MLK Day Songs

Subject: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 14 Jan 02 - 04:55 AM

I have my own list of songs that I routinely do for MLK Day programs. They include:
Oh, Freedom!
People Got To Be Free
Wade In The Water
Lean On Me
He Ain't Heavy
Black and White
Ebony and Ivory
Down By The Riverside
Bashana
De Colores (U-U version)
Woke Up This Mornin' (With My Mind Stayed On Freedom)
That's What Friends Are For
Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream
Follow The Drinking Gourd
Battle Hymn Of The Republic
Let There Be Peace On Earth
Come, Go With Me To That Land
We Shall Overcome
Blowin' In The Wind
If I Had A Hammer
Let's Get Together
Go Down, Moses
and a number of others, including some of my own compositions.

I'm wondering what you folks have in your playlists for this occasion.

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,Scorpio
Date: 14 Jan 02 - 04:23 PM

How about Somos El Barco, some of the other civil rights songs of the 1960's, e.g., Carry It On, or other gospel songs, such as Just A Closer Walk With Thee?

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Bennet Zurofsky
Date: 14 Jan 02 - 05:07 PM

I have just learned Anne Feeney's "Have You Been To Jail for Justice?" in order to be able to sing it on MLK Day this year.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: SDShad
Date: 14 Jan 02 - 05:31 PM

Our church (UCC) choir is performing "Don't Be Weary Traveler" for MLK-related services this Sunday.

C.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 14 Jan 02 - 09:38 PM

SD Shad and Bennett,
I'm not familiar with either of the songs you mentioned. Are the lyrics (and MIDIs) available somewhere on the web?

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 14 Jan 02 - 11:54 PM

Where I am from, we refer to it as "James Earl Ray Day" because without Little Jimmy, there never would have been a holiday.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Haruo
Date: 15 Jan 02 - 12:26 AM

Paul and Silas, bound in jail? If you miss me in the back of the bus? Holy God, you raise up prophets? ¿Guantanamera? I been to the top of the mountain?

Liland

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Haruo
Date: 15 Jan 02 - 01:34 AM

Here are some threads with pertinent ideas or links:

Lyr Req: Abrahan, Martin & John

Lyr/Chords Req: Abraham martin and john

Martin's Song (hymn) MIDI (La Lilandejo)

Martin Luther King - in honor/memory of

Gospel Origin-Civil Rights & Labor Songs

Help: Civil rights movement

Have a good MLK Day.

Liland

For me, the Flight of the Bumblebee has this sort of ring to it, as I was first exposed to it at Freedom School while boycotting my regular school.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Haruo
Date: 15 Jan 02 - 01:44 AM

In a church setting you might also try the Troeger hymn God Made From One Blood (the tune is St. Denio):

1. God made from one blood all the families of earth,
   The circles of nurture that raised us from birth,
   Companions who join us to walk through each stage
   Of childhood and youth and adulthood and age.

2. We turn to you, God, with our thanks and our fears
   For all of the families we’ve known through the years,
   The intimate networks on whom we depend
   Of parent and partner and roommate and friend.

3. We learn through our families how closeness and trust
   Increase when our actions are loving and just.
   Yet families have also distorted their roles,
   Mistreating their members and bruising their souls.

4. Give, Lord, to each family in conflict and storm
   A sense of your wisdom and grace that transform
   Sharp anger to insight which strengthens the heart
   And makes clear the place where rebuilding can start.

5. Then widen that wisdom and grace to include
   The races and viewpoints our families exclude
   Till peace in each home bears and nurtures the bud
   Of peace shared by all you have made from one blood.

(The tune, if you're unfamiliar with it, is available in MIDI or NWC from The Cyber Hymnal.)

Liland

PS Personally I think this makes a better Mother's Day hymn. But I think Dr. King would have wholeheartedly endorsed its doctrine.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 15 Jan 02 - 03:17 AM

Here's the link toEyes On the Prize (Hold On)
Genie

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Bennet Zurofsky
Date: 15 Jan 02 - 06:17 PM

Anne Feeney's Mp3 with "Have You Been to Jail for Justice?" is here:

http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/248/anne_feeney.html

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Jan 02 - 08:44 PM

(I keep reading this a milk day songs.......does that say something about my opinion of MLK day????) Sorry, I know I am not PC.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 17 Jan 02 - 04:32 PM

Yeah, Sorcha, I tend to read it as "Milk Day," too. But I like the holiday, if for no other reason than the chance to do a whole program with all these good old songs about freedom, peace, brother/sisterhood, etc., as well as old spirituals. I love the music.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,Sonja
Date: 18 Jan 02 - 11:44 PM

Bob Marley had a song called "One Love" or something like that, which would be a great one for a M. L. K. Day program. Anyone know the words and if that is the title?

