Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Redneckred
Date: 14 Dec 19 - 12:04 AM

If you like sappy romanticism (which I kind of do), try Guy Clark's Magnolia Wind, done on the tribute album This One's for Him as a duet by John Prine and Emmylou Harris.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Pseudonymous
Date: 13 Dec 19 - 06:46 PM

Lonnie Lonnie Lonnie (losing my mind obviously, it's the election result) :(

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Pseudonymous
Date: 13 Dec 19 - 06:43 PM

Laurie Johnson and Victoria Spivey
You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now (parts one or two)
Toothache Blues

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: WalkaboutsVerse
Date: 13 Dec 19 - 05:41 PM

"Scarborough Fair" has first the man then the lady playing very hard to get.

And my comic song, from WalkaboutsVerse, "On Honeymoon!".

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: keberoxu
Date: 11 Dec 19 - 09:39 AM

Mary Martin and Arthur Godfrey recorded a duet called
Go to Sleep
Go to Sleep
Go to Sleep.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Mrrzy
Date: 08 Dec 19 - 11:05 AM

I feel as if there are lots more in opera/Gilbert and Sullivan...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Dec 19 - 09:39 AM

what dave the gnome said

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Jack Campin
Date: 07 Dec 19 - 12:15 PM

A Hungarian one. There are many versions of it, both for words and tune: this one is from Moldavia.

Elment a madarka

It's a dialogue between a woman and her lover who has become an outlaw. She asks him to stay, but in the end he decides to go, living alone outdoors where he has only the dew to drink and wheat in the ear to eat. There is a whole genre of these "outlaw songs".

I heard it at a folk camp near Bacau in 2007, where it was sung by the local old women. They all seemed to know it and sang it at any opportunity, so I heard it several times a day. It wasn't until I got back home that I realized why it carried so much meaning for them. The village economy had mostly collapsed in the post-Communist years - mechanized equipment had gone unrepairable for lack of parts, everything was falling apart. And women did all the work: the men were away working in Hungary or Germany. The woman who put us up hadn't seen her husband for 17 years. The situation in that song was exactly their own.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 07 Dec 19 - 05:29 AM

If you're into songs of annihilation, there's Morning Dew (The Bonnie Dobson song, not the Irish one), and Across the Hills (done as a duet by Aussies Margaret and Bob Fagan). Come Away Melinda is another duet of annihilation, but between mother and daughter.

On a lighter note, there's the Allan Sherman song, Sarah Jackman.

Subject: Lyr Add: SEARCHING FOR LAMBS (Peter Bellamy)
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 07 Dec 19 - 01:42 AM

SEARCHING FOR LAMBS
As recorded by Peter Bellamy on "Peter Bellamy" (1975)

As I walked out one May morning,
One May morning betime,
I met a maid, from home had strayed
Just as the sun did shine.

“What makes you rise so soon, my dear,
Your journey to pursue?
Your pretty little feet they tread so neat,
Strike off the morning dew.”

“I'm going in search of my father's flocks,
His young and tender lambs,
That over hills and over dales
Lie bleating for their dams.”

“O stay, o stay, you handsome maid,
Rest but one moment here.
For there is none save you alone
That I do love most dear.”

“How gloriously the sun do shine,
How pleasant is the air.
I would rather rest on my true love's breast
Than any other where.”

“For I am thine and thou art mine,
No man shall uncomfort thee.
We'll join our hands in wedded bands
And married we will be.”

Perhaps the most beautiful of English folk songs.

From Mainly Norfolk

Subject: Lyr Add: OH DO YOU REMEMBER (Cape Breton)
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 14 - 09:51 AM

You were missing some of the lyrics from that beautiful song. Here are the complete lyrics, as they appear in Jack O'Donnell's "The Cape Breton Song Collection":

OH DO YOU REMEMBER?
His verse:
       C             Em         Dm7               G
Oh, do you remember, sweetheart of mine?
             C                Em          Dm7       G
Come turn back the pages, the pages of time,
             C                   Em                Am                  Em
To the night that you promised that you would be mine,
               F          C                  G    C
While strolling along in the moonlight,
        Her verse:
               C             F               G                C
        Oh yes, I remember, remember, my dear,
              Am                   Em          Dm7          G
        Possessions were meagre but love so sincere,
               C          Em    Am7          Em
        And I can recall so vivid and clear,
                    F          C                G    C
        Just strolling along in the moonlight,

Oh, do you remember that little farm gate,
Pour favorite spot and the hours ran late,
Where we never did part without making a date,
Then we'd both kiss goodnight in the moonlight?
        O yes, I remember; we laughed and we'd sing,
        'Twas there that you gave me a small diamond ring,
        And we spoke of the joys that our wedding would bring,
        As you held me so close in the moonlight,

