Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse

Subject: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:14 AM

After almost 20 years of trying to overcome some pretty major issues, that cut to the core of our beliefs and of our marriage, my SO and I are beginning a "trial separation" this weekend. I'm not looking for sympathy, or for songs of the "You low-down dirty dog" variety. But are there any good "here's your hat, what's your hurry" songs, other than the ubiquitous "SO LONG IT'S BEEN GOOD TO KNOW YUH"??

[Many song titles in this thread have been converted to links by a Mudelf.]

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: marty D
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:18 AM

Sorry to hear that Animaterra. Dylan's "One Too many Mornings" says a lot. I know you like traditional music, but sometimes the songwriters hit the nail on the head.

marty

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: MMario
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:18 AM

What about So Long Dearie from "Hello Dolly"?

Wave your little hand and whisper
So long dearie
You ain't gonna see me anymore
And when you discover that your life is dreary
Don't you come a knockin' at my door

click

Subject: Lyr Add: LOVE WILL ENDURE (Patrick Sky)
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:24 AM

Well Allison, this one isn't exactly "on point" as to your request, but I think there are a few lines in that fit your situation. Anyway, it's a favorite of mine by Pat Sky.

LOVE WILL ENDURE
Patrick Sky

When first I came to town, I came in from the country.
Not a penny did I have and not one cent could I offer,
But still our love it grew,
And our troubles they were few,
They were few.

Many times I tried to tell you all the hurt that I was feelin',
But my thoughts stumbled in my mind, and my words lost their meanin'.
I didn't mean to cause you pain,
So I'm leavin' once again,
Once again.

Ain't no need to think of me; I'll be happy where I'm goin'.
I've got roots that need a-plantin', and a love that needs a-growin'
Where my pride won't have to bend
And my lips can taste the wind,
Taste the wind.

And as for you, your tears will heal all the wounds that have been opened,
Just as time will clear the fields of all the flowers that have ripened.
Of all these things you can be sure.
Only love Will endure.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: MMario
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:25 AM

okay - it's sorta a low down dirty dog song, but not really - because of the tempo etc.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Burke
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:30 AM

Bob Franke does a song that would fit. I don't see the lyrics on his Web page & I'm not sure of the title. I'll see if it's on one of the recordings I have, but maybe this will jog someone else's memory in the meantime.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:31 AM

Pat Sky's "Separation Blues" comes immediately to mind.

So does Tom Paxton's "About The Children" but that one is pretty depressing. I'd stick with The Blues for humourous uplift.

Don

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: MMario
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:34 AM

Burke - are you thinking of "Bring on the Starlight"?

Though we have come to an end;
and it's time to say "So long!" my friend;

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Bagpuss
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:36 AM

Will you go lassie (laddie) go?

Heheheh

Bagpuss

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: KingBrilliant
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:39 AM

You take the high road and I'll take the low road?

Kris

Subject: Lyr Add: LONG GONE^^
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:47 AM

Well, this one's a favorite of mine, in more of an old-time bluegrass style. It's kind of one level above "Rocksalt & Nails."

LONG GONE
(Anon from singing of Jennifer Puleston)

I remember well the day I met you
With your smile so fair and bright
And I loved you from that moment
'Til I met you here tonight

Chorus:

Long gone, that's how I'm leavin',
Long gone, why do you cry?
This is what you've always wanted,
Yes, I'm gone, long gone!

I've tried my best to make you happy,
Still you say I've done you wrong;
So I'm giving up, my darling,
And I'll be gone, long gone.

Do not try to overtake me,
What I ride will be too fast;
All my bags are packed to travel,
Long gone, long gone at last.

When I see you try to spite me,
When I see you turn away,
All the grief that I've been feelin'
Tells me there's no other way.

It would of been better for us, my darling,
If in this world we'd never met;
For though I loved you like no other,
Now I'm goin', I've just regret.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Mrrzy
Date: 17 May 01 - 12:01 PM

( don't remember all the words so this might be a mishmash of several verses, but here's my fave:

Thank God and Greyhound you're gone,
I didn't know how much
longer
I could hold on,
that big Greyhound bus is a beautiful sight,
with that black smore a-pouring out around the taillight,
that big diesel motor is a-singing my song,
thank God and Greyhound you're gone!

But also, sweetie, best of luck and all that! I heartily approve of what you're doing, by the way, not that you might care about that... You'll either miss each other more than you're glad you're apart, and get back together more strongly, or you'll be glad you're apart more than you miss each other, and that will make for a much less stressful final split if that's what is in store.

Subject: Lyr Add: PUTTING OUT FIRES (The Bluetones)
From: Matt_R
Date: 17 May 01 - 12:02 PM

PUTTING OUT FIRES

If we put our heads together
I think we could salvage it
If we ride the stormy weather
Will we really benefit?
Is there anything left to save now anyway?
When you're near
My heart beats quicker, faster
It's your skin as pale as alabaster
It has to be
It has to end
Losing a lover
Gaining a friend

Yesterday
Your virtue inspired me
Yesterday
You ignited the flame
That burnt inside of me
So why when I wake up today
Are there ashes about us?
Now I've lost the strength
To crush the flower
Now I grow weaker
With the passing hours
You once were the fire
You once were the glow
I was so sure then.....
Now I don't know

I've wasted time away
But I know that it's okay
Cos I've wasted time away with you

Now look what we built together
We didn't waste anything
We built a fire
That burns too strong to die
Or am I a liar
Who smotheres the flame?

When you're near
My heart beats quicker, faster
It's your skin as pale as alabaster
It has to be
It has to end
Losing a lover
Lying to a friend

I've wasted time away
But I know that it's okay
Cos I've wasted time away with you
I've wasted time away
But I know that it's okay
Cos I've wasted time away with you.....

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 May 01 - 12:22 PM

Yeah Guest, Pat Sky's "Separation Blues" is good and another of his, "Hangin' Round" is great too. Sadly, I don't remember all the words to either of them! A short bit from "Hangin' Round" shows that it is appropriate though:

Now Babe, you hear what I'm puttin' down?
I don't want you hangin' round
Put that box of Kleenex down
I don't want you hangin' round.

Now you can sit and cry your tears, but there's one thing I know It's plain to see it's you or me....
And I ain't about to go!

So just point your shoes towards the edge of town
I don't want you hangin' round
(Not in my vicinity)
No. I don't want you hangin' round.

