Songs about singing

Subject: Songs about singing
From:
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 09:54 PM

This evening I was listening to Padraigin Ni Ullachain and Len Graham's recording "When I was Young." When I came to the lyrics of
"I Once Had a Granny" (her music to Hugh Quinn's lyrics) I was struck by the lyrics

" I once had a granny
Of songs she had many
There ne'er will be any
Shall sing them so well

...

As she baked on a griddle
Her tongue like a fiddle
Lilted rum tum tiddlely um tum
And sweet songs as well"

And that got me to thinking (always dangerous): are there many traditional songs about singing? Among humans, I mean (leaving aside bird songs, like "The Singing Bird" or "The Nightingale"). To be honest I can't think of any. The one that comes immediately to mind for me is Tommy Makem's own composition, "Sing Me the Old Songs" with the chorus that declares

"Sing me the old songs of laughter and pleasure
Sing me the old songs of sorrow and pain
Sing from the heart, sing of love without measure
The good times, the bad times, the sunshine and rain"

That doesn't count for two reasons: one it isn't traditional, and more importantly it is really a song about nostalgia, not singing

So that is my question: do people know of good traditional songs about humans singing?

Chris Brennan
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 10:42 PM

How Can I Keep From Singing?

Jerry

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,freda
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 10:45 PM

The People Have Songs

by Miguel Heatwole (Aussie folkie & choir conductor)

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: DonMeixner
Date: 21 Jun 04 - 11:32 PM

Jack Point's Song from The Yoeman of the Guard. "I have a song to sing Oh..."

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 01:40 AM

Tickle Cove Pond:

When the bowline was fastened around the mare's breast,
William White for a shanty song made a request.
There was no time for thinking, no time for delay.
Straight from his head came this song right away.

LAST CHORUS :
Lay hold William Oldford, lay Hold William White,
Lay hold of the cordage and pull all your might,
Lay hold of the bowline and pull all you can,
And with that we brought Kit out of Tickle Cove Pond.

Not strictly traditional: written by Mark Walker; but late 19th century...

(From this site)
Mark Walker was born in Tickle Cove, Bonavista Bay, the son of Marcus Walker of Ireland and Jane (Mackey) Walker of Bonavista, B.B. A boat builder by trade, Mark Walker became well known as a song writer and balladeer--his most famous ballad being "On Tickle Cove Pond". It has been said that he was able to write a song about any subject at any time. Sometime in the mid-1870's he moved from Tickle Cove B.B. to Sweet Bay, B.B.

(Also in the DT, without attribution: TICKLE COVE POND.)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Little Robyn
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 01:57 AM

"They don't write 'em like that any more."

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 02:19 AM

THE MAID ON THE SHORE:
She sat herself down in the stern of the ship
Her voice was so fair and so clear-o
She sang them so sweet, so neat and complete
She sang captain and sailors to sleep."

A SONG FOR EACH DRINK:
Come all you jolly fellows and join us in song,
Let thunderous harmony sound.
For if men can still sing then the world's not so wrong,
And the rafters will ring in a round.
But a man cannot sing if he's troubled at heart,
As melodies over you steal,
So bring us a drink and we'll each sing our part,
And our voices with clarity peel.

WONDROUS LOVE:
To God and to the Lamb I will sing, I will sing, etc.
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great I AM
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing, etc.

And when from death I'm free, I'll sing on, I'll sing on, etc.
And when from death I'm free, I'll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I'll sing on, I'll sing on, etc.

also Worried Man Blues

Lots more passing references, as in a calling-on verse (Now come all you jovial fellows, come listen to my song It is a little ditty and it won't detain you long), or concluding verse (Well now my song is ended I've got no more to say So give us another pint of beer and we'll all of us go away).

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 02:26 AM

"Sing, sing a song
Sing out loud
Sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad"

Etc ad nauseam!

LFF

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:01 AM

My most obvious choice would be When All Men Sing.

