Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 06:50 PM

Another song about Noah & the Ark, from "Negro Prison Work Songs" recorded by Toshi & Pete Seeger, J.Lomax, Chester Bower & Fred Hellerman at Ramsey RetrieveStatee Farms, Texas 1951. This is a type axe song, crosscutting.

HAMMER RING

Thread closed temporarily because it's been a target for a heavy barrage of Spam. If you have something to add to the discussion, contact me and I'll reopen it.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Azizi
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 12:16 PM

Though it's a bit of thread drift, the phrase "the fire next time" lives on as the title of James Baldwin's 1963 non-fiction book.

See this summary of 'The Fire Next Time"

["The Fire Next Time" is composed of] two previously published essays in letter form by James Baldwin. Together they constitute a powerful warning that violence would result if white America did not change its attitude and policies toward black Americans and alter the conditions under which they were forced to live. The first,
"My Dungeon Shook: Letter to My Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of Emancipation," attacks the idea that blacks are inferior to whites and emphasizes the intrinsic dignity of black people. The second, "Down at the Cross: Letter from a Region in My Mind," recounts Baldwin's coming-of-age in Harlem, appraises the Black Muslim movement, and states his personal beliefs."

http://www.americanwriters.org/works/fire.asp

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jun 06 - 11:18 AM

The lyric is also in a song by Ollabelle called "Before This Time" on their self-titled album, and I believe someone passingly mentioned it was in a song by Take 6 called "It's Gonna Rain" from the album Join the Band. Obviously the lyrics did not originate here, but they are further examples of their being used in other songs.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 01:20 PM

Is Chocolate Pi (from 12 Mar 00) still around?
Bob Gibson did a spiritual, "Well, Well, Well", on a Newport Folk Festival album ('64?). Gave me goosebumps.
(cho)"Well, well, well -- who's that a-callin'?
      Well, well, well -- hol' my hand.
      Well, well, well -- night is a-fallin' --
      Spirit is a-movin' all ovuh this lan'.
(verse)The Lawd tol' Noah "Build you an ark.
       Build it out of hickory bark."
      *Rain started fallin'; water started to climb --
       God said a fire, not a flood next time!!
(cho)
(v)    My Lawd said fire comin' judgement day --
       All mankind's gonna pass away.
       Brothers an' sisters don't you know?
       You're gonna reap just what you sow.
(cho)
(v)    World's not waitin' for the Lawd's command;
       Buildin' a fire that'll sweep the land.
       Thunder out of heaven comin' -- Gabriel's call --
       An' the sea's gonna boil, an' the sky's gonna fall!!"

(The verses being aabb -- I get the b sections with the wrong a sections sometimes.) *This line may start "Thunder started rollin',..." Related note: Not too long ago (read "within my lifetime" - I'm 61) one of the rivers flowing out of one of the Great Lakes (?) was so polluted it caught fire. Seemed like a reminder....             Tw
      
(P.S. Does anyone remember Bill Cosby's "Riiight -- What's a Cubit?... Noah, how long can you tread water?")

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Click for Well, Well, Well

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 10:49 AM

Essentially the same song.
Some 80 or more years ago, a spiritual called "Don't You See" or "I Gotta Home" (various names) could be distinguished- see thread 40983, versions from Odum and Johnson, posted 10 Feb 02. The verses such as 'rainbow sign' and 'Dives and Lazarus' are absent and the structure is simpler.
Home in that Rock

Constant borrowing and revision was a hallmark of these songs, but the variability largely has been lost since versions by well-known groups such as the Carters and Weavers (and their copiers) caught public attention, standardizing lyrical interpretation.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 09:08 AM

The Ramblin' Jack Elliott version I enthused about above was really Sowin' on the Mountain.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: ADD Version: Home in that Rock
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 01:12 AM

Be sure to see the crosslinked threads for other versions. Here's the one I learned, the Weavers version:

Home In That Rock

I've got a home in that rock, don't you see? (don't you see?)
I've got a home in that rock, don't you see? (don't you see?)
Between the earth and sky,
Thought I heard my Savior cry:
"Better get a home in that rock, don't you see?"

Rich man Dives, he lived so well, don't you see, don't you see, (twice)
Rich man Dives lived so well, when he died he had a home in hell,
He had no home in that rock, don't you see.

Poor man Lazarus, poor as I, don't you see, don't you see, (twice)
Poor man Lazarus, poor as I, when he died he had a home on high,
He had a home in that rock, don't you see.

God gave Noah the rainbow sign, don't you see, don't you see, (twice)
God gave Noah the rainbow sign, no more water but fire next time,
You better get a home in that rock, don't you see.