Sonja

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Kaleea
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 12:17 AM

Years ago, about 30 I guess, still a teenager, I was a choir director for the U S Army (I was a civilian) and we observed Martin Luther King Day each year. I had never heard of that in the churches I had attended before. I loved that service more than most of the holidays, because it held a special meaning--a spirit of brotherhood, which in those days, was a learning experience for most. It was just into the 1970's and an amazing thing that our military would help lead the country with race relations. I saw to it that we had beautiful spirituals. We usually sang: "I Shall Not Be Moved," "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," "Marching to Zion" and other songs of the movement. While the riots of the 60's were behind us, the Viet Nam war was still going on, and we did no anti war songs in the Army Chapels. I had once sung "Abraham, Martin, & John," at the request of one Chaplain, but it did not truly fit the occasion, as it was a considered a "white" song. Thereafter I limited the songs to ones which I remembered as having been sung in the movement. I am referring to the Civil Rights Movement. As a teenager in the midwest, I had no occasion to attend marches or sit ins as the only ones were a handful at college campuses, and then very rare. I was also a bit younger than the hippie & civil rights marchers. Years later, I always put some of those same beloved spirituals into the service, even when neither the parishioners nor the pastors knew about Martin Luther King Day. I have, in my own quiet way, attempted to teach by example, even when some members of congretations & my choirs were ones who would not listen. Peace!

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,vrdpkr
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 10:51 AM

We mostly do old time cowboy music and poetry. When MLK comes along I like to start talking about how some 25% of the working cowboys of the 1860's - 1890's were black. The Old Paint Waltz and Zebra Dun were probably written by black cowhands. (See Jim Bob Tinsley's He was Singing This Song) Martin Luther King was one of the greatest Americans this country has ever been blessed with.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 12:21 PM

Thanks for the cowboy perspective and info,vrdpkr. Is "He Was Singing This Song" a book, a song, a poem, and anthology...?

Genie

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: WyoWoman
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 07:47 PM

"I Don't Feel No Ways Tired," although I know it's more associated with Ralph Abernathy. (I think I got that right. .. )

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,vrdpkr
Date: 19 Jan 02 - 10:25 PM

Genie, There are two books by Jim Bob Tinsley. One is "He Was Singing This Song", the other is "For A Cowboy Has to Sing". One is a collection of old-time tunes like " Little Joe", "Colorado Trail" and such. The other is from the radio and silver screen cowboy like "South of the Border", "Riding Down the Canyon", "Happy Trails" and such. They are both tremendous books, beautifully illustrated, with detailed histories of the tunes. If you like cowboy songs they are well worth tracking down.

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: voyager
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 09:50 AM

Nina Simone - 'Nuff Said' recording
http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/AlbumUnid/48F26A590B029688482569A10029AD98

Why(The King of Love is Dead)

followed by

I Wish I Knew How it Felt to be Free

http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/SongUnid/342333F0E91FB271482569A100291860

Listen Up....I do every year

voyager
FSGW Ghetto

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,Sonja
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 09:59 PM

Rise Up Singing has a lot of good ones in the "Unity" chapter, especially
Turning Of The World
Sing Along
One Man's Hands
and
Reach Out And Touch Somebody's Hand.

Also, The "Freedom" chapter includes
"Lift Up Your Voice"
Man Come Into Egypt
Harriet Tubman
Birmingham Sunday
and
I'm On My Way

Sonja

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: SDShad
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 10:12 PM

Genie--

Couldn't find the tune anywhere, but the words to Don't Be Weary, Traveller can be found here.

Chris

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From:
Date: 20 Jan 02 - 10:33 PM

Thanks, SonjaGUEST ~ read the entire thread waiting for Richard Farina's Birmingham Sunday ~ and if you are doing it in a context ready to hear it, you could follow it with Bob Dylan's Oxford town
& thanks to all posters on this thread, it's been a good one.

dennis

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,Sonja
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 02:46 AM

Yeah, Dr. Word, Birmingham Sunday is a great song, especially for M. L. K. Day. I agree, this has been a good thread. I hope folks are going to be celebrating the day in song, not just thinking of it as a day off work.

Sonja

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,Scorpio
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 03:09 PM

One other song that comes to mind as quite appropriate is from Broadway (and later film), not Gospel or folk. It's the song "You've Got To Be Taught," from "South Pacific."

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Paul G.
Date: 21 Jan 02 - 09:59 PM

Last night at the South Florida Folk Festival I listned to Greg Greenway perform his arangement of the U2 song Pride (In the Name of Love)...Listen to this song if you have not already. Greg's verson was inspired by a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. I was awe struck. "...he made a way where there was no way..."