Oh, do you remember while gazing above,
We spoke of God's wisdom, His power and love,
And visioned Hi near of wings like a dove,
And we felt secure in the moonlight?
        Oh yes, I remember; we gazed at the sky,
        We counted the stars in the Dipper on high
        And vowed to be true 'til the day that we die,
        Just strolling along in the moonlight,

Oh, do you remember that beautiful morn?
We wed on the date that our Saviour was born,
And the pretty, gay trimmings your home did adorn,
Then came the sleigh ride in the moonlight,
        Oh yes, I remember sleigh bells in the snow,
        With the northern lights in the heavens aglow,
        Old Dobbin sped forward and onward did go,
        'Twas a real complete night in the morning,



Oh, do you remember, 'twas just yesterday?
But that little farm gate has long gone to decay,
Our family, some married, have children so gay,
But we still take a stroll in the moonlight,
        Oh yes, I remember, it doesn't seem long,
        We can't help but wonder where the years they have gone,
        But our love will remain, we'll keep singing our song,
        And keep plugging along in the moonlight.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: CupOfTea
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 06:16 PM

Funny this thread would be resurrected today when I was just contemplating trying to work out a conversation setting of Cuckoo's Nest or a bawdy songs workshop.
The particular Cuckoo's Nest song I'm thinking of is the one done on the Morris On album.

The DT lyrics have what I think of as the chorus as the second verse:

Some like a girl who is pretty in the face
and some like a girl who is slender in the waist
But give me a girl who will wriggle and will twist
At the bottom of the belly lies the cuckoo's nest

But it's fairly obvious the other verses are alternately written from the male or female point of view, and I sing the chorus in between (each pair of He comments, she responds) and the last sort of narrator's verse...

In the great male/female conversation song list, I highly endorse anything Lou & Peter Berryman have written - but Crab Canape is just -the best- for high contrast.

Versions of "THE DEVIL'S NINE QUESTIONS" would work well as a conversational duet.

Joanne in Cleveland

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 09:58 AM

True Lovers' Discussion probably the longest.
LISBON (version of BANKS OF THE NILE), the most beautiful
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,John Cunningham
Date: 19 Apr 11 - 09:44 AM

Have you though about "Don't You Want Me", with some banjos and accordians in the background "You were working as a barmaid in back street bar..."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Apr 11 - 03:47 PM

Peter & Lou Berryman have some good ones. The lyrics of these have been posted at Mudcat:

DOUBLE YODEL: lyrics video

WHY AM I PAINTING THE LIVING ROOM: lyrics video

TALKIN' AT THE SAME TIME: lyrics video

I DON'T BELIEVE YOU LIKE MY SHIRT: lyrics

FORSYTHIA: lyrics

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: open mike
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:11 PM

http://www.mollyandthetinker.com/ this link was mentioned earlier
here is the mountaineer's courtship song..[See BUFFALO BOY]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCXtZW_2CZM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,doug saum
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 11:47 AM

Adam's Curse (Yeats)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and wo
From: GUEST,John Foxen
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 09:43 AM

When performing BOOTS OF SPANISH LEATHER with my musical partner Margaret, she always insists that I start the song, asking "is there something I can bring you from across the sea". She argues that women always know what to give their men as a present whereas men haven't got a clue. Plus she argues that men only worry about getting their partner a really good present when they've done something horrible - or are about to do something horrible like dumping them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Richard from Liverpool
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 09:33 AM

The Child Ballad #68 "YOUNG HUNTING" (including its American version "LOVE HENRY"/"HENRY LEE") contains a lot of dialogue (or rather two dialogues - the first between woman and man, the second between woman and bird), and can be very effectively sung as a conversation between two singers.

Subject: Lyr Add: OVER THE MOUNTAIN
From: GUEST,mayomick
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 08:04 AM

OVER THE MOUNTAIN

It was night and the moon illuminated the sky,
When I first took a notion to marry.
I put on my shoes and away I did hie,
You'd have though I'd have been in a hurry.
'Til I reach-ed the spot where I'd oft times had been.
How my heart did rejoice when my charmer I'd seen.
So I lifted the latch and I bad her good e'en.
Saying "Will you come with me over the mountains?"

"What notion is this that you have in your head,?
But still I am glad to be near you.
It's past twelve o'clock and I should be in bed,
Speak low or my mother will hear you."
"Well if I be jesting, my jesting be true.
We have courted a year and I think that should do.
And before I do sleep I'll be married to you..
If you'll venture with me o'er the mountains."

"If I were to make an elopement with you,
It might be attended by danger.
The neighbours would tattle and censure me too,
My parents would frown and no wonder."
"Oh pray let them tattle and censure away.
But consult with yourself for 'tis now coming day.
And I care not a fig what they all of them say.
If I once get you over the mountains."

