Songs about Fathers (2)

Subject: Songs about Fathers
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 03:51 PM

If you do a Digital Tradition category search for @father, you will find only three songs (now, if you search the database for the WORD "father" or "dad" or "old man," you'll find many more, but most of those just mention fathers and do not focus on the topic of fatherhood). I wonder if we could use this thread to post songs about fathers and to provide links to "father" songs that have been posted in the Forum in the past.

What got me on this topic was Mick Lane. Big Mick, being the generous soul that he is, gave me his only copy of the 36th edition of the Little Red Songbook at the Getaway last year. Well, today, I got an e-mail from him, asking me for a copy of "Song of My Da" from the book. Since I transcribed it for him, I thought I'd post it here and start a "father" thread.
Thanks, Mick.
-Joe Offer-

[Some song titles in this thread have been converted to links by a Mudelf.]

Subject: ADD: Song Of My Da ^^
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 03:53 PM

SONG OF MY DA
(words and music by Paul O'Brien, Ireland)

My father, a carter on the dockside in Dublin,
When the hours of work were (from) dawn until dark.
His only pleasures, the love of my mother,
A pint on a Sunday and a stroll in the park.

The big man came then and he founded the Union,
My da agreed with him and stood on his side,
He shared Larkin's vision that all working people
Must never bow down, but stand up in pride.

They lived through those bad days, and Christ! They were sad days.
He often went home with a cut on his head;
My ma gave him comfort, attended his wounds
Saying, "We must stick it out or we're better off dead!"

When the bosses called on them to fight the Great War Game,
He answered, "We're fighting on here at home,
Your cause is profit, your weapons are guns,
But ours is the Union, our cause is our own."

They lived for the three score and a bit more,
Both are now dead their spirit's alive.
In the words they passed on that I tell you now, son:
"Demand what is yours or you'll never survive!"



The `big man' is James Larkin, founder of the Irish Transport and General Worker's
Union, 1908; chief speaker at Joe Hill's funeral in Chicago; arrested in the 1919
Palmer Raids and imprisoned for three years in N.Y. on a `criminal anarchy' conviction
before returning to Ireland.

(from the "Little Red Songbook," 36th edition, 1995)


@father @labor @union
filename[ SONGDA
ML JRO
Oct00

^^

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 04:25 PM

Not a folk song, but one that says a lot about some 'father/son' relationships is The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics.

Ed ^^

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 04:38 PM

Here's a DT search for [my old man], which brings up songs by that title by Jerry Jeff Walker, Ewan MacColl, and Rosanne Cash.
Here's Steve Goodman's My Old Man
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 04:43 PM

I think Eric Bogle's Scraps Of Paper would be a good one - will try to note the words down later - unless anyone has them.

Jon

Subject: Lyr Add: SCRAPS OF PAPER (Eric Bogle) ^^
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 05:04 PM

Scraps Of Paper - Eric Bogle

These day my life seems shomehow like a tired old cliche,
A bad movie scene that just goes on.
With dialog like "it's so sad", "How fast time slips away"
Or "you never realy miss them till their gone"
Funny how these old cliches come true,
I never thought I'd miss him but I do.

CHORUS
My father died in summer
And all he left behind
Were little scraps of paper
Little scraps of rhyme
I read them and felt something inside me break
And angrily cried out "too late, too late
Surely there must be something better
Surely there must be something better.

He and I were always strangers searching for someone
I was looking for a hero and he a friend
So while I searched for my father, he was looking for his son.
And strangers we remained until the end.
But the man who wrote his heart into those ryhmes.
I know he could have been a good friend of mine.

Chorus

So I sit here where he lived and died, as the ghosts around me weep
And the evening shadows lengthen on the wall.
And in the this dark and empty room, it's easy to believe
That he never lived at all.
But the little scraps of paper in my hand
Proved he lived for me, A father and a man.

Chorus ^^

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Pixie
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 05:07 PM

Dan Fogelberg's "Leader of the Band" is also a tune fitting the theme.....I don't know where it can be located, though.

Pixie

Subject: ADD: Leader of the Band (Dan Fogelberg)^^
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 05:25 PM

One of my favorites, too, Pixie.
-Joe Offer-

---

LEADER OF THE BAND
(Dan Fogelberg, 1981)

An only child alone and wild
A cab'net maker's son
His hands were meant for diff'rent work
And his heart was known to none
He left his home and went his lone and solitary way
And he gave to me a gift
I know I never can repay

A quiet man of music
Denied a simpler fate
He tried to be a soldier once
But his music wouldn't wait
He earned his love thru' discipline
A thund'ring velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls
Took me years to understand

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs thru' my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band

My brother's lives were diff'rent
For they heard another call
One went to Chicago and the other to St. Paul
And I'm in Colorado
When I'm not in some hotel
Living out this life I've chose
And come to know so well

I thank you for the music
And your stories of the road
I thank you for the freedom
When it came my time to go
I thank you for the kindness
And the times when you got tough
And papa I don't think I said
"I love you" near enough

The leader of the band is tired
And his eyes are growing old
But his blood runs thru' my instrument
And his song is in my soul
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man
I'm just a living legacy
To the leader of the band
I am the living legacy
To the leader of the band ^^

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 06:10 PM

There's a great one by Enda Kenny on his CD Twelve Songs, about his father.

And here's one I wrote for mine. After he died, that's the way it is too often.

You're the one I'd want to turn to
when there's nowhere else to turn.
You're the one who tried to teach me,
so I wouldn't need to learn.
And it's too late now to tell you,
but I'll tell you anyway,
don't I wish we'd had a chance to talk,
before you slipped away
Far more than I can say,
far more than I can say,
I'd like to sit beside you
and pass the time of day,
and listen to your stories,
far better than a play,
and take your hand and say goodbye,
before you slipped away.

It's strange the way so many things
keep coming back to mind,
like half forgotten memories
of half remembered times,
and things I meant to tell you,
but never got to say –
don't I wish I'd seen you one more time,
before you slipped away.
Far more than I can say,
far more than I can say,
I'd like to sit beside you
and pass the time of day,
and listen to your stories,
far better than a play,
and take your hand and say goodbye,
before you slipped away.

And at times I get a notion
when the music's playing loud
and the mandolin is ringing
and there's singing in the crowd,
I almost think I see you –
are you back for just one day
to listen to a tune or two,
before you slip away.
Far more than I can say,
far more than I can say,
I'd like to sit beside you
and pass the time of day,
and listen to your stories,
far better than a play,
and take your hand and say goodbye,
before you slipped away.

