Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????

Subject: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Art Thieme
Date: 28 Mar 98 - 01:03 AM

This smells like urban (net) legend, but I got a message recently saying that Gov. George Bush of Texas has revoked Leadbelly's 1924 pardon!! Bush felt the pardon was the wrong message to send to kids. Sure would appreciate some accurate info on this---if there is any.

Art

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Barry Finn
Date: 29 Mar 98 - 06:02 PM

Art there's been a little talk on ( rec.music.folk ) on this recently, sorry I don't know the fancy way to send you there. Barry

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From:
Date: 14 Apr 98 - 08:27 PM

From the "Leadbelly Unpardoned" thread in alt.folklore.urban:

(begin excerpt) Subject: Proto-UL: Leadbelly Unpardoned From: [e-mail] (Lars Eighner) Date: 1998/04/05 Message-ID: Newsgroups: alt.folklore.urban

In our last episode <[e-mail]>, the lovely and talented [e-mail] (James Nicoll) broadcast on alt.folklore.urban:

| As an April Fools Joke, a folkmusic paper/magazine |announced that Gov. Bush of Texas decided to unpardon |Leadbelly on the grounds that the Texas governor who |pardoned him over stepped his legal authority. Over on |r.a.m.f.,the announcement seemed to be taken at face |value so I predict in a few years, Leadbelly Unpardoned |will have joined Stan Rogers Dies Saving Passengers in |Cincinnati in folk music folklore.

The original piece ran in the March 27 issue of the The Texas Observer. The Texas Observer describes itself as "A Journal of Free Voices" and "The Tyrant's Foe; The People's Friend." It is not accurately described as a "folkmusic paper/magazine" but the story was picked up as fact by some publications which might fit that description.

That issue was the nearest to April 1, but the piece was supposed to be just another in a series of satires, not specifically an April Fools piece. The piece is datelined March 10. The satire was meant as commentary on Governor Bush's pious refusal to grant a reprieve to Karla Faye Tucker. It was only a matter of coincidence that The Texas Observer's first chance to comment on the execution came in the issue nearest April 1. (In the present, Texas Governors do not have the power to pardon and Bush could not have pardoned Karla Faye Tucker, but could have delayed her execution by 30 days.)

(end excerpt)

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Earl
Date: 15 Apr 98 - 10:45 AM

I may be wrong, but I don't think anyone has the constitutional power to revoke a pardon.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Gene
Date: 15 Apr 98 - 11:10 AM

Other discussions at:

DEJANEWS.COM

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Barry Finn
Date: 15 Apr 98 - 05:06 PM

The part about Stan Rogers saving passengers & dying because of it is Urban, oh no, I heard this ages ago & I also remember a sailor at the same time as Stan's death, singing the "Mary Ellen Carter" while awaiting rescue & claiming it gave him enough hope to hang on. Say it ain't so, I'm I still in Kansas? Barry

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Roger Himler
Date: 15 Apr 98 - 06:39 PM

You mean Stan Rogers wasn't trying to save a fellow passenger? Another belief, shattered. I took it for Gospel truth.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST,Cranky cynic
Date: 26 May 00 - 11:25 PM

As far as I'm concerned, Bush is just that, a bush. He will never be something as strong as a tree, even if he does become presidential elect. His name is a given name. Money can't buy you a true name, even though it may buy a seat as the president.

Lead Belly and Bush shouldn't even cross paths at this day and age. Lead Belly happened back then. Murder, slavery, deceit happened at that time. Things are different today. You can't take that back. Period.

Too much to say in a posted note/letter.

Write me if you want to talk more.

Sherrie [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 26 May 00 - 11:31 PM

But I'll bet "Dubya" WOULD revoke his pardon, if he knew that all us lefty folkies would get pissed. Wouldn't it be interesting if he revoked Nixon's pardon?

Just curious, do you think Bush knows who Leadbelly was?

Rick

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 May 00 - 12:03 AM

I dunno if he knows, Rick, but when the last Bush ran, my old dog campaigned with a sign which said, "Even a dog knows what a bush is for!" I've got the pix to prove it.

kat

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Davewilkes
Date: 27 May 00 - 01:09 AM

Kat,

I hope you can send me the pictures of your dog campaigning in digital format. I can put them to good use in the election.

