Chord Req: What do they make in Washington

Subject: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: GUEST,EricFlatpick
Date: 14 Aug 11 - 03:54 PM

One of the great songs on Michael Cooney's "Pure Unsweetened" is called "What do they do in Washington?", rhythmically, in its lyrics, and in Michael's performance. Does anyone know who made this song up, or how Michael plays it (key, chords)?

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: GUEST,999
Date: 14 Aug 11 - 06:26 PM

The song on Youtube

A google of

What do they make in Washington

will answer your question in two or three of the first ten sites that come up regarding author. Key and choreds are very simple because the melody is from another song (I think).

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: PHJim
Date: 14 Aug 11 - 06:51 PM

Written by Michael Marker

[C]Tell me what do they make in Washington
To give to all of the [G] nation
Detroit people they make the cars
In Florida we take a [C] vacation
We get those big potatoes
From Idaho I [F] know
But [G] what do they make in Washington
What is it that they [C] grow?

I'm not sure what key Michael uses. My kids (now 35 years old) had this record when they were 3 or 4. I'm not sure what happened to it and it's no longer available from Andy's Front Hall, who produced the original record, but these chords will work. Capo up to suit your voice.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: GUEST,EricFlatpick
Date: 20 Aug 11 - 05:36 PM

Thanks very much for the help--and, PHJim, for the lyrics and the Mike Marker info. (I see he and Larry Hanks have a cd from 2004 for sale at CDBaby.)

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: kendall
Date: 20 Aug 11 - 08:30 PM

They make trouble for the poor and elderly.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: GUEST,Kurt Siegel
Date: 05 Jan 16 - 09:30 PM

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: ksiegel
Date: 06 Jan 16 - 05:10 PM

I tried to post this yesterday, but forgot how to log in.. (g)

I used to play this song frequently, but an injury caused me to stop playing guitar.

Now that I'm playing Ukulele, and performing again, this one popped back into my head when my wife and I were innocently chatting in the car, and one of us said "What do they make in Washington?" The reply was simply, "To give to all of the nation?" and away we went.

I might have learned it from listening to Michael Cooney - I really don't know where it came from, but here it is:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What Do They Make In Washington
Michael Marker

A teacher was sitting in her fifth grade classroom, teaching geography.
Talking about all the different cities, all across the country.
The lesson was almost over, when a little kid raised her hand.
And she said, "Please tell me teacher, for I do not understand."

Chorus:
What do they make in Washington, to give to all of the nation?
The Detroit people they make the cars; Miami take a vacation.
We get those big potatoes from Boise, Idaho –
But what do they make in Washington? What is it that they grow?

I have seen them on the TV screen, they all drive big, black cars.
They live in fancy houses – I hear they live like Movie Stars!
And my papa says that it is the place where half his money goes –
So what do they make in Washington? What is it that they grow?

Chorus:
The teacher was bewildered – as teachers often are;
She knew that this young student had taken things a little too far.
And lacking for an answer, here's what she did say:
"That's a very good question! Let's save it for another day."

Chorus X 2

Subject: RE: Chord Req: What do they make in Washington
From: MickyMan
Date: 01 Feb 16 - 12:51 PM

I had a good time leading this song last night at an Unaccompanied Pub Sing in Providence RI. It was my first time doing it, and it works quite well without instrumental backup. Something needs to set up a tempo, so I got the group to clap an ostinato calypso-like rhythm [ZXXZX,ZXXZX] throughout, and I did the verses. They joined in on the chorus (which I taught them beforehand) and they got a big kick out the words, especially on the eve of the Iowa Caucus in a presidential election year.   This one should continue to be a hit, at least until November!