Subject: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 27 Jul 01 - 04:50 PM Happy Christmas… and although this year I will dutifully turn up to play the carols and applaud the nativity shows, three of us have an idea to offer something additional to the church and community here in Oxfordshire. We're putting together, both on record and 'live' in pubs/town square, a programme of tougher raw-edge stuff, to remind people what the season is really about. We're doing OK for some hard-hitting poems, drama, stories and the oddball bits such as the television psalm, 'The 23rd Channel' (if you don't know it and want the words, let me know!). But songs, I'm short of. Can anyone lead me to any contemporary 'make people think' songs about Christmas? And I can't think if there has ever been a Christmas blues… although now I've written that, I can think of several Catters who will probably compose one instantly. All the best – Ian B |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: mousethief Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:13 PM Have you heard Cockburn's "Cry of a Tiny babe"? It sets my teeth on edge, and I'm a huge Cockburn fan! :o) cf: blicky Alex |
Subject: Lyr Add: CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES (J McCutcheon) From: Trapper Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:14 PM How about this one? - Al
CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES Author:John McCutcheon
My name is Francis Tolliver, I come from Liverpool. Also in the Digital Tradition and in Christmas in the Trenches thread group. -Joe Offer-
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Wesley S Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:15 PM "Come Rejoice" by Judy Collins from the CD of the same title. About the homeless. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: RWilhelm Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:22 PM "Christmas in Prison" is a quirky Christmas song by John Prine on his CD "Sweet Revenge." And let me be the frist to mention "Fairy Tale of New York" by the Pogues. A harder-hitting Christmas song I can't imagine. The lyrics have been posted here several times. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Hollowfox Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:23 PM Anti-Carol by John Pole. It's in the DT. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Ron Olesko Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:23 PM There is Woody Guthrie's "1913 Massacree"... another true story. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Clinton Hammond Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:27 PM Stan Roger's "First Christmas" Jethro Tull's "A Christmas Song" |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: nutty Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:28 PM Season of Peace by Si Khan |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Jack the Sailor Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:39 PM The Eagles did a Christams song that was 12 bar blues. Don't remamber the name but it starts out something like Bells will be ringing their sad sad songs. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Clinton Hammond Date: 27 Jul 01 - 05:45 PM John Gorka's version of "I Heard The Bells On X-mas Day" Oh soooo sweet! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Eileen Date: 27 Jul 01 - 07:26 PM "Silent Night" by Simon & Garfunkle. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Gareth Date: 27 Jul 01 - 07:33 PM "Twas Christmas Day in the Work House, and that Christmas it was cruel, The lads they had nothing to eat, excepting a bowl of Gruel. In came the balliff's daughter She came to bear the brunt, Oh what do you want for Christmas Lads ? And they answered - "Oh Tidings of comfort and Joy .... Gareth |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Little Hawk Date: 27 Jul 01 - 07:55 PM I believe "Christmas in the Trenches" is the greatest anti-war song of all time. Bravo, John McCutcheon. - LH |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: late 'n short 2 Date: 27 Jul 01 - 09:25 PM How about John Denver's Please Daddy Don't Get Drunk This Christmas. He played and sang it up tempo like a kid might sing it but the story is by no means light. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: catspaw49 Date: 27 Jul 01 - 09:47 PM Ian, I'd like to say something different, but all I can do is throw in my vote for both Christmas in the Trenches and 1913 Massacre(e). Both are really great and if you can sing Christmas in the Trenches without a few tears being shed, including your own, you're a better man than I am Gunga Din! Hard hitting? Man, it's hard to beat this:
Than daylight stole upon us and France was France once more OR
But the ones who call the shots won't be among the dead and lame Geeziz.....It just doesn't get any stronger than that. A really exquisite piece of work. Spaw
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Anglo Date: 27 Jul 01 - 09:59 PM You should definitely check out Ian Robb's "Homeless Wassail" which I believe is on the latest Finest Kind CD, more than likely available from Camsco Music... More contemporary than WWI, anyway, though I certainly won't deny the power of the songs mentioned above. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: khandu Date: 27 Jul 01 - 10:43 PM Tune of "Deck the Halls" "Screw the poor, the sick, the needy, Fa la la la la la la la la Tis the Season to be greedy" |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: JohnB Date: 27 Jul 01 - 11:09 PM OK Anglo, you beat me to the Homeless Wassail. Didn't the Kipper Family do something suitable too ? Although I don't remember what. You could try the Hungry Child, not sure who wrote it but Young Tradition did it. JohnB
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,jeanenepratt@hotmail.com Date: 28 Jul 01 - 01:21 AM There's a song called The Rebel Jesus, sung, I think, by Jackson Browne and someone else. It is hard hitting, to say the least . I wish I could remember the lyrics, but you can probably find it through mudcat. In fact, I'd like to get the lyrics and chords myself. J |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,jeanenepratt@hotmail.com Date: 28 Jul 01 - 01:38 AM Not fully contemporary (in some of its specific ad references) but Stan Freeburg's "Green Christmas" is a classic satire and protest of the commercialization of Christmas. There's also a sad Spanish Christmas song called "Pobres Huerfanitos (sp?). Tish Hinojosa also has a song called "Jesse" on her Christmas album (tape or CD) about a girl in the housing projects. It's a positive outlook song but I think you might find it fits with your category. I also have some "alternative christmas carols" (parodies about the excesses and abuses of Christmas) which I can email you if you like. If you're looking for silly stuff, of course, there's "Walking 'Round In Women's Underwear," and "I Yoost Go Nuts AT Christmas." |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 28 Jul 01 - 02:27 AM Cor, go to sleep for five minutes and I wake up to a day's research!!! Many thanks indeed. - Ian |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 28 Jul 01 - 02:39 AM Wow, now I've gone through them, there's some powerful stuff in there: "For it isn't to the palace that the Christ child comes But to shepherds and street people, hookers and bums" ... which is exactly right for the things we're doing. And on that same clicky, Alex, was a super song called Soul of a Man. We'll have that as well! Cheers, - Ian |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Jeremiah McCaw Date: 28 Jul 01 - 02:49 AM Ewan MacColl's "Ballad of the Carpenter"? (as recorded by Phil Ochs) |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Lucius (cookieless again) Date: 28 Jul 01 - 03:49 AM Maybe not that hard hitting, but how about Joni Mitchells' River; The Pogues Fairytale of New York; and ELPs' Father Christmas, all contempory. If I had to pick one, it'd be Christmas in the Trenches. |
Subject: ADD: Merry Christmas from the Family ^^ From: Joe Offer Date: 28 Jul 01 - 04:05 AM I don't know if this is "hard-hitting," but it's an interesting scoial commentary. A woman in our song circle does a great job of it. -Joe Offer- Merry Christmas From the Family |
Subject: Lyr Add: SHOEBOX CINDERELLA (Willa) From: GUEST,Willa Date: 28 Jul 01 - 06:32 AM This is a song I wrote in '99 The Yorkshire Post's Christmas Appeal is for shoeboxes filled with small gifts, for children in Romania. Some of the children are living in rubbish dumps, some need hospice care, but can only be admitted when they are considered to have less than 5 months to live.