Spaw

Subject: Lyr Add: IN THE DARK (Al Stewart)
From: mousethief
Date: 17 May 01 - 12:27 PM

IN THE DARK
by Al Stewart
From SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME

They said "God Bless the Prince of Wales
Let let us hope that he prevails."
The souvenirs provide details
Of distant monarchy

Moving through the human tide
With the Princess at his side
Tribesmen cheer and gaze wide-eyed
At such celebrity

The Royal smile from magazines
Waving hands from limousines
The crowd holds pictures of the Queen
The magic entity

These images are beamed to me
Ten thousand miles across the sea
Lately I don't seem to be
Concerned with what they mean

In the dark, in the dark
Oh I never saw the danger or the spark
In the dark, in the dark
I was feeling like a stranger
'Cause I never saw the changes in your heart

Those angry words you soon regret
Are gone but not forgotten yet
She may forgive, she won't forget
Each individual scar

You make it up and say no more
And go on living like before
But every wave erodes the shore
And tarnishes the star

You sow each seed of discontent
Wonder where the loving went
Every night that's heaven sent
The dawn can sweep away

And in the background all the time
Like some ironic church bell chime
You watch the Royal couple climb
Towards their destiny

In the dark, in the dark
Oh I never saw the danger or the spark
In the dark, in the dark
I was feeling like a stranger
I never saw the changes in your heart

So yes, let's bless the Prince of Wales
Cheer for him and if all fails
Wrap him in Valkyries' sails
The golden vanity

I am free to choose my part
But still can't find the place to start
To find my way back to your heart
That place of mystery

In Africa the anchor slips
They bid farewell to the Royal ship
The newly painted fences chip
Life falls into routine

We go on from day to day
Living in the usual way
I don't know, and you won't say
What happened in between

In the dark, in the dark
Oh I never saw the danger or the spark
In the dark, in the dark
I was feeling like a stranger
'Cause I never saw the changes

In the dark, in the dark
Oh I never saw the danger or the spark
In the dark, in the dark
I was feeling like a stranger
I never saw the changes in your heart

Oh, I never saw the changes in your heart

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS etc.
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:17 PM

YOU DON'T BRING ME FLOWERS

You don't bring me flowers
You don't sing me love songs
You hardly talk to me anymore
When I come through the door at the end of the day
I remember when
You couldn't wait to love me
You used to hate to leave.
Now after lovin' me late at night:
When it's good for you
And you're feeling all right
When you just roll over and turn out the light
And you don't bring me flowers anymore
It used to be so natural (Used to be)
To talk about forever (Mmmm)
But used to be's don't count anymore
They just lay on the floor
'Til we sweep them away
And baby I remember
All the things you taught me
I learned how to laugh
And I learned how to cry
Well I learned how to love
And I learned how to lie
So you'd think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
So you'd think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
You don't bring me flowers anymore...
Well you'd think I could learn how to tell you goodbye
You don't say you need me
You don't sing me love songs
You don't bring me flowers anymore...

You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips
And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips
You're trying hard not to show it, baby
But baby, baby I know it

{Refrain}
You've lost that lovin' feeling
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
You've lost that lovin' feeling
Now it's gone, gone, gone, wooooooh

Now there's no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you
And now your're starting to criticize little things I do
It makes me just feel like crying, baby
'Cause baby, something in you is dying

{Refrain}

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you
If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah
We had a love, a love, a love you don't find everyday
So don't, don't, don't, don't let it slip away

Baby, baby, baby, baby
I beg of you please, please
I need your love, I need your love
I need your love, I need your love
So bring it on back, so bring it on back
Bring it on back, so bring it on back

{Second refrain}
Bring back that lovin' feeling
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling
'Cause it's gone, gone, gone

And I can't go on, no

{Second refrain}

50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER^^

The problem is all inside your head she said to me
The answer is easy if you take it logically
I'd like to help you in your struggle to be free
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover

She said it's really not my habit to intrude
Furthermore, I hope my meaning won't be lost or misconstrued
But I'll repeat myself
At the risk of being crude
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
Fifty ways to leave your lover

You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free

You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free

She said it grieves me so to see you in such pain
I wish there was something I could do to make you smile again
I said I appreciate that and would you please explain
About the fifty ways

She said why don't we both just sleep on it tonight
And I believe in the morning you'll begin to see the light
And then she kissed me and I realized she probably was right
There must be fifty ways to leave your lover
Fifty ways to leave your lover

You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free

You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free.

HIT THE ROAD JACK^^

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more... "What'd you say?"

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more...

"Oh woman, oh woman don't treat me so mean
You're the meanest old woman that I've ever seen
I guess if you say so
I'll have to pack my things and go," (that's right)

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more... "What'd you say?"

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more...

"Now baby, listen baby, don't you treat me this a way
Cause I'll be back on my feet someday"
(Don't care if you do, cause it's understood
You got no money, and you just ain't no good)
"Well, I guess if you say so
I'll have to pack my things and go," (that's right)

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more... "What'd you say?"

Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more, no more, no more, no more
Hit the road Jack and don't ya come back
No more...
"Well..."
And don't ya come back no more...
"Uh, what'd you say?"
And don't ya come back no more...
"I didn't understand you"
And don't ya come back no more...
"You can't mean that"
And don't ya come back no more...
"Ah now baby, please"
And don't ya come back no more...
"What you tryin' to do to me?"
And don't ya come back no more...
^^

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:20 PM

Wow- what a wonderful collection of songs! MMario, it's funny you should mention that song- I had pretty much made up my mind about this when I took my daughter to see Hello Dolly a coupla months ago- that was my favorite part!
Thank you all for some great songs- I may pm a few of you for tunes, unless y'all want to post them here!
And is someone going to post the words to "Separation Blues?"

Subject: Lyr Add: SOME DAY THE SUN WON'T SHINE FOR YOU
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:21 PM

SOME DAY THE SUN WON'T SHINE FOR YOU
Jethro Tull

In the morning gonna get my things together.
Packing up and I'm leaving this place.
I don't believe you'll cry, There'll be a smile upon your face.

I didn't think how much you'd hurt me.
That's something that I laugh about.
Bring in the good times, baby.
And let the bad times out.

That old sun keeps on shining,
But someday it won't shine for you.
In the morning I'll be leaving.
I'll leave your mother too.

Subject: Lyr Add: AIN'T LIFE A BROOK
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:25 PM

No!! Wait! this one's even better!!!

