Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread

Subject: SB: Mustang Ranch Blues by harpgirl
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:23 AM

Mustang Ranch Blues by harpgirl


I ain't gonna walk no more honey
I ain't gonna walk no more
I walk all night to bankroll your ride
I ain't gonna walk no more

I ain't gonna feather your nest no more
I ain't gonna be your show
I walk all night sellin my pride
I ain't gonna walk no more

No sugar daddy saved me from this strife
A tainted maiden all my life
I ain't gonna walk no more

Won't see me walkin by the mainstreet light
No more by the moonlight hitchin a ride
I ain't gonna walk no more

I'll pack my paint and my satin dress
Quit this town I'm goin out west
Find me a cowboy
Put him to the test
I ain't gonna walk no more

You got one less pony in your corral
I'm goin out West and I'm gonna raise hell
I ain't gonna walk no more

Subject: SB: Mudcat Cafe Number 61 by Amos
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:21 AM

Mudcat Cafe Number 61 by Amos

Amos' Comments:  With glad heart, and great reverence, I dedicate that song to Big Joe King, a man to whom we all carry a great debt, for the placing of incredibly precious things in incredibly precious places at just the needed time . . . here's to you Big Joe -- I am grateful for what you have done.

Oh God told Maxwell, "Build me a Site!" 
Max says, "Chill, I been drinkin' all night" 
God say, "Tough." Max say, "What?" 
God say, "You can do what you want Max, but 
Just don't come knocking at no Pearly Gate!" 
Well Max says, "Just what d'ye want this site to say?" 
God says, "Let's just call it Mudcat Cafe."

Well Old Man Spaw he had a bloody nose 
Stuck in a ward with paper-towel clothes 
He asked the doctors, where can I go 
Doctor said there's only one place I know 
Where they'll still love you, when you're old and gray... 
Spaw sez, "Quick, man, show me the way!" 
Doc says, "It's down at the Mudcate Cafe".

Well Rick the Field said to Big Joe King, 
I got forty second-hand folkies who cain't sing 
And a ream of old Gibsons with broken strings 
Do you know where I can get rid of these things? 
And Big Joe said let me think if there ain't some way... 
And he hands old Rick a blue clicky piece of Cleigh 
"Just take it all down to that Mudcate Cafe".

Now the fifteenth newbie on the fortieth thread 
Said the jargon was gettin' stuck in her head 
And the Songbook scansion was ruining her night! 
So Troll said come here and step into the light... he says hmm you're right 
Let me tell the Gaelic Goddess, she'll make it all OK, 
But the Gaelic Goddess, she was having her way 
With a sad-eyed poet out at the Mudcat Cafe. 

Subject: SB: Move on Down the Line by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:20 AM

Move on Down the Line by The Shambles


I got to move on, down the line
What's yours is yours, what's mine is mine
There's nothing left, but the lying
Move on down the line

This train we're riding, has reached the end
And it's no good to pretend
We were walking, hand in hand
Into some Promised Land

So long, I won't forget you
But, I never was 'gonna' let you
Tie me up and settle me down
Nothing's lost, nothing's found

The story ends, it's had it's time
And if you look, I'll think you'll find
The bottle's empty, we drunk it dry
There's no need to cry

This dog is happy, it's had it's day
There's really nothing more to say
No need to cut up, don't howl the moon
We don't sing the same tune

No need to tell me, I'm no good
I just thought, you understood
Just like the wind, needs to blow
I've 'gotta' go

Roger Gall

Subject: SB: Morning Has Broken by Mbo
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:19 AM

Morning Has Broken by Mbo
(Words by Mbo, Tune - Traditional)

Morning has broken, sunlight is shining
Over the Highlands, Highlands so dear
The rocks and the forests and the lochs shining
Awaken and welcome the day with good cheer

See how the thrush sings out from the holly
His warbling whistle so clear and sweet
As if to bring the day with his singing
To call the sun out of slumbering sleep

White are the mainsails, tall are the mastheads
The fishing boats rounding the Isle of Skye
Voices are singing out from the mastheads
The Captains are bringing them round for the fry

Sunlight casts shadows on the grey tombstones
Marking our family's ancestors of yore
Mist like old phantoms cover the tombstones
Ghost of the soldiers of centuries of war

Morning has broken over the valley
Home of my true love, with hair dark as night
Lying abed and dreaming of bright things
Like snow on the mountains, glistening white

For Autumn and Winter are the best seasons
Though most things will die, some things stay green
Like the affection 'twixt me and my true love
The warmest the Highlands ever has seen

Morning has broken, sunlight is shining
Over the Highlands, Highlands so dear
The rocks and the forests and the lochs shining
Awaken and welcome the day with good cheer

Matthew Richards (1998)

Subject: SB: Moon on the Hill by Amos Jessup
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:18 AM

Moon on the Hill (For Áine and the Cookes)
Words and music by A. H. Jessup
©2001, Amos H. Jessup

Amos' Comments:  For those of you who recall Aine's distress and delight at acquiring her new home the following little house warming gift will be understandable. It captures the important parts of the deal which may have been overlooked in the flurry of making minor adjustments to pipes and such:

The bluebirds of Texas fly down with the dawn,
Coming West from Jeanette, and the place I was born
Crossing over wide waters by Pickett and Roane,
Far away from the bayous I used to call home.

And for all their far travels, they know they are bound
To the place where the heavens reach clear to the ground
Where their dreams have recalled them, and call them there still
To the wild Texas oaks by the Moon on the Hill.

             I have seen it in dreams, by the fireside glow,
            Where the children are playing,  and the bluebonnets grow,
            And when I am old, they will call me there still,
            I was born to come home to the Moon on the Hill.

I was born in French quarters where the bayou runs by
But I've dreamed of a castle since before I was five
Where sweet evening primroses nod in the shade
And the old roses climb from the Wild Texas sage.

I have dallied in Dallas, where the going was hard,
In Springhill, Montalba, and Blackfoot and Ward
Up at Cherokee Landing, and the Big Sandy stream,
But they none of them sang like the song in my dreams...

          I have seen it in dreams, by the fireside glow,
          Where the children are playing,  and the bluebonnets grow,
          And when I am old, they will call me there still,
          For I was born to come home to the Moon on the Hill.

It has taken forever, it seems, I am sure
For the scars and the struggles  of hard times to cure
But love worked its magic, as love often will
And we all found our way to the Moon on the Hill.

There were Indian paintbrush in the hard Texas ground,
And the soft blackeyed susan which grew all around,
And the  winds bring the smell of the daisies across
Through the lamb's-ear and mint, and the old Irish moss.

          I have seen it in dreams, by the fireside glow,
          Where the children are playing, and the bluebonnets grow,
          And when I am old, they will call me there still,
          For I was born to come home to the Moon on the Hill.

A light heart lives long, 'twas my ancestors said,
And I know in my heart, as I lay down my head,
That the hard days are over, though work there is still,
And I know we will flower at Moon on the Hill.

And the songs by the fire and the soft Texas breeze
Will bring us again to the old maple trees,
Though we cross the wild oceans, and nations and plains,
'Tis the Moon on the Hill that will call us again.

             I have seen it in dreams, by the fireside glow,
             Where the children are playing, and the bluebonnets grow,
             And when I am old, they will call me there still,
             For I was born to come home to the Moon on the Hill
             I was born to come home to the Moon on the Hill.

Love,  A.

Subject: SB: Mood Swings by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:16 AM

Mood Swings by Amergin

Happiness....

He stands before the audience
Reciting scattered rhymes
Leaning into the microphone
And his heart beating in time
A smile grows upon his face
As he steps back to his chair
His cheeks are glowing red
In the artificial glare
Nothing can ruin this day
Nothing can kill this joy
Nothing can bring him tears
For life is to be enjoyed

Anger....

Now he drives that empty road
Heading towards his home
The cold wind beats his face
And his mind begins to roam
Heat flows through his veins
As the anger rises to his head
Frozen fingers grip his skull
And he feels the ire spread
Nothing can bring him peace
Nothing can silence his screams
Nothing can ease the hatred
As he watches his headlights gleam

Sadness....

He steps into his sleeping house
And heads for his empty bed
Calling the three dogs to him
With a voice as broken as the dead
He lies alone upon the mattress
Tears float easily to his eyes
As he feels a weight upon his back
And his body jolts with his cries
Nothing can make him laugh
Nothing can ease his pain
Nothing can make him smile
As he hears the splattering rain

Happiness....

He sits on his front porch
Laughing with the wind.......

