Origins: Goodbye Liza Jane

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: cptsnapper
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 11:13 AM

I also learned Matt's version in the seventies and I think that it was from John Pearse.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: Bugsy
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 09:43 PM

That's the version that I learned from Derek Brimstone


Cheers


bugsy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: Nathan in Texas
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 10:43 PM

Wow! Twelve years and the thread's still picking up steam. One advantage of a longlasting discussion is the resources that become available over the years. Youtube has 19 versions of "Goodbye Liza Jane" and over 400 of "Liza Jane." Here are a few to get you started:
Aly Bain and Jay Ungar (This one is closest to what I was playing when I asked the question that started the thread)
Bob Will's Version
Gypsy Dave Smith's Version (Starts about 55 seconds into video)
Movie version with Bob Wills

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,Don in Virginia
Date: 16 May 09 - 07:06 AM

Learned this song from an old fiddler at gailax in the early 1970s- and have been signing it for years-- will check out the youtube versions to see if it matches the one i learned. our music web site [e-mail]

Up the river and around the bend
Good by - good by
Haven't seen Liza since I don't know when
Good by liza jane

chorus
Oh how i love her - ain't that a shame
oh how i need her - good by liza jane

Here come paw in a buckboard wagon
Good by - good by
the axles off the wheels a draggin'
Good by liza jane

Were going down the wagon road
Good by - good by
where we'll end up i don't know
Good by liza jane

Subject: Lil liza jane
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 10 - 08:50 PM

im singing this in choir and i love this song but the way i know it is:

I've got a gallon you've got none, lil liza jane
Ive got a gal that calls me hun lil liza jane
oh Ellazia lil liza jane
oh Ellazia lil liza jane

but ive got a gal and youve got none makes more sence.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,heidi
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 11:12 PM

London own is burning down
goodbye, goodbye,
burning down to the ground
goodbye Liza Jane
Ain't ya mighty sorry,
goodbye, goodbye
ain't ya mighty sorry,
goodbye Liza Jane

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,Me!!!!
Date: 26 Apr 10 - 09:15 PM

In my choir we're sing ing a song called "Charlottown"

Charlottown's burning down goodbye, goodbye
Burning down,to the ground goodbye Liza Jane.
Aint'ya mighty sorry? Goodbye, Goodbye
Aint'ya mighty sorry? goodbye liza, goodbye Liza
Goodbye Liza Jane. Goodbye Liza Jane

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,Charles Macfarlane
Date: 28 Apr 12 - 11:53 AM

> I also learned Matt's version in the seventies and I think that it was from John Pearse.

> That's the version that I learned from Derek Brimstone

Yes, I have the same words from Derek Brimstone, it's on the vinyl album "Shuffleboat River Farewell", Rubber Records RUB 017.

However, folksingers in those days were always ripping off each other's material. To realise this, you've only got to compare the discographies of The Clancy Brothers, The Dubliners, and The Corries - I'm not criticising any of these, they were all very good acts in different ways, and I have favourite versions of songs from all three, I'm just saying that's the way it was.

However, wrt to "Scarlet Town", Jon Betmead also recorded it on the vinyl album "A Vision Of Heaven", Plant Life PLR 004 (as well as "Trouble In Mind" which Derek Brimstone also covered), and Jon has these slightly different words, which he credits to Richard Farina, though it's clear from all the above that if the latter really did arrange the song in a particular way and copyrighted his version, he didn't write the original lyrics.

Scarlet Town is burning down
Goodbye, Goodbye,
Scarlet Town is burning down
Goodbye Lisa Jane.

Chorus:
Ain't yer feelin' sorry
Goodbye, Goodbye,
Ain't yer feelin' sorry
Goodbye Lisa Jane.

Lisa Jane I loved you
You loved me, my best friend too

Lisa Jane is dead and gone
But her memory lingers on

Subject: Origins: Liza Jane
From: tenn_jim
Date: 15 Nov 14 - 04:58 PM

A song I have played many times but never really knew its origin. Is it African American - Sam Chatmon, or Appalachian?

Subject: RE: Origins: Liza Jane
From: Richie
Date: 15 Nov 14 - 06:05 PM

There's a number of different versions titled Liza Jane, the bluegrass version I play (She died on the train) is on my site here: http://www.bluegrassmessengers.com/liza-jane--version-6-six-versions--perrow-1905--.aspx

These versions were collected by Perrow as early as 1905. It was also known in the African-American community,

Richie

Subject: Lyr Add: GOODBYE LIZA JANE (1868)
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 03:49 AM

Q: "This is one of the oldest versions that we have a date for. The song is older; perhaps versions are preserved in old minstrel song booklets.:

GOODBYE LIZA JANE
As sung by Frank Lum, the great Sensation Comic Singer, with immense applause.

