Mary, Marry, Merry

Subject: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:15 PM

Just for fun, what songs or rhymes can you think of that include the word "Mary", or "Marry", or "Merry" in their title or lyrics?

I'll start the ball rolling in my next post to this thread.

Thanks in advance for posting to this thread!

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:23 PM

MARY HAD A BABY

Mary had a baby, oh, Lord,
Mary had a baby, oh my Lord,
Mary had a baby, oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

What did she name him? oh, Lord,
What did she name him? oh my Lord,
What did she name him? oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

She named him Jesus, oh, Lord,
She named him Jesus, oh my Lord,
She named him Jesus, oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

Now where was he born? oh, Lord,
Where was he born? oh my Lord,
Where was he born? oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

Born in a stable, oh, Lord,
Born in a stable, oh my Lord,
Born in a stable, oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

And where did she lay him? oh, Lord,
Where did she lay him? oh my Lord,
Where did she lay him? oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

She laid him in a manger, oh, Lord,
Laid him in a manger, oh my Lord,
Laid him in a manger, oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

Mary had a baby, oh, Lord,
Mary had a baby, oh my Lord,
Mary had a baby, oh Lord,
People keep a-comin' an' the train done gone.

@Xmas spiritual
filename[ MARYBABY
TUNE FILE: MARYBABY

@displaysong.cfm?SongID=3886

**

Here's a YouTube video of this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsGvuRIxR4E

Medley Mary had a baby & Amen
"Christmas in United Kingdom Godspell"

-snip-

Btw, in that version, the choir sings "Mary had a baby, yes Lord" instead of "Mary had a baby, oh Lord".

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: bobad
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:26 PM

"Mary, You Are my Friend"
Bruce Murdoch

Step down the air raid siren says,
Don't walk in the rain.
It's true they fought their battles,
Where the graveyards remain,
And now machine guns testify
That Hitler's back again,
Washington you know his footsteps,
What he's done is change his name,
And perhaps go more insane.

Mother Mary have forgiveness,
The Church has got you taking sides.
Your Son was killed for silver,
It's the same when soldiers die,
But I refuse to sell myself
Into illicit enterprise,
Genocidal Quisling governments
Sanction war with killer's pride'
But war's just murder undisguised.

Traitors govern us, they're inventing
Lies to hide their vicious smiles,
From Holy Mary representing
Every virgin with a child.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:35 PM

I hope I'm not lowering the tone of the thread too much, but the first thing I thought of was this:

Mary Mack's father's makin' Mary Mack marry me
My father's makin' me marry Mary Mack
And I'm goin' to marry Mary to get married
And take care of me
We'll all be making merry when I marry Mary Mack

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:35 PM

Here's a link to the Mudcat thread on the Trinidad Christmas song "The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy":

thread.cfm?threadid=6712#39453
Lyr Req: The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy

**

Here's the lyrics to that song as posted by Joe Offer from
"the Shorter New Oxford Book of Carols
Source: The Edric Connor Collection of West Indian Spirituals (1945)


The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy
Trinidadian Traditional

The virgin Mary had a baby boy,
The virgin Mary had a baby boy,
The virgin Mary had a baby boy,
And they say that his name was Jesus

He come from the glory,
He come from the glorious kingdom,
He come from the glory,
He come from the glorious kingdom,
Oh yes, believer!
Oh yes, believer!
He come from the glory,
He come from the glorious kingdom

The angels sang when the baby born
The angels sang when the baby born
The angels sang when the baby born
And proclaim him the Savior Jesus
Chorus

The wise men went where the baby born,
The wise men went where the baby born,
The wise men went where the baby born,
And they say that his name was Jesus
Chorus

(the soloist could improvise further verses, e.g., "The shepherds came when the baby born," "They left their gifts where the baby born," etc.)

**

Here's a link to a TouTube video of that song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_FVfFoCyv8

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:43 PM

Oh! A Bruce Murdoch song!! bobad, thanks for posting that song.

And now machine guns testify
That Hitler's back again,
Washington you know his footsteps,
What he's done is change his name,
And perhaps go more insane.

-snip-

That's so powerful. I wish I could put a link to a video or audio clip of Bruce singing it...

Sigh.

Btw, is it "And perhaps got more insane" or is "and perhaps go more insane" the correct words?

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 08:55 PM

Bonnie Shaljean, posting the words to "Mary Mack's father's makin' Mary Mack marry me" is definitely not "lowering the tone of the thread".

That's one of the songs I was hoping someone would post.

I've wondered whether that song is related in any way to this children's rhyme:

Miss Mary Mack

Miss Mary Mack Mack Mack
All dressed in black black black
With silver buttons buttons buttons
Up and down her back back back.
She asked her mother mother mother
For fifty cents cents cents
To see the elephant elephant elephant
Jump the fence fence fence
He jumped so high high high
He touched the sky sky sky
And he never came back back back
Till the fourth of July ly ly
- multiple sources, including my childhood memories of Atlantic City, New Jersey, 1950s

**

For other versions of this handclap rhyme, visit my website www.cocojams.com

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Padre
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 12:03 AM

Bringing Mary Home

I was driving down a lonesome road on a dark and stormy night
When a little girl by the roadside showed up in my headlights
I stopped, and she got in back, and in a shaky tone,
She said 'My name is Mary, please won't you take me home.'