There is this wonderful song by Graham Pratt (probably best known for "The Black Fox") The Minstrel about the different type of songs through history: War, Love, Bawdy, Protest, Industrial etc.

DonMeixner: - I'm not sure that "The Merryman and his Maid" (it's actually a duet with Elsie Maynard) is really about singing - it's a song about a rejected lover who wins his love in the end - which of course Point singularly fails to do in the opera. I must admit to having sung it several times in folk clubs though - as well as on stage.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:09 AM

Incidently, I've only just noticed that there seems to be a verse missing from the DT version of "The Minstrel". It is the penultimate one, and from memory goes something like:

I sang my song in mill and coal-pit,
My voice all hoarse from dust and fumes.
I took my tune from the factory siren,
I found my rhythm in the looms.
But whether anybody listened,
Or paid attention, I couldn't say.
For I couldn't stand the smoke and the chimneys,
So I packed my bags and moved away.

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN ALL MEN SING (Andy Barnes)
From: Gervase
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:13 AM

There's also Andy Barnes' "When All Men Sing" - guaranteed to shake the plaster from the wall:

WHEN ALL MEN SING

When snow transforms the hedgerow thorn,
And frost engilds the berry.
Good men and true the firelogs hew,
And in the inns make merry.
When singing all as with one voice,
It seems the very walls rejoice
And merriment about does spring;
When all men sing.
        Let every man so pitch his song,
        To help his neighbour sing along.
        To each and all contentment bring,
        When all men sing.

When lambs are seen and trees spring green,
Come forth in bloom the daisies.
For winter's end our thanks we'll send
At Easter-time sing praises
Then with a will, yea one accord.
We'll raise our voices to the Lord,
And praise above our heavenly King,
When all men sing.

When in the fields his scythe he wields,
Then hear his summer sound,
As man and boy their lungs employ.
The songs they echo round,
Rebound from hill and roof and spire;
Starting lowly, building higher,
So surely then his scythe will swing,
When all men sing.

When leaves they fall from elm tree tall,
Then every back must bend,
As young and old, with courage bold,
Their efforts they expend,
Ensuring autumn's gifts are stored
Afore cold winter winds is blowed.
Then comes and end to foraging,
When all men sing.

Here's songs in season every year,
Some voices sweet with others strong,
Gently round ascending;
With harmonies a-blending.
In unison pours forth the song,
Uplifting beams of inn or hall
And shaking plaster from the wall,
When all men sing.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:16 AM

I'd already suggested that.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:43 AM

"I`ve got a handful of songs to sing you"----- Tommy Steele

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Hrothgar
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:47 AM

Unison in Harmony - Jim Boyes

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:49 AM

Gervase I think you will find that "When All Men Sing" is actually a peom from "Chronicles Of A Country Gentlemen" by Keith "Scowie" Scowcroft and tune by Derek "Giff" Gifford.

Also if you are including non-trad songs Eric Bogle's "Sound Of Singing"

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:51 AM

oops previous post should have read poem not peom!!

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Snuffy
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 09:12 AM

THE OLD SONGS (2) (Bob Copper and Peter Bellamy)

Cho: The old songs, yes, the old songs, that gave our fathers joy --
The songs they sang till the welkin rang when Nelson was a boy.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Joe_F
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:21 PM

"Love's Old Sweet Song" (in the forum, but not yet in DigiTrad)

"Silver Dagger" ("Don't sing love songs, you'll wake my mother")

"Goodnight, Irene" ("Please sing me one more song")

"I've Been Working on the Railroad"

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 06:34 PM

Why be exclusionary and only consider 'trad' stuff?

James Keelaghan's "Sing My Heart Home" is a wonderful song!

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Del Boy
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 07:07 PM

Jim Reid's "The Better 'O a Sang" from the album of the same name. Not trad but a good song about the joy and need of song.