Away down south where I was born,
I husk the wood, and chop the corn,
Walk that loo, oh! miss loo,
Ah! ah! ah! Hear me now:
For I am going away to leave you. Good-bye. Good-bye:
        I am going away to leave you, good-bye, Liza Jane.
Oh! I am going away to leave you oh! I am going
                down to Lynchburgtown.
        If you get there before I do, oh! Good bye, Liza Jane.

Ducks play cards and chickens drink wine,
        And monkeys grow upon grape vines:
Walk that loo, oh! miss loo.
        Ah! ah! ah! Hear me now:
Corn-starch pudding and tapioca pie.
Oh! the gray cat picked out the black cat's eye.
                        CHORUS.

The old cow in the young cow's shed,
        Fell over a corn and broke off her head:
Walk that loo, oh! miss loo.
        Ah! ah! ah! Hear me now:
And when the jackass heard the row,
        He stabbed himself with the tail of a cow.
                        CHORUS.

A nigger came from Arkansaw,
        The worst old fool I ever saw:
Walk that loo, oh! miss loo.
        He went some water for to get,
And he carried it home in a corn basket.

[Marsan, Henry DE, New Comic and Sentimental Singer's Journal, No.86, Vol.1, (New York: H. DE Marsan, 1868, p.652]

Levy Sheet Music for Fox-Simmons version (posted up thread)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 03:53 AM

“Eddie Fox is known wherever minstrelsy is spoken.

Mr. Fox's career began at the tender age of five years, and continued up until about 1897, when he "laid down the fiddle and the bow"—not because "there was no more work for poor Uncle Ned"—no, indeedy—for Mr. Fox refuses to grow old, and he could have work aplenty if he so desired.

Newcomb and Arlington's Minstrels engaged him about 1867 ; subsequently he was with Newcomb's Minstrels.

When Simmons and Slocum opened their minstrel house in Philadelphia in 1870, Eddie Fox was leader, and remained there several seasons. Likewise was he identified with Barlow, Wilson, Primrose and West's Minstrels at their inception in 1877, and continued with them during their existence as an organization, terminating in June, 1882.

Other promient minstrel engagements were Barlow, Wilson Company, George Wilson's, Cleveland's, and his last—Al. G. Field's.

Mr. Fox composed some of the most popular music in minstrelsy, notably the "Big Sunflower," immortalized by Billy Emerson; "Kaiser. Don't You Want to Buy a Dog?" for Gus Williams; "Noreen Moreen," "Goodbye, Liza Jane," "Carry the News to Mary" and scores of others.

As a jig and reel player he is without a peer.

Mr. Fox likewise enjoys the distinction of having been always the highest salaried "leader" in minstrelsy.

Eddie Fox was born in Glens Falls, N. Y.( October 28, 1848 ; a letter addressed care of any minstrel show playing Philadelphia will always reach
him.”

[Rice, Edard Le Roy, Monarchs of minstrelsy, from “Daddy” Rice to date (New York: Kenny, 1911, pp.174, 195, 198)]



“The comedy is in the hands of Eddie Fox and Fred Harper. Fox has cleaned up considerably since we saw him last. He has discarded the rubber tip on his nose and the dirty makeup, using but a little red on the nose and a light tramp make-up. He is wearing better clothes and has gotten away from the misfit suit.”

[New York Clipper, “Beauty Review,” Cooper Show is Fast and Clean, 14 February, 1923, p.19]

Note: Best guess, he died c.1926… and his wife's first name was Eliza.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 03:55 AM

More early period 'Liza thesis fodder:

“...Another chap was drilling a hole through a revolver handle, and singing “Little old Liza Jane,” while another was limping across the window sill in search of fresh air, to the agonizing tune of tramp–tramp–tramp!”

[The Ashland Union, “Brick” Pomeroy on Mosquitos, 25 October 1865, p.1]



“Music Hall.– The “Cure,” by Collins, was the principal feature at this place of amusement last night. Johnny Tuers, Sheppard, Wallace, Ward, and Foster, were on hand in “My Little Ole Liza Jane”–they can't be beat in that. Go to see them to-night. The “Cure” will be repeated.”

[Gold Hill (Nevada) Daily News, Evening News, 23 November, 1865, p.3]



“Arlington Hall…
Family Matinee Saturday at half-past two o'clock,…
First week of “Little Old 'Liza Jane.”

[Chicago Tribune, Variety Theatre, 29 April, 1867, p.4]

Subject: Lyr Add: GOLDEN SHOWERS
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 03:57 AM

GOLDEN SHOWERS
Written and composed by Jas. Maas, the well-known comedian – And being in all the Minstrel's Theatres in New-York City.

The music can be obtained at the Music-Store of Wm. A. Pond & Co, 547 & 865 Broadway, New-York.