SHOEBOX CINDERELLA
There's a child among the ashes; can you bring a little smile
CHORUS
She's a shoebox Cinderella, but this is no pantomime.
In her rags amidst the squalor, cold and hungry, she's alone.
CHORUS
Though a shoebox full of treasures, just to show that someone cares, CHORUS |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: nutty Date: 28 Jul 01 - 07:39 AM In a lighter vein there's ....THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ON OUR CHRISTMAS TREE .......a Cyril Tawney classic and it's in the DT |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Keith A of Hertford Date: 28 Jul 01 - 09:49 AM Ewan MacColl again.Look at The Moving On Song. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 28 Jul 01 - 09:54 AM Blimey, we're going get an album out of this. Willa, that's a lovely final couplet in that song of yours, and thanks Nutty, I'm still laughing at the line in the Tawney song where he tries to ram the carol singer's lantern down his throat... Still researching the rest, and thanks again. - Ian |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 28 Jul 01 - 09:57 AM Oh blast - Jeanene, my e-mails to you keep coming back undelivered. Yes please to the alternative carols. - Ian |
Subject: Lyr Add: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (G. K. Chesterton) From: McGrath of Harlow Date: 28 Jul 01 - 10:38 AM Depends what you mean by contemporary. Here is something Chesterton dashed off when he read a piece in the paper "The chief constable has issued a statement declaring that carol singing in the streets by children is illegal and morally and physically injurious. He appeals to the public to discourage the practice." This would have been about 1925. Not much changes does it? God rest you merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay; The Herald Angels cannot sing, The cops arrest them on the wing, And warn them of the docketing Of anything they say. God rest you merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay; On your reposeful cities lie Deep silence, broken only by The motor horn's melodious cry The hooters happy bray. So when the song of children ceased And Herod was obeyed, In his high hall Corinthian With purple and with peacock fan, Rested that merry gentleman; And nothing him dismayed. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Arkie Date: 28 Jul 01 - 01:08 PM Take Uncle Dave's Table Grace by the Berrymans, switch it from Thanksgiving to Christmas and make people laugh and cry at the same time. |
Subject: Lyr Add: SUDDENLY IT'S CHRISTMAS (L Wainwright) From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Jul 01 - 01:55 PM Maybe I missed it but no one has mentioned Tom Lehrer's soulful Christmas song: Christmas time is here, by golly... Then there's Loudon Wainwright's lovely song:
SUDDENLY IT'S CHRISTMAS G D G D G CThere's got to be a build up for the day that Christ was born; The malls are decked with pumpkins and ears of Injun corn; Dragging through the falling leaves in a one-horse open sleigh; Suddenly it's Christmas, seven weeks before the day. C G D G D GOutside it's nice and balmy, in the air nary a nip; Suddenly it's Christmas, Santa's on his trip; Yes, they're working overtime, Santa's little runts; Christmas comes but once a year – and hangs on for two months.
Christmas carols in December, and November too; Chorus:
Suddenly it's Christmas, the longest holiday; |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 28 Jul 01 - 02:36 PM Enoch Kent wrote a marvellous Christmas satire to the tune of 'Mary's Boy Child'. It's on 'Revival In Britain' Folkways FW8728. "Christmas comes but once a year, So the holy bible say. And man must stash his cash all year, because of Christmas Day. All the stores were gaily garnished, tinsel and imitation snow. And we look forward to Christmas day and we hope we have the dough." |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: jacko@nz Date: 28 Jul 01 - 06:10 PM There's a charming ditty by Eric Bogle 'Santa Bloody Claus' Jack |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Amos Date: 28 Jul 01 - 06:30 PM I believe Condolezza Schwartz recorded a tune called "Fuck You -- It's Christmas" for Backbite Records, but the management decided not to include it in her actual CD. Guess it would be pretty valuable if you caould get ahold of the master, therefore! A |
Subject: Lyr Add: MAKE MY PRESENT SMALL (Bob Coltman) From: GUEST,guest--Pat Nowell Date: 28 Jul 01 - 09:13 PM Bob Coltman recorded a thought provoking song in 1985 on the BMI label, called MAKE MY PRESENT SMALL Santa Claus I'm writing to you with extra special care. |
Subject: ADD: Sleigh Ride parody From: bobbi Date: 28 Jul 01 - 10:23 PM Okay.. I cave in at last... This IS hard hitting.. to say the least. It is raw edged..without a doubt.. and it reminds me of what Xmas was all about when I was married (another holiday.. another "leg" night).. Author Unknown: Sung to the tune of Sleigh Ride ~ ~ ~ I feel my pecker tinglin', balls are jinglin' too, Come on and tell me whether I can link 'em together with you. I need a hot slit mommy, to slip my salami into. I must be over eager 'cause even your beaver will do! Get it up, get it up, get it up, let's go.. Your butt is too slow.. Start hoppin' like a rabbit in the snow... Here it comes, here it comes, here it comes, my Dear, hot jiz in your ear. I know it's not easy for you hangin' from that chandlier. I need a new position for sperm worm fishin' with you.. I want to jam my putts in with both of my nutts in your shoe.. I feel my pecker tinglin' balls are jinglin' too, C'mon and be so pleasant while I pump my present in you! b |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 28 Jul 01 - 11:51 PM There's a third verse to What Child is This? with the words "Nails,spears, shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you..." It's got power, see if you can locate the rest of it. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: katlaughing Date: 29 Jul 01 - 12:01 AM Willa, that is a very touchng song. Thanks for posting it. kat |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Robin2 Date: 29 Jul 01 - 01:19 AM Joe, Any idea where I could find a recorded copy of "Merry Christmas from the family"? The first time I heard that song, we were driving through Philly at midnight on December, and I laughed so hard I cried. Robin |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,jeanenepratt@onebox.com Date: 29 Jul 01 - 06:27 AM Sorry. I left my hotmail box unattended too long and it went extinct. You can reach me at onebox.com. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,geniesings@hotmail.com Date: 29 Jul 01 - 06:40 AM Jeeneia mentioned this verse of WHAT CHILD IS THIS? Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and lamb [ass] are feeding? Good Christian, fear, for sinners here The silent word is pleading. Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you. Hail! Hail the Word made flesh, The Babe, the son of Mary |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE BOY THAT SANTA CLAUS FORGOT From: GUEST,geniesings@hotmail.com Date: 29 Jul 01 - 03:10 PM IanB, do you know this one? THE LITTLE BOY THAT SANTA CLAUS FORGOT Tommie Connor, Jimmy Leach and Michael Carr Christmas comes but once a year for ev'ry girl and boy, The laughter and the joy they find in each toy. I'll tell you of a little boy who lives across the way; This little feller's Christmas is just another day. He's the little boy that Santa Claus forgot, And goodness knows he didn't want a lot. He sent a note to Santa for some soldiers and a drum; It broke his little heart when he found Santa hadn't come. In the street, he envies all those lucky boys, Then wanders home to last year's broken toys. I'm so sorry for that laddie; He hasn't got a daddy, The little boy that Santa Claus forgot. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,paulobrien3@ireland.com Date: 29 Jul 01 - 08:47 PM burl mentioned Enoch Kent's version of Xmas song.Living in London then it really rang true,as it does today.Recorded on an "Exiles" L.P, the other performers were Gordon McCulloch and the late Bobby Campbell.I think it was on "The Freedom Come all Ye" record.Well worth getting. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Mark Clark Date: 29 Jul 01 - 10:27 PM I always thought Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December was a hard-hitting Christmas song and, judging from the search hits I got, I think people all over the world must agree. For a hard-hitting Christmas Song that's really old, you can't beat "The Cherry Tree Carol". - Mark |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Bob Bolton Date: 30 Jul 01 - 12:08 AM G'day IanB, I was working down, tinking of suggesting Ewam McColl's Moving On Song ... but I see the Keith suggested it. It is subtle ... but has a hard hit for those who think ... On another point, John McCutcheon's Christmas in the Trenches and the events of 25 December 1914 came to my mind the other day when, in a totally different line of research, I came upon the note that "The Germans first threw grenades in to English trenches on 27 December 1914". There is no mention of dates for English grenade use, but they had seen trench warfare in the Russo-Japanese war of a few tears before and went into WWI with one crude grenade ... a dodgy glass jar of high explosive on the end of a stick and fitted with a contact fuse. Many struck the trench wall and killed the thrower. It all brings you back to earth even more abruptly that John McCutcheon's last verse. Regards, Bob Bolton |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,adam.adler@utoronto.ca Date: 30 Jul 01 - 12:57 AM Try Homeless Wassail by Finest Kind -- traditional folk group out of Ottawa. Quite poignant lyrics, goes over well with audiences. About the holidays from the perspective of the homeless. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: mbridgham Date: 30 Jul 01 - 02:59 AM Here's a couple. "Christmas Song" by Jethro Tull(mentioned already) "Another Christmas Song" by Jethro Tull(mysterious but wonderful) on Rock Island "Jack Frost & The Hooded Crow" by Jethro Tull(another great song in the best folky Tull vein) On 20 year anniversary CD's "St Stephen's Day Massacre". Sung by Elvis Costello( I think) on Chieftain's Christmas Album(about relatives at Christmas) "Over the Hill and Over the Dale" by the same guy who wrote Good King Wenceslas. A great song about the 3 wise men. Good version by William Pint and Felicia Dale on their Drive the Cold Winter Away CD. "Tomorrow Will Be My Dancing Day". Not a hard-hitting song, but not your usual complacent Christian metaphor either. Usually turns people's heads a bit, and its a lovely song besides, don't you know. Love the line - "In a manger wrapped and laid was I..Between an ox and a silly old ass". I haven't wondered who that was:) "There was a Pig Went Out to Dig." The kids like it. I used to cry every time I sang "The Christmas Dinner" by Peter, Paul and Mary. Haven't sung it for years and can't remember it all anymore. "Down in Yon Forest" has some pretty powerful images. Oh, and how can I forget my favorite Christmas song. "The Christmas Hare" about hunting by public bus in the midlands of England. A great tune and song. Can't remember where I picked it up anymore. It's a wild ride, the rabbit dies. YOu can always follow it up with The Creggan White Hare if people get too maudlin over the bunny. Ian, let me know if you want help with any of these. Frankie Armstrong's version of "Anti-Carol" always curled my toes, too. Marc Bridgham
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Anglo Date: 30 Jul 01 - 03:06 AM Another one that I don't think has been mentioned is the Ditchling Carol. Recordings on one of the Waterson:Carthy CDs, also on Nowell Sing We Clear "Just Say Nowell." |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Clinton Hammond Date: 30 Jul 01 - 03:16 AM I can't believe I almost forgot "HEY SANTA!" by Kevin Bloody Wilson! One of MY favorite x-mas songs!! ;-) |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: pavane Date: 30 Jul 01 - 05:08 AM Tom Lehrer's satirical song is worth a try: Christmas Time. The song contains many parodies of well known Christmas carols and songs. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 30 Jul 01 - 09:02 AM Ah yes, I'd forgotten the Tom Lehrer... got it on tape somewhere. My 13-year-old, showing uncommon good taste, has removed my Best of Lehrer to become part of his bedroom collection of 'going to sleep by' tapes. I shudder to think what effect it'll have on him...! - Ian |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: LR Mole Date: 30 Jul 01 - 09:48 AM "The Rebel Jesus", sung by Jackson Browne, is also on "The Bells of Dublin". Good Chieftans background on The Day because the song goes by and the relatives don't notice the words. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: dbranno Date: 30 Jul 01 - 10:09 AM Hard hitting Xmas songs ,eh? Always loved that Exiles song, still think of it as 'Thank X for Xmas' McColl's 'Moving on Song' IS moving, and a rare gem is Sydney Carter's 'Standing in the rain' |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: SharonA Date: 30 Jul 01 - 10:22 AM Serious song: "Circle of Steel" by Gordon Lightfoot. Not-so-serious songs: "Zat You, Santa Claus?" by Louis Armstrong. "Big Dead Bird" by Lou and Peter Berryman. Also, The Arrogant Worms have a Christmas CD entitled "Christmas Turkey". My favorite from that is "OH GOD, I'M SANTA CLAUS" (guy dreams he's Santa, then wakes up to find that he's really the Easter Bunny). The Bob Rivers comedy troupe has 2 Christmas collections (that I know of) that include parodies such as "We Wish You Weren't Living With Us". Dare I say that I've written some myself? One is the Christmas story from Joseph's point of view (a lot of people find that song hard-hitting; some are offended by Joseph's language during the "anger" stage of his reaction to Mary's pregnancy); another song bemoans the difficulties encountered by a Protestant woman celebrating the holidays with her Jewish boyfriend. Got 4 more songs besides. SharonA |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Bluegrass Girl Date: 30 Jul 01 - 10:48 AM How about "Another Silent Night" written by Patrick H Ashley. It's a true story - about a fellow whose wife died of breast cancer just before the Holidays, leaving him with two little boys to raise. I've never performed this song without several people in the audience crying. It's a killer tune! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Walking Eagle Date: 30 Jul 01 - 12:46 PM How about The Little Match Girl? |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Sarah2 Date: 30 Jul 01 - 01:25 PM And really off the wall, there's an old song by one W. Nelson called "Pretty Papers" that's simple sounding -- until the words start to register. S. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Kim C Date: 30 Jul 01 - 01:31 PM I love that Robert Earl Keen song!!! It's just too true. One I haven't learned, that I have liked over the years in spite of my NOT being a Garth Brooks fan, is the song he does about the little girl who buys the nightingale in the market. I'm sorry I don't know the name of it. Also there's one called Corn, Water and Wood that Michael Martin Murphey recorded on Cowboy Songs Christmas (the first one, I think). Very nice. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: lady penelope Date: 30 Jul 01 - 03:17 PM Beyond the realm of folk, there is, of course, "Christmas with the Devil" by Spinal Tap. It sounds rediculous, till you think about the 'oxymoron' nature of the song. TTFN M'Lady P. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Willa Date: 30 Jul 01 - 05:58 PM KimC; the Garth Brooks song is 'The Gift', begins A poor orphan girl named Maria Was walking to market one day, She stopped for a rest by the roadside, Where a bird with a broken wing lay Garth Brooks, 'Beyond the Season |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: raredance Date: 30 Jul 01 - 09:40 PM A couple I don't think have been mentioned yet. "Detroit December" by Si Kahn "On Christmas I Got Nothing? by Chuck Brodsky rich r |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: raredance Date: 30 Jul 01 - 09:41 PM The "?" should be """ in the Brodsky title |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: dbranno Date: 31 Jul 01 - 10:58 AM Christmas where the gum trees grow, there is no frost and there is no snoooow... different time zones...sense of humour? Here's one From Don Henderson (the boy from Moonee Ponds) 'round 19&70... works well as a talking blues.