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: The Monkey Parade? by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:15 AM

The Monkey Parade? by The Shambles

The Sunday bells would summon
There was none as devout as we
We'd walk all the way from Southwell
Bert, Henry and Me
Tommy would meet us in Weston
Then off to church we'd go
But our thoughts were not on the heavens
More on the place, 'down below'

Bert, Henry, Tommy and me
Off to look for a maid
Roaring like thunder, down Old Hill
To join the Monkey Parade
Strutting like 'swells'
Up and down Fortuneswell
Oh what a sight we made
Glad that Sunday
Was the one day
We joined the Monkey Parade

Us boys in our Sunday finery
Would keep to one side of the street
The girls along with their families
Encouraging smiles, kept discrete
When they walked a few steps
Pretend we were going there too
I wonder whose rules we were playing?
And just who was looking at who?

Bert, Henry, Tommy and me
Off to look for a maid
Roaring like thunder, down Old Hill
To join the Monkey Parade
Strutting like 'swells'
Up and down Fortuneswell
Oh what a sight we made
Glad that Sunday
Was the one day
We joined the Monkey Parade

We've been together a long time
Our birds have flown the nest
Of all the ways to choose a mate
I think ours was the best
For though I had my admirers
May have flirted with a few
I remember those days on the Monkey Parade
When I only had eyes for you

Roger Gall 1997

Subject: SB: Mona Lisa Never Really Smile by MichaelAnthony
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:13 AM

Mona Lisa Never Really Smile by MichaelAnthony

Well the moon and I were married
In a ceremony shaded
By an ancient Savannah storm
Throughout the honeymoon we carried
Seeds of oak trees to be buried
At the first site of darker soil

Climbed the sand dunes by the sea
Where nobody'd ever peeve us And we set up the radio
Our days were wasteful, wild and free
As dangerous as the tumblin sea
But her lips they shone like poetry as she sang this song for me:

MONA LISA NEVER SMILE
An Da Vinci never do fly
The Shakers they all die
Charlie Christian never sack the countryside
An although somedays I may hide
And only nighttime will I be your bride
When we're together, you'll never wonder why
Always be your closest shining light

Well it seemed a little scary 
I was never the type to marry 
But my god she satisfied
Every day was dark and gloomy
But the perfume cut right through me
When the sun succomm to night

I climb the sand dunes by the sea
Where nobody'll ever see me And I set up the radio
My nights are wasteful, wild and free
As ominous as the tumblin sea
But everything is clear to me cause she still sings this song for me:

MONA LISA NEVER SMILE
An Da Vinci never does fly
The Shakers they all die
Jimi Hendrix only get to kiss the sky
An although somedays I may hide
And only nighttime will I be your bride
When we're together, you'll never wonder why
Always be your closest shining light

Now the moon and I we wonder 
Why everyday it isn't thunder
And a cracking of the earth
But we try-and-get-by for what it's worth
Cause tonight another virgin birth

MONA LISA NEVER REALLY SMILE
An Da Vinci never does fly
The Shakers they all die
Jimi Hendrix only get to kiss the sky
An although somedays I may hide
And only nighttime will I be your bride
When we're together, you'll never wonder why
Always be your closest shining light

Subject: SB: Molly Malone (Cockles and Mussels)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:12 AM

Molly Malone (Cockles and Mussels) {additional verses in bold/italics by Sarah2}
(Traditional)

Sarah2's Comments:  I do additional verses now and again . . . For example, I like to get the sots singing along on "Molly Malone" about this time of year, but it's so short that it's over by the time they get really going on it. So I added a couple of verses . . .

In Dublin's fair city,
Where girls are so pretty,
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone,
As she pushed a wheelbarrow
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!"

Refrain:
Alive, alive-o, alive, alive-o!
Cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!

She were dainty and lissome,
With a smile shy and winsome,
And about her hung the fragrance of salmon and roe,
As she danced her wheelbarrow
'Round the streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussles, alive, alive-o!"

(Refrain)

She was a fishmonger,
And, sure, 'twas no wonder,
For so were her father and mother before.
The each wheeled a 'barrow
Through streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!"

(Refrain)

All the lads would come courtin'
But Molly swore sportin'
Were better than a husband, bringin' worries and woe.
She said, "I'd rather me 'barrow
Make a bed neat and narrow,
'Midst me cockles and mussles, alive, alive-o!"

(Refrain)

She died of a fever,*
And no one could save her,
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.
Now her ghost wheels her 'barrow
Through the streets broad and narrow,
Crying, "Cockles and mussels, alive, alive-o!"

(Refrain)

*sung as "fay-ver"

Subject: SB: Men Get The Blues, Women See Red by Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:11 AM

Men Get The Blues, Women See Red by The Shambles

Men get the blues, women see red
They'll go a long way just to cut you dead
It's not what you thought, it's about what you said
Not what you do, it's what's in your head

Men stick to subject, women seldom do
What you know for a fact, ends up not being true
A different species, not a different point of view
While you're talking on the subject, she's talking about you

Men don't remember, women never forget
Those throwaway remarks, you'll learn to regret
Though built in clay, now in stone are set
Becomes stored dynamite and it's starting to sweat

Men get mad, women get even
Think you've got away with your deceiving?
Listens to your story, appears to be believing
When she's packed your bags and you're already leaving

Men know what they're saying, women know what men mean
It's one or the other, nowhere in between
They know where you're going and know where you've been
The all knowing, all seeing, all feeling female machine

Men learn to fight, women just know it
Brave warriors true, though they might not show it
Never strike above the belt but always below it
They choose the blows well, while men just 'blow it'

Men see a battle, women know it's a war
Know the terms of engagement and lay down the law
They're linesman and judge and they're keeping the score
We know we are beaten, ……….but still come back for more?

© Roger Gall 2001

Subject: SB: The Memories Stay by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:09 AM

The Memories Stay by Amergin
(Tune: Water is Wide)

Amergin's Comments:  I wrote this song originally for my friend, Shaz, who lost her brother in the terrorist attack in Bali. The only way they were able to identify him was through DNA testing. But really, I think this is for everyone who has lost someone through senseless acts of violence, such as terrorism and war. This is by no means for those who died or will die, but for those left behind. They are the ones still carrying the burden of pain.

There is a candle it burns right well
Shining bright in my heart it dwells
But the wind it came strong and stout
And blew that bright burning candle out

My heart stopped beating when the phone rang
I heard the news as the salt tears sang
The blast it shook me to the bone
For now he'll never be coming home

I see him coming through the door
I hear his steps stomp across the floor
I hear his voice whisper soft and clear
As my fingers feel my hot wet tears

In the window a candle burns bright
Calling him home in the dark night
The pain may fade as the years go by
But the memories stay in my heart nearby

Copyright ©2002 Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: Memories of Heaven by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:08 AM

Memories of Heaven by Amergin

He walks down the park trails
His fingers entwined in her hand
The creek bounces among the rocks
Grinding the stones to sand
They sit on a picnic table
Staring into each other's eyes
The tips of their tongues meet
His hands upon her thighs

They lie together in the bed
Her head lying upon his chest
Her hands running through his fur
He caresses the softness of her breast
He watches the candlelight
Sparkle the blue in her hazel eyes
The shadows flicker across her face
He sees her lips so slowly rise

She sits across the table from him
Her tears softly leak down her cheeks
His heart goes heavy, he reaches for her
She flinches back and begins to speak
"I don't know what I'm going to do.
I don't know whether to stay or leave."
"Please, stay with me," he quietly pleads
As he wipes his face with his sleeve

He lies in his bed with three dogs
Remembering her warmth against him
Remembering the soft touch of her hair
Remembering the smoothness of her skin
The gentle pressure of her silky lips
The soothing stroke of her hand
The loving entangle of their legs
His tender claims and her fond demands

Subject: SB: Master Of The Stars by Mbo
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:07 AM

Master Of The Stars by Mbo

Welcome aboard! What a surprise!
This is the starship Enterprise
I am Picard, ready to serve
How would you like to try an hors d'oevre?
Would you like a trip 'round the Fleet's flagship?
Here's a napkin from the Captain and a tip (bum bum bum)

Master of the stars, keeper of the ship

I get in so much danger that you'll prob'ly flip
Pulling on my shirt is what I like to do
Makes me feel important and inspiring, too.
Can you sense the rising pressure? When we go to warp-speed eight
Sure we could go slower, but who wants to go at such a rate?

Master of the stars, bloke who's in command
Ruling on the bridge with an iron hand
Sit down Number One! I can't even think!
(A problem with the sensors and he makes a stink!)
Data won't fire those phasers at that little plantet's sun?
I'm so bloody bored, all day long I've chored
I just want to have a little fun!