Ain't Life A Brook
Ferron

I watch you reading a book
I get to thinking our
Love's a polished stone
You give me a long drawn look
I know pretty soon
You're gonna leave our home
And of course I mind
Especially when I'm
Thinking from my heart
But life don't clickety-clack
Down a straight-line track
It comes together and it comes apart
You say you hope I'm not the kind
To make you feel obliged
To go ticking through your time
With a pained look in your eyes
You give me the furniture
Well divide the photographs
Go out to dinner one more time
Have ourselves a bottle of wine
And a couple of laughs

When first you left I stayed so sad
I wouldn't sleep
I know love's a gift
I thought yours was mine
And something
That I could keep
Now I realize
Time is not the only compromise
A bird in the hand
Could be an all-night stand
Between a blazing fire
And a pocket of skies
So I hope I'm not the kind
To make you feel obliged
To go ticking through your time
With a pained look in your eyes
I covered the furniture
I framed the photographs
Went out to dinner one more time
Had myself a bottle of wine
And a couple of laughs

Just the other day
I got your letter in the mail
I'm happy for you
It's been so long
You've been wanting
A cabin and a backwoods trail
And I think that's great
Me I seem to find myself in school
It's all okay
I just want to say
I'm so relieved
We didn't do it cruel

But ain't life a brook
Just when I get to
Feeling like a polished stone
I get me a long drawn look
It's kind of a drag
To find yourself alone
And sometimes I mind
Especially when I'm
Waiting on your heart
But life don't clickety-clack
Down a straight-line track
It comes together
And it comes apart
'Cause I know you're not the kind
To make me feel obliged
To go ticking through my time
With a pained look in my eyes
I sold the furniture
I put away the photographs
Went out to dinner one last time
Had myseff a bottle of wine
And a couple of laughs
For wasn't it fine

;-)

Subject: Lyr Add: AS SOON AS I FIND MY SHOES I'M GONE
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:28 PM

o.k.. one more...


AS SOON AS I FIND MY SHOES I'M GONE
As recorded by Ferron on "Shadows on a Dime" (1984)

If you're going alone
Watching solely for yourself will power you through your time
My heart, my home,
I felt assured that it would give me back in twofold time
But you know I don't know
Wouldn't say that I know
And as soon as I find my shoes I'm gone.

If there was a way
You'd think we'd have stumbled on it now, The places we have been
It hurts to say
I can't grab a sense of how to get it to turn and spin
I have to say I don't know
Wouldn't say that I know
And as soon as I find my shoes I'm gone.

In the back of my mind
I maintain the thought of you, my heart's horizon line
They say love travels blind
How come I still see myself with you whenever I look behind?
I have to say I don't know
Wouldn't say that I know
And as soon as I find my shoes I'm gone.

And from an empty room
I bear the scent of you I take upon myself
We weren't untrue
It's more we just spent our love imagining we were something else
I have to say I don't know
Wouldn't say that I know
And as soon as I find my shoes I'm gone.


;-)

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:33 PM

Two of my all time favourites by Ferron! Allison, if you want to hear those, I'll make an audio of Ferron and send it to you. Greta songs, CH.

There is an mp3 of SEPARATION BLUES if you click on that.

Glad to hear this is finally happening for you; I know it has taken some time. Goodonya, darlin'...keep yer chin up!

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:40 PM

Ya... I sing "Ain't Life A Brook" for my mom every chance I get...

;-)

Subject: Lyr Add: CLOSE THE DOOR LIGHTLY WHEN YOU GO^^
From: Songster Bob
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:40 PM

Well, how about (from the DT):

HOW CAN I MISS YOU (WHEN YOU WON'T GO AWAY)^^^
(Dan Hicks)

I've talked to your mother and I've talked to your dad,
They say they've tried but it's all in vain.
I've begged and I've pleaded, I even got mad,
Now we must face it, you give me a pain.

cho:
How can I miss you when you won't go away?
I keep telling you day after day,
But you won't listen, you always stay and stay,
How can I miss you when you won't go away?

Out of three billion people, why must it be me?
OhOh why, oh why won't you cut me loose?
D Do me a favor and listen to my plea
I'm not the only chicken in the roost.

Your never-ending presence really cramps my style,
I dream that it won't always be the same.
At first I was attracted, but after a while,
Have you ever heard of a "hard to get" dame?"

copyright Dan Hicks


Or "CLOSE THE DOOR LIGHTLY WHEN YOU GO," by Eric Anderson (not in the DT, I think).

Turn around, don't whisper out my name,
Or like a breeze, it might stir a dying flame.
I'll miss someone, if it eases you to know, but
Close the door lightly when you go.

Cho:

Who was the one who robbed my mind?
Who was the one who stole my time?
Who was the one who made me feel unkind?
So fare thee well, sweet love of mine.


I think I have a line from one verse in another up there, but that's what I can remember of it.

And there's always Tom Paxton's "Last Thing On My Mind."

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: catspaw49
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:42 PM

Hey kat!!! THANKS!!!

And ALLISON.........While you're on kat's MP3 site for Patrick Sky, listen to "Love Will Endure" that I posted above.....pretty song.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: katlaughing
Date: 17 May 01 - 01:53 PM

No prob, Spawdarlin'..it was the closest I could come to finding the lyrics.:-)

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: JenEllen
Date: 17 May 01 - 02:14 PM

From "I Still Do"

After all this time
I still do
After all this time
I still consider you kind
And maybe I am wishin'
That you were once again mine
But I know you're better off
And I am too
After all this time, I still do

And my fave dont-let-the-door-hitcha-where-the-good-lord-splitcha song:

I had someone else
Before I had you
And I'll have someone after you're gone
Sweethearts and streetcars don't worry me
There'll soon be another one along
You don't want to stay?
Leave any day
I've got a swinging door tight in my heart
And it swings either way
I had someone else before I had you
And I'll have someone after you're gone

~Jen (who usually ends up feeling more like the former and less the latter..:)

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: SINSULL
Date: 17 May 01 - 02:17 PM

"Don't Think Twice, it's Alright"

"I'VE BEEN A LONG TIME LEAVIN' (But I'll Be A Long Time Gone)"

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 May 01 - 03:43 PM

Great songs! I'm leaving work right now and I'll check those MP3's tonight- thanks Kat-mi-luv (Clinton, I shoulda thought of Ferron- she knows how to lay those feelings on the line!). Keep 'em coming!

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST,beadie
Date: 17 May 01 - 03:50 PM

My all-time favorite of this genre' is Roy Clark's "Thank God and Greyhound, you're gone."

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 17 May 01 - 05:31 PM

Well, I listened to those MP3s. "Separation Blues" made me laugh, "Love Will Endure" made me cry. Sort of the way life has been lately. Both sides of the coin are true.