I was walking late last night.
I went down to St. Vincent's,
One of them was a nice old chap
The other bloke of which I speak
I asked him just what he was here for.
I asked him what he did for a crust.
Whew! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: SDShad Date: 31 Jul 01 - 12:38 PM Dar Williams, "The Christians and the Pagans" |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE REBEL JESUS (Jackson Browne) From: GUEST,genie Date: 12 Aug 01 - 08:56 AM Ian, You may have found it already, but here are the words to Jackson Browne's song which I mentioned above. THE REBEL JESUS (Jackson Browne) Original recording from the Chieftains album The Bells Of Dublin The streets are filled with laughter and light And the music of the season And the merchants' windows are all bright With the faces of the children And the families hurrying to their homes As the sky darkens and freezes Will be gathering around the hearths and tales Giving thanks for all God's graces And the birth of the rebel Jesus They call him by the "Prince of Peace" And they call him by "The Saviour" And they pray to him upon the sea And in every bold endeavor As they fill his churches with their pride and gold And their faith in him increases But they've turned the nature that I worshipped in From a temple to a robber's den In the words of the rebel Jesus We guard our world with locks and guns And we guard our fine possessions And once a year when Christmas comes We give to our relations And perhaps we give a little to the poor If the generosity should seize us But if any one of us should interfere In the business of why they are poor They get the same as the rebel Jesus But pardon me if I have seemed To take the tone of judgement For I've no wish to come between This day and your enjoyment In this life of hardship and of earthly toil We have need for anything that frees us So I bid you pleasure and I bid you cheer From a heathen and a pagan On the side of the rebel Jesus. (c) 1991 BMG MUSIC |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Geoff the Duck Date: 12 Aug 01 - 01:58 PM Lindisfarne did one called Winter Song which has a sting in its tail. Mike Harding also wrote one about Christmas 1914 in the trenches - I cannot recall the correct title. Don't forget the one by Greg Lake of ELP. Quack! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 12 Aug 01 - 07:28 PM Thanks, Genie! - ian |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,ray bucknell Date: 12 Aug 01 - 08:23 PM The Chad Mitchell Trio's "Twelve Days" (to the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas) about neo-Naziism in Cold War Germany: let's see if I remember... He is still alive.... Monicles are back, ten swastika scribblers, got the wrong Eichmann, Telefunken H-bomb, seven million dollars, six guided missiles, to hell with Adenhaur (sp?), four Gestapo leaders, three anti-Semites, Rudolph Hess' blessings and a partridge in a pear tree. Chilling is an understatement. Ray |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,genie Date: 13 Aug 01 - 03:09 AM Por nada, Ian. Genie |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Dan in Nova Scotia Date: 13 Aug 01 - 09:30 AM Actually there's a song called 'Here's to You Santa Clause', written by Stan Rogers, which talks about a kid who asks Santa for CIA equipment for Christmas and when he receives it he tortures Santa to find out how reindeer fly. The last line in the song is "Here's to you Santa Clause the Easter Bunny's next". Also don't forget Arlo's Pause of Mr. Clause. Cheers, Dan |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,KT Date: 14 Aug 01 - 09:57 AM Ian, I don't think this one has been mentioned, but it's a beauty! Mary, Did You Know? by Mark Lowry I like Kathy Mattea's version on her album, GOOD NEWS.
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Subject: Lyr Add: NOTHING BUT A CHILD (Steve Earle) From: Susan from California Date: 14 Aug 01 - 11:54 AM I second the nod for "Mary, Did You Know?" Keith and I do it in a rock version and if I do say so myself it kicks butt :-) One of my favorites is Steve Earle's "NOTHING BUT A CHILD". It's on the CD Copperhead Road, and I believe on the above-mentioned Kathy Mattea CD (though I prefer Earle's version).
Once upon a time, in a far off land,
Chased a brand new star, ever towards the west ,
CHORUS: Nothing but a child could wash those tears away,
Now all around the world, in every little town, REPEAT CHORUS |
Subject: Lyr Add: I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY From: GUEST,Genie Date: 18 Sep 01 - 01:52 AM Ian, The events of the past week have reminded me of Longfellow's poem, "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day," which he wrote when he heard the bells ringing on Christmas Day in, I believe, 1860, and looked out the window and saw cannons firing, as the US North and South fought each other. [Note: The posting below says 1865, but I know that was not when he was inspired to write the poem, because the Civil War was over before then.] I am posting here the lyrics that most people sing today, but I hope someone out there has the other two verses, one of which begins "Then as from some foul dragon's mouth, The cannon thundered from the South ... ." I have these verses in a book somewhere, but I think I will post a lyric request in the mean time. Genie I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1865 I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And, wild and sweet, the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men. I thought how, as the day had come, The bellfries of all Christendom Had rolled along th'unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men. Till, ringing, swinging on its way, The world revolved from night to day. A voice, a rhyme, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head. "There is no peace on earth," I said, "for hate is stong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men." Then pealed the bells more loud & deep, "God is not dead, nor does he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST Date: 18 Sep 01 - 02:10 AM not sure how Christmasy it is, but I remember hearing many years ago a song that was rather popular at the time called Dear Mr. Jesus. it was sung by a little girl and it was about child abuse. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Genie Date: 18 Sep 01 - 04:39 AM Ian, Joe Offer has posted the full text of Longfellow's original poem--written in 1864 and published in 1867--along with a link to the story of how the poem and the carol came to be. (See "Lyric Req:"I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day") BTW, I'm not sure how I got " some foul dragon's mouth" out of "each black, accursed mouth," but it looks like my memory got imaginative. The two verses I was seeking are:
Then from each black, accursed mouth
It was as if an earthquake rent
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 18 Sep 01 - 05:48 PM Thanks Genie - I was just looking for something like that! - ian |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Genie Date: 18 Sep 01 - 10:59 PM I'm glad I could help, Ian. Sadly, the events that triggered my thoughts of this song were -- well, you know. Genie |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Steven G. Date: 19 Sep 01 - 02:11 PM I think someone wrote on this threat Stan Rogers "First Christmas". It is quite a hard hitting Christmas song, and would you think that at Christmas time, it is all nice and festive, but to some people it is another day to survive. Quite a moving piece of work, Steven G. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Genie Date: 19 Sep 01 - 10:50 PM Kathy Mattea sings a song about "Just Another Homeless Family," but I am not sure that's the title. Genie |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Haruo Date: 20 Sep 01 - 10:26 PM Jesus was homeless as an adult, too. Don't forget "Tramp on the Street" and the like. Liland |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Genie Date: 22 Oct 01 - 12:09 AM refresh |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Keith A of Hertford Date: 22 Oct 01 - 04:59 AM I have not read the whole thread, so I'm sorry if this has come up. Ewan McColl's Moving On song is not an Xmas song but with its references to the Wise Men and the refrain Better get born in someplace else, the analogy to the Xmas story is very clear. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: tar_heel Date: 22 Oct 01 - 12:49 PM how about,an old christmas card,by jim reeves... |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Claymore Date: 22 Oct 01 - 02:27 PM Another vote for "First Christmas" by Stan Rodgers. A truely stunning work, about young man's first Christmas away from his family, an abused daughter away from her father, an old man's first Christmas after his wife has died, etc. If someone could research the verses, I'm sure many would appreciate it. Also on a more humerous vein, we used to sing a song in the 'Nam called "The Night We Gunned Down Santa Claus", about how "Ho, Ho, Ho" did not squak "Friendly" on the IFF and "Merry Christmas" was not the password. Santa augers in with only Rudolph trying to pull him up, and the Marines eat vension that glows red in the dark. I'm sure that some sort of similar song will come out the the 'Ghan, with a first verse that goes, "By the light of burning turbans, sing we Noel", or something like that. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Steven G. Date: 22 Oct 01 - 02:45 PM Yes, Claymore. I agree with you on Stan Rogers "First Christmas " I played the song a few times, and when you sing the song you sort of have a tear in your eye while playing this song. Quite hard hitting song to play... Steven G.
