Subject: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cool Beans Date: 05 Feb 03 - 01:45 PM 1. Who is Eloise and how'd she get a job lining track? 2. Why is the postman whistling cheerfully in "The Letter Edged in Black,'' knowing that a black-bordered envelope denotes a death? 3. How, exactly, does my old gal look like a waterfowl in "Deep River Blues''? Is she standing on one leg, like a crane? Holding her head down like a duck? 4. Why does "Cocaine Blues'' posit that cocaine's for horses? What equine ailment would it treat? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cluin Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:21 PM What the hell is mojo anyway? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Steve-o Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:37 PM Cool questions, Beans. Somehow my feeble memory says that a "mojo" is "control over someone else's drug habit". It may have expanded and generalized over time just to mean having "a magical spell on someone". Also, I've always wondered.....if you don't like my peaches, why would you shake my tree?? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Beccy Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:43 PM Some people gave coke to horses to make 'em, well, speed up... I don't know if it cured any ailments. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Ebbie Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:46 PM Horses=Heroin? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: CraigS Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:56 PM Eloise was out of work, But seeking cash she did not shirk She and the foreman went out back Now she's working, lining track |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cluin Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:57 PM Izzat like layin' pipe? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: mack/misophist Date: 05 Feb 03 - 04:58 PM Horses=Heroin? Not in this context. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Sorcha Date: 05 Feb 03 - 05:03 PM Mojo is also a Vodoun/Voodoo term. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: CraigS Date: 05 Feb 03 - 05:07 PM The postman was applying an ancient principle once elucidated by Chester Burnett as See here, boy, I'd rather go to your funeral than have you come to mine! Cocaine was used in an ointment for horses affected by warble flies. The ointment contained citronella oil to keep the flies away, and the cocaine was to soothe existing bites, and stop the horse bucking when bitten. You can still get ointments of this type, but these days they contain amethocaine, not cocaine. A mojo is a Gris-Gris charm, usually contained in a little bag, and usually intended to give the owner power over women. Deep River Blues - try a PM to Mrs Duck ! |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Amos Date: 05 Feb 03 - 05:23 PM THere are many varieties of waterfowl, and as to why the author deemed a similarity t6o exist between his good old gal and a waterfowl, one can only retreat to the position that there is no accounting for individual perception of similarities. One man's water fowl is another man's buffalo, or vestal virgin, or cornflower, or bowling ball, for that matter. "My ole gal is three feet tall Head just like a bowling ball...." Substitute "lean and low"/"buffalo", or "needs no urgin'/vestal virgin", or "sweet and sour/dead cornflower", or: "My ole gal ain't got no hips, Looks just like a rocket ship" if you want to sound modern! Ya pays yer money and ya takes yer choice! A |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bill D Date: 05 Feb 03 - 07:41 PM them waterfowl is known fer wiggly-wobbly rear ends when they walk on land..... |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Neighmond Date: 05 Feb 03 - 08:42 PM Really want to sound modern? My gal has that hi-fi-phonographic figure! 33-45-78 Courtacy of Archie Campbell Chaz |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: mg Date: 05 Feb 03 - 08:50 PM Who threw the overalls in Mrs. Murphy's Chowder How many seas can a white dove sail before she sleeps in the sand Why must I go bound while he goes free How much is that doggie in the window Where is my darling boy tonight |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Thomas the Rhymer Date: 05 Feb 03 - 08:51 PM |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Jack the Sailor Date: 05 Feb 03 - 08:54 PM What the hell are snow flies??!!!! |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cluin Date: 05 Feb 03 - 08:59 PM Or ice worms? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Stilly River Sage Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:25 PM Bill D, if that duck's a dabbler then he gets a stright up wiggly view. Boggles the imagination. . . oooooooooooooooh! |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: CraigS Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:38 PM Doves can't sail - they're too stupid to drive boats, that's why they sleep on the beach! If one is bound, one cannot go anywhere, unless one is bound for somewhere, in which case that is permitted. The doggie in the window is $3. Don't ask why! TRhe darling boy threw the overalls in the chowder before going upstairs wtih Eloise to count the rails of the track they were about to line. I am shutting myself down in the home for the bewildered for a week to recover from all these obvious answers to obvious questions. My mind is still boggling from the waterfowl. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 05 Feb 03 - 10:44 PM What is it that "the passengers will please refrain" from doing in "The City of New Orleans"? Okay, I'm cheating. I know the answer. But I wanna play and I can't think of any others right now. Thought I'd give some other Bruce |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Sorcha Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:00 PM LOL! You gyz is all nutzo! |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:33 PM Meanwhile, back to that waterfowl thing..... Among the multitude of things one might do while accursed with a severe case of the Deep River blues is DRINK! It is entirely conceivable that enough liquor could make a woman look like a waterfowl (or something worse). Back in my drinkin' days I saw things that were a helluva lot weirder than waterfowlish women. But, if the waterfowl thing is really bothering you, here are some other things that she could look like that will rhyme with "pal" at least as well as "waterfowl": A ruptured bowel A Jersey cow Thurston Howell An old hog jowl A spottted owl A pregnant sow A wet dish towel A drawn out vowel And if you were to change the preceding line to something like "My old Sal is a good ole gal" she could even look like Colin Powell. Bruce |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cluin Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:34 PM Don't the passengers have to frain at least once, before they refrain? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:42 PM MoJo is MaryJane is MariJuana |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cluin Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:44 PM Mojos were hard little white individually wrapped taffy-type candies... two for a penny when I was a kid. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: ddw Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:58 PM didn't we have a learned discussion a while back on who Eloise was? My recollection is that there actually was a woman rail-crew worker named Eloise who a singer (Leadbelly?) knew? Or am I just imagining that...??? david |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 05 Feb 03 - 11:59 PM "Mojo Risin'" from The Doors' "LA Woman" is supposedly an anagram for "Jim Morrison". I guess they didn't notice that it's missing an "r". Bruce |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 06 Feb 03 - 12:07 AM Actually, there are two old threads on Eloise. Here and here. Bruce |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: mg Date: 06 Feb 03 - 01:41 AM why in the heck should I wash my neck if there ain't no bugs on me |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mr Happy Date: 06 Feb 03 - 04:55 AM in some song books, the chorus is called the 'refrain'. does this mean you should refrain from singing it? i've seen older song's choruses referred to as 'the burden'- heavy or what? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Schantieman Date: 06 Feb 03 - 06:36 AM Can't you dance the polka? What's the life of a man any more than a leaf? Waz you ever down Congo River? Oh, say waz you ever down Rio Grande? Who's got a berth for a shantyman? Have you heard of a ship called the good Reuben James? Isn't it good, Norwegian wood? Any old iron? Should auld acquaintance be forgot? and of course, Will ye go, lassie, go? S |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Rapparee Date: 06 Feb 03 - 06:50 AM If I got to a river and I couldn't get across, why would I pay for a blind horse to do so? And why would s/he go up and down instead of just standing there? (Oddly, I understand the "old saw mill" reference.) |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mr Happy Date: 06 Feb 03 - 07:06 AM Schantieman, Here's some answers! Can't you dance the polka? Not with my knees! What's the life of a man any more than a leaf? Three score and ten! Waz you ever down Congo River? No, but up the Swanee a lot! Oh, say waz you ever down Rio Grande? Up the creek! Who's got a berth for a shantyman? Down at the Y.M.C.A! Have you heard of a ship called the good Reuben James? The Grey Funnel Line? Isn't it good, Norwegian wood? Save a rainforest! Any old iron? Paint with Hammerite! Should auld acquaintance be forgot? Can't remember!- It's me age y'no and of course, Will ye go, lassie, go? 'Fetch!' 8-] |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Noreen Date: 06 Feb 03 - 07:31 AM Hey Steve-o: Stay outa my orchard, Let my peaches be!! *grin* |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Micca Date: 06 Feb 03 - 07:53 AM The refrain one, i always thought came from those little signs saying " Passengers will please refrain..from flushing toilets while the train is standing in the station" |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST Date: 06 Feb 03 - 08:15 AM There was a thread about this not long ago! S |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Beccy Date: 06 Feb 03 - 08:28 AM Bee-dubya-ell, At the risk of sounding like someone who listened to too many Doors albums as a youth (which would be accurate, actually...) Jim Morrison sang, "Mr. Mojo Risin" which is actually a perfect letter for letter anagram of "Jim Morrison". "Mojo Risin" would've been missing an M and an R. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Charley Noble Date: 06 Feb 03 - 08:40 AM Why is "Derry" "Down"? As in: Down, down, down, derry, down! Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,vectis Date: 06 Feb 03 - 09:24 AM A waterfowl could be a duck. People can be affectionately referred to as duck, ducks, me duck or ducky. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,alinact Date: 06 Feb 03 - 10:18 AM From one of Oz's great singer/songwriters, Paul Kelly. Allan CARELESS How many cabs in New York City, how many angels on a pin? How many notes in a saxophone, how many tears in a bottle of gin? How many times did you call my name, knock at the door but you couldn't get in? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Schantieman Date: 06 Feb 03 - 10:20 AM I think Mr or Mrs Duck should comment, Vectis.... S |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: JennyO Date: 06 Feb 03 - 11:43 AM What is this thing called, love? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Declan Date: 06 Feb 03 - 11:55 AM Who put the benzadrine in Mrs Murphy's Ovaltine ? What bought the blood on your right shoulder ? Where are you tonight, I wonder ? Where have you been all day Henry my Son? Cé hé sin amuigh, go bhfuil faobhar ar a ghuth ? If its nighttime in Italy, is it Tuesday over here ? Who is that there now knocking the ditches down ? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bullfrog Jones Date: 06 Feb 03 - 12:05 PM If lemonade is made from lemons and orangeade from oranges, what do they use to make White Cockade? BJ |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Willie-O Date: 06 Feb 03 - 12:05 PM Snow flies, AKA snow fleas, are real. They are weird little critters that appear on top of snow on warm late-winter or spring days. I see 'em in my driveway when conditions are right. Ice worms, I don't know about. I think they're a hoax perpetrated on gullible southerners. I figure your old gal can look like a wet waterfowl when she's... soakin wet, hair (feathers) plastered down, shakin' em dry, and possibly giving you a nasty stare like it's all your fault...why haven't you built that carport yet? W-O |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: JennyO Date: 06 Feb 03 - 12:34 PM If tin whistles are made of tin, what do they make fog horns out of? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,alinact Date: 06 Feb 03 - 12:38 PM Declan "If its nighttime in Italy, is it Tuesday over here ?" No - it's Wednesday, according to Barry Dransfield. Allan |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,HC Date: 06 Feb 03 - 01:34 PM How many roads must a man walk down? 42. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: johnross Date: 06 Feb 03 - 01:53 PM Why doesn't anybody ever rove out in June or April? And why always in the morning? Doesn't anybody ever get buried in a short, shallow grave? How do the lovers in those broken token songs break a coin into two pieces? With a hacksaw? Or do they bend it back and forth until it breaks? Is the Old Settler still surrounded by acres of clams, or have those acres been sold to a developer who built waterfront condos? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: UB Ed Date: 06 Feb 03 - 01:59 PM When my woman walks, she shakes like a willow tree... |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: TIA Date: 06 Feb 03 - 02:00 PM As the infamous Pinkie once asked - "if Jimmy cracks corn and nobody cares, why does he keep doing it?" |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Melani Date: 06 Feb 03 - 02:09 PM I always thought Derry was up. Isn't in in Northern Ireland? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Schantieman Date: 06 Feb 03 - 02:10 PM Are you going away with no words of farewell? Will there be not a trace left behind? S |
Subject: Ice Worm Cocktail From: Micca Date: 06 Feb 03 - 02:46 PM Re:Ice worms, see Robert W. Service " The Ballad of the Ice-worm Cocktail" Here |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 06 Feb 03 - 03:38 PM Beccy - Thanks for the clarification on the Jim Morrison anagram. I had never considered that using the abbreviation "Mr." instead of the entire word "Mister" does make it a perfect anagram. Gawd, the things ya learn at the Mudcat Cafe! Meanwhile, why are there no bluegrass songs about "My Little Condominium on Sanibel Island" or "That Old Split Level in the Suburbs"? Always cabins in pines and hills and such. And all those songs about moonshine, and nary a one about Galliano or Kalua. Bruce |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: jimlad Date: 06 Feb 03 - 03:50 PM And Why?? "may all your Christmas Eggs be white" |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: mg Date: 06 Feb 03 - 03:58 PM oh dear what can the matter be seven old ladies got locked in the lavotry |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: MMario Date: 06 Feb 03 - 04:06 PM Christmas Eggses is white so that you can hide them in the snow! |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Ebbie Date: 06 Feb 03 - 04:07 PM "Worms occupy the most diverse niches on the planet," said Daniel Shain, an evolutionary biologist at Rutgers University. "They live near hydrothermal vents in the ocean at temperatures that can exceed 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), and they're living in ice on Alaskan glaciers at zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). That's about as extreme as you can get." |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Frankham Date: 06 Feb 03 - 06:02 PM 1. Who is Eloise and how'd she get a job lining track? Maybe she didn't get a job. Maybe she was strong enough and that's something to sing about. 2. Why is the postman whistling cheerfully in "The Letter Edged in Black,'' knowing that a black-bordered envelope denotes a death? It could be a dramatic device. It makes the letter more poignant. 3. How, exactly, does my old gal look like a waterfowl in "Deep River Blues''? Is she standing on one leg, like a crane? Holding her head down like a duck? It could be she looks like a waterfowl because she's thin with spindly legs. It's really descriptive. 4. Why does "Cocaine Blues'' posit that cocaine's for horses? What equine ailment would it treat? I don't know but I never saw horses use it. (Sorry, Big Bill). Frank |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Deda Date: 07 Feb 03 - 10:45 AM Who, who, who wrote the book of love? And what does "Jimmy Crack Corn" mean anyway? And Where, oh where has my little dog gone? Where, oh where can he be? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Feb 03 - 11:29 AM Bruce- "Meanwhile, why are there no bluegrass songs about "My Little Condominium on Sanibel Island" or "That Old Split Level in the Suburbs"? Always cabins in pines and hills and such." There's always Pete Sutherland's "Shacks and Chalets" if you're really interested. Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Feb 03 - 12:55 PM And I suspect that "Eloise" is up to more than efficient rail maintenance in "See Eloise Lining Track." There were few affirmative action songs in this period. But I still haven't found my reference in "Unprintable Songs." Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Bill D Date: 07 Feb 03 - 02:23 PM ise worms? Sure....here is the explanation and here is more and here is an ice worm |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Feb 03 - 05:02 PM How many ships sail in the forest? How many shantymen does it take to change a sail? If a ship sank in the forest, would anyone write a ballad about it? Cheerily, Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: katlaughing Date: 07 Feb 03 - 05:05 PM Do you know the muffin man? Are you lonesome tonight? Hello, hello, hello, is there anybody there? Have you ever heard a robin grieve? Is your lamps gone out? Why is the Minch white? (I know there's a memorable thread on it!) If morning has broken, how do we put it back together? Why do they ride for their money? If smoke keeps getting in your eyes, shouldn't you move? How can there be sounds of silence? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Charley Noble Date: 07 Feb 03 - 05:12 PM "The Minch is white" 'cause the surf is up! Charley Noble |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: leprechaun Date: 07 Feb 03 - 05:36 PM Those horses would have to roll the snort-straw up really big, and I don't think they have a lot of manual dexterity, what with having hooves and all. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Joe_F Date: 07 Feb 03 - 06:34 PM Is this the way it always is in Baltimore? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,Gin Date: 07 Feb 03 - 07:08 PM Why did Jock Stewart shoot his dog? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mockingbird MacGillickutty Date: 07 Feb 03 - 11:58 PM I need to know what the expression "lay the bent to the bonny broome" Broome is a weed or grass in Scotland-does one "lay the bent to" it by means of sexual activity? Help me out I need to explain it to the old folks. It has got to be fairly acurate. Unlike the Mojo thread. Doesn't any folkie ask about for such information while on Louisiana holiday? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mr Happy Date: 08 Feb 03 - 02:31 AM 'Creeping Bent': a type of grass |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Santa Date: 08 Feb 03 - 07:51 AM Why is Derry down? was asked earlier. In railway parlance, "up" is towards the capital "down" away from, therefore Derry is "down" from Belfast. This confirms the first appearance of this song to after the establishment of railways in Northern Ireland. HTH |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Sam L Date: 08 Feb 03 - 08:57 AM Morning has broken because night fell on it. why does the cheese stand alone? How and why does the weasle pop? From going round and round either a mulberry bush or a cobblers bench and having some financial problems and high blood pressure so the stress is eventually too much? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: katlaughing Date: 08 Feb 03 - 10:03 AM Mockingbird MacGillickutty, you are more likely to get more answers by asking that in a separate thread, like this one which I started for you: please click here. That way, it will be easier to find in a search, too. Welcome to the Mudcat! kat |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,Moonwoman Date: 08 Feb 03 - 10:53 AM I always thought it was "she cries like a WATERFALL". But then, I'm one of those who thinks that Bad Moon Rising" has the line "there's a bathroom on the right". |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Noreen Date: 08 Feb 03 - 11:29 AM Why did Jock Stewart shoot his dog? AAAaargh, Gin! Personally, I don't believe Jock did any harm at all to the poor dog, who was actually his hunting companion. For further enlightenmant(!?) see thread: Help: (I'm a) A Man You Don't Meet Every Day Do you know the way to San José? Why do you build me up Buttercup? Why do you whisper green grass? Why is Paddy not at work today? ... |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Sam L Date: 08 Feb 03 - 05:58 PM I was never satisfied with the answers to the questions in I gave my love a cherry, and think they are evasive and mendacious. Some sort of cover-up is going on in that song. The truth is out there. Moonwoman, I keep trying to explain this, but it's a babboon on the right. Why would anyone warn you about a bathroom, or a "bad moon" --whatever that is. It makes no sense. It's a babboon. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: DMcG Date: 08 Feb 03 - 06:24 PM And was I born to die? To lay this body down? And must my trembling spirit fly Into a world unknown? (Yes, Yes and Yes are the serving suggestion, though many people opt for Yes, Yes and No) And, as I read somewhere on the net, 'Jerusalem' can't be taken too seriously when the responses are 'No', 'No', 'No', 'No' and 'Fetch them yourself' |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Jim Dixon Date: 08 Feb 03 - 06:45 PM Buddy, can you spare a dime? Daddy, what's a train? Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel? Do ye ken John Peel? How can I keep from singing? What child is this? Which side are you on? Who knows where the time goes? Who's the fool now? Whose garden was this? Will the circle be unbroken? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Sam L Date: 08 Feb 03 - 08:23 PM How can there be a cherry with no stone? a chicken with no bone? U.S. government experimentation and radioactive fallout, that's how. Codeword: The cheese stands alone. Operation Pop goes the weasle. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: JennyO Date: 08 Feb 03 - 10:42 PM Mama, do they have guitars in heaven? Well, do they? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Jim Dixon Date: 09 Feb 03 - 02:45 PM A QUIZ! All the following questions have answers. Sometimes they're lying or evasive answers, but answers nonetheless. Answer with a quote from the song. Since many of these songs have multiple versions, liberal credit should be given for answers that are approximately right. Answers are all in the download version of DigiTrad, but I have changed a word here and there (they're close enough for folk music) so looking them up won't always be too easy. 1. And what was in those ships all three? 2. And where will you be when I'm thinking of thee? 3. Captain, what will you give me if that ship I will destroy? 4. How come that horse in our stable where my horse ought to be? 5. How come you're in here, eatin' beans? 6. How do I know my youth is all spent? 7. Is there anything you fancy? 8. May I go along with you? 9. Now, what do you think that he did do? 10. Tell me, daughter, what can they be? 11. What are you gonna do when the creek runs dry? 12. What have you got for my breakfast? 13. What is this hangs under his chin? 14. When will you pay me? 15. When you coming home, Dad? 16. Where did you sleep last night? 17. Where have all the flowers gone? 18. Where have you been all the day, my currant bun? 19. Where shall we our breakfast take? 20. Who are these dear friends that are falling like dry leaves? 21. Who will glove your hand? 22. With what shall I fix it, dear Liza? 23. Work your fingers to the bone - what do you get? 24. You load sixteen tons and what do you get? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mad Tom Date: 10 Feb 03 - 06:11 AM re: << Why is "Derry" "Down"? >> Maybe a corruption of (Neil Sedaka) "down-down doobie-doo down down"? re: Deep River Blues / waterfowl Maybe she had her apron wrapped about her, like the ill-fated Polly Vaughn? "His arrow was loosed and it flew thru the dark / And his true love was slain as the shaft found its mark / For she'd her apron wrapped around her / and he took her for a swan" - Who put the bop in the bop-she-bop? - Who is that there now knocking the window pane? - Granny, does your dog bite? - "Oh, where are you going?" said the knight upon the road. - Oh, where have you been, Lord Randal, my son? - Hey, look yonder, tell me what's that you see / Marching to the fields of Concord? - Would you forsake your house and home, /... / To ride with the Blackjack Davey? - Who do you love? - Does your chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost overnight? - "How, how, how, how?" - Did you bring some silver? / Did you bring some gold? / What did you bring me my dear friend / To keep me from the gallows pole? - What was sent to the soldier's wife / From the ancient city of Prague ? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Nigel Parsons Date: 10 Feb 03 - 06:34 AM DMcG: Jerusalem "answers No,No,No & no ?" Surely here we pay attention to folklore. To quote from the "Cyberhymnal": "The theme is uniquely English, and there is an undertone of 19th Century politics. The lyrics may refer to folklore that says Jesus visited Britain as a teenager with Joseph of Arimathea, who was said to be a distant relative and had a stake in Cornish tin mines. However, there is no historical data supporting this story." So how about Maybe, Maybe, Maybe & Maybe" ? Nigel |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Schantieman Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:48 AM Some quiz answers: 1. Jesus Christ and his Lady 2. 3. Ten thousand pounds in gold and my daughter for your bride 4. 'Taint a horse, 'tis a clothes horse (or summat like that) 5. 6 7 8. Oh no, my love, farewell (or Oh no my love, like Hell, the way I sing it!) 11. I'll sit & watch them crawdads die, honey baby mine! 14. When I am rich, say the bells of Shoreditch 17. Young girls picked them, every one. 18. Woods, dear Mother 19. In behint yon auld fell dyke, I ken there lies a new-slain knight 22. With a straw, dear Henry (I've never understood that one!) Any good for starters? Steve |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mr Happy Date: 10 Feb 03 - 07:54 AM D'ye John Ken Peel? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Nigel Parsons Date: 10 Feb 03 - 08:28 AM Steve: it's not "With a straw", but "With straw", a binding material for clay bricks, or a temporary fix (woven or otherwise) for the bucket. 24: another day older, and deeper in debt Nigel |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Declan Date: 10 Feb 03 - 08:46 AM 4. Thats the lovely sow that me mother gave to me (but there are many versions.) 6. My get up and go has got up and went. 20. The radio says they are just deportees. 21. Papa will glove your hand |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Snuffy Date: 10 Feb 03 - 10:26 AM How many holes in Blackburn, Lancashire? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Amos Date: 10 Feb 03 - 11:28 AM How many roads must a man walk down? That's the Big Question. A |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Schantieman Date: 10 Feb 03 - 11:56 AM ten thousand |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Little Robyn Date: 10 Feb 03 - 08:45 PM I'd like to know who slew Lady Mondegreen??? And has Les Barker's polar bear had any news of the iceberg yet?? Robyn |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: mg Date: 10 Feb 03 - 10:33 PM How are things in Gloccamorra? Can she bake a cherry pie? Can't you hear the captain shouting Dinah blow your horn Will you come to the bower will ye come will ye will ye My son my son what have you done to be sent to Charlestown mg |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: GUEST,Mad Tom Date: 11 Feb 03 - 05:09 AM Fixing a bucket with straw: It's a wooden bucket, with oakum between the (staves?). If you don't have any oakum handy, jam some straw in the gap. - Why does the sun go on shining? / Why does the sea rush to shore? / Don't they know it's the end of the world? - Tell me why you cried / and why you lied to me. - Who's gonna hold you when I'm gone? - When whiskey and blood run together / Did you hear anyone pray? - Where's the jolly jumbuck you've got in your tuckerbag? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Schantieman Date: 11 Feb 03 - 05:24 AM Ah! A wooden bucket caulked with straw makes sense. Who'll come a waltzing matilda with me? S |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: mg Date: 12 Feb 03 - 02:17 AM where am I to go Johnnies where am I to go Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead How can you hold a moonbeam in your hand |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Jim Dixon Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:18 AM OK, here are my answers to the quiz. Some of the answers given above, although different, are just as good. 1. Our Saviour, Christ, and His Lady. I SAW THREE SHIPS 2. On the DARK OLD WATERS, all alone. (Gordon Bok) 3. Gold I will give you and my daughter for your bride. THE GOLDEN VANITY 4. That's only a milk cow my granny sent to me. FIVE NIGHTS DRUNK. 5. After you've been havin' steak for a long time, beans, BEANS TASTE FINE. (Shel Silverstein) 6. MY GET UP AND GO HAS GOT UP AND WENT. (Pete Seeger) 7. A little bit of cucum, cucum, cucum, LITTLE BIT OF CUCUMBER. (a music hall song) 8. Oh, no, my love. Farewell! PLEASANT AND DELIGHTFUL 9. Pulled a great big fish out the bottom of the pond. FISHIN' BLUES (Taj Mahal) 10. Either "The Southern Pacific and the Santa Fe" or "A glass of water and a cup of tea" JAY GOULD'S DAUGHTER 11. 'Tis the bag he puts his provender in. TROOPER WATERING HIS NAGG (from "Pills to Purge Melancholy") 12. Bacon and beans, a bellyful. OH SHEPHERD, OH SHEPHERD 13. Sit on the bank and watch the crawdads die. CRAWDAD 14. When I grow rich (say the bells of Shoreditch). ORANGES AND LEMONS 2 15. I don't know when, but we'll get together then. CAT'S IN THE CRADLE (Harry Chapin) 16. IN THE PINES, in the pines, where the sun never shines. (Lead Belly) 17. Young girls picked them, ev'ry one. WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE (Pete Seeger) 18. In the woods, dear mother. HENRY MY SON 19. Down in yonder green field. THE THREE RAVENS 20. Radio said, they are just DEPORTEES. (Woody Guthrie) 21. Mama will glove my hand. DON'T LET YOUR DEAL GO DOWN (and others) 22. With a straw, dear Henry. THERE'S A HOLE IN THE BUCKET 23. BONEY FINGERS (Renee Armand and Hoyt Axton) 24. Another day older and deeper in debt. SIXTEEN TONS |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Jim Dixon Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:25 AM I could have made it an even 25 if I had remembered this one: 25. Granny, does your dog bite? |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Cluin Date: 12 Feb 03 - 03:43 PM "No child no!" "Okay.... nice puppy, nice doggy..." *CHOMP!* "Ow! OW! Hey Granny! I thought you said your dog didn't bite?" "That's not my dog, child." |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: JennyO Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:42 PM Also Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in a Pink Panther movie - I think it was "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" - his best PP movie IMO. |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Mr Happy Date: 12 Feb 03 - 08:49 PM D'ye John Ken Peel? hilight above!! |
Subject: RE: Folk music questions I'm afraid to ask From: Fortunato Date: 13 Feb 03 - 10:56 AM How in the world could Ian have divorced Sylvia, aka, the sexiest folk singer of my youth? |
Share Thread: |
Subject: | Help |
From: | |
Preview Automatic Linebreaks Make a link ("blue clicky") |