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-
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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,
CHORUS
He and I were always strangers searching for someone Chorus
So I sit here where he lived and died, as the ghosts around me weep 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
It's strange the way so many things
And at times I get a notion
And while the music's playing
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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 |
Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers From: Dulci46 Date: 23 Sep 00 - 08:11 PM Try these: The Greatest Man I Never Knew, |
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! |
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
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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
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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
When I was young, my Dad would say
And I'd climb up the closet shelf
No matter how hard I try
He always took care of Mom and me
Wind blows through the trees
I walked by a Salvation Army store
No matter how hard I try
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Subject: Lyr Add: O CAPTAIN! MY CAPTAIN! (Walt Whitman) From: @risk (inactive) 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,
O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still,
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: @risk (inactive) 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'd feed on at Randerson, Crawhill and Camberton,
Ah but those days were his days, those ways were his ways
2. Well I was nae for ploughin', to the sea I was goin'
I've long lined the dogger bank,
Ah but those days were my days, those ways were my ways
We'll walk through the fields that my father once tilled,
For the morn will be their day, what will be their way
(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 Marymac90@aol.com 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
The door it opened slowly, --Stewie.
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Subject: RE: Songs about Fathers From: Airto Date: 25 Sep 00 - 08:11 AM I like your song, McGrath
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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 |
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" and also
Danny Hathaway "Song for My Father"
Weddings Parties Anything "Father's Day" and at a stretch, Neil Young's "Old Man". Callie
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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
If you need a cook-a-luncher
Yes I'm here because that's all I can be
So if you ever need a shoulder
And if you ever feel that maybe |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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. |
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