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Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Genie Date: 01 Nov 01 - 01:40 AM Now that the little goblins are all in bed, they can start dreaming visions of sugarplums and Tickle-Me-Elmo. So here's a refresh of this thread, to get folks thinking about not-so-ordinary Christmas songs. G |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Guest Date: 19 Nov 01 - 01:01 PM Anybody ever heard of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra? Here's their web address (sorry, don't know how to post a link.) Check 'em out. Helluva good guitarist (Al Pitrelli). Click on the Christmas Eve link. Happy Christmas! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Kaleea Date: 20 Nov 01 - 01:29 AM Alfred Burt wrote this Christmas Carol in 1951: Some children see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night. Some children see Him lily white, with tresses soft and fair. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, The Lord of heav'n to earth come down. Some children see Him bronzed and brown, with dark and heavy hair. Some children see Him almond-eyed, this Savior whom we kneel beside. some children see Him almond-eyed, with skin of yellow hue. Some children see Him dark as they, sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray. Some children see him dark as they, and, ah! they love Him, too! The children in each different place will see the baby Jesus' face like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace, and filled with holy light. O lay aside each earthly thing and with thy heart as offering, come worship now the infant King. 'Tis love that's born tonight!
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Subject: Lyr Add: SOME CHILDREN SEE HIM (Hutsun/Burt) From: Genie Date: 20 Nov 01 - 10:31 PM Here is Burt's carol with the line breaks (as well as my somewhat audacious [?] third verse) added. (You can, of course, edit that one out to keep the song pure.) - Genie Some children see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night. Some children see Him almond-eyed, this Savior whom we kneel beside. If Jesus had been born a girl, this baby born to save the world, The children in each different place will see the baby Jesus' face |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Cappuccino Date: 21 Nov 01 - 05:11 PM Hey, we're back again - thanks, Kaleea and Genie, that last one's a cracker. It reminds me of a village in Zambia where our charity works - the village artist has painted the Last Supper as a mural, and of course Jesus and the disciples are all African. Doesn't half surprise some people... For the record, so to speak, those suggestions of 'Mary Did You Know?' got it on to our finished CD. Some of the others, ncluding that last one, are being done live. Very many thanks, everyone. - IanB |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: robomatic Date: 21 Nov 01 - 06:22 PM "Gun for Christmas" by Wall of Voodoo "Christmas Amoeba" by Steve Lyons, from the album "No Place Like Mars" heard once on the radio and haven't been able to locate a copy or anyone who has it "All I Want for Christmas is my two front teeth" Spike Jones, Maybe more hard hittin' than hard hitting. Pax to you too |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Joe_F Date: 21 Nov 01 - 06:58 PM Three tasteless whimsies and a recommendation: Hark, the herald angels sing: Glory to the newborn Thing, Which, because of radiation, Will be cared for by the nation. -- E. Gorey * It came upon a midnight clear And ate up everything in sight. * O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, O piss on thee, O Christmas tree. * For a hard-hitting Christmas *story*, read Chapter Ten, "The Ritchies Take Christmas", in Jean Ritchie's _Singing Family of the Cumberlands_, which I am glad to see is still in print. Read it aloud, even if you can't do that without crying, and sing the songs as you go. This is the best of Christmas and of Christianity. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: CaptainLewis Date: 21 Nov 01 - 07:26 PM How about "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer Best! -CLB |
Subject: Lyr Add: RUN, RUN, RUDOLPH (from Chuck Berry) From: Tweed Date: 21 Nov 01 - 07:58 PM How 'bout Chuck Berry's "RUN, RUN, RUDOLPH"? Hit 'em hard and low...make their feet start moving ;~)
Out of all the reindeer, you know you're the mastermind
Run, run, Rudolph. Santa's got to make it to town.
Said Santa to a boy child, "What have you been longing for?"
Run, run, Rudolph. Santa's got to make it to town.