Subject: Lyr Add: HERE IS MY HOME (Si Kahn)
From: JennyO
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 10:18 PM

I just had to mention one of my favourite songs, which is really about how singing brings us together:

HERE IS MY HOME
(Si Kahn)

Good friends from whom we now must part,
Where are we bound?
Your hands and voices lift my heart;
Here is my home.

CHORUS:
Come darkness, come light
Where are we bound?
Come morning, come night
Here is my home.

For those who work in harmony,
Where are we bound?
Can learn to live in unity;
Here is my home.

If we can join ourselves in song,
Where are we bound?
Our hearts will live when we are gone;
Here is my home.

The spirit that finds music here
Where are we bound?
Will sing forever in the air
Here is my home.


Also, a friend of mine, Bill Bekric, has written a lovely song about singing, too. I will have to dig the words out, then type them in here - I know I have them somewhere. It deserves to see the light of day.

Jenny

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: MAG
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 10:45 PM

That's a great one, Jenny.

Not strictly about singing, but about the inherent sacredness of music and one's work; and it is a song, and I just happen to have it on (see other thread):

fiddler's Hymn
(Metamora)

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 10:51 PM

One of the prettiest songs I heard about singing is " Aunt Sue" which was written by Pete Sutherland and recorded by Carla Sciaky on her album, "Awakening". It is track #12 on that album. Both, the lyrics and the melody are very touching, and Carla has the perfect voice for this song. SOL ZELLER

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: MAG
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 12:48 AM

Carla Sciaky. I haven't heard about her in awhile. I had her tape with "Undertow" on it. Liked it a lot. Foolishly lent it out.

I'll look for this one, sol. thanks for the reminder of a clear, rich voice.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Anglo
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 01:26 AM

I think you could certainly add The Rose in June to this list.

"When All Men Sing" was a favorite of the late Linda Crump, a singer and stalwart of the Pick'n' 'n' Sing'n' Gather'n' here in upstate New York, whose heroic struggle with cancer finally ended late last year. I sang Bob Copper's "The Old Songs" at her memorial because I thought it was a song she would like.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: rich-joy
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 07:30 AM

My old mate, Jeff Corfield, in Oz, has also written a nice one about singing - I'll post it when I can contact him for the lyrics!

Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Cats at work
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 08:24 AM

There is also Mike O'Connor' 'Singing in the May' about the night singing on 1st May, recorded by Kathy Wallis on 'Not for Glory' and also used in Unsung Heroes and on the accompanying CD.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 09:38 AM

I'm surprised that no-one has yet mentioned Dave Webber's beautiful song The Blackbird. If you've never heard it, do click on the link.

Those final words:
After love, I ask of life
Just one simple thing
Pray never let me see the time
That does not let me sing
Affect me deeply every time I hear it.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 01:32 PM

We have forgotten "Song for Gale" by Larry Kaplan. SOL ZELLER

Subject: Lyr Add: WHO WILL SING FOR ME? (John Thomas Ely)
From: Wesley S
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 04:13 PM

WHO WILL SING FOR ME ?

By John Thomas Ely

Oft I sang for my friends, when deaths cold hand I see
When I reach my journeys end, who will sing one song for me ?
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

When friends shall gather round, and look down on me
Will they turn and walk away, or will they sing one song for me?
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

So I'll sing 'til the end, contented I will be
Assured that some friend will sing one song for me.
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?


We found this on the "Three Pickers" CD by Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs and Ricky Scaggs.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: maire-aine
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 05:20 PM

"They Can't Keep Me From Singing", Gordon McDonald's inspired re-write of "How Can I Keep From Singing"

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 07:09 PM

SING FOR THE SONG by the late Shel Silverstein

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: NightWing
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 08:26 PM

My immediate thought when I saw the title was the first one suggested: "How Can I Keep from Singing?"