"If you are in earnest," she said with a sigh,
"kind providence be my director."
"I've love in my bosom, I cannot deny."
This sentence it seemed to affect her.
"I'm using no magic, no scheme and no spell.
I've a good honest heart and I love you right well,
And if you refuse me sweet maiden farewell,
My steps I'll retrace o'er the mountains."

"Well then I'm determined at home for to stay,
For I think it much safer and better."
"Then farewell again sweet maid I'll away,
And that puts an end to the matter."
"Stop!, Stop! wait a moment 'til I put on my shoes."
How my heart did rejoice when I heard the glad news,
As she stepped to the door saying "I hope you'll excuse,
My simplicity over the mountains."

By this time the moon it had sunk in the west,
And the morning stars shone with the dawning.
As we then together our journey progressed,
To be joined at the altar next morning.
So now in contentment our days we will spend,
For the dangers to marriage are now at an end.
And we oft times will talk when we meet with a friend,
Of that trip we took over the mountain.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 01:09 AM

Double Yodel by Peter and Lou Berryman is one. I suppose you could count their Your State's Name Here, but that's not necessarily male-female.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: SammySkillet
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 01:01 AM

The Mountaineer's Courtship is also a fine conversation song [See BUFFALO BOY]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: MorwenEdhelwen1
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:37 AM

That last one is hilarious!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: SammySkillet
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:34 AM

Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood recorded an album of great duets in 1968 called "fairy tales and fantasies" which has many fantastic songs such as " some velvet morning" "Paris summer" "lady bird" and the already mentioned classic "JACKSON". this is a great source for duets although not exactly traditional. :)

Subject: Lyr Add: MID LIFE CRISIS
From: Bert
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:24 AM

Here's one of mine


I wanna have a mid life crisis
but if the truth be told

       You can't have a mid life crisis
       Darling You're too old

I wanna drive a bright red sports car
with a pretty young blond for a date
I wanna have a mid life crisis

       You've left it a bit too late
       You coulda had a crisis at Forty
       or even at Fifty Five
       If you'd wanted a mid life crisis
       You should have done it while you're still alive

I want a pick up truck with monster wheels
I want to be stacked up with sex appeal
I want tattoos on my arms and chest
A Harley and a black leather vest
I want to let my hair grow long
I want to get to Nashville with this song
I want a Cowboy hat and belt and boots
I want a hand tailored white silk suit

I wanna have a mid life crisis
but if the truth be told

       You can't have a mid life crisis
       Darling You're too old

I wanna drive a bright red sports car
with a pretty young blond for a date
I wanna have a mid life crisis

       You've left it a bit too late
       You coulda had a crisis at Forty
       or even at Fifty Five
       If you'd wanted a mid life crisis
       You should have done it while you're still alive

I wanna drive a bright red sports car
with a pretty young blond for a date

       Spoken:
       Enough about the blond,
       get your saggy butt off of that couch
       and take out the garbage.

Spoken:

Ok. Ok. But how about a sports car?
What do you think about an Aston Martin?

Subject: Lyr Add: WALTZ FOR EVA AND CHE (Rice/Webber)
From: MorwenEdhelwen1
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 11:47 PM

I know this is late, but I had to post this. It is not traditional, but is technically a conversation song between a man and woman:


WALTZ FOR EVA AND CHE
From the musical "Evita".
Lyrics by Tim Rice, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

CHE. Tell me before I waltz out of your life,
Before turning my back on the past,
Forgive my impertinent behaviour,
But how long do you think this pantomime can last?
Tell me before I ride off in the sunset,
There's one thing I never got clear,

How can you claim you're our saviour
When those who oppose you are stepped on, or cut up, or simply disappear?

EVA. Tell me before you get onto your bus,
Before joining the forgotten brigade,
How can one person like me, say,
Alter the time-honoured way the game is played?
Tell me before you get onto your high horse,
Just what you expect me to do,
I don't care what the bourgeoisie say,
I'm not in business for them,
But to give all my descamisados
A magical moment or two

CHORUS: (Both) There is evil ever around,
Fundamental system of government, quite incidental.

EVA: So what are my chances of honest advances?
I'd say low,
Better to win by admitting my sin
Than to lose with a halo.

CHE. Tell me before I seek worthier pastures,
And thereby restore self-esteem,
How can you be so short-sighted,
And look never further than this week or next week,
To have no impossible dream?
(CHORUS)

EVA. Allow me to help you slink off to the sidelines,
And mark your adieu with three cheers!
But first tell me who'd be delighted
If I said I'd take on the world's greatest problems
From war to pollution, no hope of solution,
Even if I lived for one hundred years?