Subject: Lyr Add: NO REGRETS
From: GUEST
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:20 PM

How 'bout Tom Rush's "NO REGRETS"

I know your leavin' is too long overdue
For far too long I've had nothing new to say to you
With my dry eyes I watched your plane
Fade off west of the moon
And then it seemed so strange
To walk away alone

CHORUS:
No regrets
No tears goodbye
Don't want you back,
We'd only cry again
Say goodbye again

The hours that were yours echo like empty rooms
The thoughts we used to share I now keep alone
I woke last night and spoke to you
Not thinking you were gone
And then it seemed so strange
To lie awake alone

CHORUS:

Our friends have tried to turn my night to day
Strange faces in your place can't keep the ghosts away
Just beyond the darkest hour, just before the dawn
It still seems so strange to live my life alone

CHORUS

Sorry if it hurts, Animaterra — hope it all works out for the best.

david

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: ddw
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:24 PM

That last post was mine — didn't notice I'd lost my cookie.

david

Subject: Lyr Add: I CRIED FOR US (Kate McGarrigle)
From: CarolC
Date: 17 May 01 - 11:52 PM

Hi Annimaterra. Sorry about your situation.

This one by Kate and Anna McGarrigle has a lot of meaning for me...

I CRIED FOR US

Love, it's not I who didn't try
Hard enough, hard enough
And this is why I'm saying goodbye
I've had enough, I've had enough

Love, you don't see the pain in me
It's plain enough, plain enough
You're never here to catch the tears
I cry for us, I cry for us

I'll take my share, but I'll be fair
It's not much stuff, easy enough
And if you choose, I'll break the news
This part is tough, so very tough

I've tried and tried to put aside
A time to talk, but without luck
So I'll just pin this note within your coat
And leave the garden gate unlocked

And this is why I'm saying goodbye
I've had enough, I've had enough

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Bert
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:08 AM

What was that one Johnny DUncan used to sing? Something about "I'm Sorry I'm Out of Business" I'll see if I can find the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Bert
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:18 AM

Here 'tiz as sung by Little Jimmy Dickens

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: ddw
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:31 AM

Just remembered another one: Blind Blake's "Come On Boys, Let's Do That Messin' Round."

Don't remember the words, but the jist of it is "My baby's left me and I don't really care much...."

It's a bouncy little number, so even if the words aren't wholly appropriate the music might make you feel better.

david

Subject: Lyr Add: BREAKFAST BLUES
From: Barbara
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:59 AM

Here's one for you Allison, I swiped it from the thread. (It's here in DT)

"BREAKFAST BLUES.".

You give me hard eggs in the morning,.
Cheese omelet you go..
You give me such hard eggs in the morning,.
Cheese omelet you go..
You hot butter grit your teeth and bare it,.
I donut love you anymore..
(Get that glazed look off'a your face)..

Ham bacon you to leave me,.
I never sausage misery..
Ham bacon you to leave me,.
I never sausage misery..
You treated me so ungrapefruitly,.
You gave me raisin to be free..
(Orange juice ashamed of yourself?).

What do you eggs benedict me to do now?.
I got muffin left to say.
(You butter come up with somethin'.).
What do you eggs benedict me to do now?.
I've got muffin left to say..
You left such a waffle toast in my mouth,.
You biscuit out of town today..

(Ain't gonna leave the home fries burning for ya.).

Repeat the first verse changing the last line.
"Ain't gonna quiche you anymore"

Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 May 01 - 01:20 AM

There was one recorded by Abba, called something like 'the day before you came', which sums up my feelings quite a lot.

Take care, and you know where we are.....

LTS

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 01 - 07:44 AM

Incredible stuff! I am loving these songs! One more day, and on to the next phase of life. (Barbara, that's hysterical!!)
I'm finding the songs help express what I can't possibly find words for on my own. Thanks, everyone!

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 18 May 01 - 08:25 AM

Almost anything by Loudon Wainwright III would do, my personal choice would be

"I'd Rather be Lonely"

Sorry I don't have the lyrics to post
love, john.

Subject: Lyr Add: MY WAY (Limp Bizkit)
From: Matt_R
Date: 18 May 01 - 09:15 AM

Special
You think you're special
You do
I can see it in your eyes
I can see it when you laugh at me
Look down on me
You walk around on me

Just one more fight
About your leadership
And I will straight up
Leave your shit
Cause I've had enough of this
And now I'm pissed

This time I'm gonna let it all come out
This time I'm gonna stand up and shout
Gonna do things my way
It's my way
My way or the highway

Just one more fight
About a lot of things
And I will give up everything
To be on my own again
Free again

This time I'm gonna let it all come out
This time I'm gonna stand up and shout
Gonna do things my way
It's my way
My way or the highway

Some day you'll see things my way
Cause you never know
No you never know
Where you're gonna go

Just one more fight
And I'll be history
Yes I will straight up
Leave your shit
And you'll be the one who's left
Missing me

This time I'm gonna let it all come out
This time I'm gonna stand up and shout
Gonna do things my way
It's my way
My way or the highway

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 01 - 09:45 AM

Matt, I tried to send you a pm but you don't seem to exist! The lyrics you post are hitting home pretty well- are they yours?

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Matt_R
Date: 18 May 01 - 09:55 AM

Ah Allison, it's that blasted underscore again! Lol! Try "Matt_R".

Actually, they're not mine...

"Putting Out Fires" is by The Bluetones, and "My Way" is by Limp Bizkit.

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M GLAD I'M A WOMAN
From: Patrish(inactive)
Date: 18 May 01 - 10:48 AM

I'm Glad I'm A Woman

I'm glad I'm a woman, yes I am, yes I am
I don't live off of Budweiser, beer nuts and Spam
I don't brag to my buddies about my erections
I won't drive to Hell before I ask for directions

I don't get wasted at parties and act like a clown
and I know how to put the damned toilet seat down!

and I don't go around "readjusting" my crotch
or yell like Tarzan when my head-board gets a notch
I don't belch in public, I don't scratch my behind
I'm a woman you see -- I'm just not that kind!
I'm glad I'm a woman, I'm so glad I could sing
I don't have body hair like shag carpeting
It doesn't grow from my ears or cover my back
When I lean over you can't see 3 inches of crack
And what's on my head doesn't leave with my comb
I'll never buy a toupee to cover my dome
Or have a few hairs pulled from over the side
I'm a woman, you know -- I've got far too much pride!

