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Songs about Homelessness
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE SQUATTER'S RANT From: Charley Noble Date: 06 Jan 09 - 08:10 AM There is also a vast wealth of protest songs about "homelessness." Here's an excerpt from the draft HOUSING SONG BOOK: This militant song from England, put together by the Hackney and Islington Music Workshop in 1976, describes the rationale for squatting and how to go about it. As they state in their own introduction to this song: In our over-urbanized society where living space is artificially scarce, control over housing is more and more a means of control over people. Homeless people are always a minority who get little sympathy from their fellow workers who have been lucky enough to get council flats. The available living space in our cities is determined by invisible forces: plotting speculators and bureaucratic planners. Squatters take direct action to get what they need, in contrast to the respected members of our society who keep just inside the law and make a million. Words by Islington Music Workshop © 1976 In New Songs, New Times Tune: inspired by "Fiddlers Green" THE SQUATTER'S RANT Chorus: (So) Hand me my torch and my crowbar; Pass me my map of the town; Why should we be homeless when there's Plenty to go round; Plenty of houses are empty; Why should we sleep on the floor? I'm one of the homeless of London tonight, But I'll have a new home in the morning. We've been waiting for twenty-odd years To get to the top of the list; Even went down to the council 'Cos I thought we must've been missed; They told us to just keep on waiting; They were doing their best, they said; So I asked for a transfer to the cemetery list 'Cos before we come up we'll be dead.(CHO) My old man used to knock us about; He beat up the kids and the cat; I know we're supposed to be married, But I'm not putting up with that; Made up my mind I was leaving, But we had nowhere to go; Can't get a place from the council, So a-squatting we will go. (CHO) We used to live in a furnished flat, With a landlord snooping about; One day he wrote us a letter And he said that we'd have to move out; He said he was doing improvements, Thousands of pounds would be spent, But after he'd done the improvements We couldn't afford the rent. (CHO) Some people live in a castle; Some people live in a tent; Some people live by the rules of the game But the referee is bent; How come that thousands are homeless While builders are on the dole? Someone is making a fortune Because profits are in control. (CHO) So here's to the property dealers; Here's to Max Rayne and Charles Clore; If ever they're stuck for a place to live, There's plenty of room on our floor; Here's to the bold Harry Hyams, Good old Joe Levy as well, And all of the rich speculators, I hope that they're homeless in hell.(CHO) Warm regards, Landlady's Daughter |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: GUEST,DWR Date: 06 Jan 09 - 06:38 AM That was me above, sorry to the ones who go looking for nameless posts to delete. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HOME FROM THE FOREST (Gordon Lightfoot) From: GUEST Date: 06 Jan 09 - 06:18 AM Mentioned earlier by TJ in San Diego. One of my favorites, too. http://www.lightfoot.ca/lyrics.htm Home From The Forest Gordon Lightfoot From THE WAY I FEEL 1967 UA Records (UAS 6587) Mono (UAL 3587) (C) Oh the neon lights were flashing And the (F) icy wind did (C) blow The water (Em) seeped in(Am)to his (Am/G) shoes And the (F) drizzle turned to (C) snow His (F) eyes were red, his (C) hopes were dead And the (Am) wine was running (E) low And the (F) old man came (G) home from the (C) forest His tears fell on the sidewalk as he stumbled in the street A dozen faces stopped to stare but no one stopped to speak For his castle was a hallway and the bottle was his friend And the old man stumbled in from the forest Up a dark and dingy staircase the old man made his way His ragged coat around him as upon his cot he lay And he wondered how it happened that he ended up this way Getting lost like a fool in the forest And as he lay there sleeping a vision did appear Upon his mantle shining a face of one so dear Who had loved him in the springtime of a long forgotten year When the wildflowers did bloom in the forest She touched his grizzled fingers and she called him by his name And then he heard the joyful sound of children at their games In an old house on a hillside in some forgotten town Where the river runs down from the forest With a mighty roar the big jets soar above the canyon streets And the con men con but life goes on for the city never sleeps And to an old forgotten soldier the dawn will come no more For the old man has come home from the forest |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Amergin Date: 06 Jan 09 - 05:10 AM There is Grit Laskin's Margins of my Neighbourhood...Rick Fielding recorded a cover of it on his Lifelines album.... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DICKENS' DUBLIN (THE PALACE) (L McKennitt From: MaW Date: 06 Jan 09 - 04:49 AM Loreena McKennitt recorded a song on her album Parallel Dreams which I thought of immediately when I saw this song. It's called Dickens' Dublin (The Palace). These lyrics are by Ms McKennitt, and the recording has them interspersed with a reading of the Christmas story by a child which is quite an evocative combination. I walk the streets of Dublin It's 1842 It's snowing on this Christmas Eve Think I'll beg another bob or two I'll huddle in this doorway here Till someone comes along If the lamplighter comes real soon Maybe I'll go home with him. Maybe I can find a place I can call my home Maybe I can find a home I can call my own The horses on the cobbled stones pass by Think I'll get one, one fine day And ride into the countryside And very far away But now as the daylight disappears I best find a place to sleep Think I'll slip into the bell tower In the church just down the street Maybe I can find a place I can call my home Maybe I can find a home I can call my own Maybe on the way, I'll find the dog I saw the other night And tuck him underneath my jacket So we'll stay warm through the night And as we lie in the bell tower high And dream of days to come The bells o'erhead will call the hour The day we will find a home. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: open mike Date: 06 Jan 09 - 01:33 AM yes that was ladysmith blackmumbazo singing with Paul Simon |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Azizi Date: 06 Jan 09 - 01:08 AM Wow! Benjamin! How's that for synchronicity?! My compliments to you. And since I'm here, here's a link to another YouTube video that shows the dance movements that Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5tngHfemWc |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Benjamin Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:50 AM Paul Simon recorded a song called Homelesson his Graceland album. It goes a little something like - Emaweni webaba Silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake We are homeless, we are homeless The moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake And we are homeless, homeless, homeless The moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Zio yami, zio yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami amakhaza asengi bulele Nhliziyo yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami, angibulele amakhaza Nhliziyo yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami somandla angibulele mama Zio yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami, nhliziyo yami Too loo loo, too loo loo Too loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo Too loo loo, too loo loo Too loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo Strong wind destroy our home Many dead, tonight it could be you Strong wind, strong wind Many dead, tonight it could be you And we are homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Yitho omanqoba (ih hih ih hih ih) yitho omanqoba Esanqoba lonke ilizwe (ih hih ih hih ih) Yitho omanqoba (ih hih ih hih ih) Esanqoba phakathi e England Yitho omanqoba Esanqoba phakathi e London Yitho omanqoba Esanqoba phakathi e England Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Kuluman Kulumani, Kulumani sizwe Singenze njani Baya jabula abasi thanda yo Ho Also, Archie Roach sings a song Down City Streets he wrote with his wife Ruby Hunter. Both were once homeless aborigines in Australia and to my understanding have opened there home up to street kids to stay. I wasn't able to find the lyrics right off hand though. Sorry. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Azizi Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:48 AM Sleepy Rosie, best wishes to you on your project. And may your friend rest in peace. ** Here's a song about homelessness from the South African acapella group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Homeless (Ladysmith Black Mambazo) Emaweni webaba Silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Webaba silale maweni Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake We are homeless, we are homeless The moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake And we are homeless, homeless, homeless The moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Zio yami, zio yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami amakhaza asengi bulele Nhliziyo yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami, angibulele amakhaza Nhliziyo yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami somandla angibulele mama Zio yami, nhliziyo yami Nhliziyo yami, nhliziyo yami Too loo loo, too loo loo Too loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo Too loo loo, too loo loo Too loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo loo Strong wind destroy our home Many dead, tonight it could be you Strong wind, strong wind Many dead, tonight it could be you And we are homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Homeless, homeless Moonlight sleeping on a midnight lake Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Yitho omanqoba (ih hih ih hih ih) yitho omanqoba Esanqoba lonke ilizwe (ih hih ih hih ih) yitho omanqoba (ih hih ih hih ih) Esanqoba phakathi e england Yitho omanqoba Esanqoba phakathi e london Yitho omanqoba Esanqoba phakathi e england Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody sing hello, hello, hello Somebody say ih hih ih hih ih Somebody cry why, why, why? Kuluman Kulumani, kulumani sizwe Singenze njani Baya jabula abasi thanda yo Ho http://www.lyricstime.com/ladysmith-black-mambazo-homeless-lyrics.html Here's a link to a YouTube video of this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp3pPFjH_Sg&feature=related I like this song because of its tune and its words, both the English words that I understand, and the Zulu words that I don't understand. It's the song's feeling tone that gets me, the images it evokes. It makes me think of why so many people-men, women, and children, were and are still homeless in so many places in the world-including in my own city and country. I don't listen to this song that often because it makes me sad. The lines that really move me are "Somebody sing hello, hello, hello/Somebody cry why, why, why?"