Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas

Subject: Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,Fred
Date: 01 May 01 - 10:17 PM

I got the lyrics and tune for this from the Digitrad but does anyone have the chords handy? (My Guitar by Ear teacher would probably disapprove of this short-cut to working it out by myself.) Thanks.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 01 - 10:34 PM

What key do you sing it in?

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,Fred
Date: 01 May 01 - 10:46 PM

I don't know yet, but it's lower than the MIDI from the Digitrad. If you have it in any key, I can transpose it as needed.

Subject: Chords Add: RIVERS OF TEXAS
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 01 - 11:04 PM

ok, this is what I use.

  
D                     D7       G          D  
We crossed the broad Pecos we forded the Nuases (sic)  
  
                          E           A           D  
Swam the Guadeloupe and followed the Brazos, Red River run  
 D7        G        D                  A   
rusty the Witcheta clear, down by the Brazos I courted my   
D            G       D            A    D        G  
Dear. Li li lee lee give me your hand li li li lee lee   
  
 D        A   D              G           D            A  
give me your hand. Li li li lee lee lee give me your hand  
                                        D  
There's many a river that waters the land  
  
  
There's many a river that waters the land  
  

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 01 - 11:06 PM

That didn't print the way I typed it, but, the chords are pretty simple.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: kendall
Date: 01 May 01 - 11:11 PM

Lets try that again

D We...........G forded.....D swam...E followed...A Brazos>...D river..G Witchita...D clear...A courted...D dear.
The refrain follows thew same sequence, except that it does not call for the E.

Hope this helps.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,Fred
Date: 01 May 01 - 11:14 PM

Thanks, Kendall. I was just experimenting and finding that I would probably sing it in D. By the way, the name of the river is the Nueces and pronounced the way you wrote it. It is Spanish for Nuts!

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 01 May 01 - 11:52 PM

Mary Garvey, a 'Catter who used to live in Seattle and now lives in Vancouver, Washington, wrote a beautiful version of this song called "The Rivers of Washington". I mention this every once in a while in the hopes that she'll see it and put the words in the DT. (I just sent her a message asking her to do just that, so we'll see what happens.)

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 May 01 - 06:05 PM

And Sheila Ritter of Ann Arbor, MI, wrote a beautiful spiritual version called "The Rivers of Life." When I'm feeling less frazled, I'll post it.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 May 01 - 06:37 PM

OK "Rivers of Life" Parody posted on separate thread as ADD.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From:
Date: 02 May 01 - 09:36 PM

ok...I saw and i will post under something called Rivers of other states...I keep feeling we did this before but maybe I only meant to....others did do some from other states, like Nebraska....and hopefully whoever posted the nice "parody" will post in that one too because those such as me who aren't all that fond of the genre might miss it.

mg

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From:
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 01:18 AM

Mason Williams does a beautiful version of "Rivers of Texas" on his "Of Time and Rivers Flowing" CD. This is a CD dedicated to the rivers of the world.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 30 Aug 02 - 09:58 AM

I've heard a wonderful "Rivers of Illinois" on Midnight Special a few years ago.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 05:20 PM

Dave, I think that's Down By the Embarras (Win Stracke), that Art Thieme posted a while back.
There's also Rivers of Wisconsin, by Dan Keding.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 05:31 PM

That's the one, Joe!

Subject: ADD: Rivers of Nebraska
From: Bill D
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 08:25 PM

I've just been reviewing all those related threads, and done two supersearches, and I can't believe that no one has mentioned "The Rivers of Nebraska"....so...

We crossed the wide Platte,
We forded the Platte.
We swam the Platte,
We followed the Platte.
The Platte runs muddy,
And sometimes runs clear,
But down by the Platte
I courted my dear

...etc...as long as you can keep your face straight and dodge the tomatos.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 08:49 PM

Actually, Billl, the Platte is mentioned in the Digital Tradition. I think the quote is from Dick Levine.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 09:22 PM

Well, I haven't seen "The Rivers of Nebraska" before and I think it's a hoot!

Now in Maine we have the famous river poem about "The Suatawabsqueksis and the Squatawabsquek" which I haven't recited for 50 years. Find that one in your DT!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 17 Dec 02 - 09:32 PM

Most states with any large number of rivers have some variant on this song. I know that there's one about Wisconsin. Does anybody know of a source for that?

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From:
Date: 24 May 04 - 05:55 AM

I had a cassette of the Mason Williams "Of Time and Rivers Flowing" CD, but it is lost. I've tried to buy the CD itself, but it doesn't show in the Swann catalog and my local music store can't find a source. Any help out there? Publisher? Identifying numbers? I'd download it if necessary, but I'd rather pay if I can find a source. Roger Good

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,Wesley S at Home
Date: 24 May 04 - 11:44 PM

If you go to www.allmusic.com you can enter Mason Williams in their search engine and there should be a listing for that CD. At least you'll get the name of the record label.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,Susan
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 07:10 PM

First heard this song in Austin in the 70's. I can't carry a tune in the proverbial basket, but want to send this song to a friend. Can anybody provide the melody or tell me how to find the music? Thanks!

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,Bill D
Date: 20 Apr 05 - 01:09 PM

Susan...just go to the Digital Tradition database...the tune is in there in a midi file.

