Origins: Lakes of the Poncertrain? / Ponchartrain

Subject: Origins: Lakes of the Poncertrain
From: Susan A-R
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 09:22 PM

I have hunches about this one, but wonder about more specific historical circumstances? What is meant by "cursed all foreign money"? What's the likely s time period.   What are the origins of the tune. Any earlier words to it that people can send me to?   What was this guy's heritage?    I've always loved the song, and really enjoy the line "if not for the aligators, I'd sleep out in the wood." I gotta know more.

Subject: RE: Origins: Lakes of the Poncertrain
From: Alice
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 09:25 PM

There is already an Origins thread, Susan.

Your spelling is wrong... it is Ponchartrain.


Origins: Lakes of Ponchartrain

Subject: RE: Origins: Lakes of the Poncertrain
From: GUEST,Marvin Warren
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 09:31 PM

Well, one version I've heard says in the second half of verse one:

I rode the rods 'til evening
and then laid me down again

Thus, I'd guess it's from the era of steam locomotives, roughly the century between 1850 and 1950. More specific than that, I don't know, but would love to hear.

Subject: RE: Origins: Lakes of the Poncertrain
From: Susan A-R
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 10:08 PM

Spelling was never my strong suit, as most of you probably know by now. Thanks to whoever popped up that other thread. Lots of interesting ideas, and it's just a great song, so that's what I'll settle for.

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