Lyr Req: Marianne (from Easy Riders)

Subject: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: John Galt
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 10:01 AM

I am seeking the lyrics and TAB to the subject song recorded by, I think, the Easy Riders in the mid fifties. I remember my parents playing this song to death. I'd love to learn it for their 50th anniversary.

Lyrics are posted here:
MARIANNE
--JoeClone, 15-Mar-2008.

Subject: Been there, done that?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 10:23 AM

Is it this one, by any chance?

Steve

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: J Galt
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 11:20 AM

Thanks Steve, I guess I should have tried another spelling!

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 11:42 AM

Think nothing of it, John - it's always nice to feel clever!!

Steve

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Ferrara
Date: 09 Apr 99 - 12:06 PM

John -- Nothing wrong with your spelling, it wasn't in the data base anyway, it was in the Forum a few weeks ago. In addition to a database search, you can theoretically do a forum search (it's in the small type above the list of threads.) However, for some people (me, for example) the forum search isn't working at this time.

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: rich r
Date: 10 Apr 99 - 12:07 PM

According to Alan Mills, "Mary Ann" is a Canadian derivative of the Enclish love song known as "The True Lover's Farewell","The Turtle Dove" and porbably other titles. He further claims that the English song inspired Robert Burns to write "My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose".

John is right in that the Easy Riders recorded the song long ago, it was even one of their album titles. I first learned it from a version by the canadian folk group, The Travellers. There is also a version sung by Charles Jordon on record IV of the Canadian Folk Songs Centennial Collection. But if you are looking for a current version on CD, an excellent one is found on "Never Grow Old" that was put out a few years ago by Priscilla Herdman & Cindy Mangson. You should be able to get it from one of the online "record" stores. Tom Paxton joins the two women on the song. I am sure you would like it.

rich r

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Tucker
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 01:27 AM

Lobster boilin' in the pot, sugar here for two' but nothin' like the love I bear for you my dear Mary Ann. Try Ian and Sylvia, circa 1961 or 1962 and try the Highwaymen ( no, not waylen, willie and the boys) about the same time. Both very good versions. LOL Tucker

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Ferrara
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 11:10 AM

Hi, Tucker. There are two different songs, the Ian and Sylvia one and the one shown in the linked thread, which is a calypso song that was popular in maybe the late 50's? I suspect John's parents want the calypso song, but maybe not.

The full words to the Ian and Sylvia song are in the database under the title, "Fare Thee Well Marianne". I searched for "lobster" and got several songs, including one -- NOT the one you mention -- called "Mary Ann" which was apparently a parody and had a line or two that didn't scan. Just look for "Fare Thee Well Marianne."

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Tucker
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 02:30 PM

you are right Ferrara. I know of one version with Lobster though, maybe from one of my old folk music books. I've never heard the Calypso version either. Hey, some people think that the Righteous Brothers were the first to do "unchained melody" so that's the version they imitate. nice talkin' to ya

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Ferrara
Date: 11 Apr 99 - 10:33 PM

My last post wasn't very well worded, the Ian and Sylvia version was one of the songs I found in searching for "lobster." - Rita

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 03:42 AM

You discovered a song while searching for lobsters? Geez Rita, have that old codger take you to a nice seafood restaurant!!!

You know I've been thinking of this song since childhood...my Mom was nuts for it too, like John's parents. All I can remember is the chorus (until now), but it's one of those tunes that pass through your head every now and then. Strikes me that Marianne was a dull sort, doing nothing but sitting on a beach 24/7. And why the hell would you sift beach sand to begin with?

Aw, forget it......But have the old skinflint take you out to dinner anyway!

catspaw

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 03:49 AM

During dinner with a young lady once I lobster, but then I flounder again. Oh my God, did I do this? I'm sorry. Goodnight.

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: Ferrara
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 07:56 AM

Well, catspaw, I guess if I had to choose between lots of songs and lots of lobsters, I'd take the songs. The old codger has sure brought a lot of songs into my life...

Subject: RE: Lyric Request: Marianne
From: catspaw49
Date: 12 Apr 99 - 10:07 AM

Good for him ... And good for you too!!! (This doesn't relieve him of the resposibility of taking you out for dinner however)

catspaw