Lyr Req: Be Quiet When Willie Walks By (M O'Reilly

Subject: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: topical tom
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 04:34 AM

This is a powerful, moving song about a war veteran. I think I heard it sung by a country singer but I'm not sure of that.Any information and the lyrics would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 01:15 PM

I was going to p.m you and ask if you would start a thread on this. I'm hoping you get results as I'm very curious as well.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 01:46 PM

"Be Quiet When Willy Walks By"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 02:08 PM

Where's that come from, Peace? It does bring up an interesting possible lead:

Be Quiet When Willy Walks By/Songs of the American Spirit/Country Gentlemen

listed on this page: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/nwbluegrass/message/39000

I have two Vanguard Country Gentlemen CD's, but not that one. Now, if somebody has that Country Gentlemen album....

You can buy an MP3 from Amazon here (click) for 89 cents (and there's a sample clip from the recording). If you do, please transcribe the lyrics for us.

So, who's gonna pop for the 89 cents?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 02:14 PM

I could not locate lyrics. That was the only title that came close to the one requested.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: topical tom
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 03:25 PM

Great work once again, Peace. That is the title. I didn't remember it properly.


    There is such a title on Limewire but I'm not sure if it's legit or not.It could be the guy denying "sexual relations with that woman" LOL!

    At the moment I am unable to download it ("awaiting sources, need more sources", etc. etc.                                                            

    Anyway, I'll keep trying.Thanks for the info from you too, Joe.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 10:09 PM

I think that a friend in Ottawa who has a radio program called "Back 40" may be able to help. Ron Moores is a friend and a Bluegrass lover. Will call him tomorrow as it is getting late here.

Subject: Lyr Add: BE QUIET WHEN WILLIE WALKS BY (M O'Reilly
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 08:25 PM

Transcribed from the sound file found at box.net:

BE QUIET WHEN WILLIE WALKS BY
Mike O'Reilly

Did you see the old boys with their uniforms on, marching down Main Street today?
Some helped the others as they went along. Their minds seemed so far away.
And when they laid the wreath at the top of the hill, I saw some of them cry
As they thought of their friends they knew long ago in ages long since gone by.

Old Willie Johnson walked all alone as the rain came tumbling down,
And someone they laughed as Willie drew near, for he was the drunk of the town;
And one of the men came over and said, "You know, Willie's one heck of a guy.
If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today, so be quiet when Willie walks by.

"He sold all his medals a long time ago for the help a bottle could hold,
But it's hard to crawl out of the cracks in your soul when the last of your pride has been sold;
But deep down inside there's a heart of pure gold and a spirit that money can't buy,
So remember, my friends, and bow to the truth. Be quiet when Willie walks by.
Yes, be quiet when Willie walks by."

[As sung by Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen on their album "Songs of the American Spirit," Pinecastle Records 1138, 2004. It has also been recorded by The Dick Smith/Mike O'Reilly Band on "Life's Road."]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 08:27 PM

Jim, you are the master.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 08:55 PM

Thanks Jim I'm sure tom will be very pleased. I got off the phone with Ron Moores who does a radio show up Ottawa Canada way and he is going to see if he can send me a media file.
Thanks again.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: oldhippie
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 09:06 PM

Excellent song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: topical tom
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 09:10 PM

Thank you so much,Jim, for such great research.Thanks to all the others who helped as well.

      I find it a short but moving song.Hopefully some of you can perform it sometime if you wish.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 10:00 PM

Once I get the melody.
..........

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 10:10 PM

Jim is so unassuming that he may not even check back.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer
Date: 16 Nov 07 - 07:52 AM

Got it. Very easy to learn.