(CHORUS)

EVA So go, if you're able,
To somewhere unstable
And stay there!
Whip up your hate, in some tottering state
But not here, dear,
Is that clear, dear?

Oh, what I'd give for a hundred years!
But the physical interferes,
Every day more. Oh, my Creator!
Oh, what's the good of the strongest heart,
In a body that's falling apart?
A serious flaw, I hope You know that.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Joe_F
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 06:32 PM

In the Yiddish song "NOCH A GLEZELE TEY" (Another Little Cup of Tea) by M. Gebirtig, the husband & pregnant wife are arguing over whose side of the family to name the baby after. After a good deal of sarcasm & indignation, the wife says, there's no point in arguing -- I'm going to name him after my grandfather. The husband says, right, there's no point in arguing -- maybe it will be twins (both girls).

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Smedley
Date: 31 Dec 09 - 02:59 PM

JACKSON - Johnny Cash & June Carter

And lots of Everly Brothers songs sound great done male/female, as was proved by Emmylou Harris/Gram Parsons and Boobie Gentry/Gene Campbell.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Alan Day
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 06:05 PM

LET'S CALL THE WHOLE THING OFF and MY OLD DUTCH
Al

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 03:49 PM

And here's another version with a rather jolLy midi of the tune (most people I've heard sing it take it a wee bit slower!)
http://www.contemplator.com/scotland/huntwr.html

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 03:42 PM

Frank Phillips mentioned Huntingtower: it's in the DT as "Duke of Athol".
@displaysong.cfm?SongID=1745

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 12:52 PM

Sorry it's actually "Michael".

Subject: Lyr Add: ACROSS THE BLUE MOUNTAINS
From: GUEST,Henryp
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 12:48 PM

Most of this song is for a male or female voice - the rest lends itself to harmonies. The tune is High Germany.

Across the Blue Mountains

One morning, one morning, one morning in May
I heard a married man to a young girl say;
Go dress you up pretty Katie and come go with me
Across the Blue Mountains to the Allegheny

I'll buy you a horse, love, and saddle to ride
I'll buy myself another to ride by your side
We'll stop at every tavern, we'll drink when we're dry
Across the Blue Mountains go my Katie and I

Then up stepped her mother and angry was she then
Crying; Daughter, dear daughter, he's a married man
There's young men a-plenty, more handsome than he
Let him take his own wife to the Allegheny

Oh mother, dear mother, he's the man of my own heart,
And wouldn't it be a tragedy if we should have to part,
For I'd envy every woman that I'd ever see,
Cross the Blue Mountains to the Allegheny

We set off before day break on a buckskin and a roan
Neath tall shivering pines where mocking birds moan
Past dark cabin windows where eyes never see
Across the Blue Mountains to the Allegheny

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,slowerairs
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 12:06 PM

THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Pete Jennings
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 11:59 AM

BOOTS OF SPANISH LEATHER

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: SINSULL
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 10:54 AM

The song is The Soldier's Return by Utah Phillips.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Young Buchan
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 10:36 AM

'NED KELLY'S FAREWELL TO GRETA' is a beautiful song - half each to Ned and his sister Kate - and I'm confident it is the only traditional conversation song to contain the word 'wombat'.

If you want something more romantic and less Australian try 'COLIN AND PHOEBE'. Looks crap on the page, but listen to Harry Cox sing it!

Both are in the DT under those titles.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,JimP
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 05:22 AM

CUCKOLDS ALL A-ROW? It recites an over-heard conversation, anyway.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 05:01 AM

Dunno about 'BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE' not being a folk song, Leadfingers. That well-known singer of other people's folk songs, Rod Stewart, has just dueted (is there such a word?) it with Dolly Parton. How much more folky do you want? ;-)

Cheers

DeG

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:26 AM

Having failed to recall that one, I'm immediately reminded of "I REMEMBER IT WELL" from Gigi

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 30 Dec 09 - 04:15 AM

Splottman & Dame Pattie do a very memorable one (which I can't at the moment remember!) Where Ned Does a verse in English, followed by Pattie doing one in Welsh, the chat-up lines don't seem to work when you aren't speaking the same language.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Joe_F
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 09:12 PM

The False Lover Won Back (Child 218)

Berryman & Berryman made a fair number of such songs, e.g., PASS THE PEPPER, I DON'T BELIEVE YOU LIKE MY SHIRT. Also, some in which a man & a woman describe each other in the third person, e.g., So Comfortable, We Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Tinker in Chicago
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:42 PM

If you'd like some bawdier options, my wife and I have written and recorded literally dozens over the years. Google "Molly & the Tinker" and check out the lyrics link on the website.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 04:12 PM

There are many songs that can be done that way, but there's a danger of getting very twee about it.