Said Santa to a girl child, "What would you like most to get?" |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Ron Date: 03 Dec 06 - 11:55 AM "First Christmas Away From Home" by Stan Rogers |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Leadfingers Date: 03 Dec 06 - 01:26 PM 100 |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Wayne Date: 03 Dec 06 - 01:49 PM Tom Pacheco's Christmas on Times Square (Jimmy the Fiddler) to be found on Woodstock Winter or Swallowed up in the Great American Heartland, is a heart rending song. Both albums are still available. Loudon Wainwright's Christmas Morning from Social Studies is shocking. I was dumbstruck when I first heard it. Fairy Tale in New York still packs a punch despite being belovrd of the Christmas compilation album compilers. On the traditional front, The Mistletoe Bough which recalls the oft told tale of a bride getting locked in a trunk during a game of Hide and Seek, is pretty hard hitting too. The version I know is on Calennig's excellent A Gower Garland. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Hawker Date: 03 Dec 06 - 02:13 PM For me the finest and very hard hitting Christmas song is Christmas 1914 by Cormac McConnell A very cleverly written and moving song. I sang it at our Christmas do last year and there was not a dry eye in the room (i don't think it was my singing, I hope it was the song!) Cheers, Lucy |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: open mike Date: 03 Dec 06 - 02:21 PM I would second Jackson Browne's Rebel Jesus. and John McCutcheon's christmas in the trenches. and suggest you check out the Canadian duo of Connie Kaldor and Bim who have great collection on their "New Songs for and Old Celebration" which includes my favorites "Cowboy Christmas" (where Shepherds were the cowboys of Gallilee) and another one "Last Month of the Year" that has a gospel/spiritual feel to it.. and the song The Gift (which is sung by Garth Brooks) was written by Stephanie Davis, who asks that you credit her with composing the song. www.stephaniedavis.net |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Artful Codger Date: 03 Dec 06 - 02:52 PM The Smothers Brothers' "Monday We Saw on TV". I believe I posted the full lyrics in a different thread some time ago. It's a cumulative song, like "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and starts: Monday we saw on TV a toy to buy for Christmas: A sexy Sally doll with skin-tight stretchpants. Oh boy, oh boy, we really gotta get that toy! [Includes a coupon for a Baby Jesus action figure: fries heretics with his laser eyes! Ox and ass sold separately.] |
Subject: Lyr Add: CHRISTMAS 1914 (Cormac MacConnell) From: Hawker Date: 03 Dec 06 - 06:25 PM Found this on an old thread...... May save you some time if you wanted to use it.... This beautiful song was written by Cormac MacConnell, the brother of Mudcatter Chordstrangler (Mickey MacConnell) who has recorded it on his CD "Joined Up Writing." You can PM Mickey right here to order his superb recording. Seamus CHRISTMAS 1914 by Cormac MacConnell In the year 1914 on Christmas Day, On the Western front the guns all died away. And lying in the mud on bags of sand We heard the German sing from No Man's Land. He had a tenor voice so clear and true; The words were strange, but every note we knew. A-soaring o'er the living, dead and damned, That soldier sang of peace from No Man's Land. Chorus: Oh, Silent night, no cannons roar. A King is born of peace for ever more, All's calm, all's bright, all brothers hand in hand, A Soldier's song of peace from No Man's Land. They slowly left their trenches, we left ours. Beneath tin hats the smiles bloomed like wild flowers. With photos, cigarettes and flasks of wine, We made a soldier's peace on that front line. Their singer was a lad of twenty-one; We begged another song before the dawn, And sitting amid carnage, death and fear, He sang again the song all longed to hear. Chorus: In the morning all the guns roared in the rain, And they killed us and we killed them again With bayonet, bomb and bullet, gas and flame And neither them nor us at at all to blame. There was heavy fighting all throughout that day. For one night's peace we bitterly did pay. That night they charged, we fought them hand to hand And I shot the lad who sang from No Man's Land. Chorus: Oh, Silent night, no cannons roar, A king is born of peace for ever more. All's calm, all's bright, all brothers hand in hand, A soldier's song of peace from No Man's Land. O Silent night, Holy night, And his ghostly voice still rings As the young dead soldier sings Where the Captains and the Kings Built No Man's Land. Cheers, Lucy |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: eddie1 Date: 03 Dec 06 - 08:34 PM "Standing In The Rain" by Sydney Carter is a good one. Eddie |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: breezy Date: 04 Dec 06 - 01:01 PM 'Without you on Christmas Day' by George Papavgeris written in 2002 About the family matriarch It works and Ive seen it work when performed by the author, more than once |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: scrimnet Date: 04 Dec 06 - 01:51 PM It was Christmas day in the cookhouse The season of good cheer The soldiers hearts were merry Their bellies full of beer The pompous orderly officer As he strolled around the hall Called out "A merry Christmas!" The soldiers answered "balls!" This angered the orderly officer And he swore by all the Gods He'd stop their Christmas pudding The ungrateful little sods Then up spake a bald headed corporal His face as bold as brass "You can take your Christmas pudding And shove it up your arse!" |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Ref Date: 04 Dec 06 - 07:22 PM In the film "Joyeux Noel" (a fictionalized version of the Christmas Truce) there is a haunting song that repeats "dreaming of home." It's sung by the Scottish soldiers and comes up again at the end as the german participants are sent to the Eastern front. Fine film. Wonderful Song. If anyone else knows it and/or its provenance, please inform me. I'd love lyrics and tabulature. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Leadfingers Date: 04 Dec 06 - 07:51 PM Thirty years ago Adrian May and Chris Leger toured the clubs with a Christmas Show of all self penned stuff ! 'I Hate Christmas' has a nice dig at all the wrong things about The Season ! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Big Al Whittle Date: 05 Dec 06 - 04:03 AM probably not your sort of thing but my latest christmas song http://www.bigalwhittle.co.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/haveadrinkitschristmas.mp3 merry christmas to all big al whittle |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Keith A of Hertford Date: 05 Dec 06 - 04:12 AM Moving On Song, McColl |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 05 Dec 06 - 05:09 AM Peter and Lou Berryman again... "Gonna have a big dead bird for dinner on Christmas day!" Art |
Subject: Lyr Add: WINTER SONG (Alan Hull) From: Shields Folk Date: 05 Dec 06 - 05:20 AM WINTER SONG (~1970 by Alan Hull, Lindisfarne) When Winter's shadowy fingers first pursue you down the street And your boots no longer lie about the cold around your feet Do you spare a thought for Summer whose passage is complete Whose memories lie in ruins and whose ruins lie in heat When Winter.... comes howling in When the wind is singing strangely, blowing music through your head And your rain-splattered windows make you decide to stay in bed Do you spare a thought for the homeless tramp who wishes he was dead Or do you pull your bed-clothes higher, dream of Summertime instead When Winter.... comes howling in The creeping cold has fingers that caress without permission And mystic crystal snowdrops only aggravate the condition Do you spare a thought for the gypsy with no secure position Who's turned and spurned by village and town and the Magistrate's decision When Winter.... comes howling in When the turkey's in the oven and the Christmas presents are bought And Santa's in his module - he's an American astronaut Do you spare a thought for Jesus, who had nothing but his thoughts Who got busted - just for talking, and befriending the wrong sorts When Winter.... comes howling in When Winter.... comes howling in |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,The black belt caterpillar wrestler Date: 05 Dec 06 - 07:39 AM It's worth listening to the lyrics of "I believe in Father Christmas" from ELP, particularly if you want powerful peace message with a more humanist slant on Christmas. "They told me a fairy story, 'til I believed in the Isrealite" Works well on concertina, including the instrumental classical cribs. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Genie Date: 05 Dec 06 - 05:15 PM Alternative Christmas songs: Iraq |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Mike Scott Date: 05 Dec 06 - 06:37 PM He's the little boy that Santa Clause forgot, And goodness knows, he didn't want a lot. He sent a note to Santa For some soldiers and a drum, It broke his little heart When he found Santa hadn't come. In the street he envies all those lucky boys, Then wanders home to last year's broken toys. I'm so sorry for that laddie, He hasn't got a daddy, The little boy that Santa Clause forgot. Spoken: (You know, Christmas comes but once a year for every girl and boy, The laughter and the joy they find in each brand new toy. I'll tell you of a little boy that lives across the way... This little fella's Christmas is just another day. He's the little boy that Santa Claus forgot, And goodness knows, he didn't want a lot.) In the street he envies all those lucky boys, Then wanders home to last year's broken toys. I'm so sorry for that laddie, He hasn't got a daddy, The little boy that Santa Clause forgot. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST Date: 06 Dec 06 - 03:30 AM haven't heard Enoch Kent's Scarlet Ray Guns for a loooooooooong time - wonder if it would stand the test of time. Jim Carroll |
