Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz

Subject: Cuckoo Waltz
From: dulcimer
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 09:51 PM

Need lyric to this song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 10:13 PM

Never heard of it, but a searching I will go...........(any other info available? Date? Artist? etc.)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Ebbie
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 10:15 PM

If it's the Cuckoo Waltz I know, it came out in the early 50's and, for me, has some serious memories attached to it!

Ebbie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: MMario
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 10:18 PM

It is evidently a musical as well as an old folk song - at least half the links I followed were to a musical. However I am at home with the creep-slow-takes-forever computer so I wasn't able to check more then a couple and none had the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 10:22 PM

G'day Dulcimer,

There is an old dance tune by this name and variants abound - but I can't remember hearing the words to it.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 10:43 PM

Found all kinds of sound files, seems it is a Czech tune from the early 1900's. Also found links to a TV show and musical, like Mario did. Checked the Levy site, too. This link (Click) says, "if you listen really close you can hear a fan singing along". Didn't try to play it, so don't know. Good Luck!

Link fixed. --JoeClone, 15-Dec-02.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Oversoul
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 10:56 PM

The Cuckoo, is a tune which I was shocked to learn has very "sexual" overtones. Dig it, the image of a little bird darting in and out of a big bush. Damn! I think the notes to an Ed Haley CD Vol. 1, (John Hartford production, on Rounder) brought this out, in a most revealing, and scholarly manner. Could this be related to the aforementioned waltz?..with lyrics? I will check some old sources for music, but I can't expect to find lyrics. By the way, John Fahey (guitarist) did a really fine piece called "Variations on the Cuckoo".

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Sorcha
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 11:19 PM

This can't be "The cuckoo's a pretty bird, she sings as she flies", etc, can it? I didn't think that was a waltz.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Oversoul
Date: 16 Oct 00 - 11:54 PM

I believe in the "Big Bang" theory of traditional tunes. I just thought maybe this is occurred with The Cuckoo, see? A waltz, why not? Lyrics, well...I have not a clue. I can't find a thing. Sorry I said anything, sort of. I have another source to check.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Llanfair
Date: 17 Oct 00 - 04:04 AM

As far as I know, the Cuckoo Waltz is completely different from any of the folk songs referring to cuckoos.
It was the theme tune to a sitcom of the same name, set in Manchester, in the 60's or early 70's, and didn't have any lyrics. I can hear the tune in my head now, but have not the technology or skill to transcribe it, sorry.
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: dulcimer
Date: 17 Oct 00 - 10:12 PM

It is probably the song from the 50's. The friend of mine who wanted the lyrics sings many songs from that period. Hope you can remember the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 06:11 PM

AMG lists 7 recordings of something called "Cuckoo Waltz" but I can't tell if they're all the same tune. Three are classified as "polka" (referring to a German-American style, I think, not a tempo), two are Irish, one is Scottish, and one Australian! I was able to find a sound sample of only one of them, a polka version by the Six Fat Dutchmen, on CDNOW. The sample had no lyrics.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: masato sakurai
Date: 23 Aug 02 - 10:55 PM

"The Cuckoo Waltz" I've been familiar with is the piece by Swedish composer Johan Emanuel Jonasson (1886-1956). The original title is "Gökvalsen." There's an RA recording from HERE (No. 67); MIDI is HERE. I believe it is originally an instrumental for piano. I remember the first line of Japanese words ("Kakkoo kakkoo kasumi no sorani..."), but you don't need them do you?

~Masato

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: masato sakurai
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 08:27 AM

Found 'Cu[c]koo Waltz' sung by Donn Reynolds at The Record Lady's All-Time Country Favorites (Real Country Archives Page 3). However, he yodels it throughout.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: nutty
Date: 19 Jun 03 - 08:39 AM

This is the only Cuckoo waltz that I've been able to find with lyrics



Cuckoo's call, The; Waltz song / by Edgar Selden.
CREATED/PUBLISHED
New York: Hitchcock's Music Store, 1885.

the cuckoo's call (waltz song)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: masato sakurai
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 10:44 AM

The Sanburg version of "Cuckoo Waltz" posted HERE.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Flash Company
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 06:15 AM

1940's - 50's pop song;:-

Cuckoo, cuckoo. lets waltz to the melody,
Cuckoo, cuckoo as simple as it can be,
Cuckoo, cuckoo, We'll dance till the break of day,
Cuckoo, cuckoo has stolen my heart away.

Oh, for the song I have heard,
From a sweet litle bird,
That just utters one word
It's so simple and I
Am as cuckoo as he
And its easy to see
That we both are in love (Cuckoo, cuckoo)

Repeat opening.

God, the rubbish I remember!

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Louie Roy
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 08:25 PM

Cuckoo Waltz is a Waltz Quadrille and we danced it back in the 1930s with 4 couples to the square.It was similar to Birdie in the Cage except it was in Waltz time where Birdie In The Cage was in square dance or hoedown time.The words were as follows

Three times around the cuckoo clock
Three times around the cuckoo clock
Three times around the cuckoo clock
To the lovely Susie Brown

Fare thee well my charming girl
Fare the well I'm gone
Fare the weii my charming girl
With golden slippers on

Choose your pardner as we go round
Choose your pardner as we go round
Choose your pardner as we go round
We'll all take Susie Brown

Fare the well my charming girl
Fare thee well I'm gone
Fare thee well my charming girl
With the golden slippers on

It also depended on who the caller was because each one would add a different verse but this is what I remember.Louie Roy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Joybell
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 06:46 PM

Flash Company, it's forgetting the rubbish that's the problem isn't it?.
We played this on banjo mandolins *shudder* here in Aus. in the 1950s. And sang some words. The words you give, for the first part I think. It seems to have three parts. I'm having trouble fitting the second bit to the tune. Do they go with the B part and were there words to the C part?
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 07:55 PM

I'd expect that the score for the 'pop' version will be easily available at my State Library. I was there yesterday chasing 'Fiddler of Dooney', but don't intend being back there for a couple of weeks. When I was about seven I was given my first harmonica (The acoustics were good in the bath, so that's where I rehearsed), and the first tune I sortof mastered was Cockoo Waltz.

