Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: rube1
Date: 03 Oct 00 - 05:23 AM

"Remember the Alamo"- Donovan's version of Johnny Cash's version of this song is great. I taped it off an early record and still listen to it often in my car.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Lepus Rex
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 08:28 PM

Hurdy Gurdy man, I guess. The only Donovan song I've ever heard. Oh, wait, I've only heard the Butthole Surfers version. Never mind. Hippie bastards!

;)

---Lepus Rex

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From:
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 07:19 PM

Help!!! Does anyone have the lyrics to "Geraldine" and/or "Boots of Spanish Leather"?? I believe they were recorded by Donovan. If you have the chord progression, that would also be a big help.

Thanks. Tom e-mail: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,beachcomber
Date: 28 Aug 00 - 07:38 PM

Yes , "Colours" always reminds me of the summer of '65 (?) when I navvied in Southhampton. (We were helping to construct the aquaduct to the city). What a great folk performer he was... and is. He now lives near the town of Fermoy, north County Cork, Ireland, where he has collaborated with a local musician named Brian O'Reilly and his band "Loudest Whisper" on several projects, the most notable being a Celtic-rock opus called, "The Children of Lir" an internationally acclaimed Album recorded some three years ago.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: RWilhelm
Date: 28 Aug 00 - 09:57 AM

The song "Hey Gyp" was recorded by Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band as "Chevrolet" and credited to Young. Same tune, same beat, same idea and a lot of the same lyrics. Does anyone know where this song originally came from?

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Helen
Date: 28 Aug 00 - 08:18 AM

Sorry about those lyrics - I thought they might have scanned properly across the page - wishful thinking. The chords are listed before each line, but I'm sure you can figure out where the changes are.

Helen

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE TIN SOLDIER (Donovan)
From: GUEST,Helen (using IE)
Date: 27 Aug 00 - 06:57 PM

Guest, AND

I always had trouble working out what the last word was - I thought it might have been "God" but it didn't fit too well. So, thanks to your question I did a search and found the lyrics at
http://www.geocities.com/Nashville/8855/donovan.htm

There are only a few songs listed but some of the highly recommended ones in this thread are there.

For some reason, Eric Clapton is written at the end in brackets. I thought that might have meant that he wrote it. Mysterious.

Helen

THE LITTLE TIN SOLDIER

     C                     a                 F                      G
  1. Once in a town in the    black forest a little white toy-shop stood,
              C                     a              F                       G
      and a little tin soldier with   only one leg   lived in a castle of wood.
             F                 G                    F            G
      And across the room on another shelf stood a little glass case,
             C              a                 F                       G
      and a tiny ballerina    lived in there     all in her dress of lace.
  
                F                   G
  2. And from where the little tin soldier stood,
                   F                  G
       they could see each other so clear.
               C                         a
      And the little tin soldier watched    over her,
   F                             G
       with a love that was so dear.
  
    a              e                 a                  e
  3. Then one day sadness came: the tiny ballerina was sold.
           a                                       e                  d
      The little tin soldier was thrown away, and into the gutter he rolled.
                         a                  d              a
      The water carried him to the sea and many far-off lands,
       d             a
      he made many children happy as,
          d                          a
      he passed through their tiny hands.
  
          C                a                  C                    a
  4. And then one day they    met again in a house in the land of Eire.
                     C                           a
      And when the clock on the wall struck the midnight hour,
            F       d     G
      they jumped into a fire.
           C             a                    C                 a
      And in that fire      they shall stay,     forever and a day,
               C                  a                  F        G        C
      for the fire, Lord, is the fire of love, just like the peaceful dawn.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,Michael Scully
Date: 27 Aug 00 - 04:31 PM

There've been a couple of mentions here of Little Tin Soldier, with Helen inquiring about its authorship, and a guest asking about a lyric. This brings back many different aromas for me, most of them more effective then burning banana peels. The tune was written by Shawn Phillips, a Donovan sideman/collaborator in the 60's. Phillips was my favorite psychedelic folkie rocker during my college years in the early 70's. His lyrics were the perfect accompaniment to a 20-year old's latest Herman Hesse paperback. He had his own mid-level commercial success, releasing a string of major label albums through the 70's, and a few indie releases thereafter. His own version of Tin Soldier appeared on the 1964 album I'm A Loner, re-released a few years ago on CD. He now lives near Austin TX and still tours.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,alanabit
Date: 27 Aug 00 - 06:30 AM

I think Lonesome EJ's song with "I'll buy you a diamond ring..." sung over a Bo Didley riff is called "Hey Gyp". Helen mentions "Gold Watch Blues". Isn't that by Bert Jansch? I wonder if anyone has the lyrics or a web site for the man? "To Try For The Sun" is a favourite of mine. It mentions his friend Gypsy Dave. ("The gypsy boy and I"). Does anyone know his full name or what became of him?

