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,JMRinKY Date: 16 Jul 11 - 03:48 PM This one almost qualifies. Daddy, dear old Daddy, You've been more than a Daddy to me. You could have gone out with the boys every night, But you stayed at home Just to bring me up right. Daddy, dear old Daddy, Way up in heaven she sees, You've been more that a dad, Your're the best friend I had. Daddy, you've been a mother to me. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST Date: 08 Feb 12 - 08:50 AM Mother used to sing a song that doesn't really fit in here, but I sure would like to fill in the blanks in my mind. What I remember is:
A man met with an accident upon a railroad train. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: banjoman Date: 09 Feb 12 - 06:11 AM Just read this thread again as I was looking for one of the songs listed in it -thanks. A couple of other "Mother" songs sprang to mind as I was reading: THE LAND BEYOND THE BLUE - I have a recording by Debbie McClatchy but I think it may originally be from the Red Clay Ramblers. MOTHER IS GONE - by Hank williams - this may have already been mentioned?? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WILL THE ANGELS LET ME PLAY? From: GUEST Date: 21 Apr 12 - 10:25 AM In the yard where children were a-playing games one day, A little tot with crutches was watching wishfully. It seemed so hard she could not play as other children do. They said that she would spoil their game, and was a baby, too. Her tender heart was breaking, for they would not let her play. As she goes to Mama, she murmurs painfully:
"Mama, when I go to Heaven will the angels let me play?
"Mama, when I go to Heaven, will the angels let me play? http://web.lyon.edu/wolfcollection/songs/feltslittle1255.html Original lyrics, with a link to the original sheet music, posted here. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST Date: 05 Jul 13 - 01:24 AM Please Mr. Conductor, don't put me off of this train. I want to bid mother goodbye, sir, before God calls her away. She's expected to die any moment, sir, and may not live for the day. I want to bid mother goodbye, sir, before God calls her away. A little girl sat in a seat nearby.... That is all I remember from childhood recitations at elocution lessons. I would love to have the full text of the poem |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MOTHER OF MINE (Bill Parkinson) From: Jim McLean Date: 05 Jul 13 - 09:47 AM Sadly, Bernie Nolan of the Singing Nolans has passed away due to cancer, at a very young age of 52. I was the first to record the family in 1971 and one of the songs was Mother, Sweet Mother of Mine. MOTHER OF MINE (Bill Parkinson) Neil Reid - 1971 Little Jimmy Osmond - 1972 Klaus Wunderlich - 1975 Hayley Westenra - 2009 The Blue Rubatos - 2010 Also recorded by: Eddie Peregrina; Florence Aguilar; Reetta Marjamäki; The Nolans. Mother of mine, you gave to me All of my life to do as I please I owe everything I have to you Mother, sweet Mother of mine Mother of mine, when I was young You showed me the right way things had to be done Without your arms where would I be Mother, sweet Mother of mine Mother, you gave me happiness Much more than words can say I thank the Lord, let me breathe with you Every night and every day Mother of mine, now I am grown And I can walk straight all on my own I'd like to give you what you gave to me Mother, sweet Mother of mine Mother, you gave me happiness Much more than words can say I thank the Lord, let me breathe with you Every night and every day Mother of mine, now I am grown And I can walk straight all on my own I'd like to give you what you gave to me Mother, sweet Mother of mine Mother, sweet Mother of mine NB: The line "I thank the Lord, let me breathe with you" is sometimes sung as "I pray the Lord that He may bless you" |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: Jim Dixon Date: 28 Jul 13 - 06:48 PM To the guest above who requested PLEASE MR. CONDUCTOR.... The complete lyrics have been posted in the forum: Click here. There is also a link there to a copy of the sheet music at another web site. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THEY'RE ALL GOIN' HOME BUT ONE From: Jim Dixon Date: 28 Jul 13 - 09:11 PM This was mentioned by Bill of Alabama way back near the beginning of this thread: THEY'RE ALL GOIN' HOME BUT ONE As sung by Mac Wiseman 1. There were five of us boys in the family. We told our dear mother goodbye. We left our dear home down in Georgia, Our luck in the city to try. We agreed to go back and see her When two years had passed away. She told us that she would be waiting And two years are over today. 