YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Songs?

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: My guru always said
Date: 03 Jul 02 - 09:02 AM

Having just found this thread I find it hard to believe that 'Jennifer's Rabbit' only got mentioned once. Where's the magic going?

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: mousethief
Date: 31 Aug 00 - 06:36 PM

1. The Monkeys' baseball Game (not sure if that's the exact title.

2. Thank You, Republic Airlines

3. Not sure of the title, but the refrain is,

Big girls don't cry-yi-yi-yi (3x)
And the kid is not my son.

O..O
=o=

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 09:41 PM

"Last Thing On My Mind" has been the perma-tune in my every gig over the years. I've never heard anyone sing "Rambling Boy," with the ease and assurance of Tom Paxton, himself. Sorry, Sandy, I've not heard you sing it, but if reputation bears out, perhaps I can coerce you to do it at The Getaway. There are many other prolific singer/songwriters, but there is a genius about Paxton, that boggles the mind. He possesses the emotions of "everyman," otherwise, how else could he write "Marvelous Toy," "Last Thing On My Mind," or "Talking Viet Nam Pot Luck Blue?" And the list just keeps going on ...

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Ely
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 07:26 PM

Oh, man . . . "Can't Help But Wonder", "Rambling Boy", "Last Thing On My Mind". "Chrysler" and "What Did You Learn In School Today?" are both pretty funny/scathing.

I saw him at Anderson Fair in Houston when I was in high school and he had written one about Lorena Bobbitt that, tired as I was of hearing about the incident, was pretty doggone funny.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 30 Aug 00 - 06:04 PM

Too many to choose from, but no-one's mentioned the funny song that I identify most with - "Not Tonight, Marie!".

I've often wondered about "So much for winning" - funny or mock serious, or serious, or what?

The Paxton song I sing most often - "Leaving London". I first heard him sing it at the Troubadour in the sixties, and it's been with me ever since.

My favourite Paxton song sung by someone else - Alex Campbell's version of "Hold on to me, babe"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: bobby's girl
Date: 29 Aug 00 - 07:03 PM

Nobody's mentioned "Whose Garden was this?" which I have always loved, and I'm always amused by "I lost my heart on a 747"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 03:30 PM

Whenever I'm sitting around and trying to think of something to sing, the first thing on my mind is often "The Last Thing On My Mind". Other goodies, "Life", "My Favorite Spring", "The Spirit Said, No" and on and on and on....

John Denver recorded "Ballad of Spiro Agnew". Could that be one of the shortest songs ever covered by someone else?

A song I don't really care for "Suzy Was A Rocker"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Jim Krause
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 02:52 PM

The Marvelous Toy

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 01:09 PM

Thats true Sandy, But I started listening to Folkmusic a such an early age.

Don

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:42 PM

Thanks Doc! I knew there had to be someone out there who liked "Now That I've Taken My Life" besides me!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,DocJohn
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:37 PM

Mourning again; Now that I've taken my life; Jimmy Newman

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Groucho Marxist (inactive)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:29 PM

"Whoever is running your foot up my leg, I love you" is a line from Paxton's song "Saturday Night."

My favorites are his three songs about Annie:

"When Annie Took Me Home,"

"Has Annie Been In Tonight," and

"Annie's Going To Sing Her Song."

Groucho

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:26 PM

OOOh that sounds like a good one!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:17 PM

"Marvelous Toy" and Whoever is running your foot up my leg, I love you or whatever the actual name may be.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Faded Denim
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 08:58 PM

It's so hard to pick favourites - His songs always show up in our rehearsals and gigs. "Honour of your Company", "Leaving London", "Ramblin' Boy", "The Marvellous Toy","Bottle of Wine", "Wasn't that a Party", and one of my favourite anti-war songs "The Willing Conscript". There are too many to name. I'm glad there are so many of us passing all these wonderful songs along. Reid :o)

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 08:42 PM

The 'Bunny Wunny' song is the only one I hate on the 'Politics' CD - all the others are great, particularly 'The Ballad of Spiro Agnew' :-) ... All his other classics have been mentioned several times over.
He was at Tonder Festival some years back, the only time I saw him live - just great! - Susanne

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Rana who SHOULD be working
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 05:03 PM

My! This thread must be the LAST THING ON MY MIND

:-)

Another weak attempt at humour!