David, [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 May 00 - 01:20 AM

Man, David, I TRIED to get them to use them when Clinton ran, to no avail. If you send me more info on how they would be used and all, I could scan them in and send them by email. Let me know by personal message, okay?

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Mrrzy
Date: 27 May 00 - 02:02 PM

I know it's thread creep but I hardly ever get to pull this one out - when Dad was a starving young bartender, Leadbelly was one of his customers!

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 May 00 - 10:11 PM

Mrrzy,

Where was that and what was the situation?

Art

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GreatGoo
Date: 27 May 00 - 10:34 PM

(Georgie)
Sing to "Alfie"

Whats it all about, Georgie
Is it just for this election bid
Whats it all about
When you started out, Georgie
Did you think your face
Would win this bash
Or were you simply charmed
By all that cash
Come on let it out, Georgie
With out true depth
You can't succeed, Georgie
We need to know you'll truly lead us Georgie
Georgie
Georgie
Georgie

Sing to "Georgie Girl"
Hey there, Georgie Bush
Running for the Whitehouse, Georgie Bush
Could you please explain
About this new compationate thing
You're pushin
Hey there, Georgie Bush
Wonder what you're thinkin, Georgie Bush
You never seem to know or care
If anyone ever knows

You're always issue hoppin and never stopping to share
Perhaps you ought to ruffle your hair
A little bit

Hey there georgie Bush
There's another Georgie deep inside
Bring out all those things you hide
And oh what a change there'd be
The world would see
The real Georgie Bush
Come on Georgie Bush
Wake up Georgie Bush

Hey there Georgie Bush
Hey there Georgie Bush
Hey there Georgie Bush

GreatGoo

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: keltcgrasshoppper
Date: 27 May 00 - 11:55 PM

Kat I just love that bit about your dog's sign... Perfect..I may have to make one up for Tazzie to wear... KGH

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 May 00 - 12:22 AM

Mrzzy, like Art, I'd love to hear more of that story, please?

Thanks, KGH, it was in Mystic, CT that he walked the street to just across from where we voted. My daughter had him in tow. He was 1/2 dobie and 1/2 german shepherd and had a mouth (not barking, actually vocalising)on him that wouldn't stop. One of our favourite nicknames for him was "ole curmudgeon". The other was "pasta dog". There is a little ditty I wrote about the latter in Aine's Mudcat Songbook, to the tune of On Top of Spaghetti.

It was pretty funny when some of Perot's campaigners tried to engage my daughter in some discussion, he drowned them out with his loud and boisterous cussing.

He also knew how to say "I love you" but not for any politicians. He saved that for his *mom* and *girls* and the rest of the neighbourhood kids, whom he loved. Just had to put him down a little over a year ago; not a senile bit in his head, his body just went out from under him. It was pretty hard as he just didn't want to give up.

kat

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: zander (inactive)
Date: 28 May 00 - 04:33 AM

This has been my favourite thread this year, it is pure joy to read all these comments about one of my favourite American singers and a small vegetable growth. Peace and love, Dave

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: gillymor
Date: 28 May 00 - 08:19 AM

This thread is giving me a nightmarish vision of Shrub Bush as folksinger singing Leadbelly,who according to legend sang his way out of prison, back into prison. I could see him in a 10 gallon Stetson striding up to the front of a thousand dollar a plate Republican fund raiser, putting his foot up on a chair and placing a $13 Stella across his thigh and singing:

If I had Leadbelly,
I'd throw him in jail,
Revoke his pardon,
And deny his bail.

Kat, I love your dog's sign. I use to have a retriever who couldn't talk and wasn't politically active but he could do a good imitation of an ambulance siren, the old long-wailing kind, in a low, quiet voice.