Master of the stars! Galaxy's my home!
A hundred million places for this ship to roam!
Glowing warp nacelles make us go and come
As long as we have lots of fresh dilithium!
Some stuff on this ship is destined
To sit in dust, and rust, and rot
Can you say exactly when you've ever seen the Captain's Yacht?

Now what was that the Doctor had said?
Something about a smashed bio-bed?
Down in Sick Bay, it's a big bore
Analyses will make you snore!
My hands I wish could lay on a hypospray
Raising heck around the deck, and then I'd say:

Hey there, Mister Worf! You brute! Take this! Take this!
Next time shooting Romulans you will not miss!
Take this little Wes! You're really quite a pest!
Never contradict me, or you'll face arrest!
Geordie--let us go much faster! This speed's unsatisfactory!
Pump up those big engines--I want to see Warp 23!

Take a ride in space? Whatever you say, sir!
Tonight we've got a rendezvous with Voyager!
A little change of scene is just what I mean
Visiting the places where I've never been
Right into the Delta Quadrant, right into the Kazon's lair
We'll give them all a present that will make them lose their ugly hair!

Every once in a while, there will be a day
When I want to transport to a rugby game!

Master of the stars! Tooting on my flute!
Annoying all my neighbors like a knavish snoot!
But still I'm going bald (for reasons unresolved)
My fish's a lot of fun, his name is Livingston
There is no one bigger in hist'ry, and you may regard
Me as the greatest ever--Captain Jean-Luc Picard!

Drink to me with hot Earl Grey!
There's one thing I'd like to say!
I'm cooler than Mars, yes I'm the master of the stars!

© Matthew Richards, 1996

Subject: SB: Mary's Knocking Shop by KingBrilliant
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:06 AM

 Mary's Knocking Shop by KingBrilliant
(The tune should be sort of Irishy and rhythmic)

KingBrilliant's Comments:  Mary's knocking shop is about my next-door neighbour. She is a lovely elderly lady of whom we are very fond. We were puzzled about one thing though. We would often hear a persistent knocking through the walls of our terraced house, and couldn't imagine what she was up to. We called it Mary's knocking shop. When eventually we asked her she explained that she was taking work home - putting staples into notebooks etc for a small stationery company. Anyway here's what my imagination cooked up . .

You could hear Mary knocking all the night and all the day
And its knocking so hard that drives the devil away
When she strikes up a rhythm you never want to stop
Since Mary took to business in a little knocking shop

The first time that we heard it we were sitting down to tea
Says I to me feller whatever can that be
Would you knock around the door and take a look and see
Says he its Mary Livingstone a-knocking back at me

You could hear Mary knocking all the night and all the day
And its knocking so hard that drives the devil away
When she strikes up a rhythm you never want to stop
Since Mary took to business in a little knocking shop

The local beat policeman went a knocking on the door
Says he Mary Livingstone what are you knocking for
Are you kocking on the ceiling or a-knocking on the floor
Jump up Mary Livingstone and knock a little more

You could hear Mary knocking all the night and all the day
And its knocking so hard that drives the devil away
When she strikes up a rhythm you never want to stop
Since Mary took to business in a little knocking shop

On Sunday night the parson well he had a pious thought
For to save poor Mary's mortal soul just as a parson ought
Now Mary you must leave off all your knocking and your sport
Says she that's just me wooden leg, what was it that you thought?

You could hear Mary knocking all the night and all the day
And its knocking so hard that drives the devil away
When she strikes up a rhythm you never want to stop
Since Mary took to business in a little knocking shop

© Kristin King (May 2001)

Subject: SB: Mary Ann's Walla Walla Woman Blues by Amos
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:05 AM

Mary Ann's Walla Walla Woman Blues by Amos
(Words and music by Amos Jessup, dedicated to Mary Ann)

Amos' Comments:  This song was commissioned by our own MAG in exchange for some support flow to the Mudcat, as promised on a couple of threads.  It is a slow, rolling barrel-house blues reminiscent of Bessie Smith's "Pigfoot and a Bottle of Beer", or her "Ain't Done Runnin' Around" blues.  Dedicated to Mary Ann, and to women everywhere who wish men could be just a little different... Affectionately, Amos


E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
You know, flakie cats just want to stone you 
B7~~~~~~~~ 
And big cowboys they just want to own you 
A~~~~~~~~~~~A7 
For a reg'lar jelly  roll 
~~C#m~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
And the losers want you to roll them 
~~C#7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
And beg you to control them 
F#7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~F#6~~~~~~~~~~~~~B7~~ 
And grind 'em til they find they souls , oh, 
E~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~E7 
I 'm not about to start contraction 
B~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B7~~~~~~ 
From a masculine reaction 
~~~~~~~~C#m~~~~~~~~~G#7~~~~~~A~~ 
Cuz I'm a real woman right down to my shoes, 
A7~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
But I'm getting those 
E7~~~~~~~~~~C#7 
Walla Walla's wasting 
F#7~~~~~~B7~~B7aug(?) E 
A Walla Walla Woman blues 

Big bikers want to play you 
And maybe want to flay you 
Hey, wouldn't you rather burn a bra? 
Then the SNAGS want easy living 
Got no-o-o sense of rhythm 
And can't figure out just who they really are 
Mister big iron pumper 
Got a motion, like a bumper 
Ain't got enough plain soul to shine my shoes 

But I'm gettin' those 
Walla Walla's wastin' 
A Walla Walla Women blues. 

Bridge: 
~~~~~G#7~~~~~~~~~C#m 
I like to do that hootchie kootchie thing 
~~~~~G#7~~~~~~~~~~C#m 
But no-one here to kootchie me 
~~~~~~F#~~~~~~~~F#7 
I like to run a nice strong coffee grinder 
~~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~Bm~~~~~~~~B7~~~~~~~ 
And the men around here drink tea, cold tea, oh 

I got three hot kitties 
Begging, pretty pretty, 
Just to go out on the town at night 
Jes' see how they carry on 
Hear them whine an' moan 
They don' believe its right 
Sometimes I turn a my back 
And they slip through a crack 
And those pussies down town 
Get more than I do 

Leaves me them 
Walla Walla's wastin' 
A Walla Walla Women blues. 

Bridge: 
~~~~~G#7~~~~~~~~~C#m 
I'm not not excessively demanding 
~~~~~G#7~~~~~~~~~C#m 
That's no way for a good woman to be 
~~~~~F#~~~~~~~~F#7 
All I want is some plain understanding 
~~~~~~~B~~~~~~~~~Bm~~~~~~~~B7~~~~~~~ 
And some con-geni-ality, Oh, 

I don't want a man on booze 
They always seem to lose 
Except for that one out Chicago way 
Cuz I can still recall 
He would play that Cannonball 
And that was what he did to steal 
My heart away 
I'm gonna move it, yes move it 
Til someone finds that groove, 
Go out in whitebread city and cruise 
Gonna shake them Walla Walla.... 
Wasting a Walla Walla.... 
A Walla Walla Woman Blues....oh, yes. 

Subject: SB: Marilee by MMario
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:04 AM

Marilee by MMario
(For the tune, click here)

I met her first in springtime
and she was more then fair
The flowers that bloom in springtime
with her could not compare
Her lips were rich as honey
Her kisses sweet as wine
No sky so blue in springtime
As the blue that was her eyes

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
'til the day we're together, once more.

Her hair was golden as the grain
Her skin as white as milk
Her gentle touch, upon my cheek,
As soft as rarest silk
Her ev'ry word a jewel, her voice an angel song
And so in love, we wandered
For all that summer long

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
'til the day we're together, once more.

At harvest time before the priest
we two were made as one
And with our friends we feasted
Until the rising sun
Her smile brought forth the sunshine
Her laugh the welkin rung
Before that night had ended
Our family was begun

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
'til the day we're together, once more.

The winter days are short and cold
But our nights were long and warm
and in the circle of my arms
I sheltered her from harm
For two score year I loved her well
and loved her more each day
But alas, there came a springtime
When my love she went away

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
For she's passed through Death's wide open door.

I saw her last in springtime
And she was still most fair
But the flowers that bloomed that springtime
We scattered o'er her bier
Our children and their children too
Were with me on that day
And the heavens wept, along with us
As we sent my love away.

But no more will I see, my sweet Marilee
For she's passed through Death's wide open door.
Now she sleeps, safe and sound
Six feet under the ground
'Til the day we're together, once more.

Subject: SB: Margaret's Song by Amos
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:02 AM

Margaret's Song by Amos

Amos' Comments:  Margaret will be 80 in April. In her life she has made of herself a remarkable person, a skilled carpenter, a sharpshooter, an accomplished computer guru, jeweler par excellence, a first-rate cook and charming hostess, a law-enforcement officer, an artist of life. This is a small token of appreciation for someone who constantly brightens the corner where she is and shows the world what it means to live with genuine style.