And while the music's playing
you feel so close at hand,
with your pipe there in your pocket,
and your matches in your hand.
But you're gone before it's over –
that always was your way.
But I wish we'd had a chance to talk
before you slipped away.
Far more than I can say,
far more than I can say,
I'd like to sit beside you
and pass the time of day,
and listen to your stories,
far better than a play,
and take your hand and say goodbye,
before you slipped away.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,John Bauman
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 06:38 PM

My father never put his parachute on
In the Pacific, back in World War II
He said he'd rather go down in familiar flames
Than be lost in that endless blue.
Well, some of that blue got into my eyes
And we never stopped fighting that war
'til I first understood about endlessness
And I loved him like never before.

For Real--Bob Franke

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Mbo
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 07:37 PM

Try these:

A Love Without End, Amen --George Strait
I Don't Call Him Daddy -- Doug Supernaw
The Walk --Sawyer Brown
Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold) --Dan Seals
The Car --Jeff Carson
Summer Wind --Desert Rose Band

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Dulci46
Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:11 PM

Try these:

The Greatest Man I Never Knew,

Cat's In The Cradle

That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine

Oh My Papa

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: khandu
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 12:04 AM

I have always been moved by Cat Stevens' "Father and Son", especially after becoming a father and being able to relate to the "Father's" side of the song; whereas, I was once able to relate only to the "Son's" side.

I must also truthfully say that one of my favorite songs about fathers (and the one I most relate to) is my own creation, "A Guitar Man Named Chet" which has little to do with Chet and much to do about my Dad.

(That is enough self-indulgence for tonight!)

Another good one was "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn.

A song entitled "The Hawk" written by Kris Kristofferson (I've only heard Richie Havens version. What a Voice!) It seems to be a "father to his son" song. It is a great piece.

Speaking of "Father and Son", the worst cover I have heard of that song was by Johnny and June Cash.

Paul Overstreet has a very good father song "Seeing My Father in Me":; I think that is the title. It has strong Spiritual overtones (as does many of the "father" songs.)

There are many more; however that is all I can think of at this time.

khandu

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: bbelle
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 12:07 AM

Daddy's Hands is Holly Dunn.

That and Oh My Papa are my favorites.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,Frank of Toledo
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:26 AM

"I Brought My Father With Me" by Michael Smith........

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: BigDaddy
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:32 AM

"I Brought My Father With Me," by songwriter/singer Michael Smith. It's on his 1994 release, "Time."

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Barry T
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:33 AM

Chet Atkins wrote and sang (yes... sang) a tune about his Dad. I recall that while he sang it he wore a fedora, just like his Dad did, and that got me all choked up 'cause it reminded me of mine.

I'll try to track down the title and lyrics. It's a keeper!

[I Still Can't Say Goodbye]

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Crazy Eddie
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:40 AM

Ewan McColl's "MY OLD MAN" deserves a mention IMHO.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Bugsy
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 03:06 AM

My Daddy and Me - Tom Paxton.

Cheers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: flattop
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 03:10 AM

John Prine's song Paradise uses a father character.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,Gene Shay
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 01:35 PM

Judy Collins' song "My Father" is a classic and my favorite version is by Barbara Cook from a concert at Carnegie Hall.

Jerry Jeff Walker's, "My Old Man" (not the same song as Steve Goodman's) has just been re-recorded by Jerry Jeff. On the new "Gypsy Songman" release.

Dave Moore has a neat song called "A Little Hey Dad" on his album "Over My Shoulder"

Sam Shaber, a young singer-songwriter from New York just recorded her song "Eldorado" about her dad, on her album "Eighty Numbered Streets"

Subject: Lyr Add: GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN (Vince Gill
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 02:56 PM

Didn't Vince Gill write Go Rest High on That Mountain for his father?

GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN
(Vince Gill)

I know your life on earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain
You weren't afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain

(Chorus)
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered 'round your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels' faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing

Repeat (Chorus)

Go to heaven a shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Dulci46
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 03:12 PM

Here's another one "Daddy Dumplin'" by Donna Fargo

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 05:40 PM

Actually, "Go Rest High On The Mountain" was written for Vince Gill's brother, and Keith Whitley.

BTW I LOVE Paul Overstreet and all his songs. You might also want to check out "Heroes (Just The Same)" and "Daddy's Come Around (To Mama's Way of Thinkin')" also by Paul.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Lanfranc
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 05:53 PM

I second the vote for Judy Collins' "My Father". I recall that she sang it at the Albert Hall in London just after her father died - hardly a dry eye in the house.

Harvey Andrews' "For My Father" also deserves an honourable mention IMHO

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 05:55 PM

Daddy Never Was The Cadillac Kind --Confederate Railroad

Subject: Lyr Add: I STILL CAN'T SAY GOODBYE (Chet Atkins)^^
From: Barry T
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 06:02 PM

I managed to track down the Chet Atkins song I mentioned earlier in this thread. It's entitled...

I Still Can't Say Goodbye
by R. Binn, J. Moore
Performed by Chet Atkins on Chet Atkins - CGP (1988)

When I was young, my Dad would say
Come on Son, let's go out and play
Sometimes it seems like yesterday

And I'd climb up the closet shelf
When I was all by myself
Grab his hat and fix the brim
Pretending I was him.

No matter how hard I try
No matter how many tears I cry
No matter how many years go by
I still can't say good-bye.

He always took care of Mom and me
We all cut down a Christmas tree
He always had some time for me.

Wind blows through the trees
Street lights, they still shine bright
Most things are the same
But I miss my Dad to-night.

I walked by a Salvation Army store
Saw a hat like my daddy wore
Tried it on when I walked in
Still trying to be like him.

No matter how hard I try
No matter how many years go by
No matter how many tears I cry
I still can't say good-bye.

Subject: Lyr Add: O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN! (Walt Whitman)
From:
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 06:17 PM

This one is one I put music to... by Walt Whitman. I know,... it's a bit HEAVY,... But it was glamorized by the movie The Dead Poet's Society ala Robin Williams...

O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weathered every rack, the prize we've sought is won,
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;

But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up-for you the flag is flung-for you the bugle trills,
For you bouquets and ribboned wreaths-for you the shores a-crouding,
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;

Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head!
Is it some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse or will,
The ship is anchored safe and sound, its voyage closed and done,
From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won;

Exult O shores, and ring O bells!
But I with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.
__________________________________________________________

One of my favorie songs ever is one I call "Make way for the young". It is a song of passing generations of men, and I got it from MaCleod & Holdstock. I'll hunt the words for ya if you like.

Subject: Lyr Add: GENERATIONS OF CHANGE (Matt Armour)^^^
From:
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 07:04 PM

Here it is, right there in the digitrad!

GENERATIONS OF CHANGE
(Matt Armour)

1. My father was a Bailey in a wee place near Capely
He worked on the land all the days o' his life
By the time he made second he aye said he reckoned
he'd ploughed near on half o' the east nuke of Fife.