I'll do the score if somone really wants it.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Flash Company
Date: 11 Dec 04 - 09:59 AM

Hi Joybell, As you say there was a C part as well, and probably some words to it but I don't recall them. These words fit the B part although you do have to be a bit 'flexible' I think, is the phrase.
This started out as a rather pleasant tune played as an organ solo, to which someone in the '50s (Keynotes? Tony Hatch?) then wrote words.
They used to do this a lot!
As you say, forgetting the rubbish is the problem, I find unwanted songs popping out of the i-Pod I call a brain all the time , and Sheila says 'What on earth made you think of that?'. Er, dunno!

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Joybell
Date: 11 Dec 04 - 05:38 PM

Yes, Flash Company, I see what you mean. The words can be stretched around to fit alright.
True-Love and I bounce song fragments off each other all the time. We rarely know which one starts it, or what triggers it.
I had the Cuckoo Waltz on an old 78, played on an organ. Enjoyed making myself dizzy twirling around and around to it, I remember. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Flash Company
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 10:22 AM

Joy, we obviously bought the same records, remember the Lou Busch hit 'Zambesi' at around the same time? That had a lyric written for it which began 'I never thought I'd have the luck to fall n love when I was bringing home a lion for the zoo'. Honest!

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Joybell
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 05:50 PM

Flash Company, You made that up!!?? If not though, I sure would like to hear it. See the words even!
Back to the Cuckoo Waltz.... the flip side is coming back.
It was "You Can't be True Dear"
"You can't be true dear
There's nothing more to say...."
There was, though. Lots more! and it was all pretty awful. Of course my record was just an instrumental version played on an organ. Must have heard the words somewhere later. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 08:45 PM

I'd expect that the score for the 'pop' version will be easily available at my State Library. I was there yesterday chasing 'Fiddler of Dooney', but don't intend being back there for a couple of weeks. When I was about seven I was given my first harmonica (The acoustics were good in the bath, so that's where I rehearsed), and the first tune I sortof mastered was Cockoo Waltz.

I'll do the score if somone really wants it.

Regards, John

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Flash Company
Date: 13 Dec 04 - 07:31 AM

Joybell, right, You can't be true, dear was the flip side. Wish I could remember who did it!

Zambesi.

I never thought I'd have the luck to fall in love
When I was bringing home a lion for the zoo,
Zambesi baby Oh it's you I'm thinking of
I'll never ever find a sweeter girl than you.

I know without even tryin'
I can rope a bear or catch a lion
But I always find it far more difficult
To catch a pretty girl like you.

There's probably more, but thankfully I can't remember. And no, I didn't make it up, if I had I'd have shot myself!

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Snuffy
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 08:51 AM

Thanks for that, Flash Company. Since the 50s I've had the start of Zambesi in my head as:

I never thought That I was gonna' fall in love
When I was bringing home a chicken for the stew....

Your version makes more sense

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Flash Company
Date: 14 Dec 04 - 09:41 AM

Snuffy, like that! A chicken for the stew is a lot more use.
Maybe we should start a new thread on silly lyrics to instumentals, there must be lots more about.

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Joybell
Date: 16 Dec 04 - 03:57 PM

That's a good idea. I'll look out for it. I'm sorry I doubted you, FC. Those words are worse than any you could come up with on the spot. Did the chicken come later, I wonder, after the girl wasn't impressed with the lion and the bear? Chicken roping is an art form I've heard. Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Flash Company
Date: 17 Dec 04 - 05:13 AM

They breed some pretty tough chickens! A UK television show 'Beyond River Cottage' last night featured in one scene the chef/presenter drawing the sinews out of the legs of free range chickens prior to cooking them. It looked painful (Not for the chicken, it was dead, but the guys doing the drawing were really struggling)

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 06:10 PM

The lyrics "I never thought I'd have the luck to fall in love when I was bringing home a lion for the zoo; Zambesi baby you're the one I'm thinking of...." was a hit song in Britain in the 50's entitled "Zambesi", not Cuckoo Waltz

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Joybell
Date: 03 Feb 10 - 06:24 PM

Oh! the fun we had back in 2004. Flash Company was just off on a tangent -- but thanks, Guest. Never know when I might want to look up "Zambesi".
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: GUEST,John Ford Movies
Date: 30 Aug 11 - 05:49 PM

Henry Fonda danced to it in "Young Mr Lincoln (circa 1939). Also Fort Apache (circa 1948)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: Artful Codger
Date: 30 Aug 11 - 07:16 PM

YouTube has many clips of the "Cuckoo Waltz" (Gökvalsen, 1913) composed by Johan Emanuel Jonasson; a bit hit in 1921, and particularly, it seems, with accordionists ever since. Here are a couple good ones:
orchestral: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdlGiH9lhV8
nice accordion solo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9svUUQXv58

Of course, there is also the dance tune and bawdy song "The Cuckoo's Nest", but this isn't usually played as a waltz.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Cuckoo Waltz
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 10 Oct 14 - 07:24 PM

http://thesession.org/tunes/13881