(Presto)                                                                                
G~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D~~~~~~~~~~~G~~~~~~~~C
From a baby in a cradle to a beautiful wife
G~~~~~~~~~C~~~~~~~~~~~D~~~~~~~~
To a senior senorita with a passion for life
G~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D~~~~~~~~~~~G~~~~~~~~C
Well it isn?t that she hasn?t had her share of tears
G~~C~~~~~~~~~Am~~~~~~~~~~~D~~~~G
But she doesn?t need to carry them across the years
Em~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B7
And isn?t it amazing how some folks get along
Em~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D
They make things right when they all seem wrong
G-Em~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~C
And if you ever wonder how she grew so strong
Em~~Am~D~~~~~~~G
This is Margaret 's song:

(Lente)
C~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D
Oh, the secret of the living
G~~~~~~~~EM
Is always in the giving
Em~~~~~Am~~~~~~~~~D        
And the giving keeps on going
G~~~~~~~~~~EM~~~~
On and on, on and on
C~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D
Yes the answer to the living
G~~~~~~~~~EM
Is always in the giving
Am~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~D
And her giving keeps on going
D7~~~~~G
On and on.


Well it isn't always easy chasing round the sun
Keeping up with the clock can keep you on the run
And it's kind of a mystery, and that's for true
How some can act as happy as they do
Well you just gotta wonder where the secret lies
Years never dim the sparkle in their eyes
And if your inclination is to wonder "why?"
Then think on Margaret's song:

(Cho)

No, it isn't in the doing and it isn't in the trying
It isn't in the showing or the shopping or the frying
And it isn't in the dressing or the howdy-do
Ya gotta learn the lesson 'cuz you know its true
It's a funny little lesson, it'll work for you,
Its why they've got the get-up for the things they do
And if you find your heart is feeling this way too --
Sing them Margaret's song

Subject: RE: Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:01 AM

Space-filler - to accommodate mistakes...

Subject: SB: Marching with King by InOBU
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Oct 10 - 02:01 AM

Marching with King by InOBU
(Words-Lorcan Otway / Tune, for now, Mandella by Hannon?)

I marched with King in Selma, so I'm getting on in years
But I still recall the hopes we had in spite of all our fears
I still can hear the barking dogs and often in the night
I recall how we gently marched when we were justified to fight

We marched for voting rights and so others would be free
While some kept from basic rights, who could live comfortably
We faced the southern sheriffs and the banal Ku Klux Klan
to carry the light of human right to each corner of the land

Then the Viet Nam war began and we were marching as before
While tens of thousand lives were lost we walk to end a war
And many vets marched with us and were welcomed home again
while the government who sent them off ignored their cries of pain

And now the government is marching us again to war
and people are gathering to march just as before
but Bloomberg and Judge Barbara Jones conspired in this night
To stop Americans marching and destroy this sacred right

General Nathan Bedford Forrest gave the world the Ku Klux Klan
Sheriff Clark and Governor Maddox kept slave chains in this land
And now to this list of shame two more names must appear
Mayor Bloomberg and Judge Jones who've sold their nation out to fear

Subject: SB: Lullaby for A Borrowed Child by MMario
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:57 AM

Lullaby for A Borrowed Child or The Uncle's Lament by MMario


Hush now, little child
You're safe here in my arms
There's nothing here can harm you
I'll shelter you from harm

I wonder can your parents know
What they have shared with me?
It sets my soul to singing
The wonder that is thee

Soon I must return you
In a moment, mayhaps two
My arms will surely miss this weight
They've grown accustomed to....

Some day if I am lucky
Another child I'll hold
One neither begged nor borrowed
But a child of my own

Until that day shall come to pass
Or if it never does
I'll take these moments granted me
To share and care with love

Hush now, little child
I know that you're not mine
So let my love enfold you
While I still have this time

Soon I must return you
Just a moment, perhaps two
My arms will sorely miss the weight
They've grown accustomed to....

Hush now, little child
Rest and peaceful be
and may you always know such joy
As you have given me.

Subject: SB: Louisiana Bound by harpgirl
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:55 AM

Louisiana Bound by harpgirl

harpgirl's Comments:  I wrote this while I lived in Arkansas in 1978. Bill Clinton was a peckerwood, even then . . . influenced by Lucinda Williams who was in Fayetteville at the time.


I'm going down south where the Cajuns go
Gonna poll a piroux down the ole' bayou
Gonna find me a handsome delta boy
In old Lake Charles or Atchfalaya Bayou

Gonna find me a handsome delta boy
I hear they like to laugh and dance all day
Dance a two-step or a Cajun stomp
I'm gonna do the Louisiana romp

These hillbilly boys in Arkansas
Can't play the fiddle or the old squeeze box
They work all day and sleep all night
Saturday night they're out lookin for a fight

They don't dance and they don't sing
I'm going to Monroe or maybe Ponchartrain
Dance around that sparklin lake
Eatin creole and dancing with a Cajun rake

Watch out Opalousa boys
This hillbilly mama gonna show you
What I can't teach the Arkansas boys
We'll make sweet music by a moonlit bay
Laugh and dance and sing the Creole night away

I'll roll on down through Hot Springs town
Tell Billy Clinton I'm Cajun bound
Pack my dancin shoes and my hillbilly tricks
Gonna show them Cajun boys some hillbilly licks

Going down south where the cajuns go
Gonna poll the piroux on the ole' bayou

Subject: SB: Lough Neagh by InOBU
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:54 AM

Lough Neagh by InOBU
(Words Lórcan Otway; Tune General Monroe (Munroe)/Sally Monroe (Munroe) (Depending what foot you dig with ;-) -- Traditional)

Come all ye good people, who toil on the land
and attend to these verses, that you might understand
how an ancient injustice, commenced long ago
still enslaves all the fishers who sail from Ardboe

My name's Brian Hannon, I'm a fisher b' trade
in the town of Ardboe I was born and raised
and well I remember that very first day
that I sailed with my father to fish on Lough Neagh

How bitter for Ulster was fifteen ninety-four
for the loss of our land after the nine year war
Tyrone, Tyrconnell, and McQuire swept away
While our forefathers clung on to harvest Lough Neagh

What cold hearted nation, could remember with pride
the slaughter of parents with babes by their side
When Arthur Chitchester despoiled Lough Neagh's shore
enslaving the fisherfolk, there evermore

All around Dungannon, whole families he slew
he burned all the crops and wee cottages too,
while no reparations could this injustice repay
his descendants extort rent from us to this day

Now we toil on these waters unjust rent to pay
to Anthony Cooper, who now claims Lough Neagh
We toil that he might give one million pounds
to his gold digging third wife is she pouts or frowns

Now pollution has darkened the waters we need
for no absentee land lord could e're fully heed
the loving concern that it takes everyday
to preserve the sweet gifts of our treasure, Lough Neagh

For these waters we love, for they've given us life
Its the love that a man only feels for his wife
for these waters have fed us from our people's first day
we're as wed to these waters as the fish of Lough Neagh

Copyright ©2002 by Larry Otway

Subject: SB: Lord Bartock, Lady Clare and Locklan
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:53 AM

Lord Bartock, Lady Clare and Locklan (The Locksmith) by Spider Tom

Dm C Dm
(1) Dm Gm A7 Dm
Lord Bartock called his Lady Clare, said "I must go away.
Gm A7 Dm
I will grab my sword and shield, I'm off to the crusades.
Gm Dm
I have a little gift for you as I'm gone day and night,
Gm A7 Dm
A gold and felt, chas-ti-ty belt, will help you sleep real tight."

(2) Dm Gm A7 Dm
Now, Lady Clare was none too keen, to wear the golden locks, 
Gm A7 Dm
But Bartock was a jealous type, and Lady Clare, a Fox . 
Gm Dm
Though she did plead, he paid no heed, to treat her with suspicion ,
Gm A7 Dm
So, still he locked her in the belt, to safeguard their partition. 

Chorus:
Gm Dm Gm
Is the keeper, of the key, the master of the heart?
A7 Dm
"All is fair in love and war." He said that at the start.

(3) Dm Gm A7 Dm
Lord Bartock galloped off to war, sword drawn for the fight,
Gm A7 Dm
And Lady Clare would lay awake, and try stray keys at night.
Gm Dm
But ne'er a key did come to hand, to open up her lock,
Gm A7 Dm
And Bartock had the master key, hidden in his sock.