2. They're all going home to mother tonight. They're all going back but one, And mother will be so happy tonight, And proud of each fortunate son; But one of her boys will be missing. There's one she will fail to see. They'll all be there with mother tonight. They're all going home but me. 3. Tonight when it's dark in this prison, I'll stand looking out through the bars. I'll think of my mother in Georgia. I can still see her eyes in the stars. The others were steadfast and loyal. No tears will they cause her to shed, But I was the one that disgraced her, A criminal better off dead. REPEAT 2. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MEDALS FOR MOTHERS (from Osborne Bros) From: Jim Dixon Date: 28 Jul 13 - 10:24 PM This song was mentioned by Brack& back in 1998: MEDALS FOR MOTHERS As sung by The Osborne Brothers I dreamed Mother walked up the heavenly stairs, And medals for mothers were given up there. They mentioned a million things Mom did for me, Things I took for granted and never could see. CHORUS: If there's medals for mothers, For all of the deeds they have done, If there's medals for mothers, Mama, you'll win ev'ry one. A medal of honor was pinned on her there, A medal for patience and kind loving care. A medal for duty she won up above, But the biggest of all was the one for her love. CHORUS Mama, you'll win ev'ry one. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MANSION OF ACHING HEARTS (Lamb/von Tilzer From: Jim Dixon Date: 29 Jul 13 - 08:15 AM This song was quoted in the text posted by Cameron back in 1998: From the sheet music at The University of Illinois at Chicago: THE MANSION OF ACHING HEARTS Words by Arthur J Lamb; music by Harry Von Tilzer; ©1902. 1. The last dance was over; the music had ceased; And the dancers were leaving the hall. A few men were saying their last goodbyes To the beautiful belle of the ball. Alone by the window a youth sadly stands. His heart she had stolen away, And just as he gazed on her beautiful face, He was startled to hear someone say: CHORUS: She lives in a mansion of aching hearts. She's one of a restless throng. The diamonds that glitter around her throat, They speak both of sorrow and song. The smile on her face is only a mask, And many the tear that starts, For sadder it seems when of mother she dreams In the mansion of aching hearts. 2. Alone by the fireside, a man sadly looks At a picture that hangs on the wall. He has never forgotten the sad sweet face Of the beautiful belle of the ball. He's reading her letter: "My picture I send. I have loved you, but only in vain. Oh, try to forget that we ever have met." Then he thinks with a heart full of pain: CHORUS |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MY MAMMY (Young/Lewis/Donaldson) From: Jim Dixon Date: 29 Jul 13 - 07:32 PM This is the Al Jolson song mentioned by Genie back in 2002. From the sheet music at Mississippi State University: MY MAMMY Words by Joe Young and Sam Lewis; music by Walter Donaldson; ©1921. 1. Ev'rything seems lovely When you start to roam. The birds are singing the day that you stray, But wait until you are further away. Things won't be so lovely When you're all alone. Here's what you'll keep saying When you're far from home. CHORUS: Mammy, mammy, The sun shines east; the sun shines west; But I've just learned where the sun shines best. Mammy, mammy, My heart strings are tangled around Alabammy. I'se a-comin'; sorry that I made you wait. I'se a-comin'; hope and pray I'm not too late. Mammy, mammy, I'd walk a million miles for one of your smiles, my mammy. 2. We all start our travels Searching for a friend. If you went searching down deep in your mind, You know you just left the best pal behind. After all our travels, Where do we all wend? Back home to our first love At the journey's end. |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: Sandy Mc Lean Date: 29 Jul 13 - 10:16 PM This is one that I wrote: Autumn Leaves Autumn leaves are falling outside our window A cold wind scatters them across our lawn Tears roll down my cheeks as I think of you Although it's twenty years now since you've gone I remember how our daughter asked about you As she wondered why her mommy doesn't come As I cried I told her that you'd gone to Heaven But my words were only lost on one so young I became both her father and her mother And love for her gave me strenth to go on And in her smiling eyes I'd see your picture For she grew up looking so much like her mom She was