Subject: Lyr Add: FIRST CHRISTMAS (Stan Rogers) From: GUEST,Jim C Date: 06 Dec 06 - 08:57 AM I see some requests for these lyrics. Very sad Xmas song. First Christmas (Stan Rogers, 1979) This day a year ago, he was rolling in the snow With a younger brother in his father's yard Christmas break, a time for touching home, The heart of all he'd known And leaving was so hard Three thousand miles away, Now he's working Christmas Day Making double time for the minding of the store Well he always said, he'd make it on his own He's spending Christmas Eve alone First Christmas away from home She's standing by the train station, Pan-handling for change Four more dollars buys a decent meal and a room Looks like the Sally Ann place after all, In a crowded sleeping hall That echoes like a tomb But it's warm and clean and free, And there are worse places to be At least it means no beating from her Dad And if she cries because it's Christmas Day She hopes that it won't show First Christmas away from home In the apartment stands a tree, And it looks so small and bare Not like it was meant to be, Golden angel on the top It's not that same old silver star, You wanted for your own First Christmas away from home In the morning, they get prayers, Then it's crafts and tea downstairs Then another meal back in his little room Hoping maybe that "the boys" Will think to phone before the day is gone Well, it's best they do it soon When the "old girl" passed away, He fell apart more every day Each had always kept the other pretty well But the kids all said the nursing home was best Cause he couldn't live alone First Christmas away from home In the common room they've got the biggest tree And it's huge and cold and lifeless Not like it ought to be, And the lit-up flashing Santa Claus on top It's not that same old silver star, You once made for your own First Christmas away from home Here's a link to the tab: Stan Rogers Tabs Also, I just found this guy on YouTube that sings a few Stan tunes. Very good versions. Newfiefiddler |
Subject: Lyr Add: TENNESSEE SONG (James Agee) From: Joe_F Date: 06 Dec 06 - 09:20 PM They laid down in a cold black barn, the stars worked through the walls. The ox and the jackass kept them warm, a-studying in their stalls. The old hens grouched along their roost, the Gobbler riffed his wing. Out on the mountain niggers heared the glorying angels sing. And he come out and took his breath peaceful as ary mouse. And in the sky there opened up A star over that house. Bashful they come and kneeled them down before that new borned child. Good Joseph trimmed the lantern. The gal laid easy and smiled. She could a had the best hotel, doctors, a fine gold ring, name in the papers and winter flowers, For He was King. He could a had the Mayor there, a-waiting down the string from the Governor and the President For He was King. Ginseng root from Siler's Bald, a star in the sky, a bird on the wing, a kiver wove a ripe peach wool, For He was King. He could a ordered Summer there, Summer'd a skipped her Spring. He could a never come to us. For he was King. He did not need no company, playpretties, nary a thing. He come to us the manner he come. For he was King. -- From "Lines Suggested by a Tennessee Song" by James Agee (ca. 1949) |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Big Al Whittle Date: 06 Dec 06 - 09:23 PM written by Mike Gregory 2006 in the UK http://www.bigalwhittle.co.uk/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/christmasontheestate.mp3 |
Subject: Lyr Add: NO CHRISTMAS IN KENTUCKY (Phil Ochs) From: robd Date: 07 Dec 06 - 01:33 AM No Christmas in Kentucky By Phil Ochs Christmas shoppers shopping on a neon city street Another Christmas dollar for another Christmas treat There's satin on the pretty dolls that make the children glow While a boy walking ragged in the cold Kentucky snow No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky There's no holly on a West Virginia door For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor There's lots of toys for children when then Christmas time is near But the present for the miners is a stocking full of beer In the dark hills of Kentucky there's one gift that may be found The coal dust of forgotten days that's lying on the ground No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky There's no holly on a West Virginia door For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor Let's drink a toast to Congress and a toast to Santa Claus and a toast to all the speeches that bring the loud applause There's not enough to give, no, there's not enough to share So let's drown the sounds of sorrow with a hearty Christmas cheer No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky There's no holly on a West Virginia door For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor Have a merry, merry Christmas and a happy new year's day For now's a time of plenty, and plenty's here to stay But if you knew what Christmas was, I think that you would find That Christ is spending Christmas in the cold Kentucky mine No, they don't have Christmas in Kentucky There's no holly on a West Virginia door For the trees don't twinkle when you're hungry And the Jingle Bells don't jingle when you're poor |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Gurney Date: 07 Dec 06 - 02:23 AM Depends what hits you where. I think the most powerful carol is 'Adeste Fidelis.' (sp?) As it is mostly in Latin, and uncompromisingly worshipfully Christian, and suitable for a big choral work, it makes most songs sound a bit pathetic. Haven't sung it for 50 years, since I was an altar boy. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,hslauter Date: 11 Dec 11 - 09:20 PM I was wondering if you might be able to help me find the name to this song. Christmas song about a boy who writes a letter to Jesus instead of Santa. He writes a letter to Jesus about how Santa has forgot their house , that dad is not there, his sister needs new shoes and his mom needs a warm coat. I have only heard it once and can't find it anywhere on line. Please help!!! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Clontarf83 Date: 11 Dec 11 - 11:09 PM Hot Buttered Rum by Tommy Thompson, recorded by Brian Bowers, Album title is By Heart I also endorse earlier comment re Steve Earle--Nothing but a child Album name Copperhead Road---absolutely original take on Christmas |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,giovanni Date: 12 Dec 11 - 01:37 AM Kevin Wilson has a hard hitting one about Santa Claus right here |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST Date: 12 Dec 11 - 11:03 AM "Wintersong" by Sarah McLachlan always makes me think of images of fallen soldiers, firemen, policemen going by throughout the song. It always gets to me. Tommy Thompson's "Hot Buttered Rum" has stark imagery that is as real as yesterday. Bob Gibson & Tom Paxton sing "Box Of Candy And A Piece Of Fruit", another "Christmas In Prison" type song. I follow those up with Ruthie Ungar's "Darkest Days, Brightest Nights" to get me back on an even keel. Merry Christmas.... |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Daniel Celano Date: 04 Sep 21 - 11:15 AM Lyrics to Stan Rogers: Hail to You, Santa Claus Hail to you, Santa Claus, come to me tonight I’ve been a thoughtful little boy and I’m tucked in bed so tight I’ve always done as I was told always what is right Hail to you, Santa Claus, come to me tonight. Yesterday, my older brother whispered in my ear Words that made me want to cry and I didn’t want to hear He said: “There is no Santa Claus or reindeer for his sleigh, there are no elves for way up north, just lots of ice and eskimos. And northern lights stand all the snow and nighttime lasts all day.” And then I told him mama said that