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 26 Aug 00 - 09:19 PM

I recently heard the one that goes "I'll buy you a diamond ring,if you just give me some of your love,Girl". More than 30 years old,but the rythmic blues guitar was really good,and Donovan's harp blowing exceptional.I also like Catch the Wind and Colors.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: DebC
Date: 26 Aug 00 - 07:33 PM

Gold Watch Blues

Debra

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,AND
Date: 26 Aug 00 - 10:44 AM

I like most of early Donovan. My 2 year old son loves little tin soldier, but i don,t get the lyrics right for the last line - any help please

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: LR Mole
Date: 25 Aug 00 - 12:23 PM

"Mountain" song is "First There Is a Mountain" and was part of Allmans' "Mountain Jam", later. I Liked "West Hempstead Incident" and "Writer in the Sun" And whenever the word Macedonia flies by on the news I have "The Lay of the Last Tinker" jammed in my head for the rest of the day. As I do, and will, now. I also think that was Jennifer Warnes, (upon whom I had a major crush) on that Smothers Bros. show, not Melanie.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: DADGAD
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 08:14 PM

Colours is the remembered song from D. I was in Ives wen he was there - and a budding Simon was seen lurking around. Don gave much to the scene them - more than her was ever credited for. His poetry was as good as Simon's but you had to have the acumen - he was genuine - Simon was business folk. Talked to John Renbourne a while back and he said Don was wasted - made commercial with C.the Wind and was pity - should have been much more. God on DOn. - made such good stuff and still does.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Helen
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 08:08 PM

I like the Little Tin Soldier song - don't know who wrote it. Also Lalena, and the one which goes:
Here's your gold watch and the shackles for your chain
And your piece of paper to say you left here sane
And if you've a son who wants a good career
Tell him to sign on the dotted line and work for 50 years

...and all the other songs mentioned so far on this thread. I only have three of his early albums, but none of his later ones or live performances.

Callie, I know the "mountain" one but can't remember what it is called. It isn't Wear Your Love Like Heaven is it?

Helen

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: dwditty
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:55 PM

First of all, anyone who was around then and didn't do a few peels is a liar. Tasted like sh*t, as far as I'm concerned.

I'm trying to think of a Donovan song that I didn't like - even if Hurdy Gurdy man sounds like he recorded it while riding over a really bumpy road. Now I've got to go out and find a whole bunch of his stuff. Thanks alot, Little Hawk. Like I didn't have enough to do already.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Charlie2
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:36 PM

"I looked in my closet and there was Donovan!" Bob Dylan

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,RWM
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:53 PM

The Tinker and the Crab or ANY of the songs off of For Littel Ones.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Peg
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:33 PM

Wear Your Love Like Heaven
Enchanted Gypsy
Season of the Witch

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:29 PM

Yeah, he sang Universal Soldier, but Buffy sang it better. Which figures...it's her song.

Not that I'm criticing Donovan...he's absolutely great.

I like Season of the Witch, Catch the Wind, Hurdy Gurdy Man, Guinevere, and about 75 or so others.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:15 PM

I've got loads of Donovan stuff, but my favourites are Jesry Thursday and Deed I do, along with Try for the sun. Intergalactive laxative is brilliant. I still have the album, Lots of stuff on vinyl a few cd's including Sutras. I really love Candy man-there isn't much I don't like- Hampstead incident is another good one. cheers eric. Wasn't too keen on HMS Donovan, but got it just the same.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:57 PM

Well, I know who it was written by, but he still sung it!

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Groucho Marxist (inactive)
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:47 PM

"Universal Soldier" was written by Buffy Sainte-Marie.

Some Mudcatters have been critical of Bob Dylan because he's used traditional melodies for some of his songs. Well Mr. Leitch has outright copywritten folksongs like "You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond" as his own compositions.

Groucho

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:03 PM

Wait! Why hasn't anyone mentioned "Universal Soldier"?

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 12:01 PM

Everything on the new CD he came out with in 1998, "Sutras", absolutely stunning; goes right to my heart and spirit. If you haven't heard it, get it. I love his earlier stuff, but this is his best, IMO.

kat

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,Rhyss
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 11:39 AM

Still singing Colours after all these years.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 10:56 AM

I recently found a terrific live CD by Donovan that has him doing most of his most well-known songs. The playing and singing are wonderful, but the best part of the CD is a story he tells about writing "Hurdy-Gurdy Man" while visiting the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India along with "three Beatles, one Beach Boy and Mia Farrow". The story is very cute and funny and he sings a verse to the song that George Harrison wrote. If I can find the CD in my recently unpacked stuff, and if anyone is interested, I can transcribe the story, but unfortunately you'll have to imagine the beautiful sound of Donovan telling the story - he really does have a wonderful voice, you know.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 10:17 AM

Catch The Wind
Colours
Lady of the Stars
Living for The Love Light In Your Eyes

I adore Catch the Wind...used to be a personal theme song of sorts, but not really now. My absolute favorite now? "Till I See You Again".