She must have looked so frightened all alone there in the night
There was something strange about her, her face was deathly white
She sat so pale and quiet in the back seat all alone
I never will forget that night,I took Mary home

I pulled into the driveway where she told me to go
Got out to help her from the car, and opened up the door
I just could not believe mey eyes, the back seat was bare
I looked all around the car, but Mary wasn't there

A light shone from the porch, someone opened up the door
I asked about the little girl that I was looking for
The lady gently smiled and brushed a tear away
She said, 'It sure was nice of you to go out of your way.'

'But thirteen years ago today, in a wreck just down the road,
Our darling Mary lost her life, and we miss her so
Thank you for your trouble, and the kindness you have shown
You're the thirteenth one who's been here, bringing Mary home.'

Padre

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: folk_radio_uk
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 05:03 AM

Bonnie posted the one I immediately thought of: Mary Mack. Been listening to Margaret Bennett sing it on her album "Road to Aberfeldy". hmmmm

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 07:54 AM

Here's a song that includes the word "marry":

Wedding Bell Blues
{Laura Nyro}

Bill, I love you so, I always will. I look at you and you see the passion eyes of May.
Oh, but am I ever gonna see my wedding day? (Wedding day)
Oh, I was on your side, Bill, when you were losing.
I'd never scheme or lie, Bill, there's been no fooling.
But kisses and love won't carry me till you marry me, Bill.

I love you so, I always will, and in your voice I hear a choir of carousels.
Oh, but am I ever gonna hear my wedding bells? (Wedding bells)
I was the one came running when you were lonely. I haven't lived one day not loving you only.
But kisses and love won't carry me till you marry me, Bill, I love you so, I always will.


And though devotion rules my heart, I take no bows,
Oh but, Bill, you're never gonna take my wedding vows. (Wedding vows)
Come on, Bill (come on, Bill) so come on, Bill (come on, Bill).
Come on and marry me, Bill, I love you so, I always will.
Come on, I got the wedding blues, yeah, the wedding bell blues.
Come on and marry me, Bill, I love you so, I always will. I wanna marry you, Bill…

**

Here's a link to a YouTube video of the 1969 5th Dimension recording of that song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMhWQgkZ8c

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 08:21 AM

Here's a children's rhyme that inclues the word "marry".

We're Riding Here To Get Married

Directions: The girls are in one group and the boys are in another.
In the 1st part of this song, the girls sing & skip 4 steps for each phrase toward the boys and the boys sing while walking 4 steps for each phrase toward the girls. In the 2nd part, after the girls shout "Are you coming?" and the boys shout "No!, the girls try to catch the boy whose name was selected and the boys run away, protecting that boy from being caught by the girls.

[First Part]
Girls:
We're riding here to get married
Married, Married
Riding here to get married.
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Boys:
Who you gonna marry?
Marry, Marry
Who you gonna marry?
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Girls:
We're gonna marry Johnny *
Johnny, Johnny
We're gonna marry Johnny
Johnny, Johnny
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Boys:
How ya gonna get him?
Get Him, Get Him
How ya gonna get him
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Girls:
We'll break the doors and windows
Windows, Windows
We'll break the doors and windows
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Boys:
You'll get all dirty and greasy
Greasy, Greasy
You'll get all dirty and greasy
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Girls:
We're not as greasy and you are
You are, You are
We're not as greasy as you are
You'll get all dirty and greasy
Ah Rhythm A Diddee
A Diddee High Oh

Second Part:
Girls:
Are you coming? {Spoken loudly}

Boys:
NO!(Yelled)

{Theoretically, the girls are suppossed to be chasing the selected boy. However, they chase all of the boys, focusing on a boy who they like}.

* Use the name of the boy selected to "marry".
-Source, Barbara Ray {African American female; memories of her childhood in the 1950s Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; collected by Azizi Powell in 1997

**

In my opinion, this is a variant of "Walking On The Green Grass" and "Dukes A Riding". In 2005, I posted this example in this Mudcat thread: thread.cfm?threadid=80573#1466198 "RE: Lyr Add: Walking on the Green Grass"

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 08:25 AM

Do you pronounce these the same? I do, all three - but in Mary Mack as by the Clancy Bros, all three are different.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: SINSULL
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 08:31 AM

i LOVE YOU
mARY lOU
cROSS MY HEART
i REALLY DO
eVERY BELL IN THE STEEPLE IS READY TO RING
aND ALL THE PEOPLE ARE BUYING PRETTY PRESENTS JUST FOR YOU
mARY lOU
cROSS MY HEART IT'S REALLY TRUE
aND FOR MILES AROUND THEY'RE WAITING
jUST TO START THE CELEBRATIN'
wHEN YOU SAY "i DO"
mARY lOU.
dAMN cAPSLOCK!

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Rasener
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 09:10 AM

Mary's Boy Child
Proud Mary
Send a message to Mary

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Little Robyn
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 01:47 PM

For tonight we'll merry merry be,
For tonight we'll merry merry be,
For tonight we'll merry merry be,
Tomorrow we'll be sober.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 02:47 PM

Do you pronounce these the same?

I pronounce "Mary" and "merry" the same. But my pronunciation of the the word "marry" rhymes with the name "Larry" and the word "carry". I don't know how to write the pronunciation codes for these words.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: GUEST,DonD
Date: 13 Dec 07 - 03:15 PM

The thread title immediately reminded me of a long ago radio program that featured Professor Somebody who was a pronunciation and dialect expert. He'd have members of his studio audience come up and speak set sentences and then tell them, with amazing accuracy, where they came from or had been raised.

My favorite test line was, "Merry Mary married hairy Harry."
When it came out "Mary Mary mary-ed hairy Hairy.", he'd immediately zero in on the greater Detroit area, and go on from there.