I don't live to play golf and shoot basketball
I don't swagger and spit like a Neanderthal
I won't tell you my wife just does not understand
stick my hand in my pocket to hide that gold band.

someone sent this to me recently
Patrish

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:34 PM

Forgive me if this has been mentioned all ready but for a big dose of leaving songs you might try John Hiatt's new album "Crossing muddy waters". He must have been through something similar lately. Along with the title song there's: What do we do now; Only the song survives; Gone; and Before I go, that speak directly to the subject. mm

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SONG IS OVER (The Who)
From: Matt_R
Date: 18 May 01 - 12:49 PM

The song is over
It's all behind me
I shoulda known it
She tried to find me

Our love is over
They're all ahead now
I've got to learn it
I'm gonna sing out

I'll sing my song to the wide open spaces
I'll sing my heart out to the infinite sea
I'll sing my visions to the sky-high mountains
I'll sing my song to the free
To the free

When I walked in through the door
Thought it was me I was looking for
She was the first song I ever sang
But it stopped as soon as it began

Our love is over
It's all behind me
They're all ahead now
Can't hope to find to me

I'll sing my song to the wide open spaces
I'll sing my heart out to the infinite sea
I'll sing my visions to the sky-high mountains
I'll sing my song to the free
To the free

The song is over
I'm left with only tears
I must remember
Even if it takes a million years

The song is over
The song is over
Excepting one note, pure and easy
Playing so free like a breath rippling by...

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 01 - 02:12 PM

Croce's "Lover's Cross"..great hurtin' tune
Pages are meant for turning
and people are bound to change
bridges are meant for burning
when the people and memories they join aren't the same
Mike

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From:
Date: 18 May 01 - 02:14 PM

oops, forgot I was workin'..Mike

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: harpgirl
Date: 18 May 01 - 02:22 PM

sorry about your parting, Allison. I hope you can be better friends down the road. Some people make much better friends than relatives...

And how are you holding up, Barbara?

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 May 01 - 02:50 PM

Hazel Dickens' And don't come back on my doorstep a-cryin'....I've already gave you MY BETTER YEARS

Wow! Lots of points of view in this thread! Good luck and good health to you, Animaterra.

Ebbie

Subject: Lyr Add: SUN COMES UP, IT'S TUESDAY MORNING
From: harpmolly
Date: 18 May 01 - 03:58 PM

I like the Cowboy Junkies' "SUN COMES UP, IT'S TUESDAY MORNING." Here are a few selected lyrics, the ones that best fit the situation. :D

Sun comes up, it's Tuesday morning
Hits me straight in the eye--
Guess you forgot to close the blinds last night
Oh, that's right, I forgot--it was me

Yeah, i sure do miss the smell of black coffee in the morning
And the sound of water splashing all over the bathroom
The kiss that you gave me even though I was sleeping-
But I kinda like the feel
Of this extra few feet in my bed.

Telephone ringing but I don't answer
Because everybody knows good news always sleeps till noon...

So I start to dial your number
Then I remember, so I reach for something to smoke
And anyway, I'd rather listen to Coltrane
Than go through all that shit again...

Yeah, sure I'll admit there are times when I miss you,
Especially right now when I need someone to hold me,
But there are some things that can never be forgiven-
And I just gotta tell you,
I kinda like this extra few feet in my bed.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 01 - 04:09 PM

"if you gotta go, go now"

Subject: Lyr Add: THEY'LL NEED A CRANE
From: harpmolly
Date: 18 May 01 - 04:15 PM

And how could I forget my very favorite?

They'll Need A Crane They Might Be Giants

Love sees love's happiness
But happiness can't see that love is sad
Sadness is hanging there
To show love somewhere something needs a change
They'll need a crane, they'll need a crane
To take the house he built for her apart
To make it break it's gonna take
a metal ball hung from a chain
They'll need a crane, they'll need a crane
To pick the broken ruins up again
To mend her heart, to help him start
to see a world apart from pain
Lad's gal is all he has
Gal's gladness hang upon the love of lad
Some things gal says to lad
Aren't meant as bad but cause a little pain
Don't call me at work again
No no, the boss still hates me
I'm just tired and I don't love you anymore
And there's a restaurant we should check out,
where the other nightmare people
like to go-I mean nice people, baby wait,
I didn't mean to say nightmare...
Lad looks at other gals
Gal thinks Jim Beam is handsomer than lad, he isn't bad
Call off the wedding band
Nobody wants to hear that one again, play that again...

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST
Date: 18 May 01 - 04:47 PM

I have two songs to help you out one is Much At All by Susan Werner, and This Masquerade pref. if sung by Helen Reddy it carries more of a punch. Hope these two songs help you.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 18 May 01 - 04:50 PM

Thanks so much - this subject has obviously been sung about much more than I realized!

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Kim C
Date: 18 May 01 - 05:15 PM

You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 May 01 - 10:23 PM

That's 'cause, to a greater or lesser extent, we have all been there, Animaterra.

Eb

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: gnu
Date: 18 May 01 - 11:16 PM

Gee. Pretty neat. I'm celebrating... no, observing... my second anniversary tonight becasue I had too much work on the go to observe the date yesterday. The songs bring back memories, good and bad.

Animaterra... keep your head high. And nevermind the "trial" crap. A separation is a separation. Get on with life. Take time for you by not cluttering it up with anyone else. The best thing I did was to pledge to myself that I wouldn't even date for two years... just take time for me. It may be lonely at times, but after spending fifteen years with someone, it took that long to really discover me again. And, it was well worth it ! If you have some down moments, just remember, you'll get better at it with time.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Grab
Date: 21 May 01 - 06:09 PM

"Tower of Song", by Leonard Cohen. Or "So long Marianne". Or "Hey that's no way to say goodbye". In fact, most of his - LC's good for that!

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST,Dancing Mom
Date: 21 May 01 - 07:13 PM

John Hiatt's "Crossing Muddy Waters". A friend had borrowed my CD, and I was trying to find all the lyrics before posting. WHAT DO WE DO NOW When it's lying there with a busted heart Like a piece of glass where do you start? Do we pick it up or say goodbye Is there one tear left for us to cry? What if I believed every word you say What if I believed until today? Do we call the kids, or call the cops? Can you hold me till this howling stops? What do we do now? Cause we rode it long, We drove it hard, And we wrecked it in our own backyard. What do we do now?

Subject: Lyr Add: OVERS
From: Trapper
Date: 22 May 01 - 01:41 PM

Here's a not-quite-left song by Paul Simon...

OVERS
Paul Simon, 1967

Why don't we stop fooling ourselves?
The game is over,
Over,
Over.

No good times, no bad times,
There's no times at all,
Just The New York Times,
Sitting on the windowsill
Near the flowers.

We might as well be apart.
It hardly matters,
We sleep separately.

And drop a smile passing in the hall
But there's no laughs left
'Cause we laughed them all.
And we laughed them all
In a very short time.

Time
Is tapping on my forehead,
Hanging from my mirror,
Rattling the teacups,
And I wonder,
How long can I delay?
We're just a habit
Like saccharin.

And I'm habitually feelin' kinda blue.
But each time I try on
The thought of leaving you,
I stop...
I stop and think it over.