... |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: open mike Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:17 AM all the songs on this album are good ones.. and it looks like a good project. too. http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1128508/a/Silverwolf+Homeless+Project.htm there is also a c.d. called Voices of the Homeless.. where street people were recorded in a studio..i think it might be specifically a Christmas album. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: open mike Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:09 AM there is a Midnight choir in Bird on a Wire by Leonard Cohen |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Mark Ross Date: 06 Jan 09 - 12:09 AM HOBO BILL'S LAST RIDE. Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Sandy Mc Lean Date: 05 Jan 09 - 11:01 PM Two that I often sing are "Hobo's Lullaby" and "May I Sleep In Your Barn Tonight Mister". (In DT) @displaysong.cfm?SongID=2680 @displaysong.cfm?SongID=10193 |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Beer Date: 05 Jan 09 - 11:01 PM The Midnight Choir By Rodney Crowell. I think. but I could be wrong. Here is one I'm sure he did. 'Til I Gain Control Again Beer (adrien) |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: open mike Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:49 PM Geraldine and Ruthie Mae by Sarah Elizabeth Campbell (the bag lady's song) in Digi Trad here there are a couple of threads on the Char lady's Ball http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=6502 |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HOMELESS (Tabor) From: Ebbie Date: 05 Jan 09 - 06:58 PM By Guy (Buddy) Tabor Juneau, Alaska from his Box of Pain CD HOMELESS Fred was a gentle man, he'd never harm a soul He still could make me laugh in my world that had grown cold I often think of him, he was my only friend I never dreamed this was the way that it would finally end We met at the mission shelter, wondered if things would ever change At night we slept under the interstate bridge to shelter from the rain It was three feet tall and you had to kneel on down to crawl back in But you wouldn't wake up with a knife in your back from someone else's sins In the day we'd walk the streets begging for spare change We worked the ATM machine on the corner of Fifth and Main These kids in fast cars would drive by and call us names I'd just turn around, flip 'em off and Fred would do the same For all have sinned and fallen down, short of God's great glory I heard the mission preacher scream it, Amen and Holy, Holy The heart is full of wickedness and drowns in its deceit And you got to watch each step you take when you're out here on the street Late one night we were heading back to the bridge to get some sleep We were almost there when this car full of kids came racing down the street They jumped out of their car with their baseball bats and pellet guns I dropped my sleeping bag and yelled at Fred, We'd better run I scrambled up the incline, knelt on down and crawled back in But Fred had tripped and fallen down. This would be his very end I heard his screams among their laughter as they broke both of his legs What seemed like a time of eternity Fred lay on the ground dead The cops threw Fred in the ambulance like he was just a piece of meat I heard one laugh and tell another, that's one less bum on the street The preacher at the mission was unfazed by the news At the evening service, he never mentioned Fred. My God, what can you do The city paid and buried Fred deep in a pauper's grave Those kids were never caught. They slipped the noose and got away But me, I bought this gun and now I know what I must do 'Cause it don't matter anymore when your life is almost through For all have sinned and fallen down, short of God's great glory I heard the mission priest scream it, Amen and holy, holy The heart is full of wickedness and drowns in its deceit And you got to watch each step you take when you're out here on the street |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Mark Ross Date: 05 Jan 09 - 06:21 PM Bob Dylan re-wrote ONLY A MINER as ONLY A HOBO. Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: SPB-Cooperator Date: 05 Jan 09 - 06:19 PM There is another superb music hall song that I wish I had in my collection "The Ragged Gentil" |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: SPB-Cooperator Date: 05 Jan 09 - 06:16 PM Re: While London Sleeps? Shouldn't the line 'sold your life' be 'sold your lights'... I've got the sheetr music for it but I can't get to it at the moment. Lights refers to the wicks or lighters (like long very thin candles) that were sold by people on the streets to raise a few coppers. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: oldhippie Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:41 PM Two recent ones that come to mind are "The Home of Billy D" by Bobby Ross and "Teardrops of Blood" by Richard Aberdeen (lyrics at freedomtracks.com). |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Bert Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:21 PM "I Live in Trafalgar Square" I'd forgotten that one Dave. Ha, 'If it's good enough for Nelson, then it's quite good enough for me' |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Dave Sutherland Date: 05 Jan 09 - 05:16 PM "London Road" by Eddy Morton and recorded by The Bushbury Mountain Daredevils. "I Live in Trafalgar Square" old music hall song |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Francy Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:50 PM Bottles & Boxes & ten miles a day, he walks slowly making his rounds...Picking up bottles & boxes and papers, and anything else we throw down...He's hump-backed & wrinkled, but unlike Van Winkle, he doesn't sleep hi life away...And he sleeps so seldom