He'd feed on at Randerson, Crawhill and Camberton,
Campbell and Camby and Big Rennyhill
At Burnbrae he married, at Kirkton he's buried
But man had he lived, he'd be ploughin' on still

Ah but those days were his days, those ways were his ways
To follow the plow while his back was still strong
But those days are past, and the time come at last
When the weakness of age must give way to the young.

2. Well I was nae for ploughin', to the sea I was goin'
To follow the fish and the fisherman's ways
In rain, hail and sunshine, I watch the long run line
No man mere contented he's here working days.

I've long lined the dogger bank,
Pulled the great fish from the deep devil's hole.
I've sighted troal off Shetland, the Faros and Iceland
In weather much worse than a body could bold.

Ah but those days were my days, those ways were my ways
To follow the fish while my back was still strong
But those days are past, and the time come at last
For the weakness of age to make way for the young.

3. Now my sons they are grown, away they have flown
To search for black oil in the dark northern sea
Like oilman they walk and like yankees they talk
Aye, there's no much in common 'tween my sons and me.

They've rough rigged on Josephine, Forties and Linnean,
Claymore and Dunlen, the Fisher and Dock,
They've made fortunes for sure, for in one trip ashore
They spend more than I earned in a whole seasons work.

Ah but this day is there day, this way is there way
To ride the rough rigs while there backs are still strong
But their day will pass, and the time come at last
For the weakness of age to make way for the young.

4. Now my grandsons they're growing, to the school soon be goin'
But the long days of summer they'll spend here with me
We walk through the warm days and talk of the old days
Of the corn and the codfish, the land and the sea.

We'll walk through the fields that my father once tilled,
Talk to the old men who once sailed with me
Man it's been awfully good, I'm showing them all I could
Of the past and the present, what their future might be.

For the morn will be their day, what will be their way
What will they make o' the land, sea and sky?
Man, I've seen awfully change, but it still seems very strange
To look at the world through a young laddie's eyes.

(Man, I've seen naught but change, but .....)

(Copyright Matt Armour)

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Dulci46
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 07:30 PM

These songs about Fathers a really beautiful, is making me miss mine even more than I already do.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: richlmo
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:09 PM

I agree with ,"Father and Son" and "Leader of the Band", but thanks BarryT for the words to "I Still Can't say Goodbye". I saw the Austin City Limits where Chet Atkins did it and was really moved. Dave Loggins wrote a good one called, "My Father's Fiddle"

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Mbo
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 09:18 PM

There's also "My Father's Son" that Ricky Scaggs does on TransAtlantic Sessions.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Marymac90
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:16 PM

Slightly off topic, let me welcome Gene Shay, who posted above, to Mudcat. Gene has been the pre-eminent folk dj in Philadelphia for as long as anybody can remember. He mc's the Phila Folk Fest every year and is famous for telling the WORST jokes ever heard!!!

Gene, are you aware that Mudcat originates in West Chester,aka Mudcatville? We do a live internet radio show there every Wednesday night at 7, always with some live music, and are always open to guests. You'd be welcome any Weds! Email me at [e-mail]

All the best,

Mary McCaffrey

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: richlmo
Date: 24 Sep 00 - 10:47 PM

Listen to "Annabel" on Don Henley's new CD "Inside Job". My first was a daughter.

Subject: Lyr Add: STORY OF ISAAC^^
From: Stewie
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 02:26 AM

Like Goodman and Jerry Jeff mentioned above, Dave Mallett also has a song called 'My Old Man'. Allan Taylor has 'My Father's Room' and 'Boy Becomes the Man'. There is also this one:

STORY OF ISAAC
(Leonard Cohen)

The door it opened slowly,
my father he came in,
I was nine years old.
And he stood so tall above me,
his blue eyes they were shining
and his voice was very cold.
He said, "I've had a vision
and you know I'm strong and holy,
I must do what I've been told."
So he started up the mountain,
I was running, he was walking,
and his axe was made of gold.

Well, the trees they got much smaller,
the lake a lady's mirror,
we stopped to drink some wine.
Then he threw the bottle over.
Broke a minute later
and he put his hand on mine.
Thought I saw an eagle
but it might have been a vulture,
I never could decide.
Then my father built an altar,
he looked once behind his shoulder,
he knew I would not hide.

You who build these altars now
to sacrifice these children,
you must not do it anymore.
A scheme is not a vision
and you never have been tempted
by a demon or a god.
You who stand above them now,
your hatchets blunt and bloody,
you were not there before,
when I lay upon a mountain
and my father's hand was trembling
with the beauty of the word.

And if you call me brother now,
forgive me if I inquire,
"Just according to whose plan?"
When it all comes down to dust
I will kill you if I must,
I will help you if I can.
When it all comes down to dust
I will help you if I must,
I will kill you if I can.
And mercy on our uniform,
man of peace or man of war,
the peacock spreads his fan.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Airto
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 08:11 AM

I like your song, McGrath

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Bert
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 12:43 PM

Here's one: The Father Song / Monkey Farts

and here's another: They're Moving Father's Grave to Build a Sewer

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Pseudolus
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 01:26 PM

When I was a kid my Mom was a huge Wayne Newton fan and he did a song called "Daddy don't you walk so fast". As a divorced father of two girls, that one tugged at me a little. still does....

Frank

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: khandu
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 08:43 PM

Another Richie Havens tune is "My Father's Shoes". Good Song.

The song by Chet is a very moving song. When Chet sang it (though he doesn't have the greatest voice), I could feel the Heart that he put in it. It has produced many a tear.

I, too, as a result of this thread, am missing my dad tonight. khandu

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 Sep 00 - 11:03 PM

And, of course, there is Phil Coulter's "The Old Man" which was written for the father of the Furey Brothers. For a discussion of it and a couple of others like it, CLICK HERE.

Joe, thanks for the quick reply on "Song of my Da". And don't forget, I owe you a singing of "The Old Man".

Mick

Subject: Lyr Add: BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY^^
From: Stewie
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:33 AM

Here's a poignant piece by Emmylou Harris from her brand-new 'Red Dirt Girl' album – at least, Colin Irwin says in a review that it is about her father, and I am happy to take his word for it. Check out the album. It's lovely – every bit as good as 'Wrecking Ball' I reckon.

BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY
(Emmylou Harris/Guy Clark)

I meant to ask you how to fix that car
I always meant to ask you about the war
And what you saw across the bridge too far
Did it leave a scar?

Or how you navigated wings of fire and steel
Up where heaven had no more secrets to conceal
And still you found the ground beneath your wheels
How did it feel?