(Chorus)

(4) Dm Gm A7 Dm
One day, fate would have it, 'cause fate's like that for sure,
Gm A7 Dm
Locklan, the mobile locksmith, knocked on the castle door,
Gm Dm
He took pain, to then explain, he'd open any locks,
Gm A7 Dm
Be it on a celler door, or on a jewelled box.

(Chorus)

(5) Dm Gm A7 Dm
Lady Clare, she heard the words that tumbled off his tongue.
Gm A7 Dm
"I bid you, sir, to break the lock, I need to be undone."
Gm Dm 
So he agreed, and did proceed, to pick the lock himself,
Gm A7 Dm
Though he feared, that doing so, could be bad for his health.

(6) Dm Gm A7 Dm
His skillful hands did skate around, like feathers on the lock,
Dm Gm A7 Dm
And Lady Clare, so long untouched, had one or two, small shocks.
Gm Dm
The locksmith man, with steady hands, had soon removed her bounds,
Gm A7 Dm
Just then, Bartock was home from war, Clare heard his barking hounds.

(7) Dm Gm A7 Dm
As Bartock held his key in hand, and aimed it at the door,
Gm A7 Dm
He was knocked down by a cannon-ball, you should have heard him roar.
Gm Dm
And Lady Clare, she said, "Clear off! The locks have all been changed,
Gm A7 Dm
You can't even row the boat, the moat has all been drained."

(8) Dm Gm A7 Dm
"You never cared a fig for me, you just locked me up.
Dm Gm A7 Dm
I cursed you when you went away, I had had enough.
Gm Dm
You can't lock up emotions, you won't try that, no more.
Gm A7 Dm
I'm pushing a Court-Order, underneath the door.
Gm Dm Gm 
Is the keeper of the heart, the master of the key?
A7 Dm
All is fair in love and war, you once said that to me."

(9) Dm Gm A7 Dm
"And I have found another, who is more to please,
Dm Gm A7 Dm
He found a way into my - heart, and didn't need your keys,
Gm Dm
If you feel frustration, as you're strutting, like a cock,
Gm A7 Dm
I'll throw you my chas-ti-tity belt, the key's still in your sock.

(Chorus)

© Ken Robertson 6/4/1998

Subject: SB: Llanfair by Liz the Squeak
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:50 AM

Llanfair by Liz the Squeak
(Tune:  'Linden Lea')

LTS's Comments:  Written after the first "Llanstock"

Within the valley, steeply sided,
Where the Banwy river flows
The Catters meeting, long awaited
Happened ere the winter snows,

And there we were, all gathered round,
With tuneful voice and melodious sound,
We gather here, to share our song,
In Llanfair Caereinion

With voices raised in mirth and greeting,
Music flows and verses sung.
Though strangers we, at our first meeting,
Old friends soon we all become.

And drinks are shared; new jokes are made,
And old familiar tunes are played,
And laughter comes from everyone,
In Llanfair Caereinion.

The Banwy flows, forever onward,
Through the valleys to the sea.
And so the threads of song and music
Joins us all in company

Though we must all our own way go,
Each separate path, or homeward road,
In memory, we all are one,
In Llanfair Caereinion.

Subject: SB: Liverpool Bay by Matthew Edwards
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:49 AM

Liverpool Bay by Matthew Edwards

Matthew's Comments:  This song is about the port of Liverpool where I live, which once thrived on the trade of shipping, including slavery, - it is said that the great mercantile buildings of the city are mortared with the blood of slaves.  It was also the port to which many came from all over Europe; from shtetls in Poland escaping vicious pogroms, from poor farms in Germany, and of course, from a life of poverty and famine in Ireland.   They sailed away down the Mersey to find what fortune awaited them in the New World, but many never even survived the voyage in some of the "coffin" ships.


The ships have gone, that proudly rode the waves,
To trade tobacco, cotton, rum, and slaves.
The ships have gone and sailed away,
No more to ride the waters of the bay.

God speed to those who've gone from here before,
To find their fortunes on a foreign shore;
Their ships have gone and sailed away,
No more to ride the waters of the bay.

Our ship has sailed, out on the evening tide,
Her sails were spread, her banners streaming wide;
And in the dying light of day,
She's slipped the harbour bar, and sailed away.

And while the Mersey's tides still rise and fall,
And Pier Head echoes to a seagull's call:
The ships have gone, and sailed away,
And silent are the waters of the bay.

Coda:
O I thought I heard the captain say,
Leave her, Johnny, leave her,
Go ashore and get your pay,
For its time for us to leave her.

One more pull, and then belay,
Leave her, Johnny, leave her,
We will sail no more in Liverpool Bay,
And its time for us to leave her.

Subject: SB: The Little Family by McGrath of Harlow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:48 AM

The Little Family by McGrath of Harlow
(Tune: Pretty Boy Floyd)

McGrath's Comments:  I wrote this a few years after seeing the paragraph about an incident in Vietnam.  It could have been in so many other wars, before and since.  The number of civilians killed on both sides was far greater than the number of soldiers.  Like in most modern wars.  A wall with all their name on would have to stretch round the world.

A story in the papers, 
just a paragraph or two
but it kept on running through my mind,
so I pass it on to you.

A family going to market, 
in a little cart they ride, 
the father and the mother,
two little children by their side.

And they're off to sell the food they've grown,
and when the day is done
maybe spend a little money,
maybe have a little fun.

And they're talking and they're singing,
planning what they'll do tonight,
and the mother's telling a story,
to keep the little children quiet.

And they're going along so steady -
when there's shooting all round,
and it lays that little family
all dead upon the ground.

And the shooting's quickly over,
just as soon as it's begun.
And the soldiers rise from the bushes
"Oh God, what have we done."

A story in the papers,
just a paragraph or two
but it kept on running through my mind,
is there's nothing I can do?

Kevin McGrath

Subject: SB: Listen To Your Heart by McGrath of Harlow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:45 AM

Listen To Your Heart by McGrath of Harlow

McGrath's Comments:  The whispering heart has a double meaning of course.   All kinds of reasons for turning from violence. 


Listen to your heart, 
hear it beating. 
Down there in the dark,
never sleeping.
Through lonely times and homely times,
and times that are so fleeting,
do you dare to listen to your heart?
Do you dare to listen to your heart? 
Can you bear to listen to your heart?
You listen to yourself
when you listen to your heart.
Do you dare to listen to your heart?

Listen to your heart,
can you bear to? 
Down there in the dark
do you dare to?
Through busy times and dizzy times
and times when you are scared to,
O so scared to listen to your heart.
Are you scared to listen to your heart?
Are you scared to listen to your heart?
You listen to yourself
when you listen to your heart.
Do you dare to listen to your heart?

Oh once I wore my heart on my shoulder.
Once I played the part of a soldier -
but now's no time for foolishness,
the time for that is over -
can you hear that whisper in your heart?
Can you hear that whisper in your heart?
Can you hear that whisper in your heart?
You listen to yourself
when you listen to your heart.
Do you dare to listen to your heart?

Listen to your heart,
what it's saying,
down there in the dark,
day out and day in,
through olden days, and golden days,
and days you feel like praying,
can you bear to listen to your heart?
Can you bear to listen to your heart?
Can you bear to listen to your heart?
You listen to yourself
when you listen to your heart.
Do you dare to listen to your heart?

Subject: SB: Listen To Me by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:44 AM

Listen To Me by The Shambles

You listen to the wind,
You listen to the sea.
You even listen to the rain on your window,
Why won't you, listen to me?

You listen to the radio
You listen to your TV
You even listen to, the static,
Why won't you, listen to me?

It's not that what got to say is so profound,
It might be, but if you don't listen to the sound.
If you don't hear the show, you won't know what you're missing,
It's a waste of time you'll find, when nobody listens.

You listen to your walkman,
You listen to your CD.
You even listen to the traffic,
Why won't you listen to me?

You listen to your hair dryer,
You listen to your washing machine.
You even listen to the water in the attic
Why won't you listen to me?

If we get credit for what we have to say?
I would like to suggest another way.
You say, you have the way, you have the vision,
No not you, I'll give it to, the few that will listen.

You've got to listen, to the small print,
Just like you strain, your eyes to see.
Got to listen with, your glasses on,
That's the way I would like you to listen to me.

And I'll try to listen to you,
The way I would like you,
To listen to me.

Listen to me

Roger Gall 1997

Subject: SB: Little Cat by McGrath of Harlow
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:43 AM

Little Cat by McGrath of Harlow

McGrath's Comments:  This song is a bit long, but it's true.  I don't sing it too often, not with the cynical buggers I tend to hang around with in sessions. But I'm fond of it.  Whether you lose a cat or a person, all loss touches the same place.  And the Cats involved are still with us. 