THE WHITE COCKADE should work, as some lines are very clearly from his side (... they advanced me some money ...) and others equally clearly from hers (I'll carve his name ...). But there are also some from a narrator (He pulled out his handkerchief to wipe her flowing eyes). Does that mean that you need three people?

Then there are some songs where it's hard to be sure which party is saying what, e.g. THE VERDANT BRAES OF SKREEN.

Richard

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Artful Codger
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 02:57 PM

"SOLDIER, SOLDIER", by Rudyard Kipling and Peter Bellamy.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Bluegrassman
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 02:27 PM

IN SPITE OF OURSELVES, as performed by John Prine and Iris DeMent.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: EBarnacle
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:14 PM

MAID OF AMSTERDAM works well as a cue and response song. Takes a little reworking but not much.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: SINSULL
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 01:11 PM

I just listened to a CD with a beautiful conversation song between a mother and her son just returned from the war. It is on the Utah Phillips Tribute CD "Singing Through The Hard Times". I will see what I can find.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Newport Boy
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 12:59 PM

For something completely different - THE COAL OWNER AND THE PITMAN'S WIFE.

Phil

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Brian Peters
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 07:07 AM

Don't think anyone's mentioned 'COME WRITE ME DOWN' yet - always a hit when performed as an alternate verse duo by Ken and Mags Whiting in the glory days of Glossop folk club.

'THE UNQUIET GRAVE' might qualify as well, but perhaps that's not the mood you're after...

Subject: Lyr Add: DROYLSDEN WAKES + TRUE LOVERS DISCUSSION
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 05:42 AM

A tradition in Droylsden Lancashire was for two male spinners to be paraded on the back of a cart during Wakes Week, one dressed as a man, the other as a woman and sing alternate verses of:

DROYLSDEN WAKES
From the singing of Ewan MacColl

It's Droylsden Wakes and we're coming to town
To tell you of summat of great renown
And if this old jade'll let me begin
I'll show you how hard and how fast I can spin.

chorus:   
So it's threedyweel, threedyweel,
Dan, don, dill doe.
So it's threedyweel, threedyweel,
Dan, don, dill, doe.

Thou cankered old besom, I cannot endure
Any longer a temper like thine is, I'm sure.
The tow that I spin is five shilling a pound
And that you mun know by my wheel going round.

Thou brags of thyself but I dunno think it's true
For I will uphold thee, thy faults aren't a few,
For when thou hast done and spun very hard.
Of this I'm well sure, thy work is ill-marred.

Thou saucy old jade, thou'd best hold thy tongue
Or else I must be thumping thee ere it be long.
And if that I do, thou'rt sure for to rue.
For I can have many a one's good as you.

What is it to me who you can have?
I shanno be long ere I'm laid in my grave
And when that I'm dead and have done what I can
You may find one that'll spin as hard as I've done.

Come, come, my dear wife, I'll not have thee rue.
And this I will tell you, and I'll tell you true.
Now if you'll forgive me for what I have said,
I'll do my endeavour to please you instead.

I'm glad for to hear that you will me forgive
And I will do by you as long as I live.
So let us unite and live free of sin
And then we shall have nowt to think on but spin.

So now let's conclude and here endeth our song,
I hope it has pleased this numerous throng.
But if it has missed, you needn't to fear.
We'll do our endeavour to please you next year.

Then again there's the Irish song, True Lover's Discussion - a bit long:

THE TRUE LOVERS DISCUSSION

One pleasant evening as Pinks and Daisies
Closed in their bosoms a drop Of dew,
And the feathered warblers of every species
Together chanted the notes so true;
I did stray, rapt in a meditation,
It's charmed my heart for to hear them sing
Night's silent embers were just arising the,
And the air with concert did sweetly ring.

With joy transported, each sight I courted,
Well gazing around me with inspective eyes are,
Two we youthful lover's in conversation,
Closely engaged, I then chanced to spy; anything
This couple spoke with such force of reason,
And their sentiments they expressed so clear,
And for to listen to their conversation,
My inclination was to draw near.

He pressed her hand-says he, my darling,
Tell me the reason you changed your mind.
O, have I loved you to be degraded,
Though youth and innocence are in their prime?
For I am slighted and ill-requited,
For all the favours I did bestow;
You will surely tell me before I leave you,
Why you are inclined to treat me so.

With great acuteness she made answer-
If on your favour I would rely,
You might contrive to blast my glory,
And our marriage day you might hover by.
Young men in general are fickle-minded,
That for to trust you I was afraid,
And for your favours I am indebted,
Both stock and interest you will be paid.