Bang the drum slowly, play the pipe lowly
To dust be returning, from dust we begin
Bang the drum slowly, I'll speak of things holy
Above and below me, world without end

I meant to ask you how, when everything seemed lost
And your fate was in a game of dice they tossed
There was still that line you would never cross
At any cost

I meant to ask you how you lived what you believed
With nothing but your heart up your sleeve
And if you ever really were deceived
By the likes of me

Bang the drum slowly, play the pipe lowly
To dust be returning, from dust we begin
Bang the drum slowly, I'll speak of things holy
Above and below me, world without end

Gone now is the day and gone the sun
There is peace now tonight all over Arlington
But the song of my life will still be sung
By the light
Of the moon you hung

I meant to ask you how to plough that field
I meant to bring you water from the well
And be the one beside you when you fell
Could you tell?

Bang the drum slowly, play the pipe lowly
To dust be returning, from dust we begin
Bang the drum slowly, I'll speak of things holy
Above and below me, world without end

Copyright Poodlebone Music/EMI April Music Inc (ASCAP)

Source: Emmylou Harris 'Red Dirt Girl' Nonesuch Records 79616-2.


--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Mbo
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 12:35 AM

Is she ripping off Eric Bogle?

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 26 Sep 00 - 02:07 AM

The Monkey Fart song, which I recorded a few years ago, was written by my friend Mike Barrett, originally from Pittsburgh, now living in Cambridge, Mass. He also wrote the timeless Mom's Lullabye. Credit where credit is due. Hi, Gene Shay! welcome to Mudcat.
All the best. Seamus

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,jaze
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 01:59 AM

How about Eric Andersen's beautiful "Wind amd Sand" also Joan Baez' "Gulf Winds" and her "My Father's House"

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Jock Morris
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 08:22 AM

Brian McNeil wrote one which goes something like:

My old man was a working man, skilled in the moulding trade, In the cold blue heat of the Carron Foundry my old man was made....

Sorry, can't remember any more:-(

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: richlmo
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 10:40 PM

Guy Clarke's, "The Randall Knife "- pretty depressing

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Callie
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 11:19 PM

From the father's point of view:

Vince Jones "My Baby Comes To Me"
Chris de Burgh "I'm Counting on You"
Paul Kelly "When I Met Your Ma"

and also

Danny Hathaway "Song for My Father"

Weddings Parties Anything "Father's Day"

and at a stretch, Neil Young's "Old Man".

Callie

Subject: Lyr Add: SEMPER FI (John Gorka)
From: TonyK
Date: 27 Sep 00 - 11:51 PM

I've seen some very good songs mentioned in this thread, Joe. Thanks for starting it. My favorites are Goodman's My Old Man & Mike Smith's I Brought My Father With Me. Here's another powerful one you may have heard.
"Semper Fi" - by John Gorka


My father met Eleanor Roosevelt in 1945
The war at last was over then and they were still alive
Her husband was the president 'til he ran out of time
Her Franklin D was history, they'd put him on the dime

My father joined the leathernecks to stay out of the mines
The new marine was just fifteen in 1939
There were medals and malaria, the South Pacific war
Through jungles that were paradise and were paradise no more

chorus
Soldiers fight and soldiers die, soldiers live to wonder why
Semper Fi Fee Fo Fum, look out peacetime, here we come

Some of the men who did survive were not the lucky ones
War is only good for those who make and sell the guns
My father lay recovering, the hurt was all inside
Sometimes the wounds that never heal are easiest to hide

When Eleanor came bearing gifts to San Francisco Bay
She gave my dad a blanket in the hospital that day
That blanket meant a lot to him, my mother has it still
Some forget the kindnesses that others never will

chorus

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Ely
Date: 28 Sep 00 - 05:54 PM

"Daddy, What's A Train"--??

Kate Wolf's "I never knew my father" is sad but pretty

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: TonyK
Date: 29 Sep 00 - 11:36 PM

Speaking of Kate Wolf, Ely, there's also 'The Eye of a Painter.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Snuffy
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 02:42 PM

Jock Morris - There is a song in the DT database called "My Old Man" that goes:

My old man was good old man, Skilled in the moulding trade, In the stinking heat of the iron foundry My old man was made....

Both in the DT and on my Ewan MacColl CD, authorship is given to MacColl. But with MacColl nothing is ever straightforward - when does Brian McNeil's version date from?

WassaiL! V

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M HERE (Harvey Andrews)
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 03:05 PM

My own Father was central to my life and just about the best a boy could have.."This song's for my Father" is about our relationship. This song, sung by a Father to his son and daughter, was written in reaction to the way Fathers seemed to be getting written out of the script of life, or , if they were written in it was as abusers or as feckless abandoners.I know many men like this Father and this song often caused a sly hand to steal to an eye and a whispered "thank you" as the audience left. My own vote goes to Steve Goodman and Dave Mallett.

I'm Here

If you ever feel you'd rather
Talk it over with your Father..I'm here
If you ever need that fiver
A chauffeur for a driver...I'm here
If you ever feel like thinking
aloud when choice is shrinking
and you'd like to talk whilst drinking a beer
I'll buy the pints and I'll listen, 'cause I'm here

If you need a cook-a-luncher
a rustle-up-a-bruncher..I'm here
If you need someone to hold on
when you've been knocked down and rolled on...I'm here
If you've ever been so lied to
by someone your love was tied to
I can tell you that I've cried too, King Lear
But I promise I won't joke, I won't jeer...I'm here

Yes I'm here because that's all I can be
I've raised you and I've praised you
now you're free
And my days go by so fast
I've less future and more past
And there'll come that day at last I'll disappear
There'll come that day at last I won't be here

So if you ever need a shoulder
when your warm world's getting colder..I'm here
If you ever need an old man
to talk sport with your new man...I'm here
If you ever feel like somedays
your life is rainy Sundays
and you only think of Mondays with fear
Three sixty five days a year...I'm here

And if you ever feel that maybe
you'd like to leave the baby..I'm here
If you need the family story
the mad, the bad, the gory...I'm here
if you need the why and wherefore
the this, the that, the therefore
if you need someone to care for and be near
If there's no one else around...I'm here

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 06:00 PM

Snuffy, the song Jock quotes is the one written by Ewan McColl. To my knowledge, Brian McNeill has (so far) only written about his grandfather.

The version of 'Generations of Change' in the DT gets many of the names wrong. A more reliable version can be found at My Songbook.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: breezy
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 06:18 PM

as a father and as a son this thread has made me as one.God bless all who can express the emotions that others feel but cant themselves put into words and music.There is no time like the NOW.

Subject: Lyr Add: MY OLD MAN (Ian Dury)
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 11:52 AM

Ian Dury's last verse is tinged with regret at what he'd missed.