So with a little embarrassment:

"I Write the Songs" by Barry Manilow

BB,

NightWing

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Cap't Bob
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 12:05 AM

There is a wonderful song written by Joan MacIsaac Canadian Folksinger --- "When I can't Play" (not certain about the title).
Chorus: When I can't play I will sing,
When I can't sing I'll whistle,
and when the day comes I can whistle no more,
I'll set myself down and I'll listen.

Cap't Bob

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Day_Tripper
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 01:23 AM

Here's the worst song I've ever heard about music:

The Land of Music, By Sheldon Harnick

My native land is very dear to me: Its legends, its heroes, its history. I love my country but still it's true there is another land I love too.

In the country of music, the streams are fresh and clear and I know they will always flow every season of the year In the country of music, the mountains are sublime though they seem to touch the sky, they are not too high to climb.

And it goes on, and on, and ON in this vein. The city choir I'm in sang this at our last concert. It was very embarrassing.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: saulgoldie
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 11:13 AM

"Handful of Song" (Jerry, you're too modest!)
"Down the Road" by Bill Staines--("There's a song worth singing...")

Subject: Lyr Add: TO SING FOR YOU (Donovan)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Jun 04 - 11:54 AM

To Sing for You.

Now every man he has his work you know
And to find out mine you ain't got far to go
Call out to me as I ramble by, I'll sing a song for you.
That's what I'm here to do, to sing for you
To sing for you.

When you're feeling kinda lonesome in your mind
With a heartache following you so close behind
Reach out to me with your weary arms, I'll sing a song for you
That's what I'm here to do, to sing for you
To sing for you.

When you feel you just can't make it any more
With your head bowed down you're staring at the floor
Call out to me as I ramble by I'll sing a song for you
That's what I'm here to do, to sing for you
To sing for you.

Donovan.

Quiet often used to start my evenings with this one.

Giok

---

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cd2yG7BiVg

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: rich-joy
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 06:26 AM

The Work Song - by McGarrigles ...

Harvey Andrews "The Song" and Jeri's "Why We Sing" on the Mudcat CDs ...

Cheers! R-J

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Flash Company
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 09:36 AM

All these posts and nobody has thought of Woody

All day singing, suppers on the ground
Young folk and old folk, are gathering round
All of the neighbours we're going to see
Oh come along Mary, come sit by me,
Oh come along Mary, come sit by me.

In the immortal words of a newspaper editorial in ww2 'Let the people snig!

FC

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 02:25 PM

Reminds me of the mis-spelt graffito, 'I like grils', under which someone had written, 'Don't you mean girls?', underneath which another hand had written. 'But what about us grils?'
Giok

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jun 04 - 02:49 PM

I'm with Little Robyn on this one, many of the songs are in this thread are your own particular favourite songs and don't necessarily relate to a songs which tells about people singing songs which I understood was the Thread.
For example "When all men sing " and even Donovans "To Sing for You "-are fine , but there's a few here which are dodgy.
Incidentally , John 'Giok'Mc.,"To Sing for You " apologies in advance for doubting you - but are the 1st and 2nd verses in the wrong order ? . I used to sing it light years ago - and it doesn't feel right when I read it and I can't check it anywhere.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE BARD + THE SOUND OF UNION
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 05:29 PM

Steve Thomason has written 2 good songs about singing - The Bard, and the Sound of Union (inspired by singing with friends in the Middle Bar in Sidmouth, and at the Wareham Wail):

THE BARD
(Steve Thomason, September 2002)

I am the bard, the story-teller
In me the old tales they still live
And though the world go on forever
The old tales still their comfort give

My song began when earth was younger
And when the old gods walked the land
And the heart of man was filled with wonder
At the seasons turned by the old gods' hands

I sang my song in forest clearing
Of Herne the hunter's mighty arm
And Shebra, starry barque still steering
Across the skies until the dawn

I used my songs to warn of danger
Of Jack o'Lantern's impish ways
To comfort friend and welcome stranger
To speed through winter's iron days

My tales brought ease to lovers parted
By foreign war and icy seas
For though they lay quite broken-hearted
The old songs brought to them some peace

Old tales, old songs, old gods, past glories
I lay before you as I stand
And as you hear these old, old stories
Give thanks that bards still walk the land


THE SOUND OF UNION
(Steve Thomason 2002)


Come grasp the hand of friendship strong
Come raise your glasses and sing along
The timeless joy of chorus song
The happy sound of union.