Rana

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Groucho Marxist (inactive)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:51 PM

"Bunny Wunny" is definitely a Paxton song. I've heard him do it many times and have the LP that it's on.

Groucho

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:46 PM

Did Tom P write "bunny wunny in a wittle wow boat"? I remember Arlo Guthrie singing it in a concert with Pete Seeger at Red Rocks, Colo almost 20 years ago. I thought Arlo said he wrote it.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:58 PM

I'm listening to Tom right now...oh GOD is "All Night Long" a gorgeous song. Those cellos just tear me apart...and it sound so much like ELO...

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Bob Schwarer
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:36 PM

Ramblin' Boy

Outward Bound

Bob S.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:16 PM

So many I'd pick, but if it came down to just one, I'll say "The Honor of Your Company."

BTW, Carolyn Hester's new album, "A Tom Paxton Tribute" is an all-Paxton set.

Also, Tom and Anne Hills are recording an album of duets of songs by other writers.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Guest, BobP
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:08 PM

Under a canopy two weeks ago at the Lake County Folk Festival, Lake Zurich, IL Tom honored us by engaging in, believe this, a songwriting workshop.

For an hour he shared his songwriting secrets, so now we are as good at songwriting as he is.

So then of course I figured I'd stare at a picture of Einstein for five minutes and now I'm ready to go out give lectures on quantum physics.

Seriously, I'm not a big fan of superlatives (I think for instance at oscar time they should simply honor good moviemaking and forget all this "best" stuff) but the one exception I'd make is TP.

He is simply the best that every lived at what he does.

Besides those mentioned above, try these on sometime:

- Jimmy Neuman - Favorite Spring - Jennifer's Rabbit - On the road to Sri Brinitza (forgive spelling) - When I go to see my son

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:19 PM

Of course, "My Lady Is A Wild Flying Dove" is so so true...

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Turtle
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:13 PM

For funny songs, "I don't want a bunny-wunny in my widdle wowboat"—still gets a whole circle of my friends singing and laughing at the same time every time it comes up. And what about "Daddy's Taking Us to the Zoo Tomorrow"?

For serious songs, I think that whole first album of his, which I listened to over and over and over when I was growing up in the 60s, is just stunning.
"What Did you Learn in School Today?"
"The High Sheriff of Hazard"
"Last Thing on My MInd"
"Ramblin' Boy"
"Standing on the Edge of Town"
"Job of Work" "Can't Help But Wonder"
I'd be hard put to choose one,maybe because that whole album is so much of a piece in my mind. How could anyone get so many good songs on *one* album, not to mention on his *first* album?

And I've always loved "Even a Gray Day" and "Leaving London" for wistful love songs.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: BlueJay
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:30 PM

Funny: it's a tossup between Forest Lawn and Talking Vietnam Potluck Blues. Serious? Now is that serious children songs or adult songs. Or fun children's songs that could be taken seriously by an adult? Perhaps "funny" protest songs that should be taken seriously by adults or children. Too many choices, I'm getting confused. Can't help but wonder where I'm bound, except off to bed. Thanks, BlueJay

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Sandy Paton
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:15 PM

Many years ago, at one of the Philadelphia Festivals, Tom and Midge brought their "babe in arms" into our camper to change a diaper (no facilities for such a thing being provided by the festival!), While Midge did the dirty work, Tom sat at the dinette and sang a song he had just finished: "Cindy's Crying." I was moved damn near to tears. That "babe in arms" now has a PhD, I'm told.

Hey, Don: ain't nobody 'round here older than Greenhaus and me -- and I've got six months on him!

Sandy

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:04 PM

"Dear Little Boy of Mine" by a long shot.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Jacob B
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:02 PM

Someone has to mention Jimmy Newman. The most powerful anti-death song ever written.

And someone needs to mention Wasn't That A Party.

I haven't heard some of the songs mentioned here. I don't think I want to hear the Bobbitt song. Although I do know You Squeeze Mine, Anita, and it hasn't twisted me (too badly.)

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Grab
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 11:28 AM

Gotta be Mr Blue. For some reason the feel of it reminds me of The Matrix (or vice versa) - strange. Fave funny: Talking Vietnam Pot Luck Blues.