Better get a home in that rock, don't you see, don't you see, (twice)
Between the earth and sky, thought I heard my Saviour cry
Better get a home in that rock, don't you see.


from The Weavers Song Book (1960, published by Harper & Row)

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Click to play

Subject: ADD Version: Home In That Rock
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 12:09 AM

Home In That Rock
(from the singing of Laura Duncan)

I've got a home in-a that rock, don't you see?
I've got a home in-a that rock, don't you see?
Up between the earth and sky,
Thought I heard my Savior cry:
"You've got a home in-a that rock, don't you see?"

Poor man Lazarus poor as I, don't you see?
Poor man Lazarus, poor as I, don't you see?
Poor man Lazarus, poor as I,
When he died he found a Home on High,
He had a Home in that Rock, don't you see?

Rich man Dives lived so well, don't you see?
Rich man Dives lived so well, don't you see?
Rich man Dives lived so well,
When he died he found a Home in Hell,
Had no Home in—a that Rock, don't you see?

God gave Noah the rainbow sign, don't you see? Don't you see?
God gave Noah the rainbow sign, don't you see? Don't you see?
God gave Noah the rainbow sign,
No more water - - but fire next time,
Noah had a Home in that Rock, don't you see?

(Tag ending): And I've got a Home in that Rock,
Don't you see, don't you see, Son't you see, don't you see?

from The Collected Reprints from Sing Out!, Volumes 1-6, 1959-1964.

The tune isn't exactly the same as the Carter Family version.

---

Click to play

---

Do we all agree that "Home in that Rock" and "God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign" are the same song?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: freightdawg
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 11:45 PM

Okay, here's another lost song with that phrase. I think it is called "It's Gonna Rain" and the onliest verse that I can remember is:

Its gonna rain, its gonna rain,
Oh you better get ready, and keep this in mind;
When God gave Noah the Rainbow sign he said,
"It won't be water, but fire next time."

I just remember that we used the song with our puppet group. The version we used had a killer bass that rumbled out the "it won't be water but fire next time" and when used with the puppets it had the audience in stitches (I'm not quite sure that was the song's original intention.)

Does anyone have the rest of the words?

Freightdawg

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 11:40 PM

"I Got a Home in Dat Rock" has the verse "God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign." The two spirituals borrow from each other.
Thread 40983: Home in Dat Rock

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Joe Offer
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 10:22 PM

There's a version - with tune - in Sing Out Reprints. I'll post it later. It's suppertime, and the kielbasa smells good. One of the benefits of having a Polish wife.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Tune Req: GOD GAVE NOAH THE RAINBOW SIGN
From: masato sakurai
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 08:31 PM

"God Gave Noah The Rainbow Sign" : Carter Family [audio] is at Honkingduck.

Subject: RE: Tune Req: GOD GAVE NOAH THE RAINBOW SIGN
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 08:19 PM

I have it on a Ramblin' Jack Elliott collection CD. As always with Ramblin' Jack, his version is highly personal, of course. But wonderful!

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: Tune Req: GOD GAVE NOAH THE RAINBOW SIGN
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:46 PM

Are we missing the tune for this? Not exactly my genre but I see it's available in:

Title:
Mountain ballads by The Carter Family [music] : folk, country, blues & sacred songs
Publication:
Stockholm : Southern Music, c1967
Description:
1 score <18> p. ; 30 cm.

Includes melody line with guitar chord symbols.

My home's across the Blue Ridge mountains ---Sweet Fern -- Wabash Cannon Ball -- Walking in the king's highway -- When I'm gone -- Wildwood flower -- You'd better let that liar alone -- Your mother still prays for you Jack.
Bring back my boy -- Carter blues -- Cowboy Jack -- Diamonds in the rough -- God gave Noah the rainbow sign -- Keep on the sunny side -- Little darling pal of mine -- Lonesome Pine special -- Lulu walls -- Motherless children -- My clinch mountain home --

This is probably in the personal libraries of many Mudcatters, but I have access in any event.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: raredance
Date: 13 Mar 00 - 07:37 AM

About an hour after I posted yesterday, I was driving somewhere, turned on the car radio and the first full song, was "God GAve Noah the Rainbow Sign" by Flatt & Scruggs. I couldn't write down the words as I was driving, but it looks like it was pretty much the Carter Family version that has since been posted above.

rich r

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: Stewie
Date: 13 Mar 00 - 03:29 AM

Pete, you are exactly right - that's what it is. I must admit to being puzzle by it, but I knew someone would know the right line.

I'd like to come and meet you, Rick etc, but it's a bit far from Oz. Maybe one day.

Regards, Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: Amos
Date: 13 Mar 00 - 12:15 AM

This is first cousin to "Better Get a Home In That Rock", which I mentioned above...the verses ar every similar. Wonder which is chicken and which egg?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: Pete Peterson
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 11:57 PM

I hear the last line as Hide me, O, rock of ages, cleft for me"
which is more a direct quote of the original hymn, isn't it? (Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee)
Stewie-- we can't keep not meeting like this. are you able to come to Annap's to meet Rick Fielding in April (see her posting?)