I loved that show as a kid, but apparently not to many other listeners did, not the adults who were supposed to be buyingthe products anyway, because it didn't last too long, except in my memory.

Mary Mack's father has particular significance for me because a couple of years ago my daughterremarried, to a man named Kevin MacLaughlin, known to his students as Mr. Mack. At the wedding reception, I snag them an updated version allowing or the fact that Kevin is fatherless and the plan was for mutual support:


Kevin Mack's mother making Kevin Mack marry me,
My mother's making me marry Kevin Mack.
I'll take care of my Kevin, and my Kevin will take care of me,
and we'll all make merry when I marry Kevin Mack!

It was a great success.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 07:58 AM

<>Oh Mary Don't You Weep

excerpt:
Oh Mary don't you weep don't you mourn
Oh Mary don't you weep don't you mourn
Pharoah's army got drowned
Oh Mary don't you weep.

-snip-

Here's two links to YouTube videos of this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_7yBFovdtE
Take 6 Live - Mary (1990)

**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15Ip1y2c6i8
Oh Mary Don´t You Weep -Bruce Springsteen

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 08:08 AM

Hmmm. My change "the font to bold command thingy" didn't work in that last post. I musta done something wrong.

Sorry bout that.

**
I woke up this morning with this song in my head:

Come and let's be merry now
while there's life before us.
Come and let's be merry now
While there's life before us.

After cheerful youth has passed [???]
????

-snip-

I can't remember any other words to that song. I believe I learned it in junior high school choir. I think there's a second verse but that starts with "Long live the ___ ???

Does anybody know this song? Where's it from? I'd appreciate it if someone would post its lyrics and information about where it came from-[Shakespeare?]

Thanks.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 08:27 AM

The excerpt for "Mary Don't You Weep" should read
Oh Mary don't you weep, don't you moan".

Sorry about that also.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 11:28 AM

Here's a long version of the children's rhyme "Mary Mack":

Oh Mary Mack

Oh Mary Mack, Mack, Mack
All dressed in black, blac, black
with silver buttons, buttons, buttons
Up and down her back, back, back.

And I love coffee, coffee, coffee,
And I love tea, tea, tea,
And the boys like me, me, me.

I went to the river, river, river,
And I couldn't get across, 'cross, 'cross,
And I paid five dollars, dollars, dollars,
For the old grey horse, horse, horse.

And the horse wouldn't pull, pull, pull,
I swapped him for a bull, bull, bull,
And the bull wouldn't holler, holler, holler,
I swapped him for a dollar, dollar, dollar.

And the dollar wouldn't spend, spend, spend,
I put it in the grass grass, grass,   
And the grass wouldn't grow, grow, grow
I got my hoe, hoe, hoe.

And the hoe wouldn't chop, chop, chop,
I took it to the shop, shop, shop
And the shop made money, money, money,
Like the bees make honey, honey, honey.

See that yonder, yonder, yonder,
In the jay-bird town, town, town,
Where the women got to work, work, work,
Till the sun goes down, down, down.

Well, I eat my meat, meat, meat,
And I gnaw my bone, bone, bone,
Well goodbye honey, honey, honey,
I'm going on home.

-from Harold Courlander's 1968 book Negro Folk Music,USA {New York, Columbia University Press; pp. 158-159)

This example was included in the chapter entitled "Ring games and playparty songs". Courlander writes that "The line game song
"Mary Mack" is perhaps less noteworthy for the action which accompanies it than for the singing and the lyrics".

-snip-

This example is composed of a number of floating verses from various folk songs and children's rhymes. The traditional version of the 2nd verse is usually given as:

And I love coffee, coffee, coffee,
And I love tea, tea, tea,
I like the boys, boys, boys,
And the boys like me, me, me.

-snip-

"I love coffee, I love tea" is still recited as a handclap rhyme. However, its words are usually very different than those given above.

After watching Bess Hawes Lomax's 1967 video of African American school girls from Los Angeles reciting playground rhymes Pizza, Pizza Daddy-O,I can see how this rhyme could have been performed "as a line game". I don't remember the girls in that video reciting "Mary Mack". However, they recited other rhymes while standing in two parallel horizontal lines facing each other. Sometimes they clapped hands with the person in front of them. At other times, one line moved up to the other and then moved back, or the lines changed places. Sometimes, the girls shook their hips and rocked to the ground to the beat of the chant. And at other times, one or two of the girls took turns sashaying or dancing down the middle of the two lines while others recited the chant. The 1970s Black American television dance show Soul Train was known for its dancers forming two horizontal lines-one made up of females, and the other made up of males. The man and woman at the top of the line would show off their skills by dancing down the ailse.

Although I don't recall reciting rhymes in my childhood the way those Los Angeles girls did in that video, and although I've never seen any children in person recite rhymes that way, I can imagine children reciting Mary Mack as a line game because of that Pizza Pizza Daddy-O video {which takes it's name from a children's rhyme} and because of the Soul Train television show.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 05:18 PM

Mary Hamilton
Mary, It's a Grand Old Name

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: SINSULL
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 05:23 PM

Castle of Dromore
The Mary Ellen Carter

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Joe_F
Date: 14 Dec 07 - 08:28 PM

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Mary Hamilton
I Never Will Marry

The Merry Widow
O, Mary, Don't You Weep
Single Girl, Married Girl

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Snuffy
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 11:37 AM

Not very merry<\b>, but it's got the other two:

So Mary marry<\b> me, let's not wait
For the distant drums might change our wedding date
And love me now, for now is all the time there may be
If you love me Mary, Mary marry<\b> me

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Snuffy
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 11:39 AM

Damn, I was slashing the wrong way

So Mary marry me, let's not wait
For the distant drums might change our wedding date
And love me now, for now is all the time there may be
If you love me Mary, Mary marry me

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 03:37 PM

Take a message to Mary,written by Felice & Boudleaux Bryant), recorded by the Everly Brothers and subsequently by Bob Dylan. The Everly Bros did it better.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 04:41 PM

Well, let's get it over with:
God rest ye merry, gentlemen, ....
Now go back to the less known, more interesting songs-
like Mary, Mary, quite contrary...

NOW WE MERY, BOTH MORE AND LASSE

Make we mery, both more and lasse,
For now ys the tyme of Crystymas.

Thread 65203 has that fine 16th c. carol.
Now We Mery

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 05:38 PM

The Padstow May song has
'In the merry morning of May'
in the chorus.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 05:42 PM

Then there's the Rocky road to Dublin:
'In the merry month of May from my home I started..........' in the DT.
Actually, I thought it was the merry month of June but that's someone elses version.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: catspaw49
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 07:01 PM

"Oh Merry Mary Marry Me" by The Harmonims

Spaw

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Dec 07 - 07:27 PM

The Mary Ellen Carter?

Doesn't seem to be in the DT- the song "To Mary," collected and revised by Burns. The tune is given as "Ewe-buchts, Marion."
1st verse:
Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary
And leave auld Scotia's shore?
Will ye go to the Indies, my Mary,
Across the Atlantic's roar?

Written by Burns to Mary Campbell, when he was thinking of going to the West Indies.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: GUEST,Mäkkes
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 10:11 AM

Marry had a baby

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: masato sakurai
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 08:42 PM

From HERE:

merry, marry, Mary   

In Midland and some other regional dialects these three words are homophones pronounced MER-ee. In some other dialect areas (Eastern New England, Metropolitan New York, and some areas farther down the eastern seaboard), some people pronounce marry MA-ree and distinguish it from their pronunciation of merry (MER-ee). And some speakers in the Lower Hudson Valley, in Eastern New England, and especially in Southern dialect areas further distinguish Mary (pronounced MAI-ree) from the distinctive pronunciations of either or both merry and marry. In these dialects, the same sorts of divided pronunciations usually can be heard in Kerry/carry and Perry/parry. Some Americans have difficulty hearing the pronunciations they themselves do not use, but it doesn't matter: you may use one pronunciation for all or distinguish Mary or marry from the other two, whichever seems natural to you. All are Standard regional variations.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: DonD
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 08:51 PM

Azizi ---

Your high school memories of "Let us make merry---" are an English translation of the German students' song from centuries back (the Middle Ages?) called in Latin (the students' language of the day) by its first line: 'Gaudeamus igitur' which continues 'juvenes dum sumus, post iucundam iuventutis, post molestam senectutis, nos habebit humus.'
That roughly translates to: "let us rejoice (make merry), therefore, while we are still young; after the joys of youth, after the ills of old age, the earth will hold us (i.e. we'll be a long time dead)."

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:37 PM

There is a thread on "Gaudeamus igitur" at Mudcat, 82566. Gaudeamus igitur
The first line translates Let us rejoice, while we are young, etc.

In high school, we were given definite instructions to not make Mary.

Never heard of an English translation of G. i. sung in my high school. Sung in Latin at graduation.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 09:55 PM

Thanks, masato sakurai.

With regard to the different ways "Mary" is pronounced, I found a version of Mary Mack from Ella Jenkins:

Vocalist Ella Jenkins has recorded this version of "Mary Mack":

May-Ree Mack, dressed in black
Buttons all up and down her back
Hi-yo, hi-yo, hi-yo-o, hi-yo

Give me a nickel, give me a dime
See my honey baby all the time
Hi-yo, hi-yo, hi-yo-o, hi-yo

Went to the river, couldn't get across
Got in trouble with my boss
Hi-yo, hi-yo, hi-yo-o, hi-yo

Words and Music: Ella Jenkins
© 1968 Ella Jenkins (ASCAP)

Here's a song track of that song:

http://saintsandspinners.blogspot.com/2007/10/song-of-week-may-ree-mack.html


**

If I recall correctly, Ella Jenkins said that this was the way they sung "Mary Mack" in Ohio [but which part of Ohio?}

So in Ohio, is Mary pronounced May-ree?

**

Also, thanks, DonD for that information.

So are you saying that the song I remember was a revision of an older song and not that song itself?

I've been wracking my brain for the words of this song and here's what I remember:

Come and let's be merry now
while there's life before us.
Come and let's be merry now
While there's life before us.

After cheerful youth has passed [???]
After ageless [?] age at last
While our life passes ov'r us
While our life passes ov'r us [????]

-snip=

And there was a second verse that started with "Long life our..." and the next line was "and our teachers...."

??

So, if I understood you, this is an old German song [named what?]and the words were probably changed. I'd love to find out if the song is on YouTube to see if the tune is the same as I recall it.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: number 6
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 11:39 PM

Sir John in Love again .... by The Amazing Blondel

Love is like a never ending flame it brightens everywhere,
Lights a way to truth and not to blame you should endeavour there.

(Chorus:)
Sir John is in love again.
Merry wife may seem forbidden fruit and set a spark in you.
So beware should intrigue line the route and break a heart in two.

Herne the hunter Sir Actaeon
Falstaff the stag at bay indeed.
Poor plain knight he needs love, he wants love, give him love.
Quarrel's flight should reaquaint him with chivalry and honour enough.