“The horn of plenty's blowing, blowing , blowing,
Pompey am a-crowing, crowing, crowing, honey:
Silver streams am flowing, flowing, flowing,
        Golden showers falling down:
        Liza Jane has come to town.
                CHORUS.
        I feel so nice, I tell you Soney:
        Lasses nothing I'm like honey,
        Tickle me, I feel so funny,
        I colaps a-part.
Clouds of glory hanging high,
        And little cherubims are singing in the chorus:
Don't come near me, don't come nigh,
        They're bound for to adore us.
                The horn of plenty's, &c.

Miss Liza's got a baby, baby, baby.
Say Pompey keep that shady, shady, shady honey
She's talking like a lady, lady, lady–
        Golden showers falling down,
        Liza Jane has come to town.
                CHORUS.
        I feel so nice, I tell you, Soney
        Lasses nothing, I'm like honey.
        Tickle me, I feel so funny,
        I colaps a-part.
Clouds of glory hanging high,
        And little cherubins are singing in the chorus:
Don't come near, don't come nigh,
        They're bound for to adore us.
                The horn of plenty's, &c.”

[Marsan, Henry DE, New Comic and Sentimental Singer's Journal, No.61, (New York: H. DE Marsan, 1868, p.487)]

Subject: Lyr Add: HOOP 'EM UP 'LIZA JANE (1868)
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 04:02 AM

HOOP 'EM UP 'LIZA JANE

Goin' across 'de mountain,
        I gave my horn a blow,
Thought I heard Mis 'Liza
Yonder comes my beau.
She's nicer than the roses,
        That grow down on the plain,
I lub 'dat little yaller gal–
        My sweet ole 'Liza Jane.

If you want to buy a horse,
        Don't by a horse dat's lame;
But if you want to buy a mule,
        Buy ole 'Liza Jane.
She's sweeter dan de 'lasses,
        Dat drops from sugar cane;
She is de darlin' ob my heart–
        My sweet ole 'Liza Jane.

[Marsan, Henry DE, New Comic and Sentimental Singer's Journal, No.137, Vol. II, (New York: H. DE Marsan, 1868, p.291]

Note: aka Ole 'Liza Jane.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M SOFT ON LIZA JANE (George Hart, 1871)
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 12 Aug 18 - 04:04 AM

“I'M SOFT ON LIZA JANE.
Written for the New York Clipper,
By George G. Hart.

Oh I'm a gay and festive nig, a bully boy am I;
There's only one thing troubles me, I'll tell you by and by;
I'm deep in love with a colored gal, I've got her on the brain–
Oh, yes! The fact is, white folks, I'm soft on Liza Jane.

Chorus.– Oh I'll never meet her equal,
Nor see her like again,
For she's the apple of my eye,
And I'm soft on Liza Jane.

When first we met I'll ne'er forget, 'twas down at Bowling Green;
I thought her then the prettiest girl my eyes had ever seen;
I raised my hat, she smiled a smile, her meaning it was plain,
And since that time I've known no rest, for I'm soft on Liza Jane.
Chorus.– Oh, I'll never meet her equal, &c.

I asked her for to marry me– her answer it was “Yes;”
And when the happy day comes round I'll leave you for to guess.
There's only on thing that I fear, and it's my greatest pain,
For fear some other nigger might get soft on Liza Jane.
Chorus.– Oh, I'll never meet her equal, &c.

[New York Clipper, Songs for the People, 21 January 1871, p.334]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: GUEST,Li'l Liza Jane documentary film
Date: 08 Aug 19 - 09:35 AM

Dear Mudcat Folks,

Thanks for this very informative thread. I am co-producer of a documentary film that centers on the family of "Liza Jane" songs, which would include "Goodbye Liza Jane," "Little Liza Jane," the play-party songs, and everything in between. We are in pre-production now, finishing up our research efforts, which have been considerable. We welcome any rare insights into the history and trajectory of these songs. Please feel free to check out our trailer, synopsis, and other information at www.lizajanemovie.com

Thanks again,
Dan Gutstein

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: clueless don
Date: 08 Aug 19 - 11:07 AM

I see that I made a (probably redundant) contribution to this thread back on 28 Nov 07 - 09:13 AM. I remember an occasion when some folks were singing this (the version of Goodbye Liza Jane I quoted back in 07), and then Mr. Shapiro started singing

Collegetown is burning down
goodbye, goodbye
Collegetown is burning down
goodbye Jason Fane

Collegetown was (and almost surely still is) a section of Ithaca NY immediately adjacent to the Cornell University campus. Jason Fane (I'm not sure of the correct spelling of "Fane") was a landlord who owned properties in Collegetown. Fun memory!

Don

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Goodbye Liza Jane
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Feb 21 - 07:44 PM

Another verse for "she died on a train" from Larry Joba:

Her face was of a ruddy hue,
Her hair was chestnut brown,
Her eyes were like the thunderclouds,
Before the rains come down.