When with first harvest out from the field
The farmer brings the good earth's yield
His pact with nature it must be sealed
In happy sound of union

And when the shepherd from hillside steep
Returns at night with straying sheep
He'll spend an hour before he sleeps
In happy sound of union

And though the ploughman he tills the land
And walks all day with horse at hand
He'll still through one last chorus stand
In happy sound of union

And when into the ground man went
To mine the earth with shoulders bent
He'd celebrate his shift well spent
In happy sound of union

From sailor's forebitter to shanty work song
To tales of oppression and righting of wrong
What binds us together and drives us along
Is happy sound of union

And so from Devon and Dorset and shire
We gather together and rekindle the fire
Come raise up your glasses, come join the choir
In happy sound of union

And so before we go at last
Let's raise together a parting glass
To bind us together in friendship fast
And happy sound of union

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Celtaddict
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 05:52 PM

Danny Doyle wrote (with Terry Folan) and sings "Songs from a Chimney Corner," about the many songs he learned from his grandmother Bridget, who was among other things a rebel in the 1916 rebellion.
He also sings a wonderful song about how dreary and dismal the poorer part of Dublin (where he grew up) was, until music and song transformed it into a place of wonder, in which "the sun loosened her pursestrings and squandered her coins of gold."
And again from the talented pen of Scowie, Keith Scowcroft, is "Welcome All In," set to music by Mike O'Leary-Johns of Mainbrace, a calling-in song which has several verses listing the kinds of songs to be sung. I am at work but could look these up at home.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: mg
Date: 26 Jun 04 - 10:28 PM

Singing the spirit home by Eric Bogle.

mg

Subject: Lyr Add: SING ALL MEN SING (S. Haithwaite)
From: Red and White Rabbit
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 06:19 AM

SING ALL MEN SING
S.Haithwaite 2004

The taxi drew up at a place close to Prague
Where in spring chestnuts burst into flower
In the war from cross Europe they came through its gates
Watched over by men in high towers
A boy wanted to run from his bed in the dirt
Twas a place where no butterfly flew
A ghetto 'approved' but in secret they sang
Strength grew as barbed wire flowers bloomed

Sing All men Sing
What you cant say you must sing
Sing out a requiem
Sing songs of hope
But sing all men sing

Musicians and artists and leaders of men
To confuse and misguide made a show
Children whose paintings and poems tell all
Just look with your hearts you will know
A fantastic illusion of shops filled with goods
Tears fell as the trucks filled with men
Cos its off to the east when your numbers up
Then you'll not see your kinsmen again

From the hunger sprang passion
From the pain sprang a pride
A defiance kept spirits alive
Schaecter taught his requiem Freidl her art
6,000 pictures survived
A broken harmonium rang out the tunes
To defy those who locked them away
A hearse took the dead by the light of the moon
And delivered the bread in the day


87,000 from here were sent east
Of these 83,000 died
Murdered or tortured or perished on route
Of the children a handful survived
Some try to deny that it happened at all
Soon those that survived will be gone
They defied the oppressors with poems and art
And their spirits live on in our songs

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Margret RoadKnight
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 09:20 AM

"When Malindy Sings"
words: Paul Lawrence Dunbar, music: Oscar Brown Jr

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 09:57 AM

"Here's to Song" by Allister MacGillivray. The chorus:
"Here's to song, here's to time,
Here's to both with friends of mine,
Here's to friends who raise their voices high,
Kings have riches widely lain,
Lords have land but then again,
We have friends and song no wealth can buy."