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Gern
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:43 AM

I find that my Donovan LPs from the sixties haven't aged so well, but I really liked "Young Girl Blues" and still do. A few others that still appeal to me are "Wear Your ove Like Heaven" and "Celeste."

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: campfire
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:42 AM

Catch theWind and Guinevere. But I like to listen to alot more.

campfire

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: MMario
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:39 AM

Hail Atlantis!

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,Tinker
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:35 AM

My 13 year old daughter came home from girl scout camp this year with a "new" song that was sooo great. Catch the Wind. Sometimes the folk magic just works on its own. I've enjoyed the forums and have my own 25 plus year old scout songbooks I'm starting to decipher. We weren't blessed with dittos. CIT summer you hand wrote all 114 songs of camp tradition I'm slowly tracking them down.

Thanks

Tinker

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: rabbitrunning
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:32 AM

"The Intergalactive Laxative."

Which I can _never_ find on CD! My ex-brother in law had the LP of "Cosmic Wheels" which was where I heard the song, and I've been looking for it in a desultory sort of way for years, but without luck. Is it available outside the US?

CD

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Troll
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:28 AM

I was never really a Donavan fan but Catch the Wind has become a favorite over the years.

troll

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: celticblues5
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:13 AM

Wear Your Love Like Heaven ("Lord, kiss me once more, fill me with song!") & Catch the Wind

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 09:08 AM

Love Donovan.
Favorite: "I Love My Shirt"
How many of you saw him with Melanie on the Smothers Brothers Show when the musicians were on strike and they sang with only a pitch pipe?

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: catspaw49
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 06:06 AM

We ran a thread once on best love songs and "Catch the Wind" was one of my picks. Beautiful piece of work and can be interpreted as both lament and plea. Wonderful song.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: duart
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:51 AM

I met Donovan in '64 when I was a student bumming arond Cornwall. There was a great folk/hippie scene in St.Ives and he was part of that.In August of that year he recorded "Catch the Wind " and the rest is history. The early songs are my favourites,of course, and especially "Ballad of a Crystal Man" (a gentle anti-war song),"Sunny Goodge Street" and 'Wear Your Love Like Heaven". Beautiful songs from a beautiful times; thanks for the memories; I'll have to get out the old Albums!

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST,Michael in Swansea
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 04:07 AM

All time favourite, Catch tne Wind. Also, for sentimental reasons, Jennifer Juniper 'cos my girlfriend at the time was Jenny and whenever I hear it fond memories drift back (sounds sad).
Michael

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GMT
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 03:25 AM

Atlantis b/w I Love My Shirt.
Celia of the Seals.
Catch the Wind
Season of the Witch

So many good songs from his earlier days.

Gary

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: BigDaddy
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 02:31 AM

Guinevere, Atlantis, Isle of Islay, Catch the Wind, Colors, etc. Yeah, the sixties stuff. Missed him when he played The Ark in Ann Arbor a couple of years ago. Waiting for his return.

J.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: thosp
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:58 AM

well aside from ALL of the above there's
Guinevere
Season of the Witch
Lalena
Colors
and many more!
but mostly from his 60's work

peace (Y) thosp

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: thosp
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:56 AM

well aside from ALL of the above there's
Guinevere
Season of the Witch
Lalena
Colors
and many more!
but mostly from his 60's work

,font face=fantasy,times new roman,arial color=blue title="tom" size=4>peace (Y) thosp

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:31 AM

Good for you, Clifton!

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Callie
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:31 AM

I love Catch the Wind too. I have a live version of it, and it's much less Dylanesque than the studio single.

I also like the song that goes "first there is a mountain then there is no mountain then there is" but I can't remember the name of it.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Clifton53
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:28 AM

I've been more than partial to "Catch the Wind" for a long time. Pure folk and a crowd pleaser. He was another poor chap anointed with the "new Dylan" handle.

But I must confess, I loved his music backed up with a band. "Sunshine Superman" is one of those songs that just turned things around. I also enjoyed his later records, especially "Open Road", which I wore the grooves out on, and "Cosmic Wheels", I thought was fantastic.

I had Donovan 45's comimg out me nose.

Clifton53

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:26 AM

quite rightly

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:25 AM

Yeah. I had a few really dumb friends who tried to get high on banana peels too. I wonder who started that rumour? Of course, people used to try to get high on absolutely anything in those days.

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: GUEST, Banjo Johnny
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:23 AM

Mellow Yellow. I must have burned up 20 pounds of banana peels trying to get high. What a great hoax!! == Johnny

Subject: RE: Who Likes Donovan? Favourite Song?
From: RWilhelm
Date: 24 Aug 00 - 01:20 AM

"Sunny Goodge Street"