married just a year ago last summer And now she has a daughter of her own I'm so proud that she has named the baby for you For her little smile can melt a heart of stone Those autumn leaves fell on the day you left me But in springtime all the trees once more turned green I'm so thankful for the gifts that you have given But I wish you had been here to share my dream Last week I paid a visit to my doctor And he told me that my test results were poor I know somewhere above you're waiting for me And I'll kiss you soon again at Heaven's door © Jan.26, 2009 Alexander McLean |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SHE MAY HAVE SEEN BETTER DAYS (Thornton) From: Jim Dixon Date: 30 Jul 13 - 10:03 AM This song was quoted in the text posted by Cameron back in 1998: From the sheet music at the the Levy collection: SHE MAY HAVE SEEN BETTER DAYS Words and music by James Thornton, ©1894. 1. While strolling along with the city's vast throng On a night that was bitterly cold, I noticed a crowd who were laughing aloud At something they chanced to behold. I stopped for to see what the object could be, And there on a doorstep lay A woman in tears from the crowd's angry jeers, And then I heard somebody say: CHORUS: She may have seen better days When she was in her prime. She may have seen better days, Once upon a time. Though by the wayside she fell, She may yet mend her ways. Some poor old mother is waiting for her Who has seen better days. 2. If we could but tell why the poor creature fell, Perhaps we'd be not so severe. If the truth were but known of this outcast alone, Mayhap we would ail shed a tear. She was once someone's joy, cast aside like a toy, Abandoned, forsaken, unknown. Ev'ry man standing by had a tear in his eye, For some had a daughter at home. 3. The crowd went away, but I longer did stay, For from her I was loath to depart. I knew by her moan as she sat there alone That something was breaking her heart. She told me her life; she was once a good wife, Respected and honored by all. Her husband had fled ere they were long wed, And tears down her cheeks sadly fall. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MOTHER IS GONE (from Hank Williams) From: Jim Dixon Date: 31 Jul 13 - 10:10 AM Banjoman mentioned this song above in 2008 and again in 2012, but it hasn't been posted at Mudcat before. MOTHER IS GONE As sung by Hank Williams In a little pine grove by the old home, There's someone who's resting alone, And there on the tomb these words I read. The words were: "Mother is gone." Mother is gone to her home Way up in heaven above, And my heart's so sad for the words I read there. The words were: "Mother is gone." As I stood alone with mem'ries of home, The place I left long, long ago, I returned home but I waited too long, For the words read: "Mother is gone." My friends did say before she went away She called my name o'er and o'er, So trusting in God's love, I'll meet her above, Over on that other shore. Mother is gone to her home Way up in heaven above, And my heart's so sad for the words I read there. The words were: "Mother is gone." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: PAINT A ROSE ON THE GARDEN WALL From: Jim Dixon Date: 31 Jul 13 - 11:26 AM Merrymax mentioned this back in 2009: PAINT A ROSE ON THE GARDEN WALL As sung by Slim Whitman "I might live a little longer, dear," a sick mother said to her son. "I will leave you when the roses disappear. They're fading one by one." Then the boy knelt down to pray And his prayer started in this way: Please paint a rose on the garden wall so Mom will think summer's still here. The doctor said she would be taken from me when the roses disappear. She'll think the painted flower is real; it will give her new courage somehow, So please paint a rose on the garden wall so Mama won't leave me now. [Spoken] You know they say that a boy's best friend is his mother, And I for one know that it's true. They'll stay by your side when there's no other, And guard you when you're alone and blue. So is it asking too much, dear God, To spare me these heartaches, these tears? Won't you please paint a rose on the garden wall, So my mom will think summer's still here? [Sung] She'll think the painted flower is real; it will give her new courage somehow, So please paint a rose on the garden wall so mama won't leave me now. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN MOTHER From: Jim Dixon Date: 31 Jul 13 - 06:50 PM Guest Desi C mentioned this song in 2011, although he thought of Irish pop singer Ann Breen's version. This song is truly sappy. Somehow it sounds worse to my ears when Ann Breen sings it, although she has a good voice. WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN MOTHER As sung by Wilf Carter a.k.a. Montana Slim Tune: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" What a friend we have in mother, Who will all our secrets share. We should never keep things from her. Tell her all and she'll be there. Oh, what tender love she gives us, When in sorrow or despair. Tell her gently; whisper softly. She will listen; she'll be there. Day by day as she grows older, She's the nation's guiding star. Don't forget the prayers she taught you. You may need them by and by.* Though her hair has turned to silver, Send her flowers sweet and fair. Drop a card or send a letter. She'll be waiting; she'll be there. When her eyes are closed in slumber, Gently kiss her icy brow. Fold her hands upon her bosom. She will rest in Heaven now. When your days are dark and dreary, And your cross is hard to bear, Do not let your mem'ry fail you. Think of her and she'll be there. [Repeat last 4 lines.] [* Ann Breen changes this line to "You will need them where you are," thus fixing the faulty rhyme.] |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MOTHER'S OLD FADED SUNBONNET From: Jim Dixon Date: 31 Jul 13 - 07:11 PM Topical Tom mentioned "The Faded Old Sunbonnet" which I take to be this song: MOTHER'S OLD FADED SUNBONNET As sung by J. P. Mayton There's a faded old sunbonnet on a peg behind the door. It's the one my sainted mother used to wear, But one day she hung it up and never took it down no more, And since that day we've left it hanging there. Dear God, take care of mother wherever she may be (up there). Grant her rest and some comfort over there (and keep her). Such a sweet and smiling angel she always seemed to be In that old sunbonnet that she used to wear. It seems that I can feel her tourin'(?) around that old home place. That's when times were really tight and we were in despair, And she'd take that old sunbonnet and put it low upon her face Just to hide from us all the sorrow written there. Oh, God, take care of mother.... |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,OldNicKilby Date: 13 Jul 15 - 07:07 AM Trawling through some old tapes we stumbled on this. Who was or is Henry Clements ? What a cracking song , managed to learn it over the weekend found it difficult not to cry |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,OldNicKilby Date: 13 Jul 15 - 07:09 AM I should have added Henry Clements "Needle and Thread" |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: GUEST,Alan Ross Date: 13 Jul 15 - 04:42 PM My late father Stewart Ross wrote the lyrics to a lovely mother song. My Mother - words by Stewart Ross (C) 1975 Many years ago I left my home to seek my fame and fortune, and I left my dear old mother in her home. Now the years have rolled along, and I am far across the ocean, but the time has come for me to cease to roam. Chorus: May the light of love shine out across the dark and stormy ocean. May the bonds of friendship reach across the sea. To the cottage where that dear old lady sits, and waits, and wonders. Yes, my dear old mother's waiting there for me. Yes, in mem'ry I can see her standing by the open doorway, looking seaward from the cottage on the brae. mid the heather and bracken there she stands and waits so lonely. And she's thinking of her boy who's far away. Chorus: May the light of love.... One day soon I will return to find that dear old lady waiting, for her wand'ring boy to come back home again. And I'll reach out with my loving arms and greet her with emotion. And I'll settle down and never roam again. Chorus: May the light of love... Yes, my dear old mother's waiting there for me |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A BOY'S BEST FRIEND IS HIS MOTHER From: JeffB Date: 14 Jul 15 - 03:38 PM This is a favourite of mine :-
A BOY'S BEST FRIEND IS HIS MOTHER
1. While plodding on our way the toilsome road of life,
CHORUS: Then cherish her with care,
2. Though all the world may frown, and ev'ry friend depart,
3. Her fond and gentle face not long may greet us here; |
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Subject: RE: 'Mother Songs' of the tear-jerker variety From: JeffB Date: 14 Jul 15 - 03:41 PM Sorry, got a wonky mouse. I C&P'd this and had to do manual line-breaks, but damned mouse had a short-circuit and sent off prematurely. Could a kind Mud Elf do the line-breaks for me please? |
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