Lyr Req: Wanderin'

Subject: Help! Need 'Wandering' lyrics
From: GUEST,Fred P
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 11:09 AM

Hope you can help. Back in the 70s, James Taylor recorded a song called "Wandering," which appeared on his Gorilla album. The song was based on an old traditional folk song, but the album credits also say that Taylor added some of his own lyrics to it. I'm looking for the original lyrics to the song, WITHOUT Taylor's new words. Anyone out there that can help???!!!! E-mail me at [e-mail] and thanks!!!!

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Click for version in the Digital Tradition

Subject: RE: Help! Need 'Wandering' lyrics
From: Wolfgang
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 11:16 AM

Mein Vater war ein Wandersmannn. You did say 'original lyrics', didn't you?

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Help! Need 'Wandering' lyrics
From: Sorcha
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 11:25 AM

Wolfgang, that was naughty!(grin) For what it's worth, Taylor's lyrics and tab are here. Don't know which are his "additional" verses, but it might help to identify the traditonal song.

Subject: ADD: Wandering (James Taylor Version)
From: MC Fat
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 11:25 AM

Wandering
(by James Taylor)

I've been wanderin
early and late
from New York City
to the Golden Gate
and it don't look like I'll ever stop this wanderin

Daddy was an engineer
my brother drove a hack
and my sister took in laundry
while the baby balled the jack
and it don't look like I'll ever stop this wanderin

My momma died when I was was young
and my daddy took to stealin
so he got hung
and it don't look like I'll ever stop this wanderin

Eels in the ocean and
fish in the sea
I let a red headed woman
make a fool out of me
and it don't look like I'll ever stop this wanderin

Been in the army and
I worked on a farm
and all I gotta shoe is
the muscles in my arm
and it don't look like I'll ever stop this wanderin

I've been wanderin
early and late
from New York City
to the Golden Gate
and it don't look like I'll ever stop this wanderin

Think this is the one you want

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Note:
This song can probably be considered to be traditional. You'll find it in Carl Sandburg's 1927 book, American Songbag.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Help! Need 'Wandering' lyrics
From: Metchosin
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 11:28 AM

oooh thank you Wolfgang. Guest Fred may not be seeking that one, but I haven't thought of the Happy Wanderer since Grade 6. Thanks for the link to the alternate melodies too.

Subject: RE: Help! Need 'Wandering' lyrics
From: GUEST,Fred
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 06:06 PM

Thanks...but I already have the James Taylor version. I'm looking for the original lyrics that he probably had in order to develop his own. Anyone???

Subject: RE: Help! Need 'Wandering' lyrics
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Aug 01 - 06:48 PM

Hi, Fred - the James Taylor version is pretty close to what I've heard sung by many others. Click here for the version we have in the Digital Tradition, and here (click) and here (click) and here (click) for previous threads about the song.
Peter, Paul and Mary recorded the song at least once - their version of the lyrics is here (click) - I think they did it with Dave Van Ronk as a guest performer.
-Joe Offer (e-mail sent)-