Frankie

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Mrrzy
Date: 28 May 00 - 11:55 AM

I'll have to ask Uncle Greg if he knows anything; I know Dad went to Deep Springs college (if you've never heard of it, look it up, really worth checking out, wish I knew how to do a blicky) and it was likely in or around his college years, but it might have been right after the war and before he went to France. Anyone know where Leadbelly was in the 40's?
When I heard about it, we were sitting around in Abidjan (I must have been 7 or so) listening to old folk songs collected at a festival somewhere in the 50's, and when Leadbelly came on singing The Grey Goose (nobody can Lawd Lawd Lawd like Leadbelly!), Dad mentioned him being his customer. He might have told more of the story then but I don't remember it. Only one of many on which I wish I'd gotten the lowdown before the terrorists got him...

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 28 May 00 - 12:13 PM

Thanks Mrrzy

Leadbelly spent most of the 40s in New York, but he travelled a lot. He was in Los Angeles for a year, played in France, spent lots of time in Texas, and from all accounts frequented a lot of bars.

A search that has so far turned up nothing, is trying to find someone who knew/saw Robert Johnson, when he visited Windsor Ontario.

Rick

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 May 00 - 12:50 PM

Here's a "blicky" for Deep Springs College. Pretty impressive by reading the introduction, Mrzzy. I wonder if there is an equivalent for women? Also, it sounds as though you have a some tales of your own which would be pretty interesting.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: kendall
Date: 28 May 00 - 12:51 PM

Does he know who Leadbelly was you say? I wonder if he knows who NIXON was. H e has little knowledge of world leaders.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: JamesJim
Date: 28 May 00 - 01:23 PM

Come on folks. Do you think Al Gore knows who Leadbelly is/was? Wasn't he the first guy to use a "Willie Horton ad" against his opponent? Let's face it. There are no "folkies" running for President.

It will matter very little who wins this election - at least to me. Life will go on. Remember the Pete Seeger folk song, "How do I know my youth is all spent?" I love the line (names interchangeable) that says, "first Bush, now Clinton, I surely am vexed; but I'll still stick around to see what happens next." Here's the scenario: Bush wins and we change the words to "first Clinton, now Bush; then Hillary wins and we change them back. Peace to all! Jim

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: kendall
Date: 28 May 00 - 05:08 PM

It makes a big god damn difference to me..if Bush wins, our president will be in the pocket of the NRA. And that aint paranoia talkin' either.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: gillymor
Date: 29 May 00 - 05:15 AM

...yup, and can you imagine an even more conservative Supreme Court.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: kendall
Date: 29 May 00 - 09:18 AM

many people just dont realize that when they vote for a president, they are influencing the makeup of the supreme court for years to come. More judges like Clarence Thomas? not with MY help mister.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 May 00 - 09:54 AM

So do any of you watch Michael Moore's TV show on BRAVO? He's the guy who wrote (and filmed) "Roger and Me" about the difference between corporate GM and its workers. He's Spaw's kind of activist....demented sense of humor with an emphasis on irony. Anyway, read all about his May 24 show and the "Bush vs. Bush Execution Competition."

Revoke Huddie's pardon? Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if Georgie boy ordered a posthumous execution!!!

Click Here to Read All About the "Great Race" You might also enjoy Michael's "African-American Wallet Exchange Program" where he passes out day-glo orange wallets in Harlem so the police will not make the mistake they did with Diallo. Like I said, he's a funny guy and often over the top. Good man.

Spaw

Spaw

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 May 00 - 10:18 AM

Spaw! My twin! I KNEW IT! Yes, we watch Michael Mooore every opportunity, tho we don't have Bravo! Started following him years ago, brilliant and absolutely fearless.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST,Mrr-in-DC
Date: 29 May 00 - 11:42 AM

OK, I have more info, and thanks for the Deep Springs blicky. According to Mom and Uncle Greg, Dad tended bar at a place called The Beehive in the late 40's, working his way through U of Chicago. Many famous jazzmen played the Beehive, but I guess Leadbelly was the only one that Dad thought worth bragging about. This would have been 46-48 or so, before meeting my Mom. Anyone with more info on The Beehive? I'm going to go look it up.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: JamesJim
Date: 29 May 00 - 11:32 PM

If George wins, will the country survive? Man, I just don't know. A more conservative supreme court? Oh, be still my heart. Come on gang. Our constitution and our country have survived (and prospered) for over 200 years and we'll continue to do so no matter who is elected. All you "lefties," come on into the center a little and all that goes for all the "righties" as well. Look at it this way. If George wins, you'll have plenty of ammo (oops) for new folk music. Jim

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Nathan in Texas
Date: 30 May 00 - 08:58 AM

Right on, JamesJim! I've always been puzzled as to why liberal folkies assume that they have sole proprietorship of folk music.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 00 - 09:33 AM

Politics is a matter of methodology. Once the method is established, it doesn't matter who is in office, the system will go on with only minor changes in any direction.