MY OLD MAN

My old man wore three piece whistles
He was never home for long
Drove a bus for London Transport
He knew where he belonged
Number 18 down to Euston
Double decker move along
Double decker move along
My old man

Later on he drove a Roller
Chauffeuring for foreign men
Dropped his aitches on occasion
Said, "Cor blimey!" now and then
Did the crossword in the Standard
At the airport in the rain
At the airport in the rain
My old man

Wouldn't ever let his governors
Call him 'Billy', he was proud
Personal reasons make a difference
His last boss was allowed
Perhaps he had to keep his distance
Made a racket when he rowed
Made a racket when he rowed
My old man
My old man

My old man was fairly handsome
He smoked too many cigs
Lived in one room in Victoria
He was tidy in his digs
Had to have an operation
When his ulcer got too big
When his ulcer got too big
My old man
My old man

Seven years went out the window
We met as one to one
Died before we'd done much talking
Relations had begun
All the while we thought about each other
All the best, mate, from your son
All the best, mate, from your son
My old man
My old man

LFF

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,Adrienne
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 10:29 PM

There's an old song by Henry Clay Work called "Come Home, Father" in which a child begs his father to come home from the bar because his little brother Benny is very sick. Hours pass, the father is still at the bar, and little Benny dies. (It was one of my father's favorite songs as a kid!)

Nicolette Larsen sang a beautiful song called "The Angels Rejoiced" about a father who finds religion after his wife dies.

And there's a wonderful song about stepfathers--I'm not sure who wrote it or sings it, but it has the line "I hope I'm at least half the dad, that he didn't have to be." [He Didn't Have to Be, by Brad Paisley]

Subject: Lyr Add: THE FATHER SONG
From: Gypsy
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 12:34 AM

Irreverent, but a favorite!

THE FATHER SONG

My father came across the sea from Ireland.
He was quiet, but they say that he was wise.
He and mother did their best
To give us a roof and all the rest,
But to talk to us, he never had the time (had the time).

Sure, he'd say, "Pass the butter," or "Come here, young girl"
Or "Be quiet," or "No, you can't have a dime"--
Until the day when I was leavin'
That he finally found a reason
For sharing his philosophy of life.

He said...
CHORUS: A monkey's fart should smell like a banana.
English farts should smell like cups of tea.
The farting of a fairy
Should be very light and airy.
When a father farts, I hope you'll think of me (think of me).

An Irish fart should always lilt with laughter.
It should melt your heart and melt your shorts as well.
A lion's fart should roar with power.
Cuckoos should fart every hour.
A nun's fart should have meaning but no smell.

A strong man's fart should roar out like a trumpet.
A pretty girl's should barely even squeak.
But the person you can trust
Is the one who'd rather bust
Than ever let one rip right in the street (right in the street).

Well, from my old man, this really was an earful,
And I tried to understand just what he meant.
His words were primitive, but strong,
So I wouldn't get them wrong.
He was saying to be careful as I went (as I went);
Remember who to look up to
And whatever else I might do,
Remember that most of what you get from folks is just escaping gas.

CHORUS

Parenthetical repeats are done in harmony.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Genie
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 11:47 AM

"Daddy, What If?" by Shel Silverstein [recorded by Bobby Bare]

"Little Child (Daddy Dear)" sung by Cab and Lael Calloway

"Something Wonderful" from "The King and I" -- sung by the king's no. 1 wife, but just as applicable to fathers

And for funny songs, there's "Father's Whiskers"

Also, in a lighter vein, when I do Father's Day programs, I like to throw in "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" and "Papa, Won't You Dance with Me" and "I’m My Own Grandpa."

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,Pooby
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:17 PM

All good choices, but I haven't yet seen my personal favorite, the medley of "Everybody Works But Father" and "Father's Day" from the album "An Evening with Groucho Marx. Here's the lyrics, with Groucho's song intros:

"Years ago when there were many songs written about mothers, you know like "Mammy," "Ireland Must Be Heaven", "Mom, They're Making Eyes At Me", "My Mother's Eyes", nobody ever wrote any song about fathers. Father was the town schlemiel in almost every place. He was nothing; mother was the boss. I think there were two songs that I remember: "Pop Goes the Weasel" and "Oh, What A Crumb Is My Old Man". I remember one more song; it's called:

EVERYBODY WORKS BUT FATHER

Everybody works but father,
He sits around all day.
Feet in front of the fireplace,
Smoking his pipe of clay.
Mother takes in washing,
So does Sister Ann.
Everybody works in our house
But my old man.

"That was a big hit, that song. They even sang it in Europe, in Germany."

Alle schaft aber nicht Vater.
Er geht der ganze Tag herum.
Und raucht der verdammte Pfeife,
Das alles geht driblen drum.
Und Mutter nimmt den Vasching
Und auch tut Schwester Ann.
Alle arbeiten in unser Platz,
Aber nicht der alter Mann.

FATHER'S DAY

"I have a friend in Hollywood. I think I knew him, but I'm not so sure. His name is Harry Ruby, and he wrote a lot of songs, that I've sung over the years."

Today, father, is father's day,
And we're giving you a tie.
It's not much, we know,
It's just our way of showing you
We think you are a regular guy.

You say that it was nice of us to bother.
But it really was a pleasure to fuss,
For according to our mother,
You are our father,
And that's good enough for us.
Yes, that's good enough for us.

Thanks, Joe, for starting this thread. It gave me incentive to look for these lyrics (via Google, which was a lot easier than digging out my old vinyl LP copy of "An Evening with Groucho." Happy Father's Day, one and all.

Pooby

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Genie
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:22 PM

click here


Here are a few past thread titles which pertain to songs about fathers. (I.e., if you're new to Mudcat, just cut and paste the title into the "Filter" box.)

Songs about Fathers

14-Jun-02 -
Navy Hymn Eternal Father Strong to Save

28-May-02 -
Lyr/Chords Req: her father didn't like me any

22-Feb-02 -
Grandfathers Song

05-Feb-02 -
Father was a deacon

03-Feb-02 -
Tune Req: My Father Once Said to Me

07-Jan-02 -
Lyr Req: Help Please- Grandfather talking w/ Lord

Lyr Req: Music-hall song 'And so does Father'

30-Sep-01 -
Lyr Req: FATHER

28-Sep-01 -
need songs about mothers and fathers

10-Sep-01 -
when father was away on business

23-Aug-01 -
Lyr&Tune Req: Her Father Didn't Like Me

15-Jun-01 -
Lyr Req: Her Father Didn't Like Me Anyway

12-Apr-01 -
Lyr Req: Hooray x3 They're Hanging Father

08-Apr-01 -
grandfather tell me all

17-Mar-01 -
My Father's Mansion

20-Feb-01 -
Lyr Add: Fathers Song by Ewan McColl

20-Feb-01 -
Lyr Req: Song from my grandfather

01-Feb-01
A father's song

28-Oct-00 -
Lyr Req: fathers grave

25-Oct-00 -
seeking song about girl w/ promiscuous father

14-Oct-00 -
BS: Father of the Nation

25-Sep-00 -
Info on The Sash My Father Wore?

14-Jul-00 -
Thought for Father's Day - June 18, 2000

20-Jun-00 -
Equal time for Fathers Day

05-Jun-00 -
On My Father's Side:Lyrics?