Bully rook you're taken for a knave through your inconstancy.
Now sirrah must learn how to behave and gain love honestly.

(Chorus)

Herne the hunter Sir Actaeon
Falstaff the stag at bay indeed.
Poor plain knight he needs love, he wants love, give him love.
Quarrel's flight should reaquaint him with chivalry and honour enough.


biLL

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 17 Dec 07 - 11:54 PM

Gee, there must be a gazillion songs with "Mary," "Merry," and/or "Marry" in the title!

A few others

Hello, Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Girl That I Marry
When I Marry Mr. Snow (From "Carousel?")
Proud Mary
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Lady Mary
Mary, Did You Know?
Mary's Song (Breath Of Heaven)
Mary Mild
Mary Ann (Or Marianne)

Didn't Abba have a song called "Marry Me, Marry Me" or something like that?




But "Mary Mack" is the epitome, because it uses all 3 of these words repeatedly throughout the song, just to see if you're sober enough to sing it!

G

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Snuffy
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 09:26 AM

Azizi, Gaudeamus Igitur is the name of the song the German students used to sing - in Latin, not in German.

The words you give are a pretty good translation (but the 2nd verse praises young women, not teachers!), and would seem to fit the traditional tune.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 09:44 AM

Thanks, Snuffy!!!

I appreciate that info.

My poor mind can now focus on a million other things.

:o)

Subject: Lyr Add: THE CHERRY TREE CAROL
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:32 AM

Azizi, since you say "in their title or lyrics", we have The Cherry Tree Carol, Child #54. There are two versions in the DT, neither being totally the set which I know, which is as follows:

THE CHERRY TREE CAROL

When Joseph was an old man, an old man was he,
He married Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee,
He married Virgin Mary, the queen of Galilee.

As Joseph and Mary walked through an orchard green,
Here were apples, here were cherries in plenty to be seen
Here were apples, here were cherries in plenty to be seen

And Mary spoke to Joseph, so meek and so mild,
"Joseph, gather me some cherries, for I am with child,
Joseph, gather me some cherries, for I am with child."

And Joseph flew in anger, in anger flew he,
"Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee,
Let the father of the baby gather cherries for thee."

Then up spoke baby Jesus from in Mary's womb,
"Bend down the tallest tree, that my mother might have some,
Bend down the tallest tree, that my mother might have some."

The cherry tree bent low down, bent low down to the ground
And Mary gathered cherries, while Joseph stood around
And Mary gathered cherries, while Joseph stood around

Now Joseph took Mary upon his left knee
"Oh, what have I done, Lord? Have mercy on me!
Oh, what have I done, Lord? Have mercy on me!"

And Joseph took baby Jesus all on his right knee
"Oh, tell me, pretty baby, when thy birthday shall be
Oh, tell me, pretty baby, when thy birthday shall be."

"The sixth day of January*, my birthday shall be,
When the stars in the elements shall tremble with glee!
When the stars in the elements shall tremble with glee!"

* The Sixth Day of January, or "Old Christmas", before the change to the calendar we use today.

I have this version from the singing of Andrew Rowan Summers, with dulcimer, on Folkways FP41, 1954.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: masato sakurai
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:45 AM

Found a song containing "Mary," "marry," and "merry" in it.

The Gosport tragedy. Sold Wholesale and Retail by Leonard Deming, Boston. [n. d.]

The Gosport Tragedy,

Shewing how a young damsel was seduced by a ship-carpenter, who led her into a lonesome wood, and there destroyed her--how her ghost haunted him at sea, and he died distracted.

IN Gosport of late a young damsel did dwell,
For wit and for beauty few did her excel;
A young man did court her for to be his dear,
And he by his trade was a ship carpenter.

He said, dearest Molly, if you will agree,
And give your consent dear for to marry me,
Your love it can cure me of sorrow and care,
Consent then to wed with a ship carpenter.

With blushes as charming as roses in June,
She answered, dear William to wed I'm too young
For young men are fickle, I see very plain,
If a maiden is kind they are quickly disdain.

My charming sweet Molly how can you say so?
Thy beauty's the heaven to which I would go;
If there I find channel when I chance for to steer,
I then will cast anchor and stay with my dear.

I ne'er will be cloy'd with the charms of my love,
My heart is as true as the sweet turtle dove,
And what I now crave is to wed with my dear,
For when we are married no danger I'll fear.

The state of a virgin sweet William I prize,
For marriage brings sorrow and trouble likewise;
I'm afraid for to venture, therefore forbear,
I never will marry with a ship carpenter,

But yet 'twas in vain that she strove to deny,
For he by his cunning soon made her comply;
And by base deception he did her betray,
In sin's hellish paths he led her astray.

But when this young damsel with child she did prove,
She quick sent the tidings to her faithless love;
Who swore by the heavens that he would prove true,
And said I will marry no damsel but you.

Things pass'd on a while, but at length we do hear,
His ship must be sailing, for sea he must steer,
Which griev'd this poor damsel, & wounded her heart
To think with her lover she so sudden must part.

Cry'd she, dearest William, e're you go to sea,
Remember the vows you have made unto me,
If at home you don't tarry I never can rest,
Then how can you leave me with sorrow oppress'd?

With tender expressions to her he did say,
I'll marry my Mary ere I go to sea;
And if that to morrow my love will ride down,
The ring I can buy our fond union to crown.

With tender embraces they parted the night,
And promised to meet the next morning by light;
When William said--Mary you must go with me,
Before we are maried, our friends for to see.