I wish that were an original thought, but it belongs to a great political philosophist named Jacques Ellul. Had we elected George Wallace in '68 things may have been different than they were, but the difference would have been marginal. Could Goldwater have significantly changed things? Did FDR ruin the country? Were we destroyed by Warren G. Harding? Did Wilson keep us out of WWI as was his desire? By the time any person reaches a position of authority in office, THIS sytem precludes them from making drastic and sweeping changes. Other systems/methodologies have different results, but when the method is established, the process will flow in that direction. Only revolution will make a sweeping change and that change would involve a change in methodology.

When I hear how much better/worse things will be with candidate A or B for whatever office and then look at the results over time, I tend to believe that Ellul was right. What might have been is often just wishful thinking from both sides.

Yeah, I know...You don't agree. That's OK. Its been a long time since the revolution and by all indications it will be quite awhile before another occurs.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: kendall
Date: 30 May 00 - 12:33 PM

if we end up with a republican president, AND a republican congress, abortions may once more move to Mexico along with the rest of our manufacturing base. No difference? tell it to the women, and, the American laborer.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 00 - 01:33 PM

Yeah Kendall...seems gigantic, but in the grand scheme of things..........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: gillymor
Date: 30 May 00 - 06:01 PM

Spaw, if they overturn Roe vs Wade will you explain to a poor young woman who is facing the prospect of deciding between having a baby she can't afford to raise and doesn't want and a trip to a back alley abortionist about the grand scheme of things? As the saying goes "All politics are personal".

Frankie

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 00 - 06:25 PM

Look guys...I'm not being flip about any of this...and I feel for the girl as I have some personal interest myself in that subject. Nor is this about not caring or not voting. But I hear constantly that "the candidates are all alike and its tweedledum and tweedledee." Then I hear that "Freedom" is at stake. I'm simply pointing out why dum and dee end up being much the same and that the freedoms are personal and only exist as far as we are individually willing and able to pursue them as are "rights."

Forget I brought it up. I'm not going into it here.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 May 00 - 08:04 PM

It would help a lot if the majority of the population gave enough of a damn to actually vote, huh, Spaw? Then maybe we'd get more than the dum and dee.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: JamesJim
Date: 30 May 00 - 10:53 PM

Kendall, I would remind you that Bill Clinton and Al Gore supported NAFTA and lobbied strongly for it. With regard to abortions, there are no extremists running in this election (despite what one side may say about the other). Roe vs. Wade is safe.

Our economy is rapidly changing to a global one and I for one believe that will be good for this Country and it's citizens. Yes, there has to be fair trade, but we can't stick our head in the sand and pretend nothing is happening. It's a new age - just look at Mudcat to see how we are becoming more global. Citizens from all over the world are members. The only danger is for those who try to stand and fight - who want to keep things the same - who want to be isolationists - who think change is bad. Life goes on! Sincere and kindest regards. Jim

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 May 00 - 11:38 AM

Sorry, JamesJIm, but I do not agree with you that Roe vs Wade is safe. I've been working with a human rights groups for many years and been involved in the women's movement for even longer, and it is always a struggle to maintain a woman's right to govern her own body. There are many conservatives who will do their best to change the makeup of the Supreme Court and elect like-thinkers to Congress in an effort to remove that right.

respectfully & not wanting to start a huge debate,

kat

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: kendall
Date: 31 May 00 - 03:24 PM

I am in favor of a global economy. We are all in one boat. But, tell that to a guy who used to work for Briggs & Stratton. They went south to take advantage of that cheap labor, but the price of a lawn mower stayed the same didn't it? And what about this guy and his $100,000 mortgage? Can he pay that off flipping burgers? Let's face it. Greed rules, and corporate America has it's front feet firmly in the trough.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: catspaw49
Date: 31 May 00 - 04:16 PM

..........ppssssttttttt......hey kendall..........shhhuusshh..........quiet now.....Thats part the established methodology........