18-Jan-00 -
The father / son thing

16-Nov-99 -
Lyr. Req:"The hat my Father Wore"

07-Nov-99 -
Lyr Add: The Hash my Father scored

07-Nov-99 -
MUS req: Good Old Father Emu (Australia)

20-Jul-99 -
Happy Father's Day

22-Jun-99 -
Thought for the day- June 20-Happy Father's D


Genie

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 12:32 PM

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau: O land of my fathers: Welsh national anthem!

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU CAN ALWAYS KISS YOUR DAD
From: Murph10566
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 01:41 PM

Here's one I wrote for a friend who passed on a while back; Tom K. was fond of telling his kids that 'No matter what you've done, you can always come to me - you can always kiss your Father'.

Happy Father's Day to all our/you Dads, Pops, Das, et al -

YOU CAN ALWAYS KISS YOUR DAD

Who knew the years would fly so fast?
How precious was the time we had!
'Though all good things must end at last,
You can always kiss your dad.

Those days I wasn't there for you,
The many times I made you mad,
I did the best that I could do.
You can always kiss your dad.

CHORUS: Remember that I'm always here.
You're everything I hold most dear,
And when I'm gone, I'll still be near.
You can always kiss your dad.

How wonderful you've turned out!
I guess I didn't do so bad.
You're what my life was all about.
You can always kiss your dad.

CHORUS: Remember that I'm always here.
You kids are all I hold most dear,
And when I'm gone, I'll still be near.
You can always kiss your dad.
You can always kiss your dad.
And a little hug… wouldn't be… too bad.

Tim Murphy
(c) 2001

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: 53
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 02:19 PM

Where the Corn Don't Grow by Waylon Jennings the covered by Travis Tritt is a great song about daddy's.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Genie
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 02:55 PM

Then there's "Papa, Can You Hear Me?" from "Yentl."

Genie

PS, as Joe O. said at the beginning of this thread, there are a lot of songs that mention father--and, I'd add, there are a lot of songs about the fatherland and "God, the Father"--but this thread is about finding songs with "father" [human, presumably] as the main or a major theme.

In that vein, I'd add "A Boy Named Sue."

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: leprechaun
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 05:43 PM

Papa Was a Rollin' Stone.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: mousethief
Date: 14 Jun 02 - 05:54 PM

There was that incredibly sappy song in the late 60s or early 70s called "Patches" that was about a boy trying to carry on the legacy of his father. Bleh. But at the time I loved it.

Here's another vote for Fogelberg's tribute to his father. Beautiful song.

The Kingston Trio (don't shoot! don't shoot!) did a song called I think "The Reverend Mr. Black" which turns out to be about the singer's father.

Alex

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 15 Jun 02 - 12:00 AM

My favorite, which no one seems to have mentioned above, is, "Gone- gonna rise again!"

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: TeriLu
Date: 15 Jun 02 - 01:20 AM

How about another Judy Collins recorded, titled, "Liverpool Lullabye"? And one by the Burns sisters about their father, "My Father's Blue Eyes." And does the old peter, Paul and Mary song, "Day Is Done," qualify? This si great that I stumbled on this thread tonight - my Dad's 82 birthday is the 19th of June, and of course , Father's Day this weekend. I've made several attempts at a song for him. I wrote one for he and my mother, which they heard me perform in public once. I find it incredibly hard to write songs about people I feel very close to.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Grab
Date: 17 Jun 02 - 08:21 AM

No-one's yet mentioned Tom Paxton's song "My favorite Spring". Lyrics in this link.

Graham.

Subject: Lyr Add: DADDY AND HOME (Jimmie Rodgers)
From: Genie
Date: 21 Jun 02 - 07:09 PM

I found the following song HERE.

DADDY AND HOME

1. I am dreaming tonight of an old southern town
And the best friend that I ever had,
For I've grown so weary of roaming around.
I'm going back home to my dad.

CHORUS: Your hair has turned to silver; I know you're fading too.
Daddy dear, oh daddy-ee, I'm coming back to you.
You made my boyhood happy, but still I long to roam.
I've had my way, but now I'll say, I long for you and for home.

Yo-duh-lay-ee-ay, de-oh-lay-ee,
Yo-de-oh-lay-ee, ay-deo-lay-ee.
Oh-lay-ee-oh, lee-oh-lay-ee.

2. Dear old daddy, you shared my sorrows and joy.
You tried to bring me up right.
I know you'll still be just one of the boys,
So I'm starting back home tonight.

REPEAT CHORUS AND YODELING

Artist: Jimmie Rodgers; Transcribed from Rounder CD 1057 "Jimmie Rodgers: "The Early Years, 1928-1929". Lyrics in this version recorded in Camden, NJ, June 12, 1928, featuring Jimmy on solo vocal and guitar.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 07:50 AM

Emmylou Harris did a nice one years ago called "To Daddy"; I don't know who wrote it. Also, there's Bruce Springsteen's "Independence Day," which I think is a magnificent piece of work. I know it's something close to heresy to mention Springsteen on this forum, but I figure that we've already broken the ice with some of the other folks mentioned above.

Subject: Lyr Add: MY OLD MAN (Ian Dury)
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 24 Jun 02 - 09:23 AM

Here's my favourite - by Ian Dury (best wordsmith ever I would argue):


My Old Man

My old man wore three piece whistles
He was never home for long
Drove a bus for London Transport
He knew where he belonged
Number 18 down to Euston
Double decker move along
Double decker move along
My old man

Later on he drove a Roller
Chauffeuring for foreign men
Dropped his aitches on occasion
Said, "Cor blimey!" now and then
Did the crossword in the Standard
At the airport in the rain
At the airport in the rain
My old man

Wouldn't ever let his governers
Call him 'Billy', he was proud
Personal reasons make a difference
His last boss was allowed
Perhaps he had to keep his distance
Made a racket when he rowed
Made a racket when he rowed
My old man
My old man

My old man was fairly handsome
He smoked too many cigs
Lived in one room in Victoria
He was tidy in his digs
Had to have an operation
When his ulcer got too big
When his ulcer got too big
My old man
My old man

Seven years went out the window
We met as one to one
Died before we'd done much talking
Relations had begun
All the while we thought about each other
All the best, mate, from your son
All the best, mate, from your son
My old man
My old man

Subject: Lyr Add: FATHER'S DAY (from Groucho Marx)
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 08 Nov 02 - 04:28 PM

FATHER'S DAY
(Performed by Groucho Marx)

Today, father, is father's day,
And we're giving you a tie.
It's not much we know,
It's just our way of showing you
We think you are a regular guy.
You say that it was nice of us to bother.
But it really was a pleasure to fuss,
For according to our mother,
You're our father,
And that's good enough for us.
Yes, that's good enough for us

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Malachy
Date: 08 Nov 02 - 06:53 PM

Whistle Stop.   I think Dolly Parton wrote 'To Daddy' as done by Emmylou.