To blast your glory, love I ne'er intended,
Nor fickle-minded I ne'er will be;
And for my debt, you can never pay it,
Except by true love and loyalty.
Remember darling, our first engagement,
When childish pastime was all we knew, and
Be true and constant, and I'm thine forever nine,
And I'll brave all dangers and go with you.

Your proffer is good sir, and I thank you for it,
And yet your offer I can't receive.
By soft persuasions and kind endorsement,
The wily serpent beguiled Eve.
There are no other reasons might be assigned-
The highest tide, love, might ebb and fall;
Another female might fit you better;
Therefore, I cannot all be your call.


Yes, I will admit that the tide's in motion,
And always moving from the shore to shore.
But still its substance is never changing,
Nor ever will till time's no more.
I'll sound the fame with all loyal lovers,
To fix their mind on whose love is pure;
Where no existence can ever change them,
Nor a physician prescribe the cure.

She said, young man, for to tell you plainly,
For to refrain you I'd do decline,
Another young man of birth and fortune,
Has gained my fortune and changed my mind.
My future welfare I have consulted,
On a fickle footing I will never stand,
Besides, my parents would be affronted
To see you walking at my right hand.

What had you, darling, when you were born?
What nature gave you, love so had I.
You're haughty parents, I do disdain them,
And your ill-got riches, I do deny.
An honest heart, love, is far superior,
Your gold and riches will soon decay;
Sure, naked we came into this world,
And a much the same will go away.

You falsify when you say you love me,
And slight my parents whom I love dear.
I think it justice for to degrade you,
If that's the course you mean to steer.
By wealth, or future, or art, or nature,
You're not my equal in any line;
Since I conjure, insist no further,
As to your wishes, I will not incline.

To falsify, love, I do deny it,
Your imputation is wrong I swear-
Like Eve, I find you a real deceiver,
And your heart as foul as your face is fair.
For the want of riches you meanly slight me,
And my complexion you do disdain,
Our skins may differ, but true affection,
In black or white, love, is all the same.

O, curb your passion, sir, she did exclaim,
It was not to quarrel I brought you here,
But to discourse with you in moderation,
And a real intention to make appear.
I speak with candour, I will surrender,
To what is proper and in every way,
If you submit to a fair discussion,
And reason's dictate you will obey.

It's now too late for to ask that question,
When you despised me before my friends,
Lebanon's plains, if you command them,
Would not suffice for to make amends.
There's not a tree in the Persian forest,
Retains its colour, excepting one,
And that's the laurel that I will cherish,
And always carry in my right hand.

The blooming laurel, sir, you may admire;
Because its verdure is always new,
But there's another, you can't deny it,
That's just as bright to the gardeners view.
It wisely rested throughout the winter,
And blooms again when spring draws near.
The pen of Homer both wrote its praises-
In June and July it doth appear.

You speak exceedingly, but not correctly,
By words supported your cause in vain.
Had you that tongue of Syren goddess,
Your exhortations to I would disdain.
It was your love I did require,
But since you placed it in golden store,
I'll strike the string and my heart will murmur-
Farewell my darling, for evermore.

She seemed affected, her eyes distracted,
With loud exclaiming she thus gave way-
Sir, my denial was just a trial;
Ye gods be witness to what I say.
But if, my darling, you don't forgive me,
And quite forget my incredulity,
A single virgin for your sake I'll wander,
While a green leaves grows on yon Laurel tree.

Now all young maids, I pray take warning,
If love and virtue be still your aim;
of worldly treasure can yield you pleasure
With him whose person you would disdain.
All loyal lovers will then respect you,
And to your memory will heave a sigh,
Whilst a blooming rose and evergreen Laurel
Will mark the place where your body lies.

From Ballinahinch, about two miles distant,
Where blackbirds whistle and thrushes sing,
With hills surrounded and valley's bounded by,
A charming prospect all in the spring;;
Where female beauty is never wanting,
The lonely stranger a refuge finds,
In Magheratimpany, if you enquire,
You'll find the author of these simple lines.

or

DARLING ANNIE
Written by Ewan MacColl and sung by him and Peggy Seeger.

He
If you marry me, I'll give you everything I have,
You won't ever need to earn a penny.
I will be your man, and the ring upon your hand
We'll tell the world that you're my darling Annie.

She
Thank you love, I'll be glad to add your wages on to mine,
I can work and keep myself so handy;
You can be my man without a golden wedding band,
For I'll tell the world that time you are Annie.

Both
chorus:
For love will hold us, love is everything,
Who could dream of anything that's better?
Not the vow, not the string, not the golden wedding ring,
you and me together.

If you're in a marry me, I will give to you my name,
It was shield you from idle talk and envy,
For when you play the game, you're secure from any blame,
Not ashamed to be my darling Annie.

Thank you love, and grateful for the offer of your name,
But my own will serve as well as any,
I don't like the game and the rules would make me tame,
Not the same girl you're married, not your Annie.

