Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's

Subject: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's Funeral Train
From: GUEST,BluegrassBob
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 02:15 AM

Have been searching for the lyrics and melody to what I think is a American folksong titled "Lincoln's Train" or "Lincoln's Funeral Train". I heard a folk musician named Charlie Blue sing and play this tune many moons ago in the New Orleans French Quarter. Anyone have any clues or suggestions?

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: Bennet Zurofsky
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 03:53 PM

You are probably thinking of one of two pieces that more properly belong in the classical music categary than the folk category, although both show significant folk influence in the composition and have often been performed by people who are sometimes thought of as folk-singers.

The first is "Freedom Train" by Earl Robinson. The only recording that seems to now be in print is by Paul Robeson, but who could ask for a better performer? Earl Robinson composed quite a few well-known songs that people think of as folksongs, including "Joe Hill," and "Black and White" (The ink is black/The page is white/Together we learn to read and write/To read and write . . .) Many of his compositions became well-known when sung by Paul Robeson, particularly the "Ballad for Americans," which is more like a folk-cantata than a folk-song, but which is sometimes sung by gatherings of "folksingers."

The second is "Lincoln Portrait" by Aaron Copland, composed for a symphony orchestra with a narrator. There are several recordings in print. Copland was an associate of Charles Seeger, Ruth Crawford, Carl Sandburg and the Lomaxes. The influence of folk music, and particularly field recordings by the Lomaxes and others for the Library of Congress, upon his compostions is well-known. His works have been so successful that it seems likely that more of us first learned such traditional tunes as "Simple Gifts" and "Bonaparte's Retreat" from hearing his compositions rather than from traditional sources.

The "folk music" wheel keeps turning. Here I think you want the part of the classical music world that shows its influence.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 04:00 PM

Lincoln's Funeral train (The sad journey to Springfield ) by Norman Blake. Recorded on Norman Blake & Tony Rice 2 ( Rounder CD0266)? Is that the one you want?

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 04:36 PM

Or could this be it? Sindacato's home page, Mr. Lincoln's Train. Scroll down to hear a Real Audio of what appears to be the whole song.

And then there's this, from here:

Lincoln's Train
Music: Roy Montroy and REZ
Lyrics: Dave Canfield

Passin' through these ruins
Mr Lincoln's train goin' by
Spilling smoke into these bloody fields
All the people stood and cried Our tears are the same color
We can all hold hands and mourn
But me, I'm still asking myself
Why I'm not any freer than I was before Mr Lincoln are you free now?
Was it worth what it finally cost?
If I had somethin to believe in
I could bear this endless cross I got no home, they sold my family
I got no job, ain't got no vote
Them books they're all mysteries to me
Can't read or write, I got no hope The train it just keeps rollin'
Cold as steel and dark as night
It don't give me no answers, no
No, it don't pay me no mind
And the scenery just keeps changin'
But these folks, they just stay the same
Same old fearful eyes a starin'
Askin' me to take the blame
For their shame, for their shame

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: GUEST,Bluegrass Bob
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 02:02 AM

Awesome! These are more leads to this tune in 3 days than I have been able to generate in 30 years! Bennet, I think your info is pointing me in the right direction. Thanks! I've heard the Doc and Tony tune (bought the album because of it) Great tune, but not it. Lin, great poetry but I don't remember that meter from when I heard it a number of times in that old open mike bar on Rampart Street. Charlie might have done some arranging of the original (he was known for that)and rearranging a classical piece makes sense. Time to explore the links. Will try to post if I find it. Thanks much for the leads and info!

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: GUEST,Bluegrass Bob
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 02:38 AM

Any suggestions on where I might find a clip online? I'll know this work when I here it. Thanks for the great info!

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: Bennet Zurofsky
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 01:53 PM

You might try Amazon or one of the other large on-line cd outlets. They often have samples available.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 02:26 PM

Bluegrass Bob, the first link (to Sindacata's home page) I posted above is a different song from the lyrics I posted. I take it neither of those is the one you're looking for? (The Sindacato tune is a good one, though.)

There's also "We'll Sing to Abe Our Song" at the Library of Congress site--lots of good stuff there.

Lin

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Lincoln's Train or Lincoln's
From: GUEST,Bluegrass Bob
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 02:50 AM

Hey Lin, Yeah, I checked out the the Sindacata link and the tune. Good tune but not it. (Checked out the other hot links too. Nice!)

Will check out the "We'll Sing to Abe Our Song" link shortly. Will chirp up if a bell rings. Thanks for the directions.

Hey Bennet,

Will check out Amazon. My gut instinct is that Earl Robinson is the source I am looking for. Thanks again

Max Pax to ya'll.

Bluegrass Bob