Subject: Lyr Add: THAT'S MY JOB (Gary Burr)
From: sharyn
Date: 09 Nov 02 - 01:26 AM

There's a really good song called "THAT'S MY JOB" -- by Gary Burr -- about a son's experience of a father. I got it from Bob Reid.

I woke up crying late at night when I was very young
And I had dreamed my father had passed away and gone.
My world revolved around him -- I couldn't lie there anymore
So I made my way down the mirrored hall and tapped upon his door

And I said, "Daddy, I'm so afraid
How will I go on with you gone that way?
Don't want to cry anymore,
So may I stay with you?"

He said, "That's my job.
That's what I do.
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me:
That's my job, you see."

Later we barely got along, this teenage boy and he.
Most of the fights, it seems, were over different dreams we each had for me:
He wanted knowledge and learning -- I wanted to fly out West,
Said, "I could make it out there if I just had the fare --
I've got half -- will you loan me the rest?"

"Daddy, I'm so afraid,
There's no guarantee in the plans I've made
And if I should fail
Who will pay my way back home.

He said, "That's my job ..."

Woke up early one bright fall day to spread the tragic news:
After all my travel I settled down within a mile or two.
I make my living with words and rhymes and all this tragedy
Should go into my head and out instead as bits of poetry

Daddy, I'm so afraid,
How will I go on with you gone this way?
How can I come up with a song to say
I love you?

That's my job.
That's what I do.
Everything I do is because of you
To keep you safe with me.
That's my job, you see.

__

It looks a little raggedy on the page -- you have to hear it sung.

Subject: Lyr Add: BARNEY
From: Big Tim
Date: 09 Nov 02 - 11:14 AM

"BARNEY" - melody = "True Love Knows No Season"

Barney was born on a Donegal hillside, three years before the Great War began,
And spending his boyhood midst green fields and clear streams, he learned there a life-lasting love for the land,
But came the great sickness of nineteen and eighteen that carried his hard-working father away,
And left his poor mother with five hungry children to struggle to clothe and feed every day.

His family was taken and scattered to the four winds, each of those children had to work to survive,
So Barney's work started at the tender age of eight years and only very rarely stopped til he died,
On a Protestant farm in the green glens of Antrim, he worked hard his food and board for to pay,
But happy to find there some good honest people, at the cutting of the corn and the baling of the hay.

At the age of 18 he crossed over to Britain, to work with his hands and the sweat of his brow,
And somehow, somewhere there between Yorkshire and Glasgow, he mastered the fine craftsman's art of the trowel,
With hands that were skilled and with long working hours and with his young Glasgow bride by his side,
He set up his first home in a wee room and kitchen and settled down to raise a family with pride.

In the next seven years along came four children, each of them strong and strapping young lads,
And Barney worked overtime, Saturday, Sunday, for food for their bellies and clothes for their backs,
And the boys grew up quickly with good Glasgow accents and they had to be strong and hard to survive,
But though they were rough and ready on the outside, inside their true Irish souls stayed alive.

And Barney kept working and striving and saving, enjoying a few pints of beer now and then,
For his sons had all grown and were earning a living, at last there was time and the money to spend,
And the day came around on his 65th birthday to return once again to his sweet Donegal,
And though 58 long years had passed since he left it, he still loved Lough Foyle and the land best of all.

His last years were spent at the foot of the green hill that's called in the old Irish language Crockglass,
Happy again there midst green fields and clear streams, though deep in his heart knew that all things must pass,
Now Barney you've gone to your vision of Heaven, but we'll always love and remember you well,
And God, he knows maybe, some day we'll see you, where all the good people of earth go to dwell.

I wrote this a some kind of consolation for my mother when my father Barney died in 1990.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Genie
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 04:57 PM

I just found a YouTube of Jimmie Rodgers singing "Daddy And Home". I'd never seen him on film before, so this was a real treat.


Genie

Subject: Lyr Add: GONE GONNA RISE AGAIN (Si Kahn)
From: Roger in Baltimore
Date: 16 Jul 08 - 05:10 PM

Guy refers to this song as one of his "wrist splitters". I still can't even read through it without a tear.

The Randall Knife by Guy Clark

My father had a Randall knife
My mother gave it to him
When he went off to WWII
To save us all from ruin
If you've ever held a Randall knife
Then you know my father well
If a better blade was ever made
It was probably forged in hell

My father was a good man
A lawyer by his trade
And only once did I ever see
Him misuse the blade
It almost cut his thumb off
When he took it for a tool
The knife was made for darker things
And you could not bend the rules

He let me take it camping once
On a Boy Scout jamboree
And I broke a half an inch off
Trying to stick it in a tree
I hid it from him for a while
But the knife and he were one
He put it in his bottom drawer
Without a hard word one

There it slept and there it stayed
For twenty some odd years
Sort of like Excalibur
Except waiting for a tear

My father died when I was forty
And I couldn't find a way to cry
Not because I didn't love him
Not because he didn't try
I'd cried for every lesser thing
Whiskey, pain and beauty
But he deserved a better tear
And I was not quite ready

So we took his ashed out to sea
And poured `em off the stern
And threw the roses in the wake
Of everything we'd learned
When we got back to the house
They asked me what I wanted
Not the lawbooks not the watch
I need the things he's haunted

My hand burned for the Randall knife
There in the bottom drawer
And I found a tear for my father's life
And all that it stood for



And here is Si Kahn. A master of simplicity.

Gone, Gonna Rise Again
(Si Kahn)

I remember the year that my granddaddy died
   Gone, gonna rise again
They dug his grave on the mountainside
   Gone, gonna rise again
I was too young to understand
The way he felt about the land
But I could read his history in his hand
   Gone, gonna rise again

It's corn in the crib and apples in the bin
Ham in the smokehouse and cotton in the gin
Cows in the barn and hogs in the lot
You know, he never had a lot
But he worked like a devil for the living he got

These apple trees on the mountainside
He planted the seeds just before he died
I guess he knew that he'd never see
The red fruit hanging from the tree
But he planted the seeds for his children and me

High on the ridge above the farm
I think of my people that have gone on
Like a tree that grows in the mountain ground
The storms of life have cut them down
But the new wood springs from roots in the ground

Big RiB

Subject: Lyr Add: TALKING WITH MY FATHER (Dougie MacLean)
From: Geordie-Peorgie
Date: 17 Jul 08 - 03:07 PM

Dougie MacLean - Talking With My Father"

I'm talking with my father.
He's talking with his son,         
And I don't need to look any farther
for the one I have become         
And he says, "Listen to that curlew
That's a sound I love to hear.
It's a strange reflection that we look through
That finally finds us here".