Chorus:

If you marry me, will get a house and settle down,
A place to call our own, so neat and canny.
With a family year and a home love, you never feel alone,
Left on the shelf, a spinster, darling Annie.

Dearest love, we could surely find a place to call our own,
All we need is influence and the money.
But I don't need a ring, or a house or anything
To become a mother-or a granny.

Chorus:

If you marry me, I will be faithful unto death,
You will have all my love and my attention.
We will care, we will share life in sickness and in health....
And when I die if you can draw the widow's pension.

I will live with you and I'll be faithful unto death,
We will share all the burdens we must carry.
We'll always be free, me for you and you for me....
But when were old, love, maybe we should marry.

Chorus.

Plenty more where that came from
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Leadfingers
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 05:35 AM

Again , NOT a 'Folk' song , but Good Fun - 'BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE'

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and wo
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 29 Dec 09 - 12:58 AM

See this thread: 'Conversation' songs

Subject: Lyr Add: OH DO YOU REMEMBER? (Stanley Collins)
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:58 PM

This beautiful song by Stanley Collins was sung by Raylene Rankin (of The Rankin Family) and Kenzie MacNeil in The Rise And Follies Of Cape Breton Island:

OH DO YOU REMEMBER?
(Stanley Collins)
Oh do you remember sweetheart of mine,
Come turn back the pages of time
To the night that you promised that you would be mine
While strolling along in the moonlight

Oh yes I remember, remember my dear
Possessions were meager but love so sincere
And I can recall so vivid and clear
Just strolling along in the moonlight

Oh do you remember that little farm gate
favorite spot, and the hours ran late
Where we never did part without making a date
Then we'd both kiss goodnight in the moonlight

Oh yes I remember we laughed and we'd sing
'Twas there that you gave me a small diamond ring
And we spoke of the joys that our wedding would bring
As you held me so close in the moonlight

Oh yes I remember we gazed at the sky
We counted the stars in the dipper on high
And vowed to be true
'Till the day that we die
Just strolling along in the moonlight

Oh do you remember 'twas just yesterday
But that little farm gate has long gone to decay
Our families some married have kiddies so gay
But we still take a stroll in the moonlight

Oh yes I remember it doesn't seem long
We can't help but wonder where the years they have gone
But our love will still remain we'll keep singin' our song
And keep playing along in the moonlight.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Frank Phillips
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 11:46 PM

HUNTINGTOWER??

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Mysha
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:53 PM

Hi,

Link to the lyrics in the Digital Tradition: IF I WERE A CARPENTER. I know that the song was written by a man, Tim Hardin, but why doesn't anyone sing female verses? OK, if the two of you feel adventurous, you might try something like:


If I was a check-out girl, slaving through the hours;
Would you promise me the world; would you bring me flowers?

If I were working girl, and you were old money;
Would you pick me up anyway, would you call me "Honey"?

Well-known chorus

If my life was to clean the floor, in endless duty;
Would you open for me the door, and call me a beauty?

If the chip shop was my place, would you say: "I love you!"
Would you treat me like a queen, place me above you?

Again well-known chorus

(According to Digital Tradition:
Save my love through loneliness
Save my love for sorrow
I've given you my onliness
Come and give me your tomorrows)

Same obvious changes for duet as for the male verses.

Bye
                                                                Mysha

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Bert
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:24 PM

PAPER OF PINS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Mysha
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 10:05 PM

Hi,

Johnny Cash and June Carter do a duet version of IF I WERE A CARPENTER. Well-known song, clear conversation, verses can easily be shifted around to suit taste (in fact, that's what JJCC do), chorus can be sung together in the same voice or can be split, as suits the singers best.

It is, of course, a love song, as rather a lot of duets are; hopefully that won't be a problem. As is often the case the exchange is led by the man, which might gets a bit tedious if doing several such duets in a row. But I guess in this specific case it would not be such a bad thing.

Bye
                                                                  Mysha

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 09:40 PM

New York fairytale [= FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK] (is that the title? the one that Kirsty MacColl and the Pogues guy do together at Xmas)

Wild Rose [= WHERE THE WILD ROSES GROW] (Nick Cave), recorded by many others

THE BRAES O' STRATHBLANE could be sung as a duet.