Subject: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,JB3
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:40 PM

I heard a song at Berea College from Jennifer Armstrong called
"The Rivers of Georgia" that she had put together based on a song called "The Rivers of Texas," I believe. Does anyone have the Texas song? Jennifer was from a well-known singing family. Was it the Frankie Armstrong family? Any help would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:44 PM

JB3-

There is a traditional version of the Texas song in the Digital Tradition archives here (referred to as the DT): click here for lyrics

And there is more discussion in the threads if you search for "Rivers of Texas."

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: GUEST,JB3
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:20 PM

Thanks Charlie. I found it. Don't know why it didn't show up when I was looking, before. Thanks, again!

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: TEXAS RIVER SONG (from Lyle Lovett
From: pdq
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 01:57 PM

The Limeliters recorded this in 1964 with Ernie Sheldon as a member.

Here is a version thanks to Lyle Lovett...


TEXAS RIVER SONG (traditional)
as recorded by Lyle Lovett (1998)
Step Inside This House (MCAD2-11831)

capo 3, 3/4 time

   C
We crossed the wild Pecos
   F            C
We forded the Nueces
    C
We swum the Guadalupe
       G
And we followed the Brazos
    C
Red River runs rusty
    F       C
The Wichita clear
    C
But down by the Brazos
G          C
I courted my dear


       C            
Singing li, li, le, le, le
F            C
Lend me your hand
C
Li, li, li, le, le, le
G            C
Lend me your hand
C
Li, li, li, le, le, le
F            C
Lend me your hand
       C
There's many a river
    G          C
That waters the land


Now the fair Angelina
Ruins glossy and gliding
The crooked Colorado
Runs weaving and winding
The slow San Antonio
Courses the plains
But I never will walk
By the Brazos again


Singing li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
There's many a river
That waters the land

She kissed me and she hugged me
And she called me her dandy
The Trinity's muddy
But the Brazos quick sandy
She kissed me and she hugged me
And she called me her own
But down by the Brazos
She left me alone

Singing li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
There's many a river
That waters the land

INSTRUMENTAL

Now the girls of Little River
They're plump and they're pretty
The Sabine and the Sulphur
Hold beauties a'many
The banks of the Neches
There's girls by the score
But down by the Brazos
I'll wander no more

Singing li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
There's many a river
That waters the land

Singing li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Lend me your hand
There's many a river
That waters the land



TEXAS RIVER SONG (CHORD CHART)
capo 3, 3/4 time

VERSES
|C |C |F |C |C |C |G |G |
|C |C |F |C |C |C |G |C |

CHORUS
|C |C |F |C |C |C |G |C |
|C |C |F |C |C |C |G |C |C |


CHORD THEORY
      no capo - capo 3
I:   Eb      - C
IV:   Ab      - F
V:   Bb      - G

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Wesley S
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 02:31 PM

I know that Art Thieme does this song but it mentions the rivers of Illinois. So I suspect there are several versions out there. It could be adapted to whatever region you want to sing about. I've always ment to ask Art if he's collected other versions of this one.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:41 PM

Some...(like me)... sing it with alternating choruses.
"
Singing li, li, le, le, le
Pole the boat on.
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Pole the boat on.
Li, li, li, le, le, le
Pole the boat on.
My Brazos River sweetheart has left me and gone.

(I learned it in 1962)


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

Oh....and there IS "The Rivers of Nebraska"


"We crossed the wild Platte
   F            C
We forded the Platte
    C
We swum the Platte
       G
And we followed the Platte
    C
The Platte runs rusty
    F       C
Sometimes it runs clear
    C
But down by the Platte
G          C
I courted my dear....


(if they let you get this far, improvise)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:51 PM

JB3-

You're welcome!

I am fond of this song, as it's one that I often heard at family song parties in the 1950's. One of our summer neighbors, Wendy Holt, had collected it as a young women while resident in Texas in the 1930's.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 09:18 PM

?? Really,Charlie? That's the first time I think I have heard the origins pushed back beyond the 50s. Any idea what sort of person Wendy says she got it from? It would be fascinating to discover the author....

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 09:32 PM

Hmmmm. The Traditional Ballad Index says Randolph collected it in 1942. Randolph says he collected it from Mrs. Irene Carlisle in Fayetteville, Arkansas, January 30, 1942. Mrs. Carlisle learned it in 1921 from a hired hand who had lived in Texas. The lyrics in Randolph's Ozark Folksongs are the ones we all know. There's a classic Sandy Paton post on the subject here (click)

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Arkie
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 10:39 PM

Down by the Embarras is the title of the song about the rivers of Illinois. I have assumed The Rivers of Texas was the original but then again, who knows?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Lighter
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 10:25 AM

In this case, we do know. In his book "Songs of Man" (1965), Chicagoan Win Stracke prints "Down by the Embarras" with the note that he himself adapted it to Illinois from "The Rivers of Texas."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 07:25 PM

Bill-

Wendy certainly didn't collect it from the author; it was simply a favorite song that people in the area enjoyed singing. I'll see if I can find more from her notes.

Anyway, Wendy taught the song to my mother, and she taught it to Bill and Gene Bonyun who helped make it a folk hit.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: autoharper
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 08:08 PM

Dear Charley,
I have spoken with others who said they sang it in the 1930's. Do you remember Wendy's version? Was it different in melody or lyric from the one most folks sing today?
Thanks,
-Adam Miller

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: oldhippie
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 08:40 PM

Carolyn Hester recorded it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: The Rivers of Texas
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 08:41 PM

Adam-

The lyrics were very similar and so was the melody.

Charley Noble