- Al

Subject: Lyr Add: DIGGIN' UP BONES
From: Trapper
Date: 22 May 01 - 01:49 PM

How about this one...

DIGGIN' UP BONES
by Randy Travis

Last night i dug your picture out from my old dresser drawer
I set it on the table and I talked to it 'til four
I read some old love letters right up 'til the break of dawn
Yeah I've been settin' alone diggin' up bones

Then I went to the jewelery and I found our wedding rings
I've put mine on my finger and I gave yours a flame
I crossed this lonely bedroom of our recent broken home
Yeah tonight i'm settin' alone diggin' up bones

Chorus:
I'm diggin' up bones, I'm diggin' up bones
Exhuming things that better left alone
I'm resurrecting memories of love that's dead and gone
Yeah tonight I'm settin' alone diggin' up bones

And I went to the closet and I found some things in there
Like that pretty negligee that I bought you to wear
And I recall how good you looked each time you had it on
Yeah tonight I'm settin' alone diggin' up bones

- Al

Subject: Lyr Add: I'M GONNA WASH THAT MAN RIGHT OUT... etc.
From: GUEST
Date: 22 May 01 - 11:09 PM

I dunno - some of those titles sound more like torch songs torch songs. Try these... --------------------------------------- Composer and Lyricist: Rodgers And Hammerstein
South Pacific (Musical)
Song: Im Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair

Nellie:
I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,
I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,
I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,
And send him on his way.

I'm gonna wave that man right outa my arms,
Nellie and Girls:
I'm gonna wave that man right outa my arms,
I'm gonna wave that man right outa my arms,
And send him on his way.

Don't try to patch it up
Girls:
Tear it up, tear it up!
Nellie:
Wash him out, dry him out,

Girls:
Push him out, fly him out,

Nellie:
Cancel him and let him go!

Girls:
Yea, sister!

Nellie:
I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,

I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,
I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair,
And send him on his way.

If a man don't understand you,
If you fly on separate beams,
Waste no time, make a change,
Ride that man right off your range.
Rub him out of the roll call
And drum him out of your dreams.

Girls:
Oho! If you laugh at different comics,
If you root for different teams,
Waste no time, weep no more,
Show him what the door is for.
Rub him out of the roll call
And drum him out of your dreams.

Nellie:
You can't light a fire when the woods are wet,

Girls:
No!

Nellie:
You can't make a butterfly strong,

Girls:
Hmm, hmm!

Nellie:
You can't fix an egg when it ain't quite good,

Girls:
And you can't fix a man when he's wrong!

Nellie:
You can't put back a petal when it falls from a flower,
Or sweeten up a fellow when he starts turnin' sour

Girls:
Oh no! Oh no!

Nellie and Girls:
If his eyes get dull and fishy,
When you look for glints and gleams,
Waste no time,
Make a switch,
Drop him in the nearest ditch!
Rub him out of the roll call,
And drum him out of your dreams
Oho! Oho!

Nellie:
I went to wash that man right outa my hair,
I went to wash that man right outa my hair,
I went to wash that man right outa my hair,
And sent him on his way.

Girls:
She went to wash that man right outa my hair,
She went to wash that man right outa my hair,
She went to wash that man right outa my hair,

Nellie and Girls:
And send him on his way!

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

"Get Out of My House" from album "The Dreaming", written by Kate Bush See lyrics at http://gaffa.org/sensual/l_goomh.html - It's rather dark though.

Other Kate tunes, all from "The Sensual World":
"Between a Man and a Woman"
"Walk Straight Down the Middle"
"Never Be Mine"

This next one could mean that he's lost interest in her, or that she's dead and is a ghost wandering through the house. I love that ambiguity typical of Kate's work:

"Watching You Without Me" from The Ninth Wave (Hounds of Love)
You can't hear me.
You can't hear me.
You can't hear what I'm saying.
You can't hear what I'm saying to you.

You watch the clock
Move the slow hand.
I should have been home
Hours ago,
But I'm not here.
But I'm not here.

You can't hear me.
You can't hear me.
You can't feel me
Here in the room with you now.
You can't hear what I'm saying.
You don't hear what I'm saying, do you?

Can't let you know
What's been happening.
There's a ghost in our home,
Just watching you without me.
I'm not here.
[more lyrics at http://gaffa.org/sensual/l_wywm.html ] ------------------------------------------

SHE CRIED - Jay and the Americans
G. Richards / T. Daryll)

And when I told her
I didn't love her anymore
She cried (she cried)
And when I told her
Her kisses were not like before
She cried (she cried)
I thought that our romance was over and done
But to her it had just begun

And when I told her
Another girl had caught my eye
She cried (she cried)
And when I kissed her
A kiss that only meant goodbye
She cried (she cried)

------ strings ------

(sha-la-la-la sha-la-la)

And when I told her
I didn't love her anymore
She cried (she cried) --------------------------

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Bluegrass Girl
Date: 22 May 01 - 11:21 PM

After 20 years, you deserve a "You Dirty Dog" song -- how about "Thank God and Greyhound, He's Gone!"

Bluegrass Girl

Subject: Lyr Add: MAKES NO DIFFERENCE NOW
From: CRANKY YANKEE
Date: 23 May 01 - 02:35 AM

Well, let's see, there's Hank Williams' "Dear John, I sent your saddle home" and "Move it on over". and "Makes no difference now" which is a real beaut.

Makes no difference now what kind of life fate hands me
I'll get along without you now that's plain to see.
I don't care what happens next for I'll get by somehow
I don't worry,'cause it makes no difference noe.

II
It was just a year ago when I first met you
I learned to Love you and I thought you loved me too
But that's all in the past and I'll get by somehow
I don't worry 'cause it makes no difference now.

III
Now that all is said and done, I'll soon forget you
And I know that this won't be so hard to do
Maybe happiness will come your way someday somehow,
but I don't worry, 'cause it makes no difference now.


From Hank Snow's "Down the trail of aching hearts"

Once I was passing your window under the light from a star.
Someone was singin our love song, and played it on my old guitar.

But of all those (and I know a l;ot more) there's none can equal a song composed by the ever lovely and lovable Donna Gibson (Ma Fazoo) who insist that it does not relate to me.

I bet you never ever thought , did'ja,
You'd never think I could or should, would Yuh? You think that I should sit here and cry don't yuh, wish I'd crawl off and die don't you
Bet you think the whole thing's a lie, dont yuh?
But it's true, it's true, it's true'it's true, it's true.
I'm in a proper snit, I think I'll have a fit, to think I'd take this sh....ituation from a doorknob such as you.
You know you done me wrong, so I wrote this song,
AND IF I HAD IT TO DO ALL OVER AGAIN, I'D DO IT ALL OVER YOU.