Paul

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,Seth from China(Now USA)
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 12:27 AM

When I had my radio show in the 1980's, I always started off with Stevie Wonder "Happy Birthday to You" I've heard people say that they don't like this song, but nobody ever called me while I was playing it to say that. I followed with the Ray Charles version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing".

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: tremodt
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 06:50 PM

what is the difference between St Patricks day and MLK day

on St Patricks day every one wants to be Irish

just a joke

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: Haruo
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 10:00 PM

Then there's always Tom Lehrer's National Brotherhood Week. It's probably in the DT.

Speaking of everybody wanting to be blobbedy-blah on a particular feast day.

Liland

Subject: RE: BS: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,BigDaddy
Date: 22 Jan 02 - 11:47 PM

Sorcha, and others who do not approve of this holiday...I'm curious as to your reason(s). Do you disapprove of the man, his mission, or the fact that he was so honored?

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 23 Jan 02 - 07:55 PM

Well Big Daddy ... here's one to make Sorcha happy
(actually, just ignore her, she has a compulsion and the time to post to every thread....even if she has nothing to add, part of the kitty-litter that goes with this place.)

William, Martin and John
TUNE: Abraham, Martin and John

Has anybody here seen my old friend William?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He fucked a lot of Women,
But it seems the good retire young,
But I just looked around and he's gone.

Has anybody here seen my old friend Martin?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He also had a mistress,
But it seems the good they die young,
But I just looked around and he's gone.

Has anybody here seen my old friend John?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He did it with Marilyn,
But it seems the good they die young,
But I just looked around and he's gone.

Didn't you love the things they stood for?
Didn't they seek tail like you and me?
We'll get ours before long, you'll see.
Someday soon, it's gonna be,
One day.

Has anybody here seen the moral to this tail?
Can you tell me what it is?
Republicans are of morals made,
But Democrats get laid and laid,
And laid!

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 28 Jan 02 - 09:00 PM

Ah, yes, Garg,

That's a keeper! (But I don't think I'll add it to my MLK Day program.)

Here is a link to one of the really great Gospel/freedom songs.

Genie

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: Genie
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 01:55 PM

Anyone got any new songs to add to the tribute to Dr. King?

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: Graymalkan
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 04:50 PM

How about the theme from Hang Em High, Bang Bang, I Shot the Sheriff ?

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: Ron Olesko
Date: 20 Jan 03 - 05:11 PM

Pete Seeger just recorded a new song that he wrote called "Take it From Dr.King".   A nice song with a singable chorus.

You can find out more about the song at Sing Out!

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:03 PM

refreshing

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 11:13 PM

Affectionately known as James Earl Ray DAY

>

A couple hundred more rhymes line up... ... with Day than King....Ah, think brother KingFish, in dea interests of de songritter's Un-e-on.....dat de name of the holiday be changed....so more commeratative hoopa-la be hooped....an more rhymes be scooped.

Sincerely,
Rasmos

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: harpgirl
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 11:41 PM

garg...oh I mean Rasmos, you already said that!

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: *#1 PEASANT*
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:46 PM

I shall be playing all the wondrous coon songs on my edison cylinder machine!

Lots of fun!

Conrad

Subject: RE: MLK Day Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 07:33 PM

I'm sittin here listing to the CDs of the great Bob Marley.
Someone upthread had asked about this lyrics to One Love.

ONE LOVE, Robert Nesta Marley
One Love
One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One Love)
Hear the children crying (One Heart)
Sayin' give thanks and praise to the Lord
and I will feel all right
Sayin' let's get together and feel all right
Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love)
There is one question I'd really like to ask (One Heart)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own?
Believe me One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One Love)
So shall it be in the end (One Heart)
Give thanks and praise to the Lord
and I will feel all right
One more thing Let's get together
to fight this Holy Armageddon (One Love)
So when the Man comes
there will be no no doom (One Song)
Have pity on those whose chances grow thinner
There ain't no hiding place from the Father of Creation
Sayin' One Love, One Heart
Let's get together and feel all right
I'm pleading to mankind
(One Love)Oh Lord (One Heart)
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and
I will feel all right
Let's get together and feel all right

http://www.thesonglyrics.com/m_song_lyrics/bobmarley_lyric10.html

Also, here's another beautiful Bob Marley composition that I feel is ideal for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and any day:

REDEMPTION SONG- Robert Nesta Marley
Old pirates, yes, they rob I;
Sold I to the merchant ships,
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pitts.
But my hand was made strong
By the power of the Almighty.
We [flower?]follow in this generation
Triumphantly.
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom -
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our minds.
Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them can stop the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look? Ooh!*
Some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fullfil the book.

Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever have:
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs;
Redemption songs.
---
/Guitar break/
---
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind.
Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fullfil the book.
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever had-
Redemption songs -
All I ever had
Redemption songs
These songs of freedom,
Songs of freedom.

*"ooh"rhymes with "you"