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.