Subject: Lyr Add: IF I HAD IT TO DO ALL OVER AGAIN I'D...
From: CRANKY YANKEE
Date: 23 May 01 - 02:51 AM

Please ignore the preceding song by Donna Gibson, I typed it wrong, it goes

I bet you never thought I would did yuh?
ever think I could or should, would yuh?

Bet you never, never thought that I would ever
writ a song like this for you?
Bet you wish I'd crawl off and die, don't yuh?
You think that I should sit here and cry don't yuh?
Bet you think the whole thing's a lie, don't yuh?
But it's true, it's true, it's true, it's true, it's true.

I'm in a proper snit, I ought to have a fit,
Aint gonna take this shi................tuation from a doorknog such as you
You know you done me wrong, so I wroTe this song
AND IF I HAD IT TO DO ALL OVER AGAIN I'D DO IT ALL OVER YOU.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 May 01 - 06:12 AM

"You got the right key but you're working on the wrong keyhole".
RtS

Subject: ADDPOP: Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now (Kellem)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 04:26 AM

My ex-wife sang "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" on the day of our wedding. I shoulda known - but we did last 21 years.

GONNA GET ALONG WITHOUT YA NOW
(Milton Kellem)

Mmmm-mmm, mmmm-mmmm, Gonna get along without ya now
Mmmm-mmm, my honey; mmmm-mmmm, my honey, Gonna get along without ya now
You told me I was the neatest thing,
You even asked me to wear your ring;
Then you ran around with any girl in town,
You never cared if it got me down.

Mmmm-mmm, mmmm-mmmm, Gonna get along without ya now
Mmmm-mmm, my honey; mmmm-mmmm, my honey, Gonna get along without ya now

[Instrumental Break - strings]

Got along without ya before I met ya
Gonna get along without ya now.
Gonna find somebody who's twice as cute,
Cuz I didn't like you anyhow

You told everybody that we were friends,
But this is where our friendship ends;
All of a sudden you changed your tune,
You haven't been around since way last June.

Mmmm-mmm, mmmm-mmmm, Gonna get along without ya now
Got along without ya before I met ya
Gonna get along without ya now.
So long, my honey,
Goodby, my dear,
Gonna get along without you now.


My transcription from the 1956 recording by Patience and Prudence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNUJQ7LlYHU

The song was also a minor hit for Skeeter Davis (1964): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJRvpXglB30

Teresa Brewer recorded the song in 1952: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHFXG5v9nRk

The first recording was by Roy Hogsed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRNRj2C9xIc

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonna_Get_Along_Without_Ya_Now

Another article in Wikipedia says that Paience (age 14) and Prudence (age 11) McIntyre recorded "Tonight You Belong to Me" in the summer of 1956. Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now" was also recorded in 1956. They didn't have any hits after those two songs.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: leeneia
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 12:53 PM

I didn't react much to this song back when it was on the radio, but I listened to Patience and Prudence just now and it gave me the creeps to hear such clearly childish voices singing about such clearly adult topics.

Subject: Lyr Add: ALL OVER YOU (Bob Dylan)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Jun 17 - 08:11 PM

ALL OVER YOU
Written by Bob Dylan
As recorded by Bob Dylan on "The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964 (The Bootleg Series Vol. 9)"

Well, if I had to do it all over again,
Babe, I'd do it all over you;
And if I had to wait for ten thousand years,
Babe, I'd even do that too.
Well, a dog's got his bone in the alley.
A cat, she's got nine lives.
A millionaire's got a million dollars.
King Saud's got four hundred wives.
Well, ev'rybody's got somethin'
That they're lookin' forward to.
I'm lookin' forward to when I can do it all again,
And, babe, I'll do it all over you.

Well, if I had my way tomorrow or today,
Babe, I'd run circles all around.
I'd jump up in the wind, do a somersault and spin.
I'd even dance a jig on the ground.
Well, ev'rybody gets their hour.
Ev'rybody gets their time:
Little David when he picked up his pebbles,
Even Sampson after he went blind.
Well, ev'rybody gets their chance
To do what they want to do.
When my time arrives, you better run for your life,
'Cause babe, I'll do it all over you.

Well, I don't need no money; I just need a day that's sunny,
Baby, and my day's a-gonna come.
When I grab me a pint, you know that I'm a giant
When you hear me yellin', "Fee-fi-fo-fum."
Well, you cut me like a jigsaw puzzle.
You made me to a walkin' wreck;
When you pushed my heart through my backbone,
And you knocked off my head from my neck.
Well, if I'm ever standin' steady,
Or a-doin' what I want to do,
Well, I tell you, little lover, that you better run for cover,
'Cause, babe, I'll do it all over you.

I'm just restin' at your gate so that I won't be late,
And, mama, I'm-a just sittin' on the shelf.
Look out your window fair; you'll see me squattin' there,
Just a-stumblin' and a-mumblin' to myself.
Well, after my cigarettes have been smoked up,
After all my liquor's been drunk,
After my dreams have been dreamed out,
After all my thoughts have been thunk,
Well, after I do some of these things,
I'm gonna do what I have to do,
And I tell you on the side, that you better run and hide,
'Cause, babe, I'll do it all over you.

[Also recorded by Dave Van Ronk and The Red Onion Jazz Band under the title IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN I'D DO IT ALL OVER YOU, on "In the Tradition."

[Recorded by Paul Revere & The Raiders under the title (IF I HAD TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN I'D DO IT) ALL OVER YOU.]

[Different songs with similar titles have been recorded by Irma Thomas, Doris Duke, Caravan, and Roy Clark.]

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: ripov
Date: 17 Jun 17 - 08:24 PM

Leenia - childish voices? probably yours and my grandkids, who, with the best will in the world, have to find it all out for themselves.

Subject: Lyr Add: OUT OF BUSINESS (Little Jimmy Dickens)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Jun 17 - 10:23 PM

This was suggested by Bert above:

OUT OF BUSINESS
As recorded by Little Jimmy Dickens

CHORUS: Sorry, I'm out o' business.
I'm not at your service anymore.
Yes, I'm sorry; I'm out o' business.
Get your work done where you got it done before.

My phone's been disconnected; I took my mailbox down.
If you come knockin' at my door, you'll find me out o' town.
I'm fed up with your lyin', so get this straight from me:
I ain't nobody's doggone fool, no sideline, no siree.

Now since I've thought it over, and I've made up my mind,
It's plain to see I'm slippin' so I'm leavin' you behind.
Gonna find a new location, and start out on my own.
Don't come around intrudin', for I'm a long time gone.