Spaw

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Max
Date: 31 May 00 - 04:39 PM

Hey thanks kendal, this lets us bring this thread back around:

WE'RE IN THE SAME BOAT, BROTHER (Ledbetter)

Chorus

We're in the same boat, brother. (2x)
And if you shake one end, you're going to rock the other,
It's the same boat, brother.
Oh Lordy look down, from His holy place
Say "Lordy me, but I see a face,
I am about to launch the human race,"
So they give him a boat with a mixed-up crew,
With eyes of black and brown and blue,
So that's how come that you and I
Got just one world with just one sky.

(Chorus)

So the boat rode on, through the stormy breeze,
On many a rock and many a reef,
What kept them goin' was a great belief,
So they had to learn to navigate.
That human race--a special place,
If they didn't wanna be in Jonas' shoes,
They'd better be mates on this here cruise.

(Chorus)

But a ball of blue, somewhere in space
Oh the keel was smashed and for your brain
And the steam pulled out from all the main
Oh it took some time for the crew to learn
When it's bad for the boat, it ain't good for the stern,
But it had to take fire in China Bay
For the starboard deck goin' blaze away.

(Chorus)

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: kendall
Date: 31 May 00 - 04:51 PM

hey thanks Max good job! saner heads will prevail...

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: gillymor
Date: 31 May 00 - 05:53 PM

James, I think balance on the court is a very important issue in this next election. Two of our most conservative justices, Rehnquist and Thomas, were appointed by moderate republican presidents. Their party, as I'm sure you know, has a very vocal and powerful conservative faction that must be served. The fact that the Miranda ruling is also currently under siege gives this issue even more weight, IMHO.

...and Leadbelly's response to Shrub, perhaps:

Home of the brave, Land of the Free,
I don't wanna be mistreated by no bourgeoisie.

Regards, Frankie

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 07:51 AM

I thought Leadbelly served time in Angola (Louisiana). So how did it come about originally that a Texas governor pardons a Louisiana inmate??? I can see where that would be overstepping the bounds of authority.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 08:10 AM

Never mind. Further investigation revealed he was convicted of murder in Texas and served time at Huntsville Prison Farm. It was there that he received the pardon.

As Johnny Carson used to say, "I didn't know that!"

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: gillymor
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 04:38 PM

Right GUEST, and he did do a stretch at Angola after Texas. For more go to www.blueflamecafe.com/Leadbelly.html. Now I'm goin fishing for a while, thanks for the discussion all.

Frankie

Subject: ADDSB: THE BALLAD OF KARLA FAYE TUCKER
From: Ivan
Date: 22 Jun 00 - 02:57 PM

I posted this to the Mudcat Songbook last week but it seems to have disappeared (or maybe I'm just not very good at finding things!) Anyway, I think it may be of particular interest to George W. Bush's fans so here it is again.

THE BALLAD OF KARLA FAYE TUCKER
(Ivan McKeon)

Karla Faye was a bad girl, \ an addict by the age of ten
She sold her body on the streets of Houston \ to pay for heroin
To pay for heroin.

By twenty-one she was a call-girl \ and a drug-dealer by trade
With her boyfriend Daniel Garrett \ lived a life of sin and shame
A life of sin and shame.

Now her brother-in-law, name of Jerry Dean, \ had been beating up his wife
Karla Faye planned to take revenge \ by stealing his motorbike
His beloved motorbike.

After a three-day orgy \ of drugs and drink and sex
Karla and Daniel and a friend named Jimmy \ put the plan into effect
They put the plan into effect.

They went round to Jerry's building \ and sneaked into the place
They thought that he was out of town \ but took weapons just in case
Took weapons just in case.

But Jerry was at home that night \ lying in his bed
Daniel took a hammer \ and he struck him on the head
He struck him on the head.

