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?)