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 12:45 PM

There's "You Gave Me a Song" by Alice Gerrard with the lovely chorus:

For you gave me a song
Of a place that I call home,
A song of then,
A song of now,
A song of yet to come.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Barbara
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 01:45 PM

Then there's this one: The Unclaimed Pint

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,ken johnson
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 02:08 PM

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,ken johnson
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 02:14 PM

ooops pressed wrong key
what about Sidney Carter's cautionary tale "Man With The Microphone"

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 03:18 PM

Also a wonderful song by a Doncaster song wright Janet wood

"they can't stop my singing" about a Nun who wasn'to allowed sing but carried on regardless of punishment wich was harsh!!!!

See if Janet will post the lyrics.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Celtaddict
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 04:51 PM

And let us not forget "Leather-headed Songsters" and "You Can't Keep Me from Singing" which are both in the DT. Can't do blicky from work but if you search for "Songsters" leave out the hyphen, even though it is shown in the title.

Subject: Lyr Add: SING ME THAT SONG (Bert Hansell)
From: Bert
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 07:28 PM

Uh oh! bert is back and up to his old tricks of shamelessly pushing his own songs....

SING ME THAT SONG (Bert Hansell)


D    A7                D       A7   
Sing me that song, the one you used to sing
       D                A7    D
long ago when you still loved me
    A7
and wore my wedding ring
                      D
Oh Sing, sing me that song

Sit down here beside me, let me hold you hand in mine
pretend that you still love me
and just one more time
Oh Sing, sing me that song

       D                               A7         D    A7    D
It was springtime in the mountains when you first sang that song
    G                  D                      A7
you promised you would love me true if I would sing along
       D                        A7
for a moment we were happy then everything went wrong
    D       A7             D
and now you never sing that song

Sing me that song, the one you used to sing
long ago when you still loved me
and wore my wedding ring
Sing, sing me that song

Subject: Lyr Add: SING ANYTHING (Neil Morris)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 27 Jun 04 - 08:23 PM

"Sing Anything", from Neil Morris, Jimmy Driftwood's father. I heard it from Mike Seeger. Here are the words as recorded by John Quincy Wolf in 1959 (words and recording available online here).

Always chaw your own tobacco,
Never borrow, lend, or steal,
And always eat your hoecake
Of Indian corn meal.
Always treat the ladies kindly,
Never kiss them on the sly.
Pig, pig, little pig,
Root hog, or die.

Chorus: Sing anything, sing anything,
That's what the people say.
A long song, a short song,
To pass the time away.
A love song, a comic song,
Or play me something, sing,
Sing something, sing something, you,
Oh, yes, sing anything.

Well, a man in Indiana,
Just a hundred years ago,
Little boy in North Dakota,
Had a rooster and he couldn't crow.
And a girl in Minnesota
Had icicles on her nose,
And they say that Grover Cleveland
Had bunions on his toes.

(Chorus)

Well, a kitty in the garden
A-chasing bumblebees,
And Nero on the woodpile
With two big stubborn fleas.
A hornet on the grindstone
A-whetting up his sting.
Here am I, breaking my jaws,
A-singing anything.

(Chorus)

Mike sang it a bit differently, but I have written down that he learned it from a Lomax recording on Rounder, so maybe Morris sang it differently that day. ;-)

Sing anything, sing anything, that's what the people say,
A long song, a short song, just to pass the time away,
A love song, a comic song, sing me something strange,
Sing something, sing something, oh yes sing anything.

Chew your own tobacco, neither borrow, beg or steal,
Always eat your hoecake, of any kind of meal,
Always treat the ladies kindly, never kiss them on the sly,
Big pig, little pig, root hog, or die.