Then Karla grabbed a pickax \ as she heard him moan in pain
She swung the axe at Jerry's head \ and smashed up Jerry's brain
She smashed poor Jerry's brain.

Now Deborah Thornton had hidden away \ when she heard them coming in
She screamed out loud when she saw the deed, \ sealed her fate right there and then
Sealed her fate right there and then.

Twenty strokes of the pickax \ until the deed was done
When the police asked why she did it \ she said it was just for fun
Said it was just for fun
.
Well Jimmy turned states evidence, \ the law let him walk free
But the judge would not allow Karla Faye \ any mitigation plea
No mitigation plea.

In prison she stole a bible \ and took it to her cell
She read from it night after night \ then on her knees she fell
Down on her knees she fell.

She said "Lord there is no reason \ for you to listen to what I say
I'm the very worst of sinners", \ but He listened anyway
He listened anyway.

She became a preacher \ while still in prison bound
She helped so many others there \ to turn their lives around
To turn their lives around.

The police and prison authorities \ agreed onto a man:
"She helps so many to mend there ways \ like no-one else here can
Like no-one else here can".

Even the brother of the girl she killed \ spoke for her by and by
Said "I forgive this woman \ and I pray she will not die
I pray she will not die".

And hell-fire preacher Pat Robertson, \ and he's no liberal man
He said "This is a special case \ I'll help her all I can.
I'll help her all I can".

The appeal court sat in a crowded room, \ the judges side by side
Said: "The laws of the state of Texas, \ they cannot be denied
They will not be denied".

They set the execution date, \ said: "This is what must be
And the only thing that will save you now \ is a governor's decree
The state governor's decree".

Governor Bush he stood his ground, \ like Pilate he washed his hands
He said "I cannot judge this case, \ I'll leave it in God's hands
I'll leave it in God's hands".

With Karla Faye strapped in the chair \ a silence filled the hall
The very last word this woman said \ was "Friends I love all"
"Friends I love you all".

The crowd gathered round the prison gate, \ singing and drinking beer
When the word came down that Karla Faye died \ you should have heard them cheer.
Lord, you should have heard them cheer.

Now Karla Faye was a bad girl, \ with evil to her name
But George W. Bush and the state of Texas, \ they bear the greater shame.
They bear the greater shame.

The final line originally went " But the lone-star state of Texas, it bears the greater shame" but after Governor Bush won the presidential nomination I figured that he should have greater prominence.

This song is based on actual events (as they say for all those TV movies) but please remember it is a BALLAD not a history. The background information was sourced from various places including CNN and Karla Faye Tucker's own autobiography, with a fair degree of poetic licence. In particular, any remarks attributed to individuals are paraphrased from their reported comments - not verbatim quotes (libel lawyers please take note!)

The tune I wrote it to is adapted from the traditional tune for"Frankie and Albert" (the original version of the "Frankie and Johnny" song) as recorded by Rory Block, but with bars nine and ten (- he was her man -) missed out. I.M.

MIDI file: karlafay.mid Timebase: 96 Key: C TimeSig: 4/4 24 8 Tempo: 100 (599704 microsec/crotchet) Name: Karla Faye Start 0288 1 67 064 0096 0 67 000 0000 1 71 064 0048 0 71 000 0000 1 74 064 0024 0 74 000 0000 1 74 064 0072 0 74 000 0000 1 76 064 0036 0 76 000 0000 1 74 064 0048 0 74 000 0000 1 74 064 0096 0 74 000 0000 1 71 064 0096 0 71 000 0048 1 71 064 0024 0 71 000 0000 1 71 064 0048 0 71 000 0000 1 69 064 0024 0 69 000 0000 1 67 064 0024 0 67 000 0000 1 64 064 0048 0 64 000 0000 1 67 064 0048 0 67 000 0000 1 69 064 0096 0 69 000 0000 1 71 064 0096 0 71 000 0072 1 74 064 0012 0 74 000 0000 1 76 064 0048 0 76 000 0000 1 79 064 0048 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0024 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0024 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0024 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0024 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0072 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0048 0 79 000 0000 1 81 064 0048 0 81 000 0000 1 79 064 0012 0 79 000 0012 1 79 064 0048 0 79 000 0000 1 81 064 0048 0 81 000 0000 1 79 064 0048 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0048 0 79 000 0000 1 79 064 0048 0 79 000 0000 1 74 064 0096 0 74 000 0096 1 74 064 0048 0 74 000 0000 1 76 064 0048 0 76 000 0000 1 74 064 0048 0 74 000 0000 1 76 064 0048 0 76 000 0000 1 74 064 0048 0 74 000 0000 1 67 064 0048 0 67 000 End This program is worth the effort of learning it. To download the March 10 MIDItext 98 software and get instructions on how to use it click here ABC format: X:1 T:Karla Faye3 M:4/4 Q:1/4=100 K:C G8|Bd/2d3/2e3/4dd2B5/4|-B7/4B/2BA/2G/2EGA7/4| -A/4B7/2d/4egg/2g/2g/2g/2|g3/2gag/2gagg|gd4ded| edG5||

Copyright 1999, 2000 Ivan McKeon

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Jun 00 - 04:22 PM

Well done, Ivan, very poignant. Thank you!

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Mrrzy
Date: 22 Jun 00 - 08:35 PM

What do you guys [in the gender-neutral modern sense] think about tonight's are-they-gonna-kill-me-or-not?

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jun 00 - 08:49 PM

I think that if we can't abolish the death penalty, then we need to amend the jury system so that in these capital, death penalty cases, you must establish guilt beyond ALL DOUBT. Reasonable doubt has already killed a lot of people.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Áine
Date: 22 Jun 00 - 09:06 PM

Here's a Texan's thoughts on the matter - The Next To Die In Texas...

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Fiddlin' Big Al
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 04:08 AM

"Huntsville ... it's a bourgeois town!"

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: L R Mole
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 09:58 AM

Said the scrupulously non-opinionated Georgie Shrub to Huddie's ghost: "I? Lean? Goodnight!"

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST,trucker dave
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 10:21 AM

Somehow i knew all you guys voted for Clinton. Personally i would love to have a president in the "pocket of the NRA". And isn't it really strange how all these death penalty stories seemed to come out of nowhere when Bush started running for president. It doesn't take much to see through that, now does it?

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST,Governor George W. Bush
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 10:57 AM

More than two years ago, a satirical paper down here in Texas printed a little April Fool's joke about me revoking the pardon of this Leadbelly fellow, a blues-singin' two-time murderer.

It was a joke and it was years ago. Why are you Mudcats so hung up on this? It's not like I could have executed a guy who's already been dead for 50 years. Hell, I never even heard of this Leadbelly fellow until the joke came out.

W.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 11:07 AM

We teach our children to take responsibility for their actions, and that actions have consequences.

And we punish them for doing bad things, even when they show remorse and promise never to do it again, to uphold the things we teach them.

But we're quick to excuse the most heinous behavior because the perpetrator was on drugs, or had a bad childhood, or repented.

So our kids get a mixed message. No wonder they get confused.

Karla Faye had to take responsibility for her actions, and her actions had consequences.

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 11:22 AM

Dear Governor Bush. Thanks so much for joining this Mudcat discussion...we really ARE making inroads into the mainstream aren't we? I'm not sure if you can count on too many votes from Mudcat, but if it's any consolation, I doubt if Pat Buchannan can either. Al Gore will probably win the day here, but not because of his sparkling personality, strong convictions, and dynamic sex-appeal. His success will be due entirely to Catspaw's refusing to accept the nomination once again.

It's been our habit to welcome new members and point them in constructive directions, so feel free to browse the D.T. You'll find lots of songs about Jesus, hangins', shootin' irons and cocaine.

Hope you'll name a Secretary of Folk.

Rick

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 23 Jun 00 - 11:31 AM

Trucker Dave, it was Clinton Hammond they voted for!
RtS

Subject: RE: Gov. George Bush (Texas) & LEADBELLY??????
From: GUEST,THE GHOST OF 'YOU WERE ALL WRONG' PRESENT
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 02:05 AM

well, i hope all you who posted come back and look at your comments. most of you were so wrong it would be laughable excepth that it is so sad.