One is lying by the fireside, 
one is lying by the door.
One is looking out the window. 
Seems Little Cat is gone for sure. 
Lonely days are here once more,
standing at the open door, 
lonely days, and lonely nights 
- seems nothing ever works out right.

On the day we'd planned to collect them 
a message came - they'd run away. 
Mother Cat was tired of kittens, 
she'd led them in the woods to stray.

It seemed we weren't to have those kittens, 
too bad for us, but worse for them. 
Three days, then news we'd hardly hoped for, 
the kittens had come home again. 
Lost there in the woods at midnight, 
tiny balls of fur and bone, 
foxes, dogs and roaring cars - 
God knows how, they'd made it home.

I still remember how we fetched them 
from the farm where they were born. 
Huddled up and lost and lonely, 
clung together to keep warm.

Little Cat and Little Brother, 
she was queen and he was clown, 
All their lives were twined together -
then one morning, she was gone.

Standing at the empty window
like a sentry at his post.
Searching in the empty garden
like a little golden ghost.

We searched around, we climbed the fences, 
asked the neighbours one by one, 
made a notice with a picture - 
nothing more we could have done.
Lonely days are here once more,
standing at the open door, 
lonely days, and lonely nights 
- seems nothing ever works out right.

Sitting looking out the window, 
heard a knocking on the pane, 
heard a noise like someone crying - 
Little Cat came home again.

Times of trial, times of trouble, 
times aren't easy, that's for sure. 
But tonight we're all together, 
Little Cat came home once more.

One is lying by the fireside, 
one is standing by the door, 
one is eating in the kitchen - 
Little Cat is home once more.

Kevin McGrath

Subject: SB: The Lilt Of A Grandmother's Song by bert
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:40 AM

The Lilt Of A Grandmother's Song by bert

Chorus:
In the Lilt of a Grandmother's Song
That's where I learned right from wrong
There were maidens who sighed and martyrs who died
In the Lilt of a Grandmother's Song.

With her silvery hair in her old rocking chair
She sang of a spinning wheel turning
When her son left the shore to return nevermore
She sang of a fond mother's yearning.

Chorus

She sang me to sleep with songs of the deep
St. Brendan who sailed the world over
Of pretty coleens and the smell o' poteen
Gold sovereigns and a wild rover.

Chorus

From the Old Shannon Shore, to the Mountains of Mourne
Songs of laughter and kissing the blarney
Of the Orange and Green and Old Skibbereen
And the hills and the lakes o' Kilarney.

Chorus

Subject: SB: Like The Sea by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:39 AM

Like The Sea by The Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  The Tall Ships Race was starting locally and my daughter informed us that she was going to leave home and sign on to one of these vessels. In the end she didn't but it did inspire this, which is an adolescent's song to their loved ones.

I've a notion to sail the ocean
And drift where the winds do blow free
Far from the choices and from the voices
That know best, what I should be
I'm like the sea before me
On the surface calm and serene
Who knows what forces and from what sources
Stir in the depths unseen

As I cast off on my journey
What of those who made history?
What advice can be offered
To those who sail uncharted seas

The great adventurers, did not venture
Too far from the virgin shore
They claim their prizes and as the sun rises
They seek more land to explore
I'm like the sea before me
Well charted but still a mystery
I'm not revealing, all that I'm feeling
If you look you may discover me

Maiden voyagers are not fearful
For they don't think that they could fail
You've kept me safe within your harbour
Now it's time to set sail

You may be fearing, this course I'm steering
Will lead me far from your door
When the sounds of goodbye, starts the clouds in your eyes
Remember I couldn't love you more
I'm like the sea before me
My colours change from blue to grey
Windy and wild, or asleep like a child
What mood will I display?

© Roger Gall 1997

Subject: SB: The Last Time by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:35 AM

The Last Time by Amergin

The train slowly shudders to a stop
And we stand there hugging goodbye
The conductor calls the all aboard
I gently part from you with a sigh
I envision your waeary watery eyes
As aboard the train I start to climb
Never knowing, never dreaming
That we have kissed for the last time

I watch you lightly ease into your car
Through the tinted glass by my seat
The train curls down the rusted tracks
I remember your lips so soft and sweet
My closed eyes see the curves of your face
Recalling your beauty so sublime
Never knowing, never dreaming
That we have kissed for the last time

A smile rapidly unfolds across my mouth
Remembering the sweetness of the night before
When we cuddled and made angelic love
And our soft bodies we fondly explored
The train slowly ambles my way back home
And the whistle begins to loudly chime
Never knowing, never dreaming
That we have kissed for the last time

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: RE: Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Sep 10 - 01:34 AM

Gee, we're up to "L" already. Time for some more.

Subject: SB: The Last Roar by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 03:14 AM

The Last Roar by The Shambles

The last roar
Of the Dinosaur
As he marches to extinction
You say "what went wrong"?
But to survive for so long
Must be, a mark of distinction

For time had flown
And the world he'd known
The land and all the oceans
Where once he would fit
He now must admit
He was only, 'going through the motions'

Just running to stand still
'Over the hill'
He thinks he'll get there, but never will

Ready to 'give up the ghost'
Sound the 'last post'
Where are your friends, when you need them the most?

Put to the test
He was losing interest
But still going through, 'the usual channels'
He had to curse
When they got there first
"Damn, those upstart mammals"

For they had begun
To suckle their young
He prefers, to keep his distance
But it's efficient
And quite sufficient
To threaten, his existence

Just running to stand still
'Over the hill'
He thinks he'll get there, but never will

Ready to 'give up the ghost'
Sound the 'last post'
Where are your friends, when you need them the most?

© Roger Gall. 

Subject: SB: Lament Of Captain McVay by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 28 Aug 10 - 03:12 AM

Lament Of Captain McVay by Amergin

With our orders in hand we are faring
On the wild and wasteful ocean.
It's on to Leyte Isle we are destined
As we follow the Pacific's motion

O we left the sunny California shores
With the Hiroshima killer were we shippin
I was Captain on a cruiser ship
And the summer winds were whippin

O we dropped our cargo at Tinian Isle
Then onwards to Guam we were sailin
In the peaceful waters I was faring
As I leaned against the starboard railin

Well, we left Guam for the Philippines
Though our escort was denied us
And the fog was thick, we could not see
That the rising sun was tracking us

It was in July late one Sunday night
With the first torpedo our hull was drinking
Communication was out, the order given
And with the second we were a-sinking

Why didn't you tell me they were hiding in the water?
Why was my escort so ruthlessly denied?
Tell me why did you see fit to court martial me?
I've got to know, friend, I've got to know why

I've got to know, yes, I've got to know friend
Ghostly faces ask me wherever I go
Comrades and friends are drowning around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why

900 men were floating in the sea
Four and a half days in the rocking ocean
Drinking the salt, and feeding the sharks
When we were found we numbered 317

Well, they put me on trial and I lost my rank
For following the orders that they gave me
They ruined my career they ruined my name
No more will I sail upon the lonesome sea

Well the years went by, my pain it grew
With the hate I felt from families of the dead
So I went in the front yard with a toy in my hand
I opened my mouth and put a bullet in my head

Why didn't you tell me they were hiding in the water?
Why was my escort so ruthlessly denied?
Tell me why did you see fit to court martial me?
I've got to know, friend, I've got to know why

I've got to know, yes, I've got to know friend
Ghostly faces ask me wherever I go
Comrades and friends are drowning around me
I've got to know, yes, I've got to know why

Subject: SB: Lady of the Darkness by Micca
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 03:11 AM

Lady of the Darkness by Micca

She is the Dark of the soul made visible
The inner peace that's eternal night
and all attempts to bind and hold her
are like attempts to stop birds from flight

Chorus:
So Fine and lovely, oh Lady Fair
So sweetly singing with her long dark hair
her voice enchants me where ere I go
My Lady of the Darkness

For she is free as the fox or curlew
as free as breathing as free as air
her laugh and song has made captive of me
and bound me to her with her long dark hair

She comes to me in the late night darkness
And whispers softly Is my love awake
folds back the blanket And clasps me to her
The way the river can embrace the lake

And the hours of waiting dissolve in moments
And all the sadness simply disappears
her warm strong body and her lips on mine
Refresh my soul and removes all fears

My love is with me , all things are easy
The dragons fought and are laid to rest
And I'm at peace in the close warm darkness
Held In the arms that that I love the best

Shes dark and pale is my Celtic goddess
She 's pale as moonlight upon the lawn
Her eyes are dark as winters midnight
But her hearts as bright as the Beltane dawn

Subject: SB: Lady Of Substance by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 03:10 AM

Lady Of Substance by The Shambles

I see you're gonna be a lady of substance
And you don't care what your poison will be
You hear it calling,
With the rain falling
On your window sill
You don't need it and you never will

The world is at your feet but you don't see it
The weight of the world, is all you feel
We wish you wouldn't
You know you shouldn't
But it's part of the thrill
You don't need it and you never will

So hard to please to ones who love you
Easy to please to ones who don't care
There's time for living
Time for giving
But there's no time to kill
You don't need it and you never will

Winds blow and seeds are sowing
Dreams grow or fall apart
Don't you see that
It's not that easy?
You have to pay the bill
You don't need it and you never will

©Roger Gall 1996

Subject: RE: Aine's Mudcat Songbook PermaThread
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:49 AM

Still no mistakes to point out?

Subject: SB: Justice En Lieu by Charley Noble
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:49 AM

Justice En Lieu by Charley Noble
(Words by Charlie Ipcar © 1993 / Inspired by an Associated Press story – 9/9/93)
(Tune: 19th Century Irish Music Hall: "I Wish They'd Do It Now")
[Key: D (2/C)]    [Click here for lyrics with chords]

Charley Noble's Comments: I do assure any skeptics that the events dramatized in my song were reported in our statewide newspapers, and I understand that the song itself was sung at a subsequent meeting of the Maine Bar Association by a friend of mine.


There are trials and trib-u-la-tions as in life we make our way,
Of-ten there's lit-tle jus-tice, you can hear the peo-ple say;
Now comes the Ci-ty of Ma-chi-as, on Maine's rock-bound shore,
Jus-tice was all con-found-ed at the Court-house bath-room door.

'Twas in the year of '93, September the eighth day,
Judge Marsano left his chambers, or so the papers say;
He entered his private bathroom, his duty to pursue,
How could he have imagined – fourteen hours en lieu?

When he tried to leave the bathroom, he found it was no go;
The lock had jammed, his staff had left, no one could hear his woe;
So this Justice was confounded – his story will endure –
By the push-button locking system on the Courthouse bathroom door.

On the Courthouse bathroom door,
On the Courthouse bathroom door,
By the push-button locking sy-stem
On the Court-house bath-room door.

First he tried to force the lock, but 'twas to no avail,
If he'd only had a bucket, he might have gotten out on bail;
Next he removed the hinge pins, but that door refused to budge,
There seemed to be no earthly way to win early release for the Judge.

If he'd only brought some lawbooks, he might have shown more zeal,
He could have drafted a petition and gotten out on appeal;
But this Justice was confounded – his story will endure –
By the push-button locking system on the Courthouse bathroom door.

On the Courthouse bathroom door,
On the Courthouse bathroom door,
By the push-button locking system
On the Courthouse bathroom door.

So early the next morning, his staff was surprised to hear
Such unruly banging and shouting from the bathroom in the rear;
They smashed the lock to free the Judge, and the super did allow:
"It wasn't funny at the time but it sure is funny now!"

Subject: SB: Just Another Love Song by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:48 AM

Just Another Love Song by Amergin

I revel in your misery
While you rejoice in mine
When you cry I'm dancing
When my tears fall you shine
When your lips curl on down
My head stands ever so high
When my face coils into a scowl
Your steps become airy and spry

Chorus:
And they say we were meant for each other
It is a love that never will die
I sing as I grip your hand tightly inside of mine
Of our love as we stand together, together beneath the sky

I sit here and joke and laugh
When I see that you are in pain
You drink and point and smile
When I take to the knife again
I shout out halleluiah
When I see you tying the knot
You loudly praise the lord above
When you see that I am distraught

Chorus:

© Nathan Tompkins

Subject: SB: Jesus Is Coming -- Look Busy! by Praise
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:47 AM

Jesus Is Coming -- Look Busy! by Praise

The master gave a project.
Assigned it long ago.
Salvation of the masses,
And Jesus' way to go.
And back to us He promised
That He would surely be.
To monitor our progress,
And gauge our victory.

Chorus:
Oh Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming)
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming)
Better straighten up your desk,
Better have a good report,
Oh-o Jesus is coming-- Look busy!

I heard it on the e-mail,
Have you checked your box today?
An all-staff notification,
To settle down and pray.
The big event is happening--
It could be now I heard--
The work review He promised,
Or did you miss the Word?

Chorus:
I mean Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming),
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming).
Better straighten up your desk,
Better have a good report,
Oh-o Jesus is coming-- Look busy!

We thought we had forever,
We thought that time was ours.
We failed to see the deadline
For all our feeble human powers.
We hoped the next department
Would finish all the work,
We thought no one would notice
If all day long we shirked.

Chorus:
But Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming),
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming).
Better straighten up your desk,
Better have a good report,
Oh-o Jesus is coming-- Look busy!

The cubicles are humming
Where yesterday were jokes.
The parking lot now empty
Where half the company smokes.
Up every hall and passage,
Throughout the NHQ,
The managers are thinking quick
And so, my friend, should you!

Chorus:
For Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming),
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming).
Better straighten up your desk,
Better have a good report,
Oh-o Jesus is coming-- Look busy!

His imminent arrival
We never thought we'd see.
But Someone's heading right this way
He'll get to you and me.
Yes Jesus dressed in suit and tie
Escorted by the boss,
Collecting your statistics,
Of profit and of loss!

Chorus:
Is that Jesus (Oh Jesus) who's coming
(who's coming)?
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming).
Better straighten up your desk,
Better have a good report,
Oh-o Jesus is coming-- Look busy!

Promotion now or pink slip,
Which will it be for you?
His entourage is out on front,
His limo in plain view.
There's just a little time left
To do a bit of work.
Oh hurry and get started,
I hear this guy's a jerk!

Chorus:
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming),
Yes Jesus (Oh Jesus) is coming (is coming).
Better straighten up your desk,
Better have a good report,
Oh-o Jesus is coming-- Look busy!

Subject: SB: Jason's Song by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:45 AM

Jason's Song by The Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  Jason is my nephew and exactly the same age as this song.

Home is where the heart is
The end is where the start is
Round and round and round we go
Love is sometimes faking it
Life is what you're making it
The more you learn the less you know

All that glitters, is not gold
Passions hot, can run cold
Things agreed, on a calm day may
In a breeze, blow away

Home is where the heart is
The end is where the start is
Round and round and round we go
Love is sometimes faking it
Life is what you're making it
The more you learn the less you know

The only ones, who know for sure, are the young
Listen to the words I have sung
They may prevent your certainty
From hurting those who cannot be (so sure)

Home is where the heart is
The end is where the start is
Round and round and round we go
Love is sometimes faking it
Life is what you're making it
The more you learn the less you know

What me is there, I can say?
To help you on your way
Just listen to all that you are told
But remember, all age makes you is old

Roger Gall 1995

Subject: SB: Jack Lewin's Gold by Jack Lewin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:44 AM

Jack Lewin's Gold by Jack Lewin (a/k/a kevin gilfoy)

(chorus)
Well we ran her in hard by the south side bar trying to make Brophy's cove
We were dead on the run from the ten pound guns of the British ship Nancy O
They were closing in fast when we head the first blast as we made it past Josie's shoal
So let's make land and get out of here and hide Jack Lewin's gold

The Jack got caught out on maritime rock in a storm five weeks ago
With the garrisson's gold left deep in her hold, they left her to find Pictou
So we loaded the loot in our own little sloop and the weight of it laid us low
And now they're back with another ship to claim Jack Lewin's gold

(chorus)

The twenty three islands that lay inside that tricky little south side bar
Is a perfect little spot for a schooner to stop and hide from a Man-O-War
For the break water's fast by the sand bar's pass where the big ships dare not go
So let's lay low for a week or so and hide Jack Lewin's gold

(chorus)

So now we're back at the place of attack and we're sitting off Brophy's cove
And we're hanging our heads full of shame and dread of our doings there months before
It's a feeling so sad that we may go mad and it's hurting deep in our souls ...
Because we didn't make a map and now we can't find where we hid Jack Lewin's gold, no!

(chorus)

Lets haul ass and get out of here and hide Jack Lewin's gold!!!

Subject: SB:I Want To Get My Picture On The BBC by Bradypus
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:43 AM

I Want To Get My Picture On The BBC by Bradypus

I want to get my picture on the BBC
I want five minutes fame, so that all the world can see
I want to phone my family up, and ask 'did you see me ?'
I want to get my picture on the BBC

I thought I'd rob a bank, so you'd see me on the news
But for that I'd need a stocking mask, and that would spoil the views
And the cops are sure to catch me, and my freedom I would loose
So this idea's a loser, and it isn't any use

I thought I'd be a streaker, and go running in the nude
At Twickenham or Murrayfield, or Lords or St John's Wood
But my parents wouldn't like it, for they think that streaking's rude
That's another idea gone, for it isn't any good.