He led her through groves and vallies so deep,
At length the young damsel began for to weep,
Crying, William I fear you will lead me astray,
On purpose my innocent life to betray.

He said you've guess'd right & all earth can't you save
For the whole of last night I've been digging your grave
When poor ruin'd Mary did hear him say so,
The tears from her eyes like a fountain did flow.

A grave with a spade lying near she did see,
Which caused her to sigh and to weep bitterly,
O! perjury William, the worst of mankind,
Is this the bride's bed, I expected to find?

O! pity my infant and spare my poor life,
Let me live full of shame if I can't be your wife,
O! take not my life least my soul you betray,
And you to perdition be hurried away.

Her hands, white as lillies, in sorrow she wrung,
Imploring for mercy, crying, what have I done,
To you dearest William, so comely and fair,
Will you murder your true love, that lov'd you so dear

He said this is no time disputing to stand,
Then instantly taking a knife in his hand,
He pierc'd her fair breast, whence the blood it did flew
And into the grave her fair body did throw.

He cover'd the body and quick hasten'd home,
Leaving none but the small birds her state to bemoan,
On board ship he enter'd without more delay,
And set sail from Plymouth to plough the salt sea.

A young man nam'd Stewart, of courage most bold,
One night happen'd late to go into the hold,
Where a beautiful damsel to him did appear,
And she in her arms, held an infant most fair.

Being merry with liquor he went to embrace,
Transported with joy at beholding her face;
When to his amazement she vanished away,
Which he told the captain without more delay.

The captain soon summoned the jovial ship's crew,
And said, my brave fellows, I fear some of you
Have murdered some damsel ere you came away,
Whose injured ghost haunts you now on the sea.

Whoever you be, if the truth you deny,
When found out, you'll be hung at the yard arm so high
But he who confesses, his life we'll not take,
But leave him upon the first island we make.

Then William immediately fell on his knees,
The blood in his veins quick with horror did freeze;
He cried, cruel murder! oh! what have I done?
God help me, I feat my poor soul is undone!

Poor injured ghost your full pardon I crave,
For soon I must follow you down to the grave.
None else but this poor wretch beheld this sad sight,
And raving distracted, he died the same night.

Now when her sad parents these tidings did hear,
They search'd for the body of their daughter so dear,
Near the town of Southampton, in valley most deep,
The body was found, which caused many to weep.

In Gosport's green church yard her ashes now lie,
And we hope that her soul is with God in the skies;
Then let this sad tale be a warning to all,
Who dare a poor innocent maid to enthral!

AN Assortment of SONGS, second to none in the City, may be found at L. DEMING'S, corner of Merchant's Row and Market Square.

Sold Wholesale and Retail by Leonard Deming, No. 1, Market Square, corner of Merchant's Row, Boston.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 11:54 AM

Good find, masato!

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 02:04 PM

Bruce O noted the name of the tune to "The Gosport Tragedy" in thread 16745: Polly
With the name "The Ship's Carpenter," several versions have been collected in Newfoundland.
The broadside version noted by Masato is more complete than most 'folk' versions.

Lyr. Add: MARY HAD A WILLIAM GOAT
(Newfoundland, Joshua Osborne)

Mary had a William goat, William goat, William goat,
Mary had a William goat, his stomach was lined with zinc.

One day he ate an oyster can, oyster can, oyster can,
One day he ate an oyster can and a kitchen sink.

The can was filled with dynamite, dynamite, dynamite,
The can was filled with dynamite which Billy thought was cheese.

He rubbed against poor Mary's side, Mary's side, Mary's side,
He rubbed against poor Mary's side the awful pain to ease.

A sudden flash of goat and girl, goat and girl, goat and girl,
A sudden flash of goat and girl and little else to tell.

Mary's soul to heaven went, heaven went, heaven went,
Mary's soul to heaven went and Billy's went to

Hoop dee doodle doodle doo, doodle doo, doodle doo,
Hoop deee doodle doodle doo, hoop dee doodle doo.

Kenneth Peacock, "Songs of the Newfoundland Outports," vol. 1, p. 19 with score.
Variants of this all over North America.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 04:15 PM

Then there's "C'e 'Na Luna Mezz' O Mare, " aka "Lazy Mary."

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 05:19 PM

Simple DT search for "Mary" reveals (among others) these songs with "Mary" in the title:



The Digitrad Results
0.9653 - QUEEN MARY'S MEN
0.9525 - MARY McGILL
0.9525 - QUEEN MARY
0.9525 - MARY NAIL
0.9352 - LORD ABORE AND MARY FLYNN
0.9281 - BURNS AND HIS HIGHLAND MARY
0.9201 - FOUR MARYS
0.9018 - BRINGING MARY HOME
0.9018 - THE WRECK OF THE MARY, DEAR
0.8909 - WILLIE AND MARY
0.8909 - THE MARY L. MACKAY
0.8788 - MIDNIGHT MARY
0.8788 - MARY'S BOY CHILD
0.8788 - THENIEL MENZIES BONIE MARY
0.8788 - THE SOO STE. MARY'S JAIL
0.8788 - MARY'S DREAM
0.8788 - MARY HAD A LITTLE CLONE
0.8788 - MARY HAD A BABY
0.8788 - MARY GO 'ROUND
0.8788 - MARY FROM DUNGLOE
0.8656 - STEP IT OUT, MARY
0.8655 - MARY HAMILTON (7)
0.8655 - CAPTIVE SONG OF MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
0.8655 - THE LADY MARY SAILS
0.8655 - THE BELLS OF ST MARY'S
0.8655 - MARY MORISON
0.8655 - MARY MILD
0.8655 - MARY ANN MCCARTHY
0.8655 - MARY ANN
0.8655 - MARY AND THE SOLDIER
0.8655 - BONNIE WEE MARY
0.8511 - OH, MARY DON'T YOU WEEP
0.8511 - MARY ON THE WILD MOOR
0.8511 - MARY FAGAN
0.8511 - MARY DEAR
0.8511 - HIGHLAND MARY
0.8347 - DEVILISH MARY
0.8347 - QUEEN MARY'S ESCAPE FROM LOCHLEVEN
0.8347 - WINDS BLEW ACROSS THE WILD MOOR (MARY DIED AT HER FATHER'S DOOR)
0.8347 - MARY DANCED WITH SOLDIERS
0.8164 - BLEST MARY WANDERS THROUGH THE THORN
0.8164 - THE SEVEN JOYS OF MARY (2)
0.8164 - MARY RILEY
0.8164 - MARY MARTINDALE
0.8164 - LADY MARY ANN
0.8164 - IS THERE ANYBODY HERE LIKE MARY A-WEEPIN'
0.8164 - CAN YOU TYPE, MARY ALICE
0.8164 - BLACK-EYED MARY
0.8164 - BESSY BELL AND MARY GRAY
CAPE ST.MARY'S

0.7961 - RED HAIRED MARY
0.7961 - MARY SOMERS
MARY ANN
MARIA DURCH EIN DORNWALD GING
MARRIED AND SINGLE LIFE
FAIR MARY OF WALLINGTON


Also, does "Mairie's Wedding" count?

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 05:28 PM

Simple DT search for "Mary" reveals (among others) these songs with "Mary" in the title

-snip-

Yeah, but that's no fun!

I was wondering what songs or titles a person could remember without looking.

{I mean no aspersion on the compilers of the Digital Tradition to whom many thanks are given}

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 08:58 PM

Yeah, it's more fun to think 'em up yourself. However, the DT gave me a lot of titles I'd never heard before! (Some of the ones I listed either I or someone else had already posted.)
There were very few in the DT that I was familiar with that I had not already thought of on my own.

BTW, does "merrie" count as an alternative spelling of "merry?"

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 09:09 PM

More:

Soldier, Soldier, Will You Marry Me

Sadie, Sadie, Married Lady
Merry Christmas, Darling,
Merry Christmas With Love
Merry Minuet

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 09:28 PM

Hey, Genie!

You're right. It's fun to visit the DT and see how many songs you don't know.

As to whether different spellings of Mary, marry, or merry count, sure, why not!

**

Thanks to all who have posted to this thread thus far.

Keep'em comin!

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 09:30 PM

I mean "you" in the global sense {all of us}.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Susan of DT
Date: 18 Dec 07 - 10:26 PM

Running some totals from the newest version of the DT (slightly newer than the posted one), we have:

Mary    384
merry   425
marry   430

Mary + merry   23
Mary + marry   25
merry + marry 29

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 08:58 AM

"The thread title immediately reminded me of a long ago radio program that featured Professor Somebody who was a pronunciation and dialect expert. He'd have members of his studio audience come up and speak set sentences and then tell them, with amazing accuracy, where they came from or had been raised.My favorite test line was, "Merry Mary married hairy Harry."When it came out "Mary Mary mary-ed hairy Hairy.", he'd immediately zero in on the greater Detroit area, and go on from there."

There is a story of a young student from Leeds (who went on to become a high court judge). He went to Oxford University and at some social gathering met a southern student with a 'plum' voice. After a while the Leeds student spoke a few words; the southern student turned to him and said, 'Ah, and how are things in Leeds?' TLS was very impressed that TSS could tell so accurately where he came from on so little evidence and assumed he was a dialect expert. At the end he hung around and buttonholed him.

TLS: How did you know I was from Leeds?
TSS: You have an unmistakably northern accent.
TLS: But how were you so sure it was Leeds rather than for example Bradford?
TSS: (After a long pause)Ah yes. Bradford.Of course. Sorry! I just assumed everyone with a northern accent was from Leeds.


Noone seems to have mentioned The Four Maries aka Mary Hamilton.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle
Date: 19 Dec 07 - 08:59 AM

Sorry for accidental anonymity. Last one was from me.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 02:58 AM

The Four Marys is one of the songs from the DT that listed above, and Mary Hamilton was cited early on. : )

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 09:22 AM

Earlier on, I was puzzled with references to differences in pronunciation between merry, Mary, marry, merry, and Harry. "Of course, they are all pronounced to rhyme."

But last night (under the influence of this thread) I was singing The Cherry Tree Carol, and I realized that I was singing something like "He mahr-ried Virgin Mary". Why, I don't know, but it sounds better that way to me, in singing that song. To me, the other four words all have the same vowel sound.

In speaking, however, I don't think I'd ever make a difference in the vowel sounds, and I've never been aware of others making a distinction. That might just be my inattention.

I should say, I suppose, that I'm from southern Minnesota originally, and transplanted 47 years ago to Indiana.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:22 PM

Uncle Dave, my dad, who was born in 1914 in the US midwest and raised there, always asserted that "Mary," "merry" and "marry" were prounced differently.   He said M-a-r-y was correctly pronounced "May-ree," "m-e-r-r-y" rhymed with "cherry" or "ferry" (i.e., short "e" sound) and "m-a-r-r-y" rhymed with "Harry" or "parry" (short "a" sound).

Of course, I don't recall anyone else ever making quite those distinctions.   Perhaps dad's take on it was once considered "correct" American English pronunciation, but, if so, those customs have long since lost their currency.   And if your "English" is that spoken in places other than the US, I imagine all bets are off.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Mo the caller
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:43 PM

Hmmm. Being English, from London originally, I'd pronounce the a in Mary as in mare (horse), the e in merry as in egg, and the a in marry as in mat or cat.
But that only helps in you say mare, mat and egg the same as I do!

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 04:55 PM

Genie, you said,

He said M-a-r-y was correctly pronounced "May-ree," "m-e-r-r-y" rhymed with "cherry" or "ferry" (i.e., short "e" sound) and "m-a-r-r-y" rhymed with "Harry" or "parry" (short "a" sound).

I have heard OF some saying "May-ree", but I don't understand the distinction you make about "marry", "Harry", "parry" not rhyming with "cherry" and "ferry".   To me, and in my experience, they're all "airy" rhymers.

Maybe I just don't have a subtle enough ear.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 05:37 PM

Has anyone mentioned this song yet?

STROLLING THROUGH THE PARK ONE DAY

Refrain
While strolling through the park one day,
In the merry merry month of May;
I was taken by surprise,
By a pair of roguish eyes,
In a moment my poor heart was stole away.

A smile was all she gave to me.

Of course we were as happy as can be.

Ah! I immediately raised my hat,
And finally she remarked;
I never shall forget,
That lovely afternoon,
I met her at the fountain in the park.

While strolling through the park one day,
In the merry month of May;
I was taken by surprise,
By a pair of roguish eyes,
In a moment my poor heart was stole away.

A smile was all she gave to me.

Of course we are as happy as can be.

Ah! I immediately raised my hat,
And finally she remarked;
I never shall forget,
That lovely afternoon,
I met her at the fountain in the park.

Words & Music: Ed Haley
Piano: Brent Bailey
Midi: Somewhere In Time
Lyrics: Musical's Tin Pan Alley Lyrics


http://www.mommydearest.com/piano.html

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 05:39 PM

I was taken by surprise,
By a pair of roguish eyes

rougish eyes??!!

I thought it was blue-ish eyes...

And come to think of it, what has May been up to that makes her so merry?

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 07:58 PM

Uncle Dave, it's just the difference between a short "e" sound and a short "a" sound.

I realize that most of the time we "Yanks" tend to pronounce "hairy," "Harry," and "cherry," "marry," all with the same short vowel sound, but strictly speaking there is a difference.   Some Brits, for example, clearly pronounce the name "Carrie" with a short "a" sound, NOT rhyming it with "merry" or "cherry" (short "e"). Say "ca" as in "cat" or "ma" as in "mat" and attach the syllable "ree" to it.   Now say "te" as in "teflon" or "be" as in "bed" and attach the "ree" syllable.
See (hear) the difference?

"Marry" is "ma" (as in "mat") + "ree." "Merry" is "me" (as in "medicine") + "ree."   My dad said "Mary" was supposed to be pronounced "May - ree."

Hardly anyone I know, this side of the pond, anyway, makes those pronunciation distinctions.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Mo the caller
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 06:58 AM

Genie, I think we have 4 vowel sounds here, a as in mat, e as in medicine, a as in may ..."maybe it's because I'm a Londoner", or "the merry morning of May" and a as in mare "Tom Pierce, Tom Peirce, lend me your grey mare". I'd say Mary as in mare.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Snuffy
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 10:13 AM

For we Yookers, the sounds of Mary, merry and marry are as different as those of John, Jane and June.

But Marie can be pronounced Mah-ree, M'ree or Marry

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 21 Dec 07 - 07:28 PM

Excerpt from "The Christmas Song"

"And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
Merry Christmas to you"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaxDGfA7evA
The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 08:09 AM

Here's a children's song from early 20th century [or earlier] African American culture:

Mary wore a red dress, red dress, red dress.
Mary wore a red dress
all day long.

Mary was a red bird, red bird, red bird.
Mary was a red bird
all day long.

-snip-

I taught this song to pre-school/early elementary school children as a circle [ring] game with one person in the middle. When the person was a boy, we changed the name to "Johnny". The item of clothing was changed to "shirt" and the color mentioned was changed to whatever color shirt the child had on*. The child in the middle of the ring is supposed to imitate the movement of a bird [flapping their arms] while the rest of the circle holds hands and walks around the circle counterclockwise.

When I taught this song to pre-school children, I or an adult teacher or aide went into the ring of the circle with the child and showed them how to flap their arms like a bird. At the 2nd line of the 2nd verse "Mary was a red bird", the adult would also help the child twirl around, with her or his eyes closed and one hand extended with finger pointed. This was done as a means of selecting the next child to go into the ring. That child who was the one pointed to on the last word of the song was the next "Mary" or "Johnny".

*This game song may not be used in schools where children wear the same color uniforms. But in addition to teaching color recognition, among the other skills this game teaches are following instructions, taking turns, and group cooperation.

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Azizi
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 09:25 AM

I meant to mention that the tune for the song "Mary Wore A Red Dress" is the same as the first two lines of the children's song "I'm A Little Tea Pot".

Subject: RE: Mary, Marry, Merry
From: Genie
Date: 22 Dec 07 - 05:31 PM

Mo, I agree. The "a" (or "ai") as in "mare" or "fairy" is phonetically different from "a" as in "mat," "e" as in "cherry" or "red"," or "a" as in "May."

And I think most Yanks pronounce "Mary" with an "a" as in "mare." (In fact, "Mare" is often a nickname for "Mary.")