Santa come tonight And the stocking on the mantle piece would soon be full and tight And the little angel smiling from atop the Christmas tree Telling me that I’ve been good reminding me I should recall The good lord Jesus who once was less than five lightning. Hail to you, Santa Claus, come to me tonight Though your legs are weary and your eyes are short of sight Everybody uses you and says that you’re to blame Although you still come every year, your toys are not the same. (Instrumental break) Last year for a Christmas gift, I got a dear Gaston And on my birthday, a de-Santa toy made 21 It matches all my toy grenades and the mark I’ve made of bomb And with my helmet on my head, I shoot my little friends all dead I load their families all to bed with the soldiers grew aplomb. My kindergarten teacher tells me to hit all is read So if Santa comes round here tonight, I’ll hit him on the head And with my brand-new CIA kit question if until, My new toy thumbscrew does its job And he tells me how his reindeer fly And if I move him for the kill, I’ll drill him for the head Because he’s a coley and I’m an all American kid. Hail to you, Santa Claus, flying up so high And if you come round here tonight, I’ll blast you from the sky If you get my mind toy radar bow, how that be I can tell The landmine in the fireplace will blow you straight to Hell. Hail to you, Santa Claus, better turn and run Because thanks to democracy, I’ve been brought up to the guns I’ll make on all your factories, but don't be too reflexed Here’s to you, Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny’s next. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: RTim Date: 04 Sep 21 - 01:33 PM HOMELESS WASSAIL (Ian Robb) "Wassail, wassail,all over the town, Our cup is white and our ale is brown" But huddled on the iron grate we poor and hungry curse our fate. cho: No wassail bowl for such as these No turkey scraps, no ale nor cheese, This Christmas Eve our heart's desire Is a bottle of gin and a trashcan fire. Good Christian, mind, as home you go With dreams of holly and mistletoe That the holly bears a dreadful thorn For those who wake to a frozen dawn. Oh, where is He, that holy child Once born of Mary, meek and mild? And whither peace, goodwill to men Now and forevermore, amen? All ye who dine with face aglow In Reninensi atrio (in the Queen's hall---Latin) Pray pause awile at pleasure's door And sup some sorrow with the poor. "Wassail, wassail,all over the town, Our cup is white and our ale is brown" This cold and hunger, pain and care Sweet Jesus Christ, it's hard to bear. copyright Ian Robb/SOCAN Tim Radford |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: RTim Date: 04 Sep 21 - 01:36 PM On Christmas Day - (Traditional English song) On Christmas Day it happened so Down in the meadows forth to plough As we were a ploughing on so fast Up comes sweet Jesus, himself at last "Oh man, oh man, what makes you plough So hard upon the Lord's birthday?" The farmer he answered him with great speed "For to plough this day we have great need." His arms did quaver to and fro His arms did quaver, he could not plough The ground did open and let him in Before that he could repent of sin His wife and children are out of place His beasts and cattle, they die away His beasts and cattle, they die away For the breaking of our Lord's birthday |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,Gallus Moll Date: 04 Sep 21 - 04:23 PM Has anyone mentioned Eric Bogle's 'Suffer the Children' Christmas song? Short, gentle and hard hitting Also I think Violet Jacob has at least one Christmas song in the trenches poem/song....I need to find and check her books... not sure that she composed them as dongs, but Jim Reid and others have since put tunes to a number of her works |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Charmion Date: 04 Sep 21 - 04:35 PM “First Christmas Away From Home”:by Stan Rogers is almost impossible to perform, and hard to sit through. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Acorn4 Date: 05 Sep 21 - 04:31 AM Come Back, Ebenezer! |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,RA Date: 05 Sep 21 - 10:17 AM 'The 1972 Christmas Bombing of North Vietnam" by Dogbowl. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Elmore Date: 05 Sep 21 - 11:06 AM Not hard=hitting but amusing: Jesus in the Asylum by David Massengill. Can be found on YouTube. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler Date: 05 Sep 21 - 12:42 PM Chris Matthews has one that is based upon the Wenceslas tale, but saying "Why did you not take pity on this man before Christmas?". He says that he got the idea from Terry Pratchett's "Hogfather". Robin |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,saulgoldie Date: 05 Sep 21 - 04:01 PM "Soul Cake?" No one?? "Or Hard Time Come Again No More?" Heard "Soul Cake" from Peter, Paul, and Mary. A soul! a soul! a soul-cake! Please good Missis, a soul-cake! An apple, a pear, a plum, or a cherry, Any good thing to make us all merry. One for Peter, two for Paul Three for Him who made us all. God bless the master of this house, The misteress also, And all the little children That round your table grow. Likewise young men and maidens, Your cattle and your store ; And all that dwells within your gates, We wish you ten times more. Down into the cellar, And see what you can find, If the barrels are not empty, We hope you will prove kind. We hope you will prove kind, With your apples and strong beer, And we’ll come no more a-souling Till this time next year. The lanes are very dirty, My shoes are very thin, I’ve got a little pocket To put a penny in. If you haven’t got a penny, A ha’penny will do ; If you haven’t get a ha’penny, It’s God bless you |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,henryp Date: 05 Sep 21 - 05:16 PM I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas Day in the morning And what was on those ships all three? On board those ships were refugees There's no room here for you to stay So those three ships they sailed away On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day The Hope, the Faith, the Charity On Christmas Day in the morning |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler Date: 06 Sep 21 - 03:54 AM Soul cakes are baked at Halloween not Christmas. I quite like them! Robin |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST Date: 06 Sep 21 - 08:45 AM From: GUEST,saulgoldie Date: 05 Sep 21 - 04:01 PM Heard "Soul Cake" from Peter, Paul, and Mary. The words given above differ very little from Souling Song (Cheshire) published by Lucy Broadwood and J A Fuller Maitland, 1893, in English County Songs, London, Leadenhall Press. Lucy Broadwood's notes: Words and Tune from Rev. M. P. Holme, Tattenhall, Cheshire. The latter part of the second stanza is restored from Miss Burne's Shropshire Folk Lore, p 385. The rest of the song was sung exactly as it stands by a little girl in Tattenhall School in October, 1891. A full account of the custom of "souling" is given by Miss Burne, Shropshire Folk Lore, pp 378-390. It is still practised on All-Souls' Day in the district referred to, and traces of the custom are to be found in many parts of England. See also Halliwell's Popular Rhymes, pp 238 and 249. Thank you, Joe. http://www.joe-offer.com/folkinfo/songs/216.html The Antrobus Soul Cakers keep the tradition alive. The bonfires, once part of the same celebration, have been transferred to 5 November. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Jeri Date: 06 Sep 21 - 09:45 AM Could someone explain why the song is "hard hitting"? Thanks. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Jeri Date: 06 Sep 21 - 09:47 AM I would've mentioned Homeless Wassail, but someone already did in 2001. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: GUEST,henryp Date: 07 Sep 21 - 04:08 AM British Library; The Workhouse Boy was clearly popular, being published in the 1840s in many different editions around the country, from London to Birmingham and Preston. The music borrowed here is The Mistletoe Bough, a dramatic song published in 1830 about a bride who dies on her wedding night by accidentally locking herself in a chest. The cloth was laid in the workhouse halls Greatcoats hung on the whitewashed walls The paupers all were blythe and gay Keeping their Christmas holiday Chorus: And we all of us say it And we say it with sneers Jamie's been murdered by the overseer You can find the grim conclusion in the DT above. |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: clueless don Date: 07 Sep 21 - 06:57 AM Bill Steele (RIP) wrote one that he called "A Song for Just After Christmas". |
Subject: RE: Know any hard-hitting christmas songs? From: Bill D Date: 08 Sep 21 - 02:45 PM mentioned earlier Anti-Carol I have the LP... haven't played it in years. Maybe I'll rip it. |
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