I thought I'd sing a folk song, for that seems the way to go
For singing, picking, strumming is the best thing that I know
But they don't put folk on telly, only on the radio
For my face to find it's fortune sure the radio's too slow

And then I found the Mudcat, and it is my type of place
There's a bbc on Mudcat who'll be glad to show my face
Just a scanner and an e-mail and a quick link to help trace
My fame across the internet, for all the human race

So now I'll get my picture on the bbc
It may be only lower case, it's good enough for me
Just click on the resources page, some sights you're sure to see
I'm there with all the other cats, and that's a cause for glee !

Subject: SB: It's A Funny Ol' World by tradsteve
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:42 AM

It's A Funny Ol' World by tradsteve
Tune: Down On Pennie's Farm

tradsteve's Comments:  Since it's my eighteenth birthday today I decided to write a song for the occasion. Happy Birthday to me. This is to the tune of "Down On Pennie's Farm".

Chorus:

It's a funny ol' world that we're all livin' in
I've said it before and I'll say it again
Whenever I start to win it knocks me down again
It's a funny ol' world that we're all livin' in
It's a funny ol' world that we're all livin' in

I ain't seen much in eighteen years
But what I've seen has brought me tears
Whenever I see the morning paper
I'm reminded once again
It's a wicked ol' world that we're all livin' in
It's a wicked ol' world that we're all livin' in

Chorus

I've learned many things from life's great game
I've learned to point the finger and how to place the blame
And if there's one thing I've learned from a politician
It's a cruel ol' world that we're all livin' in
It's a cruel ol' world that we're all livin' in

Chorus

We've got money for guns and money for war
We've got money for anything 'cept for the poor
It's a sinful world when we've got those who're starvin'
It's a sinful ol' world that we're all livin' in
It's a sinful ol' world that we're all livin' in

Chorus

But I've got hope and I've got a will
And I've got all of you if you're with me still
So I'll take all these knocks and take 'em on the chin
And laugh at the funny ol' world we're all livin' in
It's a funny ol' world that were all living in.

Subject: Lyr Add: IT SURE AS HELL AIN'T COUNTRY (K Morse)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:41 AM

It Sure As Hell Ain't Country by Kendall


Kendall's Comments:   Here is one I submitted to the dt, but, I don't know if it will make it or not.  It's based on a true experience; but, I took great liberties with the truth.  I must confess . . . I don't have a son, I don't do one night stands, and I never pick up hikers.

I was rolling along on the interstate in an 18 wheeler two hours late
Searching the dial for a country song
But I never did find one,
Nothin' on but rock music, thats an oxymoron
I picked up a hiker to relieve the gloom
Tought if she's willin' I'll get us a room
Make our own music..no such luck
All she wanted was my radio.

She found a station that was playing that stuff that some call country, that was bad enough
Then, she started singing along
Had a voice that would shatter Tupperware

We rode that way for miles and miles
I tried to talk, but, she just smiled
Kept on singing with that awful voice
Finally, I knew I had no choice
I gotta get rid of her, or shut her up somehow.
I stopped at a diner outside Duluth
Found myself a darked booth
Tried to get friendly, but she couldnt hear
Had one of them damned Walkmen stuck in her ear
Same old rock and roll. Nuff to make you chew your own leg off.

I dropped her off in my own home town
She opened the door, and 'fore she jumped down
She wanted to know if we'd meet again
I said "Aint likely, I'm not into pain."
I finally walked through my own front door, tv was on going full bore
The boy was watching TNN, and that same old racket hit me again
Cant get away from it..its like pollution
It's everywhere.
Sme guy was pounding a big stack of drums
Screeming something at the top of his lungs
Another had a "steel" and a cowboy hat
My son said "Whats the matter? you dont like that?
He's singing 'bout the land of the free"
I said "Boy, you could have fooled me
But, I'll tell you this much..
IT SURE AS HELL AINT COUNTRY.

Subject: SB: Islands and Oasis by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:40 AM

Islands and Oasis by The Shambles


The Shambles' Comments:  If we could only refrain from placing labels on human beings, men, women and children, exactly like ourselves, it would maybe make it more difficult for us to cut them down like weeds.

According to a NATO spokesman today, there are a half a million people being forced to leave their homes in Kosovo . . . This is for them and all our other victims, refugees and homeless people everywhere.


Islands and oasis, all the safe places.
Shade from the sun, a place in the warm,
Somewhere to lie,
In the eye
Of the storm
Islands and oasis, it's written on their faces
They can't run, too tired to fight
Leave me please
In peace
Tonight

I've crossed the borders of many lands
I'm used to orders and commands
But those words still cut you like a knife
Why must it be so hard, to lead a simple life?
We don't expect to know the reasons
For we are but strangers here to freedom
We're travelling with no destination
Just keeping low, with no, high expectations

Islands and oasis, all the safe places.
Shade from the sun, a place in the warm,
Somewhere to lie,
In the eye
Of the storm
Islands and oasis, it's written on their faces
They can't run, too tired to fight
Leave me please
In peace
Tonight

In the dark streets of this town
There are some places to be found
Where you can be, but not belong
For soon they will return, to move you on
Your home may be a place of safety
But it was no such place for me
I left the violence and the lies
But the secrets still creep in
When I close my eyes

Islands and oasis, all the safe places.
Shade from the sun, a place in the warm,
Somewhere to lie,
In the eye
Of the storm
Islands and oasis, it's written on their faces
They can't run, too tired to fight
Leave me please
In peace
Tonight

Roger Gall 1998

Subject: SB: Ireland To Me by The Shambles
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:38 AM

Ireland To Me by The Shambles

The Shambles' Comments:  With special thanks to Lonesome Ernie Johnson, Kevin McGrath and the Keeper of the Book.

I dream of a country, far over the sea
I dream of its people, united and free
I dream of a land, that I’ve yet to see
Thanks to all those who’ve brought Ireland to me

Lived and worked with you daily, gone with you to school
You've a different way but still nobody’s fool
Our languages too, seem to hold us apart
Mine speaks from the head, yours sings from the heart

I’ve seen all the passions, that in those eyes burn
The pain of those, who will never return
A pride in a home land, that I’ll never share
Divisions ‘known’ only, to those who live there

I dream of a country, far over the sea
I dream of its people, united and free
I dream of a land, that I’ve yet to see
Thanks to all those who’ve brought Ireland to me

I hear songs of your heroes, wars lost and won
But my thoughts are with those, whose song is unsung
Just in the wrong places and at the wrong time
Nameless martyrs, cut down in their prime

Innocent victims, lost daughters and sons
Will we all let the madness, go on and on?
Time to look to the future, not to live in the past
Let the guns fall silent, and make sure it will last

I dream of a country, far over the sea
I dream of its people, united and free
I dream of a land, that I’ve yet to see
Thanks to all those who’ve brought Ireland to me

Roger Gall 200?

Subject: SB: Into My Thoughts by Amergin
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:36 AM

Into My Thoughts by Amergin

Amergin's Comments:  I listen to the gentle snoring of those around me, of Sugar Dog yelping in her sleep chasing cats, rabbits, or whatever strikes her fancy, as I scribble into my notepad, softly singing out my words as I go along... 

I hear her voice calling to me in my sleep
Swirling in my head the whispers softly creep
Into my thoughts....

I see her standing before me in my dreams
Unclothed and dripping from the river streams
Into my thoughts.....

I hear her sing her beann sidhe songs
Wailing and crying the whole night long
Into my thoughts....

I feel her creamy breasts touching me
Caressing my skin every time she breathed
Into my thoughts.....

I taste her mouth as her tongue entered mine
Knowing the dreams are being left behind
Into my thoughts....

I smell her sweet sweat filling my lungs
I arise and know that you are now gone
Into my thoughts.... 

Subject: SB: In Praise Of Barky by Mbo
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 10 - 02:35 AM

In Praise Of Barky by Mbo

Barky is the trumpet queen
Makes all the others envy green
Barky girl, Barky girl
Amongst all oysters she's the pearl
Barky Barky Barky-O!
Play us Haydn's Concerto
And thrill us with your bold solo!

She's the first chair, don't you know
Others must her will follow
Barky lass Barky lass
Gettin' up and kickin' ass
Barky Barky Barky--blow
Them all away like a tornado
Everyone adores you so!

Barky's got such perfect tone
She is the Queen upon her throne
Barky's def, Barky's def
Play for us Holst's "March in F"
Barky Barky Barky dear
When other music hits my ear
I wish for Barky's horn to hear!

© Matthew Richards 2000