Lyr Add: John Hartford songs

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.

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: 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: 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: catspaw49
Date: 17 Feb 01 - 03:43 PM

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

Spaw

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: 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: 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 - 12:09 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: ADD: John Hartford Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 21 Apr 01 - 10:05 AM

I'm fixin to add more...

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Amergin
Date: 23 May 02 - 03:34 PM

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

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: 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: 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: harpgirl
Date: 05 Mar 04 - 01:09 PM

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: 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: 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.