Chorus
In this place where life's heart thunders
In this place where time holds still
In this place of harmony and wonder
And values, not of gold, fulfil

I'm walking with my father
Across these gentle Perthshire hills
It's timeless mysteries that we gather
and make the mem'ries that we fill
He says, "Don't fix what is not broken
No need to find what's not been lost
For it's a heavy gate we have to open
and endless fields we have to cross"

Chorus
In this place where life's heart thunders
In this place where time holds still
In this place of harmony and wonder
And values, not of gold, fulfil

There will always be the brave one
Who'll be the one who turns away
With all too many things left undone
And so it's left to say

Talking with my father.
He's talking with his son,
And I don't need to look any farther
for the one I have become

Chorus
In this place where life's heart thunders
In this place where time holds still
In this place of harmony and wonder
And values, not of gold, fulfil

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Genie
Date: 20 Jun 09 - 06:23 PM

Luther Vandross singing "Dance With My Father"

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: MorwenEdhelwen1
Date: 18 May 11 - 06:18 PM

Brown Skin Girl- "but the blue-eyed baby ain't know she father".

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 18 May 11 - 10:44 PM

In an old post Big Mick refers to The Old Man by Phil Coulter. Years ago I went to a Furey Brothers concert. Finbar gave a glowing sketch of his father Ted who had passed away. Ted was one of Ireland's best fiddlers. Finbar told how Coulter had written this song for them and said that they had recently recorded it. He then sang the song and I heard it for the first time. To shorten the story I bought the tape from them to learn it and I still sing it. The best father's song ever!

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 May 11 - 02:01 PM

A Boy Named Sue?

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Neil D
Date: 17 Jun 18 - 06:20 AM

ALWAYS TO BE KIND
It's twenty years since my father passed
And I miss him still the same
He was never one for putting money back
But he left me his good name
There were hundreds at his funeral
As from near and far they came
But few are left who remember him
And I think that that's a shame

So I'd speak of him to you gathered here
If I can only find
The proper words to illuminate
The image from my mind
My father was as true a man
As nature has designed
The most important thing I learned from him
Was always to be kind

Be kind to your neighbor
Be kind to your kin
Be kind to the stranger
Who just might need a friend
Be kind to God's creatures
In the field and in the pen
Be kind to the sinner
In spite of the sin

Whenever we would take a trip
Dad like to drive right through the night
We'd stop at Howard Johnson's when
We needed a quick bite
Late one night this man came in
He was bedraggled, such a sight
And the way he's talking to himself
You knew things just weren't right

Well others might have turned away
Said "Come on kids, it's time to go"
But my dad slid in next to him
"Let me buy you a cup-a-joe"
Then he waited patiently
To hear his tale of woe
And once that man got started in
The words and tears did flow

See he he'd just come from an accident
He was the first one on the scene
Of a school bus that had lost control
And plunged down a ravine
It only took one grizzly look
And he knew it would mean
Seeing horror on that rainy night
That could ne'er be unseen

Still he waited for responders there
So he could be their guide
Helped carry tiny bodies up
And lay them out at the roadside
See life sometimes demands of us
More than one can abide
Now he sat amongst us broken
Like some part of him had died

My father knew what was needed then
Was that common human bond
He was determined not to leave his side
Till that driver could go on
So they talked and listened through the night
As the hours rolled toward dawn
Let him purge the darkness from his heart
Till the worst of it was gone

I like to think dad helped the man
Helped alleviate his pain
I'd like to think he found the words
To keep a good man sane
I'd like to think he'd brought him back
To our living world again
When he climbed back in that Peterbilt
And drove off through the rain

Be kind to your neighbor
Be kind to your kin
Be kind to that stranger
Who just might need a friend
Be kind to God's creatures
In the field and in the pen
Be kind to the sinner
In spite of the sin

My father knew a guitar man
From down home when they were young
Their paths still crossed at gatherings
Where the good old songs were sung
But this guitar man caught his cheating wife
And went right for his gun
He'd shot that lonely woman dead
Before he knew what he had done

When dad was going to visit him
Out at the Stark County pen
I got up on my high horse
Said "Why waste your time on him?
Don't you know what he has done
Is the lowest human sin?"
Dad said before he'd done that deed
He'd always been his friend

Well it took me years to understand
What my father did that day
So when he got home I spouted off
"Well, what did he have to say?"
Dad said he knew that he'd done wrong
And was well prepared to pay
Dad took his hand between his own
And they bowed their heads to pray

Be kind to your neighbor
Be kind to your kin
Be kind to the stranger
Who just might need a friend
Be kind to God's creatures
In the field and in the pen
Be kind to the sinner
In spite of the sin

My father was as true a man
As nature has designed
The greatest thing I learned from him
Is always to be kind

               Neil Devore



If you still have a father, get a hold of him today. Tell him Happy Father's Day for me.
If you are a father, Happy Father's Day from me.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,JHW
Date: 17 Jun 18 - 05:22 PM

Well yes I'm aware its Father's Day but I won't be doing any of that sort of thing.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: radriano
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 12:13 PM

Check out this Mudcat thread that point to a traditional Polish haying song about a father and son working together:


https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=63150

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,Observer
Date: 20 Jun 18 - 01:04 PM

Billy Mitchell's - Mitchell 1915 - 1972

Born 1915 on the South of the Tyne
He worked on a seam in the West Wylam mine
Like his father before him and most of their kind
He fought for the coal with his life on the line

Storm Clouds upon us 1939
No stranger to danger he willingly signed
On a free trip to Europe for a man in his prime
He fought for the Crown with his life on the line

Six years of killin' and stayin' alive
Home to a wife and a laddie of five
Then it's on with his pit boots and a Davey to shine
And back down the pit with his life on the line

Six years of hewin' down in that black hole
But the pit's runnin' dry and they say no more coal
Not financially viable the pit owners whined
So he's out in the cold with a livin' to find

So at forty years old to Newcastle he came
Ex-soldier, ex-miner, just a pawn in the game
In a bar in Newcastle he served out his time
He lived his life so that I could live mine

He laid down his life so that I could live mine.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 21 Jun 18 - 05:20 AM

Iain MacKintosh used to sing a fine song called "My Old Man" . I don't recall much of it but it started with

I miss the old man tonight,
I can almost see his smile
With his old hat and his big cigar,
He could look you in the eye and sell you a car.

It goes on to

He never talked about the war,
In France when he was 18
The day they put him in a trench,
Was the day he learned sense and never again used violence.

And ends with


For the first time since he died
Late last night I cried,
I'd wondered when I was going to do that,
For my old man.

It really is a fabulous sensitive song.
The last verse always led to lots of reflection and not a few sniffles.

Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 22 Jun 18 - 05:58 PM

Although the title is "Mothers, Daughters, Wives", Judy Small's song certainly mentions fathers (and sons) in the chorus.