Lyr Add: John Hartford songs

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,khovey
Date: 21 Jan 24 - 06:08 PM

Thank you so very much! You cleared up a couple words/phrases that I hadn’t heard quite right. I appreciate your help. My husband had read that John Hartford wrote it as a shot against Glenn Campbell after Glenn fired him from The Glenn Campbell Goodtime Hour which aired on CBS television from January 1969- June 1972. John Hartford was on the show for the first season. Then, reportedly Glenn’s wife did not like John and told Glenn to fire him so he did. Railroad Street as released in 1969. I have not been able to find anything to corroborate these statements or dates so who knows. Thank you.

Subject: Lyr Add: Railroad Street (Hartford)
From: cnd
Date: 21 Jan 24 - 09:04 AM

The song is obviously about a vain person who's gained success in the music/show biz and lost sight of who they really are. One person on a Portuguese blog site (link) claims the Davidson County Flash line is a reference to Glenn Campbell, which would also track with the rhinestones and some other references in the song. The downside to this theory is that Campbell was from Pike County (Ark.)

The upside to the theory is that Davidson is the county in which Nashville resides, so Campbell certainly lived there -- but so did every country star. Porter Wagoner is another option -- he was famous for his bejeweled sequined jackets, and was also from Missouri, which lends credence to the allusions of knowing the target's family and previous life; on the other hand, they lived on opposite ends of the state.

I personally think it's about a woman (hence the "towel in your hips" line), but which woman it could be about is harder to say. Jim Shertzer, a music columnist for The Winston-Salem Journal in 1969, said the song was "a savage satire on a phony rising star," but that's the closest explanation I've been able to find. Explanation aside, here's the lyrics you requested. Lyrics transcribed by ear from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArsSPI_oPA.


RAILROAD STREET
(John Hartford)

Light strains in on your bedroom door so you can't see who you've missed
Sham payment going to the critics about the towel on your hips
Rhinestones shining in your bridgework, flashing in the floodlight's glare
Mail-order patent-leather dancing boots, Vitalis in your hair

You're too much and I can't take it
Sorry but I think I'll leave
Back to see an old drunk I know
Living on Railroad Street

With your profile turned to the sunset and your image strapped in place
You memorize your ad-libs while you practice with your face
Wet-rock chin pointed skyward, half-shut eyes to the wind
Your part-time unemployed talent scouts tell me you're the living end

You're a legend, and let's face it
Sorry but I got to leave
I'm gonna hock my soul to the laundromat
Down on Railroad Street

You've rubbed off every subtle hint of what you used to be
It's all right there in the 8x10 with a headline plain to see
You're handing out your goblets full of California wine
To hold aloft in noisy prayer to the trophy on your shrine

You're too much and I can't hack it
I think I'd better leave
See some man about a dog
Down on Railroad Street

I didn't recognize you till you autographed my cast
And someone whispered "Could that be the Davidson County Flash?"
I know you'd be unhappy if you couldn't be a star
But I wonder if they realize just who you really are

I know, but I won't tell 'em
Instead I think I'll leave
Back to see your next of kin
Living on Railroad Street

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: John Hartford songs
From: cnd
Date: 19 Jan 24 - 03:59 PM

k hovey,

I will be away from my computer for the weekend, but will be glad to help you come Sunday/Monday -- I listened through it once and I don't recall hearing any issues.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,k hovey
Date: 19 Jan 24 - 03:56 PM

I am looking for the lyrics to Railroad Street. I cannot find them anywhere. I have listened to the song several times on Google, even slowing the speed down to 75% and 50% but there are still a couple questionable phrases. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: John Hartford songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 29 May 13 - 06:23 PM

I had so much more time and times I could've spent more productively singing with this man on the Julia Belle Swain.
I wish we had our time again!!

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 29 May 13 - 08:27 AM

I'll post it at the end of the day if no one else gets back first. Have to go to work.....

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,joseph
Date: 29 May 13 - 01:34 AM

does anyone know the lyrics to deackhand waltz? It starts "Down by the main deck stairway, my love and I did meet, she passed down through the (texas?) lounge with her slippers on her feet. Then ther's a verse that starts, "over by the lock line, my love and I did stand, and on my faded workvest, she placed her lovely hand, thats about all I remember except some lines from the chorus maybe which I think I am confusing with another verse

Subject: Lyr Add: MISS FERRIS (John Hartford)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Apr 13 - 01:59 AM

The version posted by bluerabbit10 above is very abbreviated compared to this one. The song tells a lovely story and is a great tribute to a teacher.


MISS FERRIS
As sung by John Hartford on "Me Oh My, How the Time Does Fly: A John Hartford Anthology" (1987).

1. Now I had a teacher when I went to school.
She loved the river, and she taught about it, too.
I was a pretty bad boy, but she called my bluff
With her great big collection of steamboat stuff,
Oh, yeah.

2. She had log books and bells and things like that,
And she knew the old captains, and where they were at.
She rode the Alabama and the Gordon C. Greene,
As the Cape Girardeau she was later renamed,
Uh-huh.

3. But her very favorite, as you all know,
Was the Golden Eagle, Captain Buck's old boat.
This old stern wheeler sank and went to heaven
When I was in the fourth grade, in 1947,
Uh-huh.

4. Well, the fash'nable Saint Louis society,
Takin' a trip on the Mississippi,
Asleep in their bunks with an after-dinner drink,
They didn't think that the boat would sink,
Oh, no.

5. Well, I know Captain Buck was a very sad man
When that old wood hull went into the sand,
And Miss Ferris she was sad for sure,
But immediately her mind went to work,
Oh, yeah.

6. Well, she did some politickin' that was tricky and hard,
And she got the pilot house for the schoolhouse yard,
And so instead o' studyin', I became a dreamer,
Dreamin' 'bout boats on the Mississippi River,
Uh-huh.

7. Now the Saint Louis levee was away downtown.
It was the lowest and the funkiest and the furthest down,
An elevated track and a cobblestone grade.
You could go down there and get hit in the head,
Uh-huh.

8. But the river was life; it was changin' all the time.
It was the street; it was the sluice; it was the old main line.
I started readin' the Waterways Journal and all,
A-followin' Captain Fred Way and C. W. Stahl(?),
Uh-huh.

9. I had to work real hard to get my school work done,
'Cause you couldn't fool Miss Ferris none,
And if I went to sleep, or I weren't supposed to talk,
Oh, she was a dead shot with a little piece o' chalk,
Uh-huh.

10. Oh me, oh my, how the time does fly!
Time and the river keep a-rollin' on by.
Now I'm not a student, and she's not a teacher,
But we both still love the Mississippi River,
Uh-huh.

11. Well, I went to see her this Christmas last,
And we took a little trip back through the past.
On the easy rocker we looked at pictures,
And we dreamed our dreams of the Mississippi River,
Uh-huh.

Repeat Verse 10.

[In this recording, on which Hartford plays banjo, he invites the "audience" to sing verse 10 line by line after him, both times—but their voices sound too good to be a typical audience, so I suspect they were a specially-recruited group of singer/musicians.

[A shortened version of this song—on which Hartford plays fiddle and omits verses 7 & 8, and there is no audience participation—appears on the various-artists albums "Classic Bluegrass Vol. 2 from Smithsonian Folkways" (2005) and "The Mississippi River of Song: A Musical Journey Down the Mississippi" (1998).]

Subject: RE: ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 11:32 PM

http://www.countrytabs.com/tablature/John_Hartford/Slumberin_On_The_Cumberland_Chord_55972/




Verne, have you forgotten?

Subject: RE: ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 22 Jan 13 - 03:11 PM

Slumberin' on the Cumberland...looking for the lyrics...thank you.

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: WALTZ OF THE MISSISSIPPI (Hartford
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 13 May 10 - 08:52 PM

Waltz of the Mississippi...I listened to cd on Rhapsody and come up with these lyrics:

Waltz of the Mississippi
John Hartford: Good Old Boys
Chords by: Verne Garrison
Banjo tuned E, Capo 3, Key C

   C                  
On the old Mississippi
   F
Are girls in red dresses
    C                  
The one that's a beauty
       G7       C
She's broken my heart


In the shade of the woods
We are dancing together
On the old Mississippi
We drifted apart


To dare to have loved
The girl of such rareness
So fair and so perfect
She's nature's fine art


On the old Mississippi
There's a girl of my vision
On the old Mississippi,
She has broken my heart

Subject: RE: req/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: Steamboat Willie
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 07:51 PM

John Hartford was one of my longest and dearest friends from 'way back' on the river-- some forty years ago when we met on the Steamer DELTA QUEEN. He was loved, and beloved, by so many friends and fans, and I can feel that love on these pages for our friend, teacher, mentor, prophet, philosopher, artist, and steamboatman.

Though I do not play music, I remain a devoted fan of his. Practically anything that has happened, or will happen, on the river, John also had a similar experience on the river in his own time, and his experiences are found within the lyrics of his songs; so I often quote his words of an appropriate tune to illustrate a point to be made, or to express a feeling I might have.

Maintain the faith. Play his stuff. Buy an album. Keep John Hartford's name and his music alive.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 18 Mar 10 - 11:06 AM

The Waltz of the Mississippi...John Hartford from Good Ol' Boys CD.
Anyone know the lyrics?
Thanks,
Verne

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: THE BURNING OF THE GRAND REPUBLIC
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 01:27 PM

I listened closely, and came up with this transcription...Verne

The Burning of the Grand Republic***
John Hartford
No End of Love
Banjo tuned E, Capo 3, Key of C
***Originally, the Great Republic, Capt Wm H Thorwegan
(Source: Way's Packet Directory 1848-1894)
   C                        
Last night, at eleven-thirty,
   G
At the foot of Les Peres Street
       C                        F
The pride and wonder of the western river
             G         C
Burned to the water's edge

    C                           
Calendar length, and calendar width
    G
And twelve feet down the hole
   C            F
Once carried 8,210
G         C
Bales of cotton

C                                 
A man came running at break-neck speed
                           G
Over the road past the dog pound

Out of breath he found a policeman on Dekalb corner
                            C
And he quickly turned in the alarm

    C                                    
The sidewheel steamer, the Grand Republic,
G                     
Was laid up for the summer
      C                        F
The iron-hulled steamer, Carondolet,
       G          C
Was tied up just outside

       C                                 
The watchman woke when he heard the flames
       G                                 
The bedding, carpets, and painted railings
       C                  F
Two ladies woke up, much too late
    G               C
To save the Grand Republic

      C                                                      
In a roar of horses, fire department rushed down to the river
      G                                                
The sky was flowing fleecy clouds turning to vermillion
       C                                        F
Even trees on the Illinois shore stood out in bold relief
                            G                         C
And a single glance told everyone, nothing they could do

       C                              
The lightning fingers of thirsty flames
       G                           
On layer, one layer of dried out paint
             C                        F
Until the grease-wood curled out of the windows,
            G            C
Eating their way to the roof

Key down:???
       Bb/Em
The Grand Republic was beautiful
      F/Am                           
As well as valuable and practical--
       Bb/Em             Em
It was even more spectacular
      F/D7          C/G ?
In a royal robe of flames

       C                                 
And the fire destroyed the Carondolet***
       G                  
As it added to the terror,
       C             F
The red flare had a brilliance
       G                C
That made the moonlight green


Hissing and crackling this funeral fire,
Road the water like a swan
One more agonized moment
And the pilot house toppled on

A million sparks rose in the air
Some of them, gone forever
A reporter from the Globe Democrat said,
It was like daylight for a mile

Key Down
    Bb/Em                     
And the crowd down on the levee,
      F/Am                        
Stood as long as they could dare
    Eb/Em       Em
Which was not very
          D7                      C/G
And by 12:30, the fire had done its work

   C                                 
By this late hour, they tried to find
    G
Thorwegan***, the Captain of Grand Republic
C          F
But he was nowhere
G    C
To be found

Instrumental:

This morning her hull lies black
With her engines melted down
And the twisted fleeting fingers
Are in the river where she lay

At the foot of Les Peres Street
The Pride of the Mississippi
The sidewheel steamboat, Grand Republic
Has burned to the water's edge****

Short instrumental:


***Ibid. Burned Sept 19, 1877. The Carondolet was rebuilt in summer of 1878. One of first boats in St Louis to have electric lights.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs Miss Ferris
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 03:31 PM

I transcribed this from "Steamboat Captain" on You Tube. John has Old Time Riverman and Gentle On My Mind on this video as well.
Miss Ferris, I need to listen some more, but I think the key is E, or maybe F.

Miss Ferris
John Hartford
Heading Down Into Mystery Train
Banjo tuned E, Capo 3, Key of:
Transcribed by: Verne Garrison
February 22, 2010 from You Tube, Steamboat Captain


Now I had a teacher when I went to school
She loved the river, and she taught about too
I was a pretty good boy, but she called my bluff
With her great big collection of steamboat stuff
Oh yeah

She had log books and bells and things like that
And she knew the old captains, and where they were at
She rode the Alabama and the Gordon C. Greene
And at Cape Girardeau, she was later renamed
Uh Huh

But her very favorite, as you all know
The Golden Eagle, Captain Buck's old boat
The old stern wheeler that sank and went to heaven
When I was in the fourth grade, in 1947
Uh Huh

I used to work real hard to get my school work done
But you couldn't fool Miss Ferris none
And if I went to sleep, or wasn't supposed to talk
She was a dead shot, with a little piece of chalk
Uh Huh

Oh me, Oh my, how the time does fly
Time seems to keep on rolling on by
Now I am not a student, and she is not a teacher
But we both still love the Mississippi River
Oh yeah


Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,Rosie in denver
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 05:39 AM

Trying to find the lyrics to Front Porch I've googled and can't find it
i know how it starts
My front porch looks right at your back porch
At the side of my house sits your car

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 12:19 AM

Julie...this is a folk site and next time start a thread requesting a lyric.......here's Tall Tall Grass

If a clone wants to get a new thread for Julie, have at it. I figure this is where she might come back.........

Spaw

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: Peace
Date: 18 Aug 09 - 12:05 AM

Are you sure it's a song?

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,Julie
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 11:54 PM

Hey Y'all...I have been trying to find lyrics to the song "The Tall Tall Grass" to no avail. I love it and would appreciate anyone posting it that has them. Thanks

Subject: Lyr Add: I WISH WE HAD OUR TIME AGAIN (J Hartford)
From: GUEST,Wish We Had Our Time Again
Date: 26 Jun 09 - 10:17 AM

I just listened to this song on Part of Your History, very slowly, and did the best to transcribe it myself. I have been looking for the lyrics everywhere, and can't find them so here it goes:

WISH WE HAD OUR TIME AGAIN
As sung by Sam Bush and others on "Part of Your History: The Songs of John Hartford" (2006)

1. Oh the roads we ran and the folks we knew.
The risky things that we used to do.
Now it's over and I know we're through.
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

2. Well, I couldn't go to sleep. Got up and made a light.
Trying to write it down in the middle of the night.
Lookin' for the words, but it won't come right.
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

3. If not for love I can hardly see.
I looked at you and you looked at me.
Your memory love won't let me be,
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

4. Oh me, oh my, how the years do fly.
It makes no difference and we all know why.
Dear old friends have to turn their eye.
And I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time again
I wish we had our time.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 08:46 PM

http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnhartford2

thanks for making me aware of this album, br10. I am going to download it from itunes if I can, to hear this song. A snippet is at the link. I had not heard it before.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs-Grand Republic
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 09 Jun 09 - 07:25 AM

The Burning of the Grand Republic, lyrics of track....I think it is on cd No End of Love.

Have the lyrics been posted somewhere, here or other places? I haven't been able to find them....thanks,

Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 07:16 PM

You'll find it on Vinyl 1976 Walnut Valley Festival

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 08:41 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 21 Mar 09 - 01:13 PM

Corn Cob Blues...all I have heard in 30 seconds on Rhapsody...It is from John Hartford on RCA Legends Album...looking for lyrics.
Verne

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: WHEN THE GUIDING STAR CAME TO TELL
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 17 Jan 09 - 08:05 PM

Subject: Add: John Hartford Songs


When The Guiding Star Came To Tell City
John Hartford
No End of Love
Transcribed by: Verne Garrison

(This is a five minute track, and I took the words down best I could.

Welcome any corrections. The Guiding Star was built in Cincinnati in

1878, 1800 tons capacity...cut down by ice south of New Madrid, Mo in

Jan 6, 1893)(300 x 41.5 x 7.5)


When The Guiding Star Came To Tell City

    C               F   
The late Bert Fenn, was a long time friend
                            C
The river, we both were fond of
                         F
He related this tale, from a letter in the mail
                G          C
From his home in Tell City, Indiana

                   F
His father told him of days of old
                     C
An era of wonderous progression
                      F
Era of indoor plumbing and telephones
            G       C
And other modern inventions

C
Oh my darling,
                C
An era of wonderous progression
                  F
Of indoor plumbing and telephones
          G          C
And other modern inventions

                   F
Back then they set around discussing it
                         C
The old folks were just a figurin
                  F
Wouldnt believe they would see
            G          C
Electric lights a flickering

They seen infact, the great impact
The things we take for granted
The whistle blew, and everyone knew
That the Guiding Star had landed

Oh my darling,
The things we take for granted
When the whistle blew, everyone knew
The Guiding Star had landed

The Guiding Star, was a sumptious car
An elegant sidewheel steamer
Seen in Cincinnati and New Orleans
And major towns between there

Guiding Star was from afar
And like a star, did twinkle
Her Captain and crew were always looked up to
For always the latest wrinkle

Oh my darling,
And like a star did twinkle
Her Captain and crew were always looked up to
For always the latest wrinkle

Instrumental:

The Guiding Star came down the river
And she landed at Tell City
Connected on board to a long power cord
Was honest to God real electricity

The people on the street couldnt believe
It caused such an incredible sensation
August Schriber was so impressed
He called for an official occasion

Oh my darling,
Such an incredible sensation
August Schriber was so impressed
He called for an official occasion


All day long, the happy throng
Lined up to get aboard her
To site the electric lights
Just to stare and wonder

The Captain was touched, to see how much
Every heart was yearning
To see the site, in broad day light
Of the electric light a-burning

Oh my darling,
Yes every heart was yearning
To see the site in broad daylight
Of the electric lights a burning

The mechanical fan and the calliope
The city fathers, gentlemen and ladies
Folks were there from Tell City Chair
Back then in the 1880s

Everyone came from miles around
Down at the boat, were standing
The first electricity on the Ohio River
Came to Tell City Landing

Oh my darling,
Down at the boat, were standing
The first electricity on the Ohio River
To come to Tell City Landing

Captain Hegler, of the Guiding Star
Wanted to show the rest there
His appreciation for the celebration
Gave the most magnificent guesture

So at the high point of this event
As the afternoon slid toward nightfall
Made a speech and presented the mayor
With a freshly burnt-out light bulb

Oh my darling,
As the afternoon slid toward nightfall
He made a speech and presented the mayor
With a freshly burnt-out light bulb

The light bulb was an instant hit
And the mayor owned a drug store
It was put on display in a museum case
Everyone relished it even more

It was still there in later years
They moved it into the window
One night some neighborhood boys made some noise
And threw a brick through the drug store window

Oh my darling,
They moved it into the window
One night some neighborhood boys made some noise
And thre a brick through the drug store window

Now all we know is a few old photos
Old pictures of old steamboats loadin
Stuff that Bert Fenn collects
And the stories his daddy told him

You know Bert Fenn, was a long time friend
I always liked to visit him
The other day, he passed away
You can bet I sure do miss him

Oh my darling,
I always like to visit him
The other day, he passed away
You can bet I sure do miss him

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 15 Jan 09 - 08:55 AM

"When Guiding Star Came To Tell City" is a great song of John's and I wonder if the lyrics are out there somewhere? I try to listen to the mp3 and am working on it; just wondered if anyone has already transcribed it. Thanks,
Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 10:43 PM

"You Don't Have to Do That"...is on the Nobody Knows What You Do cd. I have listened many times trying to get the lyrics....

one line..."Why you got all those jams, jelly preserves
            Why you got all that syrup on your face.......

The line preceding these two, I can't make out[as well as others]. Any help appreciated.
This is a catchy little tune, I sure would like to work up the progressions and play along and sing it as well.
Thanks,
Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 04 Jan 09 - 10:07 PM

Jim Dixon, thanks once again for helping me out on another J Hartford song. That Morning Bugle site is an interesting one. Appreciate your direction.

Verne

Subject: Lyr Add: MORNING BUGLE (John Hartford)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 03 Jan 09 - 12:55 PM

MORNING BUGLE
John Hartford

Here I am, too wasted for the evening ride
Down to mother Mary's other place.
Can I hang out here beside your fireside?
Listenin' to the rain fall, fall along the earth ball.

You know I tried, my dear, to be like everybody else,
But my body and my mind had other plans,
So here I am, laid out beside your fireside,
Listenin' to the rain fall, fall along the earth ball.

Oh, say, please don't go away. I haven't got much I can call to.
You're not here but somewheres else outside,
Some scene I'll make myself fun to keep on laughing.
I'll get by with a little bit o' luck again.

Gonna get me a place down here for Thanksgiving dinner, don't you know?
Gonna get me a lid and keep back out of sight.
It keeps me mellow, gets me way down low,
Playin' in the morning sun, singin' with a silver tongue.

Gonna dig me a hole, down here in all these patchwork quilts,
Keep my banjo by my side, right there in bed,
Pretend I'm in a rowboat down at the railroad pond,
Playin' in the morning sun, playin' with a silver tongue.

Oh, me! What do I see? not much left in the cupboard.
Half past three and time to make the survey again.
The street's up, the street's gone up, the town below got flooded.
I'll get by with a little bit o' luck again.

[From "Morning Bugle" (Warner Bros., 1972; Rounder, 1995) and "Steam Powered Aereo-Takes" (Rounder, 2002).]

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: DON'T EVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 10 Nov 08 - 08:34 AM

"Don't Take Your Eyes off the Game, Babe," track 17 on Steam Powered Aero-Takes...I have posted lyrics, the way I hear them on the track. "Eye On the Game" I guess is John's take off on "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down." I am posting below as a way of returning favors others have done for me in posting lyrics I was seeking.
Verne:


Don't Let Your Deal Go Down
Track 17: DON'T EVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE GAME, BABE
by: John Hartford
Steam Powered Aero-Takes
Rounder 22 January 2002

Chords tabbed by:
Verne Garrison
November 9, 2008
Banjo tuned E Key D Capo 1

B7                      E7
Don't ever take your eyes off the game, babe
   A7                           D
If you don't want your deal to go down
   B7                      E7
Don't try to get away on a sunny day
A7                     D
That's the time to hang around

   B7                      E7
They'll try to tell you, ain't nothing wrong
   A7                               D
Your shirt gets short, where it should be long
    B7                      E7
And setting around singing that old love song
   A7                D
Don't let your deal go down

All together now....(Chorus)(same chords)

B7            E7
Don't let your deal go down
   A7                D
Don't let your deal go down
   B7                     E7
Don't let your deal go down, sweet mama
   A7                        D
Till your last gold dollar is gone

   B7                         E7
Don't ever take your eye off the scoreboard, babe
    A7                         D
There's a lot of pretty lights up there
    B7                            E7
Don't ever bet your ass on a snow-white horse
    A7                D
It might not be going anywhere

   B7               E7
Now I don't mean to make you sad
   A7                              D
But you are having the best time you ever had
   B7                         E7
It's just your nature makes you wanna be bad
    A7                D
Don't let your deal go down

All together now:

B7                   E7
Oh no don't let your deal go down
   A7                D
Don't let your deal go down
   B7                E7
Doobidee, doobidee do do ...down
   A7                      D
Till your last gold dollar is gone

Instrumental:

B7                        E7
Now I don't know what I said last night
    A7                        D
I think it was about quarter to eight
    B7                      E7
I think things were going to go down
    A7                   D
Because we couldn't commun--i--cate

   B7                      E7
But now, I think things are all right
    A7                      D         
Nobody knows when things go bad,
   B7                E7
Things have got to get better
   A7                        D
If I don't want my deal to go down


All together now:
B7               E7
Don't let your deal go down....

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Mike Bunting
Date: 07 Nov 08 - 12:38 AM

Does anyone have the lyrics and changes to I Wish We had Our Time Again?

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Normynull
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 10:07 PM

Wow! I stumbled onto this site and the conincidences are awesome. I was looking for the lyrics to a couple of John Hartford songs that I just recently heard for the first time. I had no idea he did a song about the Julia Belle. I grew up in central Illinois and recall as a child taking field trips to Peoria to take a ride on the Julia Belle Swain. I have a big (bleep) eating grin on my face right now. I'm quite happy.

-Normy

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: bluerabbit10
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 04:27 PM

"Don't Take Your Eyes off the Game, Babe" John Hartford..Steam Powered Aero Takes....this song has some of the "Don't Let Your Dean Go Down lines, verses," but it is a different song.. Anyone have the lyrics to it?
Thanks,
Verne

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Jerry 19
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 06:24 PM

Does anyone have the lyrics to Julia Belle Swain?
Thanks,
Jer

---

Hi, Jerry-
Look at the very top of this thread.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,grerard1208
Date: 06 May 08 - 10:14 PM

lyrics to the m.i.s.i.p

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,GERARD1208
Date: 05 Feb 08 - 12:02 PM

HI! LOOKING FOR THE MISIP LYRICS THANKS

Subject: Lyr Add: GET NO BETTER (John Hartford)
From: GUEST,TNTed
Date: 25 Jan 08 - 07:20 PM

Here's the best transcription I could come up with for "Get No Better" which I have seen in other posts referred to as "Joseph's Dream." It is my understanding from another forum that "Joseph’s Dream" is actually an entirely different song, but there was a mistake in the original pressing of the record that titled "Get No Better" track incorrectly...whatever (ref. to the John Hartford Forum if you don't believe me.) I was compelled to post the real Hartford lyrics out of respect for the most amazing and talented original lyricist. Mr. Hartford picked his words pretty carefully and for a reason. (ref. "Gentle on My Mind" if you don't know what I am talking about) With what respect is due Leftover Salmon, my opinion is you don't screw with perfection. Here you go!

GET NO BETTER
John Hartford
Chords: E, G#m, C#m, B, A

He caressed her breast, she hi-de-di-died his thigh,
And a billet on a pill amongst a wine bottle and the cheese.
He took a Polaroid picture of her so naughtily a slip, yes he did,
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did.

CHORUS: Just when you think it can't get no better, then it does.
It's always so much better than it ever was.
Seems like all them good things come at once, yes it do,
And just when you think it can't get no better, then it does.

(Mandolin solo)

Well, they knew what they liked; they were neither one of them naïve.
She said, “I’ll prob’ly get in trouble, but this time I don't care.
Well, I should go to work but I’d rather be with you instead,"
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did. CHORUS

(Dobro solo)

She taught school and he played the five-string banjo.
She lived here in town and he traveled the whole world wide.
Well, she packed a lunch, brought the wine, he drove the car and scored a lid, mmmm,
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did. CHORUS

(Guitar Solo...very "funky")

It was a perfect day for a dalliance and a picnic,
And a riverbank was an excellent place for love.
Well, the sun was shinin' and the birds were a-singin' overhead,
And just when they thought it couldn't get no better, then it did. CHORUS

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,the flying dutchman
Date: 17 Jan 08 - 05:51 PM

Hey harpgirl, thank you for the steamboat lyrics. I Just heard the album for the first time and it felt like coming home to a place where I don't live. It's good to see there are still so many Hartford lovers.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Severn
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 07:01 PM

GUESTGuest,

The Lord's Prayer parody is on the Flying Fish album "Mark Twang", where it is entitled "The Lowest Pair".

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,SWR
Date: 03 Oct 07 - 04:48 PM

Can anyone make out guitar chords to John Hartford's Their Gonna Tear Down the Grand Ol Opry?
Thanks!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 10:23 PM

Well, yes I have it but I can't remember which album it is. Can you give me some more clues so I don't have to listen to a bunch of old albums? If so, I can help you out, I'm sure. hg

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 07 Aug 07 - 09:11 PM

I know there is a Hartford version of "The Lord's Prayer" as I have heard it before but I have no idea what CD it's on and all I can remember is there is one line in it, "please forgive those who have dressed up against us". Anyone know of the CD/album that this is on or the full prayer?

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 02 Apr 07 - 01:56 PM

I don't know of a site from which to download that song. I do believe that the song, written by John when Opryland was building the Mississippi Queen, was actually commissioned by Opryland. The tune was VERY CLOSE to an older song sung by Doc Hopkins from the WLS Barn Dance radio show out of Chicago. (That earlier song had no river connection.)

I did play the two songs back-to-back for John one day and he was pretty amazed at the coincidence.

Art

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,polly
Date: 02 Apr 07 - 11:12 AM

Do you know if there is a place I could download the J. Hartford song "Mississippi Queen"? I have been all over itunes and can't find it, and I don't wnat the whole album.

Thanks.

--P

Subject: Lyr Add: JOSEPH'S DREAM (John Hartford)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Apr 06 - 05:42 PM

Joseph's Dream
(John Hartford)

Joseph had a dream when he was only seventeen
he dreamt his older brothers would someday be his subjects
he told this to his father and his brothers they got mad and tried to kill him.
his father just took note,
but his brothers, they got mad and tried to kill him.

Joseph was a young man with 11 older brothers.
He was given by his parents a coat of many colors
and this made his brothers angry,
So they sold him into slavery down in Egypt.
they tried but couldn't kill him
so they sold him to the service of the Wazir.

Now, the Wazir's wife, when Joseph was a slave to her,
was heavily attracted she bragged to all her ladies
that she'd have this gorgeous slave to be her lover,
she tried but then she failed.
she had it all set up but Joseph,
he refused to go along with it.

Her husband he was wise to her when she had Joseph busted
so he did not have him put to death the way it was expected.
He just threw him in the dungeon for 2 years
with a butler and a baker
Who were having crazy dreams that Joseph had the knowledge to interpret.

When the dreams came true, the Pharaoh was advised of this
had Joseph sent to him to hear the dream of seven cows,
And Joseph gave such good advice, the Pharaoh released him from his slavery.
And not only that, he also made Joseph the new Wazir.

There was a famine up in Canaan, Joseph's father sent his brothers
down to Egypt to buy corn, but they were thrown in jail as spies.
In three days he had released them to return and come again and bring their father.
Who forgave them, as they gathered 'round just to live regular old lives right there with Joseph.

Just the way that he had dreamed it way back when he was just a boy of 17.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From:
Date: 08 Jul 05 - 11:23 PM

I've been performing Joseph's Dream for over twenty years. If there is still interest I can post the lyrics as I sing them which would be very close to John's recording.

Scott

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Well I dreamt...
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 09:12 AM

....I went away in a steam powered aereo-plane
I went and I stayed and I damn near didn't come back again

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:49 PM

i recently heard a yonder mountain string band version of cukoo's nest but it is sung so quickly sometimes i can't even tell what is being said if anyone can tell me the lyrics it would be greatly appreciated.

Subject: Lyr Add: FALSE-HEARTED TENOR (John Hartford)
From: GUEST,sandy
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 10:00 AM

FALSE-HEARTED TENOR
My False-Hearted Tenor, falsetto so high
I watch all your dobros as they slide on by.
My person is lonely I think it's because
My voice is not high and real thin like a saw
What would really be slick now if I learned how to sing
But they tell me to pick now 'cause that is my thing

It's genu-un-settle (wrong words) a voice without heart
I'm out in the meadow and I can't find my part
Just because I quit smoking and sit on a stool
and sing all them love songs like any dam fool
Remember the tenor when we render this waltz
I pick on a Fender in a tenor that's false

In my highest falsetto I can't sing this high
But I dam sure would like to and that's why I try
My voice is as much as two pitches too low
When I want to get high and get up like Munroe
But me no soprano without any pause
just a jug-throated croaker in a tenor that false

(Be careful when picking your key to play this in- you could get hurt. Any clues to the correct words in the beginning of verse 2?)

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Sandy
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 09:52 AM

Hey you all down there in florida! Are you getting ready for your next big blow?!?! Good luck and god bless the plywood! I'm still searching for Joseph's Dream- I'll mail folks cold hard cash to get a taped copy, cd, inscription on stone or oil painting with the lyrics...

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 04:15 PM

Isn't anyone going to add John's song "Sexual Harrassment"

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: voyager
Date: 09 Sep 04 - 04:08 PM

No lyrics to add to this thread....

Just a photo....
   John Hartford - Merlefest '93

And a pointer to the Yahoo eGroups conference

    goodledays

voyager

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 09:48 PM

not true, kind sir...

Headin Down into the Mystery Below

1. The Mississippi Queen
2. Mama Plays the Calliope
3. See The Julia Belle Swain
4. On Christmas Eve
5. Natchez Whistle
6. Kentucky Pool
1. Miss Ferris
2. Paducah
3. Headin Down into The Mystery Below
4. Beatty's Navy
5. In Plain View of the Town

It's on "Nobody Knows What You Do"

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,guest from NW
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 03:20 PM

the song "joseph's dream" is on an out-of-print LP called "headin' down into the mystery below" on flying fish records. it has not yet been reissued on CD to my knowledge.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,sandy
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 12:00 PM

Hi
I'm searching for lyrics to Joseph's Dream like thousands of other people. Sadly, "Get No Better", as posted above, is the song on the new re-issued CD that is in "Joseph's Dream"'s place. Anyone have the lyrics- I too searched all over the 'net to no avail, but didn't pick up anymore spyware luckily!!

sandy mackay
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 20 May 04 - 04:37 PM

WHat is an "icky" song, HG?

Subject: Lyr Add: BOYS FROM NORTH CAROLINA (John Hartford)
From:
Date: 19 May 04 - 11:05 PM

Well I'm a big fan of John Hartford and UNC Men's Basketball. In some twisted way both passions meet with this song. Needless to say I never found these lyrics anywhere on the web.

What follows is my transcription of "The Boys from North Carolina" from the "A Tribute to John Hartford" Live from the Mountain Stage CD. Please excuse any typo's, your input is appreciated.

THE BOYS FROM NORTH CAROLINA by John Hartford

Some say it comes a rolling down the hollers of Ole Ireland
Not the mountains of East Tennessee from back in North Carolina
The Scottish tones and Indian bones the wails of Railroad liners
They helped along that old time song the boys from North Carolina

Well it road and growed all in the west way out in old Missouri
And then took off around the world like lightning in its furry
There ain't no age you sound to strained in major or in minor
Disappears all in the years
Rings a Laugh through out the tears

Kentucky is the bluegrass state her sunny skies define her
The Western Slope of East Tennessee there nothin' could be finer
The Northern boys that make more noise to pick could not be finer
To make that sound and get it down it helps if you have been around
The boy from North Carolina

Well I stood in line around the block right back here at the Ryman
To hear that lick that old mule kick from the boy from North Carolina
Gastonia to Boiling Springs from Flint Hill back to Charlotte
Still trying to find the place of birth
Still talking about who played it first
Of the boys from North Carolina

Repeat the last verse

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 May 04 - 02:04 PM

Joseph's Dream is about the bible story. It begins "Joseph had a dream when he was just a boy of seventeen." Since I didn't want to transcribe it because it is long and an icky song, I went out looking for the lyrics with that first line on my home computer. I picked up some spyware in the process and now my home computer is seized up and I can't use it.

So, I would suggest you send me your snail mail address and I will send you a tape of the song. The song which is transcribed above has some lines from another John Hartford song but it is not a John Hartford song and is therefore A SHAM! (I am now in a really bad mood so don't aske me any more questions...)harpy

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: MAG
Date: 17 May 04 - 12:40 PM

Well, write 'em down in a private file to be opened 50 years hence, Art.

A reason to live to be 105!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 May 04 - 12:34 PM

That IS the John we all knew on the Julia Belle Swain though. I could tell you tales the likes of which...

But I won't.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 May 04 - 08:59 AM

that isn't the Joseph's Dream, grit.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,J
Date: 17 May 04 - 01:51 AM

I transcribed this version of Joseph's Dream myself a couple a days ago. I couldn't do a perfect job with it, and so at four places in the song, I have a ?, possibly followed by some brackets, with the closest thing I could figure phonetically. This is transcribed from Leftover Salmon's version of the song, and it probably slightly different than Hartford's original words. Please post any corrections you can find.

[When Leftover Salmon recorded this song, they misidentified it as "Joseph's Dream," having been misled by an incorrectly labeled John Hartford CD. The correct title is "Get No Better." "Joseph's Dream" is actually a different song. Better transcriptions of both "Joseph's Dream" and "Get No Better," based on actual correctly-labeled John Hartford recordings, can be found elsewhere in this thread.--One of the JoeClones]

Joseph's Dream as recorded by Leftover Salmon
Original song by John Hartford
Transcribed by Jesse Swidler

he caressed her breast and she ?[hi di died] his thighs
L and ?[ in the middle] was a wine bottles and cheese
he took a polaroid picture that was naughty, in a slip, yes he did
just when you think it can't be getting no better then it did

just when you think it can't get no better then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does
just when you think it can't get no better then it does

well they both wanted off today but neither one of them ?[got it]
he said I'll probably get in trouble now, but this time I don't care, now
I should be going to work but I would rather be right here with you instead, oh
just when you think it can't get no better, then it did

just when you think it can't be gettin no better, then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does

he dropped school and she played the five string banjo
she lived here in town and he traveled the whole world wide
he got in the car, scored a lid, ?[she caught a fly in the tea], oh
just when you think it can't be gettin any better, than it did

just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does

It was the perfect day for a ?[damure] and a picnic
and the driving range was a beautiful place for love, love yeah
overhead, the big texas sky with stars all shinning, yeah
just when you think it can't be getting no, no better than it does

just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does
it's always so much better than it ever was
seems like all them good things come at once, yes it does, yes it does
just when you think it can't be gettin no better
just when you think it can't be gettin no better
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does, oh now
it's always, (so much),
always, (so much), so much, (so much)
so much better than it ever was

just like all of them good things come at once, oh now
just when you think it can't be gettin no better then it does, oh now
just when you think it can't be gettin no better, oh
just when you think it can't get no better,
just when you think your down,
just when you think you it's out
just thinking about thinking about keeping on thinking ohhh
it time to get to be gettin better
woah you know you're gonna feel alright
oh dancin'll make you feel better, make you feel better,
feel all around the country, gonna feel good
it gonna get, I'm gonna give it to you
it's gonna feel strong, and you know, oh gonna get better
it's gonna get better and then it always does

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,grit
Date: 05 May 04 - 08:03 PM

I'm try ing to find the lyrics for "Joseph's Dream" from the "Nobody Knows What You Do" album. HELP!! Thanx!!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,grit
Date: 05 May 04 - 07:18 PM

Iam trying to find the lyrics to "Joseph's Dream that was on the album "nobody Knows What You Do'. Iorered a CDand it says it is "Joseph's Dream it's reallya song off a "dillard-Hartford-Dillard album. Thanx!!

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,jokermanj
Date: 12 Apr 04 - 08:31 PM

Oh, if you have the right lyrics to Joseph's Dream that would be amazing. Thank you harpgirl

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 09:26 PM

Oh, It is on, "Nobody Know's What You Do" If I finish preparing my taxes for the accountant to flagellate me over, before midnight, I'll post them if no one else does.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 09:19 PM

What album is Joseph's Dream on? Not sure I have heard it before.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 07:41 PM

Is there anywhere in the Illinois area to ride a riverboat, without gambling, and hear songs and stories of the river? Sure would like to give my grandkids a taste of that time.
Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,jokermanj
Date: 31 Mar 04 - 06:08 PM

Hey all, I am looking for the lyrics to "Joseph's dream". Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 20 Mar 04 - 02:27 AM

HI Art,
I'm not sure you sent them. Would you send them again? love harpy

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 05 Mar 04 - 06:26 PM

Harp,

I think I sent you a bunch of photos I took of John recently. If not, at least I ment to do that. Let me know if you didn't get 'em and I will do it really quick!!??!!

Art

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 05 Mar 04 - 01:09 PM

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 04 Mar 04 - 02:52 PM

for oreboy "You Can't run away from your feet

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 23 May 02 - 05:33 PM

Amergin beat me to finding the song, but I found a thread on "Old Time River Man" here (click).
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Lyr Add: OLD TIME RIVER MAN (John Hartford)
From: Amergin
Date: 23 May 02 - 03:40 PM

"Old Time River Man"

Where does an old time river man go
After he's passed away?
Does his soul still keep a watch on the deep
For the rest of the river days?
Does he then come back as a channel cat
Or the wasps that light on the wheel?
Or the birds that fly through a summer sky
Or the fish swimming under the keel?

Where does an old time pilot go
After he's stood his last watch?
Does he fall by the ear of the man who steers
Saying hold her on that notch
There's a gentle sneeze in the river breeze
Saying son I'm goin to bed.
And they light their pipes and go off in the night
Or was that fireflies instead?

Where does an old time engineer go
After he's cooled her down?
Gone up the hill to never come back,
On the quiet side of town.
Does his soul live on in the engine songs
While the striker checks the gears?
Is he still afloat on an old steam boat
After he's gone from here?

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Amergin
Date: 23 May 02 - 03:34 PM

am sure old time river man is around somewhere...don't know about the other...

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: sara_grl
Date: 23 May 02 - 01:40 PM

Thanks Joe for moving my post.

There's some great stuff here but if anyone can help me out with lyrics to "Old Time River Man" and "Right In the Middle of Falling For You" I would be in your debt.

Thanks again!

Sara

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Art Thieme
Date: 23 May 02 - 12:08 AM

Is that right? Quite amazing !!! I stand corrected and sheepishly slink away...

Art

Subject: RE: REQ/ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: GUEST,oj
Date: 22 May 02 - 10:21 PM

art, john actually wrote that song long ago. it was on his first album for rca in about 1966 or 7. i recently cut a version of it that will be on my next cd to come out later this year (i hope).

Subject: Lyr Add: TODAY (John Hartford)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 22 May 02 - 08:10 PM

Here is a song John Hartford wrote sometime near the end. It was recorded by a friend of his. I taped it off a website but I can't recall where I found it. Just a weak-sounding John --- and his banjo.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Lost forever is yesterday.
I don't believe in tomorrow.
I used to dream of a pot of gold,
It only brought me sorrow.

I used to think that the road stretched on,
And went this whole world 'round,
And now I've learned to live my life,
Before the sun goes down.

'Cause tomorrow, when it finally comes,
And the curtains of dawn fade away,
The hopes of many are crushed to dust,
And they find there ain't nothing but today.

And every day I grow old and die
As though it might be my last,
I kiss the minutes with a thankful smile,
And turn my back on the past.

'Cause tomorrow, when it finally comes,
And the curtains of dawn fade away,
The hopes of many are crushed to dust,
They find there ain't nothing but today.

by John Hartford
(posted by Art Thieme)

Subject: RE: ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 May 02 - 06:50 PM

Sara, I moved your request here so we can keep John's songs together.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: John Hartford Lyrics
From: sara_grl
Date: 22 May 02 - 05:57 PM

As I have been exhausting myself searching high and low on the internet, I forgot one of the most valueable tools of all...MUDCAT! So, here I am humbly running back to you all and your vast knowledge (hoping flattery will help me here!) in hopes that someone out there has a great resource for John Hartford lyrics.

Specifically, I am looking for lyrics to "Old Time River Man" and "Right In the Middle of Falling For You".

If anyone can help, I'd GREATLY appreciate it.

Thanks a million all!

Subject: RE: ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: Greycap
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 08:40 PM

Does anyone have the lyrics for the 'Howard Hughes Blues'? I lost 'em years back and it's time again...know what I mean. With Hartford people, if I have to explain, you aren't with us, right?

Subject: Lyr Add: ANNUAL WALTZ^^ (John Hartford)
From: harpgirl
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 03:14 PM

Annual Waltz
(John Hartford)

The night is so cold and life is so old
And the wind is now heavy with daydreams
And I hold your hand to the music
And think of the days of our youth
Every year at this time
When our feet so incline
And we hear those old musical memories
We slip through this dance
Like the first time we started in falling in love

This we do and I'm still with you
And the heartbeat still calls for the Annual Waltz
It's our theme song for falling in love

Now, I laugh at you and you laugh at me
While our grandchildren's children have babies
Way off in the future, we're long gone
But someone still mentions our name
Oh pictures in books in small shady nooks
Where descendants can learn all about us
But the dancing goes on... to a fiddle...
As they still play the Annual Waltz
This we do and I'm still with you
And the heartbeats still calls
For the Annual Waltz
It's our theme song for falling in love

recorded on " John Hartford: Annual Waltz, MCA records, 1987

Subject: Lyr Add: HERE'S TO YOUR DREAMS (John Hartford)
From: harpgirl
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 02:56 PM

HERE'S TO YOUR DREAMS
(John Hartford)

Here's to your dreams
May they never completely come true
May they always be there
Just to make pretty pictures for you
Leave you breathless and warm
To excite you and come back again
And to warm up your soul
From a heartache that shouldn't have been

I had a dream that should never have ever come true
A dream that I live with each waking breath just for you
A picture of love that drove me to work on my scheme
But I came in to find that it couldn't live up to the dream

A question of time
A passion that knows I must try
A question of how
To know pain as sad as goodbye
Here's to your dreams
May they never completely come true
So you'll always have dreams
The way I have sweet dreams of you
Not destroy all the love
From a feeling that shouldn't come true

recorded on "John Hartford: Annual Waltz, MCA Records, 1987

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM YOUR FEET
From: harpgirl
Date: 26 Aug 01 - 02:21 PM

YOU CAN'T RUN AWAY FROM YOUR FEET
(John Hartford)

You can run from your wife
You can run from the heat
But you can't run away from your feet
You can run from your life
You can run down the street
But you can't run away from your feet

Part your hair in the middle
Play an old fiddle
Play the old pieces very sweet
Pull an old bow
Not fast not slow
Just the right time for your feet

You can run from your wife
You can run from the heat
You can run from your life
But you can't run away from your feet

Part your hair in the middle
Play an old fiddle
Play the old pieces very sweet
Pull an old bow
Not fast not slow
Just the right time for your feet

You can eat sweet potatoes
Like you get down south
But you can't have a yam without your mouth
You can play, you can cheat
But you'll always keep the beat
Cuz you can't run away from your feet

recorded on "Vassar Clements/John Hartford/Dave Holland" Rounder Records, 1984

Subject: RE: ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 21 Apr 01 - 10:05 AM

I'm fixin to add more...

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,oj
Date: 21 Feb 01 - 02:23 AM

yes, art , i remember the antons and i'm sorry to hear that about paul. i was on the boat when it was based in peoria and we'd do fall color cruises out of chattanooga tennesee. i also traveled to natchez miss. with the jbs to appear in a movie of huckleberry finn in 73 i think. doug and donna schleiser were on board a lot in those days and of course laurie judd and moon and all the trone kids. it was a wonderful time of my life. when i get to illinois sometime i'll try to look you up and have a chat. i'm from edwardsville illinois so i do get back that way every now and then. hope you're feeling alright and let me try to put a link here for the website so you can have a look. if this doesn't work i think we re listed in the folk-songwriter link section. http://www.mongrelfolk.com

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: harpgirl
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 10:49 PM

Art...when you get to "this page can not be found" click on the www.mongrelfolk.com and it should take you to the pages then find "orville" and click on that....maybe someone can fix it up....

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 10:23 PM

Harp,

Your blue clicky thing didn't work for me.

Art

---

Now it does, Art.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 20 Feb 01 - 10:15 PM

Mr. Orville Johnson,

It's good to meet you. I just went through a few back issues of The Waterways Journal and the Sons & Daughters Of Pioneer Rivermen REFLECTOR---the ones featuring either of Dennis Trone's two boats. I was hoping there might be a photo of you.------Where was the JBS based when you were aboard? I know she was down on the Ohio for a few years--out of Evansville, Indiana. Also on the Tennessee River.

I really wanted to be at the reunion you mentioned but was out of it right then & it weren't doable. Dennis Trone is the whole ball of wax there at River Cruises. He makes it WORK and that's all there is to it. It was a pleasure to watch him respond to crisis after crisis---emergency after emergency. When Denny took over, you just knew it'd be cool if you just had some patience. And patience was something I developed on the JBS. Now-a-days, whenever things are going too slow for my liking, I close my eyes and pretend we're hung up in a lock delay. A double tow is going through and there's nothing to do but marvel at the river and be thankful for the extra time.

I used to ride the Julia Belle Swain upriver and when we'd meet the Twilight going down, I'd be landed on an island and switch boats. I'd do a show on the downbound boat like I did on the one goin' upstream------and I'd wind up where I started the day----where I'd left my car-----so I could drive 68 miles home. By doing it every other day, I played for everyone on all of their trips on both boats. It was a 16 hour day from the time I left home to the time I got back there. And I loved it. Would do it again in a minute if I could. Sure do have some grand photos from those years.

You must know Paul and Dorothy Anton, correct? Dorothy is doing well but Paul passed on a year or so ago...

Art Thieme

Subject: Lyr Add: NATCHEZ WHISTLE (John Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 09:44 PM

Natchez Whistle
(John Hartford)

Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
Well, she blowed so low and she blowed so sweet
I 'se a layin in my bed on Toulouse Street
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
Somewhere in the rain out there over by Algiers
Or maybe ghosts and the noise of trucks winding through their gears
I thought I heard that Natchez whistle moan
Well, I thought I hear that Natchez whistle moan
Was strange you hung in the corners of the room
And I wondered if you would be back soon
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle moan

Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
It was almost like it was just in my mind
A wish they'd blow it one more time
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
Somewhere in the rain out there over by Algiers
Or maybe ghosts and the noise of trucks a windin through their gears
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow
It was almost like it was just in my mind
I wish they'd blow it one more time
Well, I thought I heard that Natchez whistle blow


on "Headin Down into the Mystery Below, Flying Fish Records, 1978

Subject: Lyr Add: ON CHRISTMAS EVE (John Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 09:17 PM

On Christmas Eve
(John Hartford)

1. Bonfire on the bank, hard bend to the right
On the lower Mississippi, full moon tonight
Where the Spanish moss, hangs from the trees
Down in Louisiana on Christmas Eve

CHORUS: That muddy water, (that muddy water)
Never quite comes clear, (never quite comes clear)
When I try to give a reason, (when I try to give a reason)
Why I wanta be here, (why I wanta be here)
Ain't ya got no family, (ain't ya got no family)
No place to be, (no place to be)
Out on the river, (out on the river)
On Christmas Eve, (on Christmas Eve)

2. See your reflections on this clear black night
Watchin the shoreline come into sight
I wanta hear steam, I just wanta feel wind
See the Pittman arm come around again

CHORUS TWICE

Out on the river, (out on the river)
On Christmas Eve, (on Christmas Eve)


Can be found on John Hartford: " Headin Down into the Mystery Below" 1978, Flying Fish Records

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: harpgirl
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 08:40 PM

...orville's been popping up around here now and then...click on this

Orville Johnson to read all about him...

(sorry Orville, but you outed yourself, darlin...harpgirl)

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,Knicke
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 07:19 PM

Can someone post the lyrics to the song he does on Hartford & Hartford..."Love Grown Cold"? Just wonderin'...

Knicke

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,oj
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 06:37 PM

art, my name is orville johnson and i also played on the julia belle back in the early 70's and it was certainly one of the coolest gigs of my career. in fact, i was playing a couple of john's tunes in my set ( steamboat whistle blues and areoplain ) and denny really liked the songs and was unfamiliar with john's work. i explained about his love for the boats and i really dug his music and wanted to meet him so i suggested to denny to invite him to come down. being the man of action that he is, denny found a phone number for john's agent i think and issued an invite. why, within two weeks,as soon as he got a break in his touring, john was there, hanging out,playing music and piloting the boat. denny agreed to mentor him for his license and that was when john started studying in earnest for his pilot's qualification and the rest is history. i guess it's all history really. i got my wish to meet, play with and become friends with a superbly talented muso and it worked out pretty well for everyone. i attended a reunion on the Twilight a couple of summers ago with many of the folks from that era of the boat including john and had a wonderful time. you were very highly spoken of and i'm sorry i didn't get a chance to meet you. the trones are wonderful people and i treasure my memories of those times.

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Seth
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 05:19 PM

In the part of China where I live (Henan Province), john Denver kicks everybody's butt. I couldn't figure this out, I never liked his stuff too much, but Chinese people have learned many of his songs, and it's hard to be around ( and it's hard to be around without being around)Karoake without hearing " Country Roads", "Rocky MOuntain High", "Annie's Song", or several of his other songs. I talked with my CHinese friend, and here's the story: John Denver's songs celebrate all the virtues of Chinese culture; family, relationships,home. They are neither sexual, violent, ironic, convoluted,cynical or overly wordy. The imagery is accesible even if you are not completely fluent in English. The tunes are usually pretty easy to sing.What Americans call corny or lame is different than Chinese view. Many CHinese are mystified as to why " Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", made such a splash in the U.S. when you can see hours of that stuff on TV here every week! Seth from CHina

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: SINSULL
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 01:33 PM

Seth,
You just triggered an old forgotten memory. John Denver had stayed at the guest house in Lhasa the week before I arrived. He had held campfire sing arounds where the locals taught him some Tibetan folk songs and he taught them some of his own. It was weird to arrive at an airport in the middle of the Himalayas and hear strange renditions of "Colorado, Rocky Mountain High". Thanks for reminding me.

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 01:13 PM

Folks,
Am sorry for posting stuff over & over to Pat's consternation. Recent memory blackouts are a part of my malady . Different than just aging stuff.

Art

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: harpgirl
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 10:50 AM

That's great Seth.

"May your wheel be free of driftwood"
"May you never run aground"
"May all your winds be tailwinds"
"And may all your trips be down!"

(Old Chinese proverb...

The Mississippi Queen is a call an answer song.It might be good for learning English and geography around the Mississippi River!....Abby

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Seth
Date: 19 Feb 01 - 09:08 AM

Oh,thank you for posting Julia Belle Swain. ONe of the gem records that I missed the first time around but found just before I left the U.S. in 1999. I only had a chance to play the record one time, but I sure loved that song. Now I'll teach it to 300 hundred Chinese 5th and 6th graders, they'll teach it to their students and children, (I hope) and after a while all these Chinese people will be singin' these John Hartford songs like JUlia Belle Swain! John Hartford, may you sail forever! Seth from China

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 05:35 PM

*seeing if I can find my tape of " The Poor Old Prurient Intrest Blues"*...or if I still have the album

Subject: Lyr Add: THE MISSISSIPPI QUEEN (John Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 02:28 PM

The Mississippi Queen
(John Hartford)

Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
Headin' up the Mississippi, headin' up the Mississippi
Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
She's the queen of the west, she's the queen of the west
Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
Headin' up the Mississippi, headin' up the Mississippi
The biggest steamboat, the biggest steamboat
That ever was afloat, that ever was afloat
On the Mississippi River back home
On the Mississippi River back home

She's the daughter of the grand republican J.M. White
She's the sister to the Delta Queen on a moon lit night

Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
Headin' up the Mississippi, headin' up the Mississippi
Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
She's the queen of the west, she's the queen of the west
Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
Headin' up the Mississippi, headin' up the Mississippi
The biggest steamboat, the biggest steamboat
That ever was afloat, that ever was afloat
On the Mississippi River back home
On the Mississippi River back home

Pittsburgh, Sewickley, Point Pleasant, Huntington
Cincinnati, Louisville, Tell City, Evansville
Paducah, Cairo, Memphis, Greenville, Vicksburg, Natchez
Baton Rouge and New Orleans
People always standing on the levee
Watching for the Mississippi Queen

Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
Headin' up the Mississippi, headin' up the Mississippi
Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
She's the queen of the west, she's the queen of the west
Oh, the Mississippi Queen, oh, the Mississippi Queen
Headin' up the Mississippi, headin' up the Mississippi
The biggest steamboat, the biggest steamboat
That ever was afloat, that ever was afloat
On the Mississippi River back home
On the Mississippi River back home


May be found on "Headin' Down into the Mystery Below", Flying Fish Records, 1978

Subject: Lyr Add: TEAR DOWN THE GRAND OLE OPRY (Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 10:21 AM

Tear Down The Grand Ole Opry
(John Hartford)

They're gonna tear down the Grand Ole Opry
They're gonna tear down the sound that goes around our song
They're gonna tear down the Grand Ole Opry
Another good thing has done gone on, done gone on

There were campers and there were buses
Parked all around where there used to be a door
But that place called the Grand Ole Opry
It just ain't fair, it just ain't there, no more
Ain't there, no more

They're gonna tear down the Grand Ole Opry
They're gonna tear down the sound that goes around our song
They're gonna tear down the Grand Ole Opry
Another good thing has done gone on, done gone on

Right across from the wax museum they used to line up around the block
From East Tennessee and back down home they came
All of a sudden there's nothin' to do where there once was an awful lot
Broad street will never be the same

I've been in love with the Grand Ole Opry
And I guess I have now for a good many years
When I hear the Grand Ole Opry
It makes me sad that it's gonna disappear, gonna disappear

They're gonna tear down the Grand Ole Opry
They're gonna tear down the sound that goes around our song
They're gonna tear down the Grand Okle Opry
Another good thing has done gone on, done gone on


Aereo Plain, Warner Records, 1971

Subject: Lyr Add: STEAM POWERED AEREO PLANE (J Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 09:51 AM

Steam Powered Aereo Plane
(John Hartford)

Well, I dreamt I went away in a steam-powered aereo-plane.
I went and I stayed and I damn near didn't come back again.
I didn't go very fast on a steam-powered aereo-plane.
Oh, the wheel went around and up and down and inside and then back again.

Sittin' in a 747 just a-watchin' them clouds roll by,
Can't tell if it's sunshine or if it's rai-hai-hain.
I'd rather be sitting in a deck chair high up over Kansas City
On a genuine old-fashioned, authentic steam-powered aereo-plane.

Well, I'd like to be a pilot on a steam-powered aereo-plane.
Well, I'd pull that pilot wheel around and then back again,
And I'd wear a blue hat, yeah, that says steam-powered aereo-plane.
Oh, the letters go round the brim and then back again.

Sittin' in a 747 just a-watching them clouds roll by,
Can't tell if it's sunshine or if it's rai-hai-hain.
I'd rather be sitting in a deck chair high up over Kansas City
On a genuine old-fashioned, authentic steam-powered aereo-plane.


Aereo Plain, Warner Records, 1971

Subject: Lyr Add: BECAUSE OF YOU (John Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 09:33 AM

Because of You
(John Hartford)

Because of you I close my eyes each time I yodel
And so shall it be for now
It might be better if I'd hung out at the hotel
And I never got to see you anymore

It's almost certain if I turned and looked right at you
I'll get to wish you'd stayed at home
So now I'm standing trying not to be a statue
If I never get to see you any more

Because of you I close my eyes each time I yodel
And so shall it be for now
It might be better if I 'd hung out at the hotel
And I never got to see you anymore


Aereo Plain, Warner Records, 1971

Subject: Lyr Add: STEAMBOAT WHISTLE BLUES (John Hartford)^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 09:20 AM

STEAMBOAT WHISTLE BLUES
(John Hartford)

Well, I started out to be a towboat man, but I never got the hang of a ratchet bar.
I was a-growin' up a-deckin' in the Illinois trade with coal dust in my ear.
I got stuck in the ice on Christmas Eve and I froze my ass, it's true,
Just a shiv'rin' and a-shakin' with a Down South case of them steamboat whistle blues.
Oh Captain Way, I'm sorry, my hat is off to you.
You've been a-hanging out by the old cook stove with the steamboat whistle blues.

Well, way up North I called your phone but I didn't get no one to answer,
So I opened up the window and I smoked a little bit and I watched the cars go by.
I'm gonna hunt you up and ask you if you found out anything new,
Or are you a-hangin' to the best you had with the steamboat whistle blues?
I've been right here since nine o'clock, and believe you me, that's true,
Just a-lookin' at the waterways churning with the steamboat whistle blues.

Well, the city's growing up where it looks all square like a crossword puzzle on the landscape.
It looks like an electric shaver now where the courthouse used to be.
The grass is all synthetic, and we don't know for sure about the food.
The only thing we know for sure is them steamboat whistle blues.
I'd sit and watch my TV if I thought I could trust the news.
About the only thing I trust these days is them steamboat whistle blues.

Well "far out" Johnny, well I heard him say as he stretched out back on the water bed,
Bluegrass music is a thing of the past and the same for rock 'n' roll,
And I loaned him two or three dollars and he gave me the latest news,
And he left me here with a Rolling Stone and the steamboat whistle blues.
I'll tear off down the river some day before I'm through,
Then come back here and see it out with the steamboat whistle blues.


from Aereo-Plain, Warner Records, 1971

Subject: Lyr Add: GOOD OLD ELECTRIC WASHING MACHINE^^
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 08:52 AM

Good Old Electric Washing Machine, Circa 1943
(John Hartford)

Well I sure do miss that good old electric washing machine
The one that we ain't got around here no more
And I sure do miss that big round tub and them stompin, swinging sounds
And I miss them groovy puddles on the floor
The new one just sits there in all its glory on Monday morning
Way over in the corner of the basement going (hummmmmmm)
But the old one went...(weird mouth sounds)

Well I cry when I when I see that brand new automatic washing machine
'Cause I'm sentimental for the old machine still yet
'Cause the old one really looks like a real live washing machine
But the new one just looks more like a television set
The new one just sits there a going...(hummmmmm)
But the old one went...(weird mouth sounds)


I think they each deserve their own threads, Joe. But here you are. hg

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 03:35 AM

What about the song about the washing machine? We had a lot of talk about it, but nobody posted the lyrics.

But instead of posting new threads for each song, why not post 'em right here in this thread.?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 12:09 AM

...Oh Joe, that is great that John said we could post lyrics! I've got lots left to post. I may need some more help from oj on a few of the words that I can't get. But Riverboat Annie may beat me to it! hg

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Sorcha
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 12:07 AM

Art, I love these stories! Keep 'em coming, friend, please? (a fan who saw you at Winfield when you could still play)

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 Feb 01 - 12:03 AM

Thanks for your sharing, Art!

Bun ain't out of the oven yet, huh?
Abby

Subject: RE: John Hartford Songs / The Julia Belle Swain
From: Art Thieme
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 11:43 PM

When I first started singing and tale tellin' on the JBS it was because John H. was on board as pilot that week and the TV show Good Morning America was doing a segment on John and his connection to steamboats and rivers. The ABC TV crew had left their car at the Starved Rock Lock and Dam. John knew I lived in Peru, Illinois and he called me from the pilot house to get me to drive the TV crew's car to the town of Henry, Illinois so they'd have a way back to Chicago. (I got $50.00 for doing that.) While waiting for the boat to land at Henry I gave my business card to the "luggage babe" as she was called on that boat. (She took passengers luggage in a van to the lodge where they stayed overnight.) I told her I was a folksinger grounded in history of rivers and the U.S.A. in general. She gave my card to DENNY TRONE, her boss and owner of the steamboat. He called me a week later to do a few trips. That led to work for all the next year (5 months worth).--------And then they moved from the Illinois River to the Mississippi River to base out of LeClaire, Iowa. Also built THE TWILIGHT-----another fine boat---this time a diesel/electric. As I've said, I did those gigs for the next 8 years. Steady work for a folksinger. Pretty rare. Best job I ever had.

For years before moving to the Mississippi, the JBS ran from Peoria, Illinois to the Starved Rock Lodge near Utica, Illinois. Our town----Peru---is right on the Illinois River too. Their excursion trips were 2-day trips. Took a day to get from Peoria to St.Rock---stay at the lodge that night---and back the 2nd day. "DENNY" in this song is Dennis Trone---the man who designed and built the Julia Belle Swain. "Moon" in the song refers to Moon Trone---- a fine fellow and the late brother of Dennis. Moon was a States Attorney (I believe) of Sangamon County, Illinois for many years. There are legendary tales about both of these great fellows on the Sangamon River and near New Salem, Illinois where Abe Lincoln hung out. The Julia Belle had to be sold a few years back (competition from gambling boats---a sad episode) but THE TWILIGHT is still taking passengers between LeClaire, Iowa (where I-80 crosses the Mississippi River) and the Chestnut Mountain Lodge near Galena, Illinois. For a truly relaxing 2-day getaway without gambling call River Cruises --- 1-800-331-1467 or e-mail -- [e-mail] Ask for their brochure.

Art Thieme
(The rest of those mentioned in the song were Peoria folks and crew members from that era when John Hartford wrote the song -- almost 15 or 20 years ago.)

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Julia Belle Swain
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 03:43 PM

Sure that's not "Murray Lipschitz, the Steamboatin' Tailor?" (:<))

Spaw

Subject: John Hartford Songs - Index
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 03:41 PM

Hi, Annie - Nice song. In this thread (click), Digital Tradition curator Dick Greenhaus says John Hartford has given us permission to include his lyrics in the Digital Tradition, so please post whatever you'd like to post.
When you're posting a number of songs on the same theme, it seems they're easiest to find if you keep them all in the same thread. If you want to post any more John Hartford songs, maybe you should post them in this thread and I can change the title to "John Hartford Songs." Just change the "subject" title of the message to ADD: and the name of the song.
You'll find that many John Hartford songs have been posted at Mudcat:

• Arkansas Traveler (various versions)
• Before They Tow My Car Away
• California Earthquake
• Delta Queen Waltz
• Gentle On My Mind
• Gumtree Canoe (traditional)
• In Tall Buildings
• The MISIP
• Old Time River Man
• Prayer (from the "Love" album)
• The Secesh (Shiloh)
• The Six O'clock Train and a Girl with Green Eyes
• Skippin' in the Mississippi Dew
• When the Roses Bloom Again in Dixieland (traditional)

Can anybody point to other Hartford songs that have been posted?
I didn't see lyrics at http://www.johnhartford.com/, but it's an interesting site.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Julia Belle Swain
From: harpgirl
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 03:32 PM

...ya beat me to it oj...that old gal's got too much muddy water in her ears, I reckon!

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: The Julia Belle Swain
From: GUEST,oj
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 03:25 PM

that's " doc and laurie,too" (not murray)

Subject: Lyr Add: JULIA BELLE SWAIN (John Hartford)^^
From: GUEST,Riverboat Annie
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 01:37 PM

JULIA BELLE SWAIN
(John Hartford)

This is a song about the Julia Belle Swain

1. Oh, the Julia Belle Swain is a mighty fine boat, got a mighty fine captain, too.
Got a big red wheel that goes around and around and a bunch of old hippies for a crew.
Well, I can't stay here; well, I gotta get away; I'm Chattanooga Tennessee bound.
Gonna get my banjo and put it on my back when the Julia Belle comes down,
When the Julia Belle comes down.

2. When the Julia Belle comes to Peoria, you know that summer's here,
And up on the Illinois River, that's the very best time of the year.
Those steam boat days in August like a hazy, lazy dream,
I want to be at the foot of Main Street when the Julia Belle raises steam,
when the Julia Belle raises steam.

3. Well Dennis and Moon and Bob Burnett, and Doc and Murray too,
Are one big steamboat family and the Julia Belle steamboat crew.
Me, I tell you, I gotta getta away; I'm Chattanooga Tennessee bound.
Gonna get my banjo and put it on my back when the Julia Belle comes down,
When the Julia Belle comes down.

4. Now the Julia Belle Swain is a women's lib boat, the first I ever knew.
Got girls in the pilothouse and girls on deck and a lady in the engine room.
Now Donna's got her license; Cindy's learning to steer.
Little Julie keeps Moon outa trouble by wandering off everywhere,
By wandering off everywhere.

5. When the Julia Belle gets in a steamboat race, she's a mighty hard boat to beat.
She raced the Belle of Louisville; she beat the Delta Queen.
She don't need no help to get her turned around; she'll come right around on a dime.
And after the race she heads up the river 'cause the Julia Belle's still got time,
'Cause the Julia Belle's still got time.

6. Well, I sure do love the Tennessee River, the Ohio and the Illinois,
And I love the old Mississippi River; it's a good old place for a boy
Just to step on board the steamboat, ride all the way to the sea.
Where else but a muddy old river would a person want to be,
Would a person want to be?

7. Well, I come up the river the other night, darker than the inside of a cow.
Ain't nothin' like a crooked old river, straighten my head right out.
Now I love my love; she's pretty as could be, and I love to take her down.
Those pretty ladies really like to ride when the Julia Belle comes down,
When the Julia Belle comes down.