Subject: Lyr Add: GOD GAVE NOAH THE RAINBOW SIGN^^
From: Stewie
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 06:10 PM

The one on the Border Radio CD is a shortened version. The Carters first recorded it on 15 February 1929. Sara thought it may have come from an old hymn book, but none has been found. Here is my best shot at it. Dale or someone else may be able to make any necessary corrections:

GOD GAVE NOAH THE RAINBOW SIGN
(Unknown)

I've got a home in that rock don't you see
I've got a home in that rock don't you see
I've got a home in that rock just beyond the mountain top
Hide the Old Rock of Ages there for me

God gave Noah the rainbow sign don't you see
God gave Noah the rainbow sign don't you see
God gave Noah the rainbow sign no more water but fire next time
Hide the Old Rock of Ages there for me

Poor old Lazarus poor as I don't you see
Poor old Lazarus poor as I don't you see
Poor old Lazarus poor as I when he died he had a home on high
Hide the Old Rock of Ages there for me

East and west the fire will roll hide thou me
East and west the fire will roll hide thou me
East and west the fire will roll how will it be with my poor soul
Hide the Old Rock of Ages there for me

When this world is all on fire hide thou me
When this world is all on fire hide thou me
When this world's all on fire let thy bosom be my pillow
Hide the Old Rock of Ages there for me

Source: Carter Family 'My Clinch Mountain Home: Their Complete Victor Recordings 1928-1929' Rounder CD 1065 PS.

--Stewie.^^

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 05:12 PM

Hi - if you search the Digital Tradition by putting rainbow sign, you'll find "Rainbow Sign" and two other songs, Sowing on the Mountain (click) and Sinner You'd Better Get Ready (click). Today is an appropriate day to ask for that song, since the "Noah and the rainbow sign" story from Genesis is one of the readings for today in the Common Lectionary, used by many of the Christian churches.
Seems to me there must be one or two black spirituals with the same line, but I didn't find them.
You can search the Digital Tradition from the blue box on the top of this and many other Mudcat pages.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 04:05 PM

Some mudcatter should have this...

Carter Family, The
On Border Radio - 1939: Vol. 2

Theme Why There Is A Tear in My Eye
Sleep Baby Sleep
Just Another Broken Heart
Corina
I Can Not Be Your Sweetheart
Red Wing
A Broken Down Saint
Weeping Willow You Are My Flower
Gathering Flowers from the Hillside
The Last Letter
I Wouldn't Mind Dying
Who's That Knocking At My Window?
Diamonds in the Rough
The Fatal Wedding
It's Hard to Please Your Mind
Death Is Only A Dream
Theme XET Station Break
Theme The Church in the Wildwood
Are You Tired of Me, Darling?
Sourwood Mountain
Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie
My Bonnie Blue Eyes
Yankee Doodle
Storms on the Ocean
Sugar Hill
Hello Stranger
Cowboy Jack Nobody's Darling
Funny When You Feel That Way
Dixie Darling
Shortening Bread
Soldier and His Sweetheart
Polly Wolly Doodle All Day
My Gold Watch and Chain
River of Jordan
I Never Will Marry

God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign

Theme Out
XET Station Break

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: bseed(charleskratz)
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 02:43 PM

Another song in which that line frequently appears is "Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep,"

The Lord gave Moses the rainbow sign,
There'll be no more water but the fire next time,
Oh, Pharaoh's army got drownded,
Oh, Mary, don'tcha weep.

--seed

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: Chocolate Pi
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 01:19 PM

On a record called, IIRC, "Greatest Folksingers of the Sixties," a group did a song called "Well, well, well,"
("Well, well, well, who's that a-coming
Well, well, well, hold my hand
Well well, well, (something something) Spirit is a-moving all over this land")
which contained the line in one of the bridges
"God gave Noah the rainbow sign
won't be water but fire next time"

Chocolate Pi (who really wishes all her tapes and records weren't at home so she could give a more helpful response)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: raredance
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 12:10 PM

there are 2 lyrics in the DT with that phrase in them (search "noah"). One is called "Sowing On the Mountain" from the singing of Woody Guthrie & Cisco Houston. The other is calle "Sinner You Better Get Ready" from the Louvin Brothers. I seem to also recall a Carter Family song that contained the phrase also, but I can't seem to find it.

rich r

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: Amos
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 12:07 PM

The line is from the black spiritual "Home In That Rock" as far as I know it -- I never heard this particular line mad einto a separate song, although anything is possible:

God gave Noah the Rainbow sign, can't you see (3x)
No more flood but a fire next time
You better get a home in that rock, can't you see!?

Hope this answers.

A

Subject: God Gave Noah te Rainbow Sign
From: GUEST,the Preacher
Date: 12 Mar 00 - 06:47 AM

Anybody know the Lyrics to God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign?