Subject: Songs about building From: GUEST,Jim Bean Date: 29 Apr 02 - 03:40 PM My school is building an new performance space. (Lucky me!) and I'm trying to integrate some songs about building for my K, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade music students. The kids are getting a great opportunity to observe the construction through it's various phases, talking to the workers and keeping grade appropriate journals. Maybe I'm just thick, but I can't find anything beyond the gospel "Workin' on the Building," which I might parody. Any suggestions? It certainly doesn't have to be kid's songs. I give them a wide variety of stuff to sing. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: EBarnacle1 Date: 29 Apr 02 - 03:44 PM I don't know where or whether it can be found, but whenI was a kid, there was an album called (best guess)"building a city." Good luck. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Mr Red Date: 29 Apr 02 - 03:49 PM Bernard Cribbins, "Right said Fred" - house moving more. & "Hole in the Ground" - sort of house building. Josh McCrea (of Football Crazy fame) "Do it Yourself" was a sequel. "Buddy Can You Spare a Dime" or as the song was written "Brother can you ...." |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: catspaw49 Date: 29 Apr 02 - 03:51 PM Well there's always the theme from "Bob the Builder" which, if I hear one more time, I will shoot my TV. Spaw |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Ron Olesko Date: 29 Apr 02 - 04:07 PM Woody Guthrie's "I'm the Man Who Built the Bridges" |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Jacob B Date: 29 Apr 02 - 04:36 PM Hi Jim, Congratulations on the new space! Here's what I've come up with so far: The Building of Solomon's Temple I'll think about it and see if I can come up with anything else. Jacob |
Subject: Lyr Add: BUILDING UP AND TEARING ENGLAND DOWN From: GUEST,Nerd Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:14 PM There's also "The Sick Note" aka dear boss, aka why Paddy's not at work today, attributed to Pat Cooksey:
Dear sir, I write this note to you, to tell you of my plight. and, in a more belligerent mood, Building up and tearing England Down:
BUILDING UP AND TEARING ENGLAND DOWN |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST,Nerd Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:21 PM by the way, I got those lyrics off the 'net, and some of 'em are off by a bit. So in the first song, "bend me heart" should be "in me hod." "It severed me left shoulder" should be "the barrel broke my shoulder." If it had severed his left shoulder, it wouldn't really matter when it broke his left arm later! In the second song "Filth!" should be Since, at least in the versions I've heard...There may be other little variances from good sense/singability as well. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Jacob B Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:23 PM If I Had My Way could be changed to have a chorus of "If I have my way I will build this building up." |
Subject: Lyr Add: HOUSEWARMING (Fred Small) From: Charley Noble Date: 29 Apr 02 - 05:29 PM Most of the 300 or so songs in my housing songbook collection are not about building construction in a positive sense except for a few songs such as "Housewarming" by Fred Small; it may be something you could rework: HOUSEWARMING (Words and music by Fred Small © 1981 Pine Barrens Music (BMI) Recorded on Love's Gonna Carry Us, Acquifer 1001) Brick and wood, mortar and plane, Labor's love, a little faith, You can see the structure taking form; Ancient tools, a new design, Taking care, taking time, We've seen so many houses fall before. Chorus: We are building a house growing tall before our eyes, Stone on stone watch it rise; We are building a house with our hands, with our songs, May it stand as long as our lives. As we tinker with the plans, Gentle friends lend their hands Laying down a sturdy hardwood floor; For the future from the past, Room to change, built to last, Come the storms of winter we'll be warm. (CHO) Bridge: And sometimes you'll need a vacation (I'll need one too) Sunning on the sand, running in a blinding rain; After the recreation We can sleep in our own bed again. That easy chair you've always known, Photographs from long ago, Thanksgiving Day parade moving in; So many books upon the shelves, So much more to teach ourselves, Under this roof we shall begin. (CHO) Most of the songs in my collection are organizing songs or laments. Warm regards, Landlady's Daughter, not to be confused with Charley Noble
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Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Gareth Date: 29 Apr 02 - 06:48 PM Spaw - Nice to see that Bob the Builder has crossed the pond and is now anoying a different audience. Gareth |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:13 PM Jim:
We have been performing in schools for 21 years and when we can't find a grade-appropriate song on a specific topic, we usually write one. This strikes us as an opportunity to have the kids write songs. Make it a group effort. Take a tune that they know and let them have at it. You'll be stunned and amazed at the results. Bev and Jerry |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:16 PM Also, their parents will be so proud that you'll probably get a raise - or at least get to keep your job for another year. Bev and Jerry with a restet cookie |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:45 PM A bit of a stretch, but good. "Three Ha'pence a Foot," by Marriott Edgar. Here |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Mr Red Date: 29 Apr 02 - 07:54 PM This performance has a name? what's it build as....... I'll get my donkey jacket..... |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST,Bardford Date: 30 Apr 02 - 12:37 AM No strictly about building, but "Grandpa was a Carpenter" by John Prine comes to mind. Has hammering, levels, nails, planks. Also Camel cigarettes. And Eisenhower. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: aussiebloke Date: 30 Apr 02 - 04:29 AM Youngsters might like Johnny's Hammers, Construction Workers song etc, and for the grown-ups - Navigators.
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Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Hrothgar Date: 30 Apr 02 - 06:35 AM There is a parody of "Ninepence a Day" that starts off:
The rain is falling on the site, the tea's upon the brew - But how old are these kids you want the song for? |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE BUILDERS (from Oxford Book of Carols) From: Gervase Date: 30 Apr 02 - 08:51 AM There's a nice carol in the Oxford Book of Carols, THE BUILDERS Sing all good people gathered, your voices raise in song Within this church that fathered our ancient faith so strong So tried and wrought to fitness in scorn of fire and sword Sing as these stones bear witness of men who praised the Lord Each rib from pillar springing the frozen fountain plays Above the chancel singing in harmony of praise; Like tall trees ever growing the differing columns stand To bear the vault down-throwing the shadow of God's hand. At all times and unceasing work well and truly done In loveliness increasing and mellowed hearing one. The towers and piers unshaken the vaultings finely groined; Time in its span hath taken and in one glory joined. Of wealth and fame and power these masons did not know Let's build, they said, a tower; square to the winds that blow. We are not men of culture, yet we are here to build Room for a king's sepulchre and worthy of our guild. So came each beam and rafter, each wingèd flight of stone Their deathless works lived after but their names were never known. For beauty did they plead not, yet beauty they did win, And like a child you heed not, the grace of heaven crept in. Here for a workman's wages, this glass so surely stained Down the long aisle of ages in glory hath remained As brother worked with brother, the glaziers worked to paint The blue robe of the mother and the red robe of the saint. Proud heads lie here disowning all but a drooping head, All hands worked here atoning for open hands that bled. Full hearts and living voices a broken heart proclaim, Life after death rejoices and after silence fame. Someone told me it was translated from the French and refers to the building of Angers cathedral in the 14th Century, but to my ears it has a lot of Christina Rosetti about it. Whatever, Keith Kendrick and Lynne Heraud sing it beautirfully on their CD Stars In My Crown. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Jacob B Date: 30 Apr 02 - 10:47 AM Gonna Build A Mountain |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: karen k Date: 06 May 02 - 12:16 PM Here you go, Jim. Bringing this to the top of the list so you can find it. See you Sat. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE IDLE WELDER From: Barry Finn Date: 06 May 02 - 10:23 PM Hi Jim, this one might squeek by THE IDLE WELDER
I'm an idle welder as many a man knows
I'm an idle welder God knows I've tried hard
Work harder they told us to meet the deadline
Now when I was a young lad my heart swelled with pride It's a bit like the "Four Loom Weaver". Got it from Riggy around 22 yrs ago, written by scottish singer Watt Nicoll. If it works for you let me know & I'll sing it into your answering machine(I'm not capable of posting tunes, sorry). If I can think of others I'll repost here. Good Luck & see ya soon. Barry
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Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Bert Date: 07 May 02 - 02:52 AM Here's another |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST,An Pluiméir Ceolmhar Date: 07 May 02 - 07:17 AM There's also "McAlpine's fusiliers" which I think was recorded by The Dubliners. It's similar in tone to Guest Nerd's second offering. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Deckman Date: 07 May 02 - 02:15 PM My memory says that David Mallett wrote a wonderful song. I think it is titled "This Old House." Someone else will have to get the words for you. CHEERS, Bob |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST,Anita Hammer Date: 07 May 02 - 04:08 PM Anything by The Carpenters. ;- ) |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST,Philippa Date: 07 May 02 - 04:19 PM see also housing songs |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Willa Date: 07 May 02 - 04:38 PM Innishfree; I will arise and go now, and go to Innishfree, and a small cabin build there, of clay and wattle made. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Genie Date: 07 May 02 - 04:48 PM Build me a castle 40 feet high... [Forty-hour Week] This is for the one who swings the hammer driving in the nail....[Down In the Valley] Once I built a tower to the sky, brick and mortar and lime...[Brother, Can You Spare A Dime] I'd rather be a hammer than a nail...[El Condor Pasa] All I can think of is some relevant lines from various songs, e.g.: Take this hammer [huh!], take it to the captain [huh!]... We'll build a sweet little nest somewhere out in the west...[Let The Rest Of The World Go By] I'll build you a home in the meadow...[A home In The Meadow; tune: Greensleeves] For I am married to a house carpenter; I found him a nice young man...[House Carpenter] Tim Finnegan lived on Walkin Street, a gentle Irishman mighty odd. He'd a bit of a brogue so rich and sweet, and to rise in the world he carried a hod... [Finnegan's Wake] Genie Jim, If you or you and the kids want to parody a song to make it fit your own construction, you might rewrite the Stuart Hamblen gospel song "This Old House" as "Our New House" or "Our New Place" or something like that. It's about a [metaphoric] house wearing out; you could reverse it and make it about either the need for remodeling/expansion or the new construction itself. Good luck. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST Date: 08 May 02 - 03:14 AM REFRESH |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST Date: 10 May 02 - 12:07 AM |
Subject: Lyr Add: BRIDGES (Bill Staines) From: BlueSage Date: 10 May 02 - 12:45 AM If you were interested in a building song that encourages the listener to better themselves, try 'Bridges' by Bill Staines. It contrasts good and bad by comparing them to bridges and canyons.
BRIDGES
There are bridges, bridges in the sky. They are shining in the sun.
There are canyons. There are canyons. They are yawning in the night.
Let us build a bridge of music. Let us cross it with a song. Enjoy.... Mike |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: GUEST,macca Date: 10 May 02 - 02:45 AM How about MacAlpine's Fusiliers. Many an old timer from the early folk boom days could probably sing this one backwards.... It might sound better that way.... Who remembers? As down the glen, came MacAlpine's men, With their shovels slung behind them...... |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: SharonA Date: 10 May 02 - 01:41 PM Not a positive song about building, exactly, but there's "Little Boxes". |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: SharonA Date: 10 May 02 - 02:15 PM Here's a cute "action song" (with motions to perform while one sings) for the young ones: "Build a Home" http://kididdles.com/mouseum/b050.html |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: Jim Bean Date: 12 May 02 - 09:08 PM Thanks to all for all the great stuff! Sorry it took so long for me to get back. I keep losing the thread, but now I know how to find it. Thanks Karen K. |
Subject: RE: Songs about building From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 13 May 02 - 08:31 AM There is an old gospel song 'Working on a Building' sung by the Swan Silvertones, among others. 'McAlpine's Fusiliers' always brings Dominic Behan to my mind. He was the first I heard sing it. He may well have written it. |
Subject: Lyr Add: THE TREEHOUSE SONG (Charles Ipcar) From: Charley Noble Date: 13 May 02 - 01:00 PM Here's an alternative housing song about a house thata child built, with the help of his father, despite the wrath of the neighbor, and the goodwill of the city building chief and the newspapers. These are my introductory notes on the song from a draft of the Housing and Neighborhood Songbook: THE TREEHOUSE SONG As Darwin observed in The Descent of Man tree shelters were constructed and occupied by the orang in the islands of the Far East and the chimpanzees in Africa long before man evolved. However, there can be little doubt that early man further refined these secure platforms in the trees and that modern man has contributed significantly to this process. Still, I was surprised to read headlines in 1992 that announced that 7-year-old Benjamin Kolko's urban treehouse was the subject of some controversy. It seems the next door neighbor considered the treehouse an eyesore and demanded that it be taken down. When Ben's father refused to do so, the neighbor went to the City of Portland Building Department and filed a complaint. Thinking about the other great struggles that have been recorded in verse, I could not resist writing a song for Ben, which was later printed in the city newspaper. Ultimately, the Building Department issued a building permit with a list of requirements that were quickly complied with. Then, the Building Department Chief was gracious enough, and savvy enough, to lead a tour of the treehouse for a group of second graders. THE TREEHOUSE SONG (Words by Charles Ipcar © 1992 Tune: adapted from Beverly Hillbillies' Theme Song)
Ben built a house, high up in a tree,
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