Grab.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Wesley S
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:43 AM

I was able to see him live a few months ago. After a concert about 2 hours long what amazed me was the number of classic songs he DIDN'T have time to do. That really says something about his body of work.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: jeffp
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:14 AM

For me, it's "The Marvelous Toy."

Last week, Noel Paul Stookey was in the studio of the radio station I listen to while driving in to work. He had to leave because Tom Paxton was waiting for him to go play golf.

jeffp

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: JedMarum
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:07 AM

Where I'm Bound and Last Thing On My Mind

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:07 AM

He's nice people too. I met him when he used to perform around Philly in the mid-60's.

Anyone remember the Guitar Workshop or the R&W Deli or the Artists Hut? All were around Rittenhouse Square.

I lived around the corner from the Second Fret. We shared an alley and on summer nights I got to hear all the concerts free because the back windows were left open for ventilation.

...sigh...

troll

sorry 'bout the thread creep

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: kendall
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:41 AM

I spent an evening with Tom Paxton swapping songs and lies at the home of a mutual friend. It was kinda wierd, I'm in the presence of a great song writer, and, all he wants from me is to sing him "Moose turd pie"

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:33 AM

Alex Cambell did a splendid version of Rambling Boy, even having the temerity to change a phrase in the chorus to good effect. And for humour I liked "Is this anyu way to run an Airline?" among so many others. Dated again.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:24 AM

Tell you what Allison....That's one hell of an "introduction" to folk music. Kinda' like going from grade school to college in the same year.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:13 AM

Same as Kendall. 'Course, I'd never heard of the guy until I was at a small concert at an Audubon Ctr in eastern NY state on the Connecticut border, 'round about '70 I think it was. A nice young couple sang several of his songs. I discovered folk music, Tom Paxton, and Sandy and Caroline Paton all in one fell swoop!
Nobody can sing "Rambling Boy" better than Sandy. Excepting Tom, of course!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 07:07 AM

Somewhere back a long time ago, we were discussing Paxton and I think I said then that the spectrumof songs we writes is unequalled. There isn't a bad choice on the list so far is there?

NOW....Take a look at the style and subject matter. I find it amazing that the same guy who wrote "Last Thing On My Mind" also wrote "Bobbitt".....or that the same fella' wrote "Marvelous Toy" AND "G,S, and C"...........He really just amazes me. He seems to do each type with great brilliance. Amazing.

Spaw

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 06:47 AM

Ramblin' Boy (and I'm not quite as old as Sandy!)
RtS

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,HUTZUL
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:23 AM

Ramblin' Boy

Katy

Chrysler

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:05 AM

Okay...I guess I do know a few of them. I'll go for "Ramblin' Boy".

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: GUEST,Jill Rogoff
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:01 AM

I've loved his songs since I was about 5 years old so it's hard to choose, but from among the more recent ones, I love the lilt of Along the Verdigris. For humour, I love the one about his daughter Katy, and of course the one about the Bobbitts. For serious intent, I'd vote for Johnny Got a Gun.

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: P05139
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:34 AM

I actually had breakfast with him when I was about 8 and he says he sings a song called "Katy" and that all Katys are the same!

Of course, that's not true!

Katy!

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:30 AM

OK Meebo?

troll

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:30 AM

I don't really have a favorite. I like all his work.

troll

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 11:38 PM

Sandy, we seem to have the same taste. But dated? Us? Never.

Can't Help...

Goodman, Scwerner, and Chaney. (So powerfull)

Dogs at Midnite

Just so many to chose, never a bad one tho'..

Forest Lawn,

Chrysler

Yuppies In the Sky.

Don

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: campfire
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 11:33 PM

My favorite Paxton tune is "Bad Old Days".

campfire

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: bflat
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 11:20 PM

Ditto ditto ditto, to all the above. But, I've always loved "Getting Up Early" and a colaboration with Susan Graham White which I think the title is: "A Long Way From My Mountain."

For humor, can you beat "John Wayne Bobbitt?"

bflat

Subject: RE: What's YOUR Favorite Tom Paxton Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 23 Aug 00 - 10:36 PM

"Last Thing"...."Deep Fork" (I had never heard it til I heard Rick do it)...."Marvelous Toy"......."Talkin' VietNam Pot Luck Blues"........."Chrysler".........."I Thought You Were An Arab (The Abscam Song)"........."What Did You Learn in School?"........"Even a gray Day Is A Good Day Now"...........too many other choices.

Spaw