that some of us wonder, just what the old man has to say.....Some folks laugh at him but he doesn't notice....He goes right on "bout his day.....Pickin' up bottles & boxes & papers and pieces of life thrown away......Too big and tattered are clothes he's gathered, from boxes thrown into the street....He hides from the rain under store building awnings, and stays in the shade in the heat.....Sisters & mothers & daddies & brothers, he has none as far as we know.....just bottles & boxes, they"re his Fort Knoxes...But to us they're just somethin' to throw...Some folks laugh at him but he doesn't notice, he goes right on 'bout his day.....living with bottles & boxes and papers & pieces of life thrown away.........1975 recoroded by Bobby Bare Frank of (Toledo=Spokane) |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:45 PM I can't believe I left "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" off my short list. It was one I did with great frequency in the old coffee house days of the 50's and '60's and still enjoy. When I talk to those crippled, emotionally or physically, and out on the streets, I often hear comments like "Where are all my good friends now? I guess they don't want to be embarrassed by me." Human nature is a helluva thing, ain't it? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: FAREWELL /FARE THEE WELL MY OWN TRUE LOVE From: topical tom Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:41 PM One of my favourites that gives a sense of wandering and homelessness: The Kingston Trio - Farewell (Fare Thee Well My Own True Love) lyrics Artist: The Kingston Trio lyrics Album: Nick-Bob-John Year: 1964 Title: Farewell (Fare Thee Well My Own True Love) lyrics Print Correct Send "Farewell (Fare Thee Well My Own True Love)" Ringtone to your Cell Lyrics to Farewell (Fare Thee Well My Own True Love) : (Bob Dylan) Fare thee well, my own true love. I'm leavin' the first hour of the morn. I'm bound off for the bay of Mexico and maybe the coast of Californ. [Chorus:] So, fare them well, my own true love. We'll meet another day, another time. It's not the leavin' that's grievin' me, but my true love whose bound to stay behind. The weather is against me and the wind blows hard and the rain, she's a-turnin' into hail, But I still might strike it lucky on a highway going West though I'm travelin' the path-beaten trail. I'll write you a letter from time to time. As I ramble you can travel with me, too. With my hands in my head and my heart, my love, I will send what I know back home to you. [Chorus] There's a place I've heard of where I might as well be bound. It's down around Mexican plain. And they say that the people are all friendly down there. All they ask of you is your name. I'll tell you of the laughter and the troubles be their somebody else's or my own. With my hands in my pocket and my coat collar high, I will travel unnoticed and unknown. [Chorus] [ Farewell (Fare Thee Well My Own True Love) Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ] Send "Farewell (Fare Thee Well My Own True Love)" Ringtone to your Cell Last The Kingston Trio Lyrics |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Little Robyn Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:32 PM We heard one in 1990 and it took about 15 years to locate the singer again - our own Theresa Tooley. We can't remember the name* of the person - choose your own,the title is missing (maybe The Bag Lady Song), we don't know who wrote it and the words were incomplete but we think it's: Me name is Annie Walker* and I'm living on the street, I spend me mornings sleeping and the night-time on me feet. Each afternoon I look for work, I will not stoop to theft, But pride don't keep me warm enough, and pride's all I got left. I spent me time at tailoring until me eyes went bad And I felt that we could make it on the savings that we had But me husband died ten years ago, still I could pay the rent, But the landlord kept on raising it until it all was spent. So I ended in a shelter with the other homeless ones: The sick ones and the dying, someone's daughters, someone's sons, The violent and the crazy whether white or brown or black 'Twas the nearest thing to hell on earth and I'm never going back. I keep this bag beneath me coat to hide me one good dress, And I put it on to look for work - me other stuff's a mess, And I wash in public washrooms, let the others stare and blink: It's hard enough to look for work and harder when you stink. Now the churches in this city that the rich folk all attend, They call me there on Sunday and they tell me God's me friend, They give me soup on Saturday and give me things for free, They give me soup on Saturday and call it charity. So listen to me, people, before you walk away Pretending you don't see me, listen hard to what I say: This world is not so small a place as once it used to be And whatever we create here touches you as well as me. Yes, whatever we create here touches you as well as me. If you know who wrote it or anything more about it I'd love to know. Maybe when Theresa moves house she might find the words again??? Robyn |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: VirginiaTam Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:26 PM Dave Goulder's Faraway Tom seems alikely song - lyrics on Digitrad |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DANNY FARRELL From: AnneMC Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:21 PM Danny Farrell written by Pete St.John, recorded by The Dublin City Ramblers And Ronnie Drew I knew Danny Farrell when his football was a can With his hand-me-downs and Welliers and his sandwiches of bran But now that pavement peasant is a full grown bitter man With all the trials and troubles of his travelling people's clan He's a loser, a boozer, a me and you user A raider, a trader, a people police hater So lonely and only, what you'd call a gurrier Still now, Danny Farrell, he's a man I knew Danny Farrell when he joined the National School He was lousy at the Gaelic, they'd call him amadán - a fool He was brilliant in the toss school by trading objects in the pawn By the time he was an adult all his charming ways had gone I knew Danny Farrell when we queued up for the dole And he tried to hide the loss of pride that eats away the soul But mending pots and kettles is a trade lost in the past "There's no hand-out here for tinkers" was the answer when he asked He's a loser, a boozer, a me and you user A raider, a trader, a people police hater So lonely and only, what you'd call a gurrier Still now, Danny Farrell, he's a man I still know Danny Farrell, saw him just there yesterday Taking methylated spirits with some wino's on the quay Oh, he's forty going on eighty, with his eyes of hope bereft And he told me this for certain, there's not many of us left He's a loser, a boozer, a me and you user A raider, a trader, a people police hater So lonely and only, what you'd call a gurrier Still now, Danny Farrell, he's a man |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WHILE LONDON SLEEPS From: Bert Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:18 PM Here is "WHILE LONDON SLEEPS" (Did Ralph McTell have this one in the back of his mind when he wrote Streets of London?) The greatest city in the world is London At least that's what the wealthy people say It's very nice for some, who always get the plum But I only get what people throw away It's very nice for starving boys in winter, It's very nice for camping out at night; A doorstep for your bed, another for your head, Just because you haven't sold your life While London sleeps and all its lamps are gleaming Millions of its people, now lie sweetly dreaming Some have no homes and all their sorrows weep While others laugh and play the game While London's fast asleep. Some people say that all the Coppers are bad uns I don't mean the browns I mean the men in blue They're called a shady lot but some of them are not Although I've caught it hot from one or two There's one of them has been a pal to this child One night he caught me dossing in the street He didn't use his club, he let me share his grub And with his lantern let me warm my feet. While London sleeps.... One night when it was snowing hard and raining I saw a woman trudging through it all So thin and poorly dressed, the baby at her breast Was covered only by a ragged shawl I followed her, I felt as how I had to When suddenly she pulled the shawl aside Then she cried Oh no! and sank into the snow From cold and want her little one had died. While London sleeps.... |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: VirginiaTam Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:14 PM My daughters and I used to sing this at SCA events. LET YOUR BACK AND SIDES GO BARE |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: reggie miles Date: 05 Jan 09 - 04:05 PM I've explored old songs via records, mostly those that I've stumbled upon at garage sales, swap meets and at junk stores. I've run across some wonderful titles on 78rpm records. Some of these were bum songs like, "Who Said I Was A Bum." My favorite version of this song is by someone who called himself Lazy Larry. I liked the almost jolly tempo and that the lyrics poked fun at the prospect of living life as a hobo. Many years ago, after graduating from college and finding no options for my degree field, I discovered the street scene at the Pike Place Market in Seattle to be an easy outlet for my creative energy. Folks there were just standing on the sidewalks, offering their music to any and all that would listen. So, I began to do the same. At first, I shared mostly those old songs that I'd find on old records, old blues and novelty songs like Lazy Lary's version of "Who Said I Was A Bum." Recently, I started to write my own songs. Spending a few decades at street level, offering my music and songs as a street performer, affords a songwriter a unique perspective. Though I wouldn't consider them 'tragic', the messages in two of my songs that directly speak of homelessness, "Shelter From The Rain" and "Homeless Broke and Hungry" are serious. They're pleas for compassion to the plight of those less fortunate. If you'd like to listen to these songs click on the following link and when you arrive, scroll down the page to locate them at my EZ Folk music page. I still enjoy singing many of those old songs and they have certainly influenced my approach to songwriting. Like Lazy Larry's song poking fun at the lifestyle of those who chose the hobo's life, I've offered the same lighthearted look at street performing in my song, "You Can Be A Street Musician." You can listen to this song at my EZ Folk music page link too. The repeating phrase in Lazy Larry's song asks, "I know I'm a hobo but who said I was a bum?" These days, I think that many folks, in many parts of the world, think of street performing and begging in the same way. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: UNDERNEATH THE STARS (Peter Case) From: GUEST,Joseph de Culver City Date: 05 Jan 09 - 03:03 PM From Peter Case's most recent "Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John" UNDERNEATH THE STARS
It's cold outside; lord help those
Underneath the stars,
Some drink wine; some are smokin' crack.
Underneath the stars,
Now the clergy have their doubts:
Underneath the stars,
Asleep in the park, rain or shine,
Underneath the stars,
So now you ask: "What can I do?"