THE MAID OF LISTOWEL also probably.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Dave Ruch
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 09:00 PM

Wisconsin

OUR GOODMAN

Subject: Lyr Add: CONVERSATION (Hunter Moore)
From: TonyA
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:37 PM

CONVERSATION
As recorded by Hunter Moore on "Conversations" (2001)

Hello, Susan. How's it going?
Fine, Richard. How are you?
Sounds like we've got an ice storm coming.
The last one knocked our power out. It took 3 days before we got it back again.
It wasn't that bad here in town.
How are Beth and both your kids? That son of yours is getting tall, just like you when we were in school. Remember how you used to tease me? It seems to me you kind-of liked me, don't you think? Then later on we ran in different crowds and still it seemed somehow like we were close.
Could've been.
They've changed these aisles around. Did you hear about the Davises?
Sure did.
Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like.... if John and I had moved somewhere else. Like Memphis. Things could have turned out worse, I guess. Did you know I have my degree? In Spanish. Funny. Do you ever think about you and?? Oh, I'm sorry. I've gone and put you on the spot. Sorry.
That's okay.
Be sure and tell Beth that I'll call her. The girls both start Brownies soon.
I'll tell her.
I hope this storm won't hurt the trees the way the last one did. Now, don't you laugh at me. Sometimes I think you think you're different, but you're not. You had some things that didn't go.... like you thought. Goodbye, now, and don't you worry. I won't act like this next time we talk. Must be this weather movin' in. Sometimes I think... the weather's all... that changes here.
That may be. That just may be.
See you soon.

Subject: Lyr Add: KEYS OF CANTERBURY
From: skipy
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:23 PM

Sorry, keys, not bells!

O Madam, I will give you
The keys of Canterbury,
And all the bells in London
Shall ring to make us merry.
If you will be my joy, my sweet and only dear,
And walk along with me, anywhere.

I shall not, Sir, accept of you
The keys of Canterbury,
Nor all the bells in London,
Shall ring to make us merry.
I will not be your joy, your sweet and only dear,
Nor walk along with you, anywhere.

O Madam, I will give to you
A pair of boots of cork,
The one was made in London,
The other made in York,
If you will be my joy, my sweet and only dear,
And walk along with me, anywhere.


I shall not, Sir, accept of you
A pair of boots of cork,
Though both were made in London,
Or both were made in York.
I will not be your joy, your sweet and only dear,
Nor walk along with you, anywhere.

O Madam, I will give you
A little gold bell,
To ring for your servants,
And make them serve you well.
If you will be my joy, my sweet and only dear,
And walk along with me, anywhere.

I shall not, Sir, accept of you
A little gold bell,
To ring for all my servants,
And make them serve me well.
I will not be your joy, your sweet and only dear,
Nor walk along with you, anywhere.

O Madam, I will give you
A gallant silver chest,
With a key of gold and silver
And jewels of the best.
If you will be my joy, my sweet and only dear,
And walk along with me, anywhere.

I shall not, Sir, accept of you
A gallant silver chest,
With a key of gold and silver
And jewels of the best.
I will not be your joy, your sweet and only dear,
Nor walk along with you, anywhere.

O Madam, I will give you
A broidered silken gownd,
With nine yards a-drooping
And training on the ground,
If you will be my joy, my sweet and only dear,
And walk along with me, anywhere.

O Sir, I will accept of you
A broidered silken gownd,
With nine yards a-drooping
And training on the ground,
Then I will be your joy, your sweet and only dear,
And walk along with you, anywhere.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: skipy
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:19 PM

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, I CAN DO BETTER
Not a folk song, but might be fun for you 2 to practice together.
Skipy
Otherwise Bells of Canterbury [=KEYS OF CANTERBURY].

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Donuel
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:18 PM

In a true sense some of the greatest classical music is a conversation of this sort.

or so said Leonard Bernstein in the sixties.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: GUEST,Billy
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:14 PM

Here's my favorite duet from Small Potatoes "The Waltz of the Wallflowers". It will be a difficult one to get the timing down perfectly, but here they are singing it on UTube here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Alice
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:06 PM

I was going to say "Oh No John", but bert beat me to it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Maryrrf
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:05 PM

It depends on what type of song you have in mind. There's "FIVE NIGHTS DRUNK" which could be good for a laugh. Or maybe "TWO MAGICIANS".? Not exactly a dialogue but a male-female arrangement could be worked out.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Little Robyn
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 08:04 PM

When are we gonna get married, dear old BUFFALO BOY.

Reuben, Reuben, I've been thinking....[REUBEN AND RACHEL]

Robyn

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: Bert
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 07:58 PM

Oh! No John. [NO, JOHN, NO]

Subject: Lyr Req: Conversation songs between man and woman
From: ThomT
Date: 28 Dec 09 - 07:57 PM

Hello one and all,

I'm trying to get a friend to sing with me at a folk club and I thought that seeing as I am male and she is female that a conversational song between a man and a woman would be a good dynamic to have for the first song we try together. I had a search around but couldn't find many, so I wondered if anyone could help.

Thanks, Thom xo

[Many song titles in this thread have been converted to links by a Mudelf.]