[Also recorded by Johnny Duncan & the Bluegrass Boys]

Subject: Lyr Add: COME ON BOYS LET'S DO THAT MESSIN' ROUND
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Jun 17 - 10:48 PM

Suggested by ddw on 18 May 2001:


COME ON BOYS LET'S DO THAT MESSIN' ROUND
As recorded by Blind Blake, 1926.

Come on, boys; let's do that messin' 'round, this mornin'.
Come on, boys; let's have some fun.
I'm feelin' blue, low down as I can be.
Come on, gals; funny(?) splits(?) for me.
Come on, boys; let's have some fun.

Come on, boys; let's do that messin' 'round, this mornin'.
Come on, boys; let's have some fun.
I'm goin' downtown, spread the news.
My gal's quit me; now I ain't got the blues.
Come on, boys; let's have some fun.

Come on, boys; let's do that messin' 'round, this mornin'.
Come on, boys; let's have some fun.
Come on, gal; bob it up and down,
But don't let me catch you messin' 'round.
Come on, boys; let's have some fun.

Come on, boys; let's do that messin' 'round, this mornin'
Come on, boys; let's have some doggone fun

Subject: Lyr Add: I'D RATHER BE LONELY (Loudon Wainwright)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Jun 17 - 11:13 PM

This was suggested by Dita (at work) on 18 May 2001:


I'D RATHER BE LONELY
As recorded by Loudon Wainwright III, on "History" (1992)

Ev'ry night I get the blues,
The greens and yellows and chartreuse-s.
You're still living here with me.
I'd rather be lonely.

All the time I look around
For excuses to leave town.
Ev'rybody wants somebody but
I'd rather be lonely.

Loneliness is happiness.
It takes less than two.
I confess; I digress
From it when I'm with you.

Let's us make a brand-new start,
Separate and stay apart.
I've had enough having and holding.
I'd rather be lonely.

I think that I need some space.
Ev'ry day you're in my face.
How can I get rid of you?
I'd rather be lonely.

Loneliness is happiness.
It takes less than two.
I confess; I digress
From it when I'm with you.

One more verse, a few more words:
Love is for the bees and birds,
Not for a human being like me.
I'd rather be lonely.

[Lots of other people have recorded other songs with the same title.]

Subject: Lyr Add: MY BETTER YEARS (Hazel Dickens)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Jun 17 - 11:36 PM

Recommended by Ebbie on 18 May 2001:


MY BETTER YEARS
by Hazel Dickens
As recorded by Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard on "Hazel & Alice" (1973)

CHORUS: Well, you're back on my doorstep a-cryin'
Like I cried for all those lonely years,
But I can't dry your tears.
It's been too long since love was here,
And I've already gave you my better years.

And so the pages of time kept right on turning.
They never stopped for us to harvest the years.
And old embers of love kept right on dying,
'Cause there was no one to dry my tears

But I'll try not to blame you.
I'll try not to shame you.
All I can do now is wish you well,
But if you should need a friend,
I'll be there till the end.
Oh, but don't ask me to love you again.

Don't come back on my doorstep a-crying
Hoping for what's been dead so long,
For the embers have long turned to ashes.
There's nothing here but old mem''ries and this song.

No don't come back on my doorstep a-crying
My friend, there's nothing but old mem'ries and this song.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Helen
Date: 18 Jun 17 - 05:20 AM

Another set of songs to listen to would be Adele's second album called "21". There are some beautiful songs on it which she wrote in a semi-autobiographical manner after splitting with her partner.

Helen

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 18 Jun 17 - 07:16 AM

From the Herd collection

And fare ye weel, my auld wife;
Sing bum, bee, berry, bum;
Fare ye weel, my auld wife;
Sing bum, bum, bum.
Fare ye weel, my auld wife,
The steerer up o' sturt and strife.
The maut 's abune the meal the nicht,
Wi' some, some, some.

And fare ye weel, my pike-staff;
Sing bum, bee, berry, bum:
Fare ye weel, my pike-staff;
Sing bum, bum, bum.
Fare ye weel, my pike-staff,
Wi' you nae mair my wife I'll baff;
The maut 's abune the meal the nicht,
Wi' some, some some.

Jim Carroll

Subject: Lyr Add: I HAD SOMEONE ELSE BEFORE I HAD YOU
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 Jun 17 - 11:20 AM

JenEllen suggested and quoted this on 17 May 2001:
From an apparently bootlegged copy of the sheet music, here:


I HAD SOMEONE ELSE BEFORE I HAD YOU,
(AND I'LL HAVE SOMEONE AFTER YOU'RE GONE)
Words by Harry Harris & Joe Darcy, music by Jack Stanley, ©1924.

[VERSE] Don't you think you're gonna be missed when you go away.
It seems to me
You seem to be
In love with someone else,
And though I know it's true,
It doesn't make me blue.
You think I'd grieve
If you would leave
And scratch me off your list,
But when you're goin',
Just be knowin'
You're never gonna be missed.

[CHORUS 1] I had someone else before I had you,
And I'll have someone after you're gone,
A sweetheart or streetcar don't worry me.
There'll soon be another along.
You needn't stay.
Go any day.
I've got a swingin' door in my heart that swings either way.
I had someone else before I had you,
And I'll have someone after you're gone.

[CHORUS 2] Right to the end, just like a friend
I tried to warn you somehow
But you had your way, and now you must pay
I'm so glad that you're sorry now
Now I ask you, clear your bunk
Pack all your junk
Won't take you long; look, you're standing in the middle of your trunk
You know I had someone else before I had you,
And I'll have somebody else after you're gone.

[TAG] Just watch this red-hot mama.
I'll carry on after you've gone.

[There were early recordings by:
Ben Bernie and His Orchestra, 1925
Benson Orchestra of Chicago, 1925
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra, 1925
Lou Gold and His Orchestra, 1925
Lucille Hegamin, 1925
The Goofus Five (instrumental), 1925
Tremaine Brothers, 1925

The most complete vocal version I have found is by Lucille Hegamin. She sings an extra verse not shown above, but the sound quality is so poor, I would have a hard time transcribing it.

Subject: RE: Songs to Speed the Parting Spouse
From: Helen
Date: 18 Jun 17 - 02:11 PM

Then there is this one. It's thrown in as a snippet on another tune called Round the House and Mind the Dresser which is on a CD called The Chieftains, The Collection.

Paddle me own canoe

Full lyrics:

Paddle me own canoe - The Chieftains

If I had a wife the bane of me life I'd tell you what I would do
I'd buy her a boat and set her afloat and paddle me own canoe.

Helen