Underneath the stars, Let us now praise Mr. Peter Case... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE BEGGAR GIRL (R Thompson) From: Mrs Scarecrow Date: 05 Jan 09 - 02:24 PM I like Richard Thompson's THE LITTLE BEGGAR GIRL for its cheekiness. Here is my own contribution to the genre I call it Please and it is on my CD 'Annie's going to sing a song' There's a cold east wind a blowing through this subway At least in here, I'm sheltered from the rain People walking past me all on their way to a home And I'm left on the streets again No, I don't need your sympathy or pity On this cold and windy Christmas eve It's hard to make it in this winter city And I really need the money that you leave Can you spare me just a little change Please Its been a long and winding road to get here And yes there have been highs as well as lows but mostly now its cold and I do fear that there's no way back but then again who knows No, I don't need... Once I do recall there was a time before when I had a warm and well lit flat A place where I could go and close my own front door but it doesn't do to dwell too long on that NO, I don't need... And if I take a drink well can you blame me it keeps out the cold and helps me to forget the memories I have can only shame me and fill me with despair and with regret No, I don't... Now as you hurry past with all your shopping trying to pretend I don't exist remember I am human think of stopping A smile and a few copper's won't be missed No, I don't... Can you spare me just a little change Please Ann Reader |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: gnomad Date: 05 Jan 09 - 02:17 PM Please let me sleep on your doorstep tonight |
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Subject: Lyr Add: PAST FIFTY (Stan Rogers) From: Marion Date: 05 Jan 09 - 02:06 PM You might also consider the blues song "Nobody Knows You", recorded by numerous artists. Nobody knows you when you're down and out In your pocket, not one penny, as for friends, you ain't got any, When you get back on your feet again, everybody wants to be your long lost friend, They say it's strange, without any doubt, Nobody knows you when you're down and out. Another one I'd suggest is "Past Fifty" by Stan Rogers (on the CD "From Coffee House to Concert Hall". The word Chief suggests that he's writing about a native man, but I guess that's not for certain. Good melody. Past Fifty (Stan Rogers) Some living, no one time for giving, I ain't got a dime, Winds are blowing, wheat fields are growing, but none of it's mine, Gets so I just watch people go by, looking away, I tell you, I'm almost through, I'd hate to see another day. Easy lady, I know you're always ready, selling your time, My last dollar, I pinched it till it hollered, and bought me some wine. I'm past caring, it's all I got for sharing, so if you're for free I tell you, I'm almost through, I'm tired as a man can be. Chorus: I want to go home to the Maker, home to the Chief, The Holy Word made me sure my worried mind would find relief; I'm going through life like a Pilgrim, lost in a storm, With winds that blow to make me cold, but the Holy Body keeps me warm. Some morning, I'd like to see me warming my feet by a fire, Eggs and bacon, coffee I'd be making, couldn't be finer! A good living, extra bit forgiving someone like me, I tell you, I'm almost through, I'm tired as a man can be. Chorus |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HARRY IN THE HOLE (James Gordon) From: Marion Date: 05 Jan 09 - 01:53 PM One of my favourites is "Harry in the Hole" by James Gordon, a Canadian singer/songwriter; it's on the CDs "Mining for Gold" and "1 in 5" (the latter being an album devoted to mental health songs). The song is more about PTSD than homelessness, but the character is homeless and the song discusses the town's discomfort with him and his involuntary hospitalization. I especially like the lines: "When his capture finally came, it was not soldiers but his neighbours who took him from the safety he had found....It seems that Harry's enemies were real, they were you and me, though he had eluded us for years..." Harry in the Hole (James Gordon) They call him Harry in the hole You'd see him walk out in the cold With a sack upon his back in the wintertime He looks scary, he looks old For Harry in the hole That really was his only crime. You can't talk to Harry in the hole He just stares and shrugs his shoulders And shuffles silently along his way Sometimes with terror in his eyes You see him scan the northern skies For an enemy that's stalked him all his days. Round here stories are still told How old Harry in the hole Was a fighter pilot back in the war They say his plane went down in flames Harry never was the same After he returned in 1944. They say that Harry had survived Deep behind the German line By hiding in a hole beneath the wreckage of his plane Now he lives out at the edge of town In a hole he dug into the ground Waiting for a foe he knows will someday come again. He did not fit into their mould Folks thought Harry in the hole Was a stain upon the good name of this town When his capture finally came It was not soldiers but his neighbours Who took him from the safety he had found. It seems that Harry's enemies Were real, they were you and me Though he had eluded us for years Now he's in the hospital A hell that's more acceptable A prisoner of all of our fears. They call him Harry in the hole You'd see him walk out in the cold With a sack upon his back in the wintertime He looks scary, he looks old For Harry in the hole That really was his only crime. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ROMPIN' ROVIN' DAYS (Bruce Murdoch) From: Lizzie Cornish 1 Date: 05 Jan 09 - 01:49 PM Rompin' Rovin' Days - by Bruce Murdoch (from 'The Singer Songwriter Project' CD) "Hey, I've been a rambler all my rompin' rovin' days A railway boy with nothin' for to do My people waved farewell somewheres down the road For hobos, friend, are only passin' through. Now I've seen every city from San Marcos in the south To the concrete fenced-in walls of New York town And everywhere I go my name nobody wants to know And the talkin' seems to stop when I'm around. Now all in my life I've been quickly cast aside Though my handshake never meant less than your own If there's any which way for to fully understand Then tell me 'cause I'd surely like to know. For every mile I rode a freight train, I walked a city block Gazin' through the windows at the goods I couldn't buy But the thing that hurts me most is when I'm wanderin' alone And no one cares enough to ask me why. Hey, I've been a rambler all my rompin' rovin' days A railway boy with nothin' for to do My people waved farewell somewheres down the road For hobos, friend, are only passin' through." The line that gets to me everytime is: "...But the thing that hurts me most is when I'm wanderin' alone And no one cares enough to ask me why.." |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: alanabit Date: 05 Jan 09 - 01:31 PM Kevin McGrath (of Harlow) wrote a smashing song about a homeless man, which I believe is called "Paddy John". It works because it treats the subject with respect rather than with pity. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: SPB-Cooperator Date: 05 Jan 09 - 12:56 PM A Terceira Lamina by Ze Ramalho - the third layer |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: peregrina Date: 05 Jan 09 - 12:45 PM Woody Guthrie 'I ain't got no home' .... and maybe 'Hard Travelin' John Tams 'Safe House' that old one--maybe with some of your own adaption to the words: 'Poor Wayfaring Stranger' |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT (Bon Jovi) From: Acorn4 Date: 05 Jan 09 - 12:40 PM "Someday I'll be Saturday Night" by Bon Jovi is a personal favourits of mine -very much a modern folk song. Someday I'll Be Saturday Night (D)Hey, man I'm alive I'm (G)takin' each day a night at a time (D)Yes I,m down but somehow I'll get(A7sus) by(A7) (G)Hey hey hey hey man, I'm going to(A) live my life Like I(D) ain't got nothing but this (Bm)roll of the dice I'm(A) feelin' like a Monday but (G)someday I'll be Saturday(D) night (D)Hey, my name is Jim, where did I go wrong My(F#m) life's a bargain basement, all the good shit's gone I (G)just can't hold a job, where do I belong I'm(D) sleeping in my car, my (A)dreams move(D) on My(D)name is Billy Jean, my love was bought and sold I'm(F#m) only sixteen, I feel a hundred years old My (G)foster daddy went, took my innocence away The(A) street life aint much better, but at least I get paid And(Bm) Tuesday just might (G)go my way It(D) can't get worse than yesterday (F#m)Thursdays, Fridays ain't been kind But (Gbar)somehow I'll sur(E)vive (D)Hey man I'm alive I'm(G) takin' each day a night at a time (D)Yeah I'm down, but I know I'll get(Asus) by(A) Hey hey hey(G) hey, man gotta(A) live my life Like I(D) ain't got nothin' but this(Bm) roll of the dice I'm(A) feelin' like a Monday, but (G)someday I'll be Saturday(D) night Now (D)I can't say my name, and tell you where I am I want to(F#m) roll myself away, don't know if I can I(Gbar) wish that I could be in some other time and place With(Abar) someone elses soul, someone elses face Oh, (Bm)Tuesday just might(G) go my way It (D)can't get worse than(Dsus)yesterday(D) (F#m)Thursdays, Fridays ain't been kind But (Gbar)somehow I'll sur(E)vive (D)Hey, man I'm alive I'm(G) takin' each day a night at a time (D)Yeah I'm down, but I know I'll get(Asus) by(A) (A)Hey hey hey (G)hey, man gotta(A) live my life I'm gonna(D) pick up all the pieces and what's (Bm)left of my pride I'm(A) feelin' like a Monday, but(G) someday I'll be Saturday(D) night Saturday night Here we go (D)Some day I'll be Saturday(G) night I'll be (D)back on my feet, I'll be doin' al(G)right It (D)may not be tomorrow baby, that's OK I (G)ain't goin' down, gonna (A)find a way, hey hey hey (D)Hey, man I'm alive I'm(G) takin' each day a night at a time (D)Yeah I'm down, but I know I'll get(Asus) by(A) (A)Hey hey hey (G)hey, man gotta(A) live my life I'm gonna(D) pick up all the pieces and what's (Bm)left of my pride I'm(A) feelin' like a Monday, but(G) someday I'll be Saturday(D) night |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego Date: 05 Jan 09 - 11:10 AM Gordon Lightfoot's "Home From the Forest" was always a favorite of mine. "One Meat Ball," whether by Josh White or others, is another that handles the "down and out" with an ironic twist. Oddly enough, I came back from retirement to work for a non-profit agency that has major programs for the homeless in our area. I should be on the lookout for more of these songs. The homeless population is hardly homogeneous. There is the 15% or so that has serious addiction, mental illness or other problems that make their situation much more difficult to deal with and which require long-term help which they almost never receive. That is the group for which we are providing programs. The rest are all over the map; migrant workers with no jobs, families displaced due to financial issues or joblessness or both, women and children fleeing abusive home situations and much more. Most of them can be helped to get back on their feet, but resources are frequently lacking. Right now, we are looking at a new influx of people damaged by our recent economic disasters. The Great Depression and the 1930's spawned a lot of songs about homelessness, joblessness and rootlessness. Maybe we could use some contemporary material now. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: open mike Date: 05 Jan 09 - 11:00 AM that "wonder where i'm bound" has at leas 4 other verses. another tom paxton song...Ramblin' Boy that mentions travelling, and "jungle camp" which refers to a hobo jungle not a tropical one. Also Lou and Peter Berryman have a song about homelessness. It is on their album Some Days http://www.louandpeter.com/lyrics.html it mentions how homelessness can be cause by any thing--medical bills, or other sorts of losses. There is a nation-wide radio project which broadcasts songs like this for 24 hours during february. http://www.homelessnessmarathon.org/ |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: melodeonboy Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:34 AM "A Beggin' I Will Go" by Martin Carthy. I believe he adapted an earlier version. "Another Space on the Benches" by Bob Kenward; written by Nick Evans. Both of them have gritty, poignagnt lyrics. The Carthy song has a tremendous rhythm which reflects (to my ears, at least!) the pained, plodding footsteps of the tired tramp. |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:30 AM 'Can't Help but Wonder Where I'm Bound' by Tom Paxton I like the way the tune plunges into the low notes. When I learned it, long ago, it didn't have the bad grammar I see on the 'net. The first verse was It's a long and dusty road, it's a hard and a heavy load, and the people I've met have not always been kind. Some were bad, some were good, some have done the best they could. And some have tried to ease my troubled mind. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HOMELESS (Guy Clark) From: Beer Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:25 AM Absolutely one of my Favorites. Why? Not sure. Beer (adrien) Homeless Lyrics by Guy Clark Cardboard sign old and bent says 'friend for life 25 cents When did this start making sense? Man it's really getting cold Sometimes I forget things and I get confused I could still be working, but they refuse Now I'm living with the bums and the whores and the abused, man I hate getting old Homeless, get away from here don't give them no money they'll just spend it on beer Homeless, will work for food, you'll do anything that you gotta do, when you're homeless. Betty sings a song that no one hears, as the wind begins to freeze her tears She says 'God it's been so many years', she's way past complaining She sings a heartfelt melody, one that begs for harmony No it's not what she thought it would be, but hey it could be raining Homeless, get away from here don't give them no money they'll just spend it on beer Homeless, will work for food, you'll do anything that you gotta do, when you're homeless. You know life ain't easy it takes work, it takes healing cause you're gonna get hurt You can lose your faith you can lose your shirt, lose your way sometimes Ah you never really have control, sometimes you just gotta let it go When the final line unfolds, it don't always rhyme |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: Mark Ross Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:19 AM ROOM FOR THE POOR, & SCOTT'S CREEK BLUFF by Utah Phillips come to mind immediately, ONLY A TRAMP, THE POOR TRAMP HAS TO LIVE, THE DYING HOBO, there are probably hundreds, if not thousands. Mark Ross |
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Subject: RE: Songs about Homelessness From: GUEST,bankley Date: 05 Jan 09 - 10:12 AM "Homeless in Bethlehem' which was posted here at the cafe around Christmas... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BED FOR THE NIGHT (Charlie McGettigan) From: Mr Happy Date: 05 Jan 09 - 09:49 AM BED FOR THE NIGHT (Charlie McGettigan) He was standing on the corner as the sun was going down He was looking for a contact as he?fd just arrived in town With a suitcase full of emptiness his clothes are worn and tired And he was looking for a bed for the night. And he had a list of numbers that had slipped out of his hands. An uncle lived in somewhere out in Manchester, he said. He had come out of a country where the tunnels had no lights, He was looking for a bed for the night. Just a bed for the night, Somewhere warm till the morning light, And he was looking for a bed for the night. Standing on the corner was a man called Father John. He said, "Come in from the cold and set you down there, my good man." And the small talk was of football and the tea tasted so right And he was looking for a bed for the night. There was something in this situation made me realize That there is always someone with a kindness in their eyes. So if Father John should hear me, and who knows? He just might hear me say, "Thank you for the bed for the night." |
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Subject: Songs about Homelessness From: Sleepy Rosie Date: 05 Jan 09 - 09:18 AM I was wondering what other peoples personal favourite songs about homelessness, begging and related subjects are. And importantly, why? I'm creating a small personal 'art project' in memoriam of someone I loved very dearly, someone who died a broken man, prematurely on the streets of London. He was an Irishman and a drinker. That's as much as I'd like to say about it, except clearly it will involve song. I don't need 'tragic' songs, I'm just more interested in how the subject has been represented in song. And am interested to know those songs which others enjoy hearing and singing - and what it is about them they personally like. Cheers, Rosie |
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