(2nd verse the same as above)

Kitty's in the garden, chasing bumblebees,
and Rover's on the woodpile, just workin' on his fleas,
mosquito's on the grindstone, whetting up his sting,
and me, I'm a-workin' my jaw singing anything.

---

I think the the "pig, pig" - "big pig" difference is a transcription error though, it sounds like "big pig" to me, and makes more sense that way, too.

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: greg stephens
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 06:15 AM

The vast number of modern songs that people are rushing to posthere reinforce the point of the original start of the thread: a request for old traditional songs about singing, there dont seem to be many. Not sure if it fully qualifies, but one of the oldest songs we have in Englsih features the word "sing" a lot:
Sumer is icumen in
Lhude sing cuccu
Groweth sed and bloweth med
And springth the wde nu
Sing Cuccu
Awe bleteh after lomb
Llouth after calve cu
Bulluc sterteth
bucke verteth
Murie sing cuccu
Wel singes thu cuccu
ne swik thu naver nu

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Hugh Jampton
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 08:20 AM

"Singing in the Rain" (and dancing)

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Big Mick
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 11:07 AM

I was sure that when I read through this, someone would mention "Voices of Struggle" by Rick Fielding. It is all about the power of song to influence the world around us.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Burke
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 07:12 PM

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Bill Staines "A Place in the Choir." It's in DT.

There are lots of hymns that refer to singing. Ginny Hawker does a great version of
Sing to me of Heaven.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 28 Jun 04 - 09:00 PM

Songs My Mother Taught Me. Composer known, but otherwise it fits the category exactly.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: karen k
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 04:02 AM

It seems to me that the Guest asked for TRADITIONAL songs about singing. He's gotten lots of good ones but most are not traditional.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 01:28 PM

I have looked through the thread, and my eyesight may be (is probably) failing, but I haven't spotted a mention of the various versions of Green grow the Rushes...

Kitty

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 04:40 PM

And there's the dreadful song "You Can't Stop Me From Singing."

Nice song, Barbara (Reference to her "Unclaimed Pint" as linked above).

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: babypix
Date: 29 Jun 04 - 05:55 PM

I Come for to Sing--recorded by Bob Gibson

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,karzarian
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 04:05 PM

I'd like to know more verses to this song. Would you please writethem or direct me to them? Where does this song come from?

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: sixtieschick
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 05:00 PM

Gilbert and Sullivan, "The Mikado": I've got a song to sing, O. What is your song, O?

Sing a song of sixpence, pocket full of rye

And Joni Mitchell's "For Free"--one of the best.
Now me I sing for fortunes
And those velvet curtain calls,   etc.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 31 Dec 04 - 06:41 PM

Karen K., This is not a traditional song, but an art song I heard along life's road somewhere. Don't know composer, but you-all can find out. I like what it says:

Nay, thank me not that songs I sing thee.
Thanks shall there be, but they'll be mine;
Twas thou that gav'st- I do but bring thee
What was and ever shall be thine.

I've looked in thy dear eyes, and taken
The truth that there alone belongs...
Then tell me not I was mistaken-
Dos't thou not know thine own sweet songs?

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 03:58 AM

My favourite song about singing is in a Gilbert and Sullivan opera but I can't remember which one....it goes:-
"I've got a somg to sing-o", "what is your song-o?", It's a song to the moon by a lovelorn loon" etc etc
Best wishes.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 03:59 AM

69

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:27 AM

The Whiffenpoof Song. (We're poor little lambs that have lost our way, ba ba ba)

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:38 AM

The happy wanderer. "And as I go, I love to sing, my knapsack on my back."

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Singer
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM

Wesley S refers to "Who will sing for me?", and gives its author as John Thomas Ely. I'd always understood that it was by Carter Stanley, and certainly any references on the net that I found while trying to find out about the song before starting to sing it in public seem to give his name as author - does anybody out there know which is correct??

Subject: Lyr Add: THE PEOPLE HAVE SONGS
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 09:25 AM

THE PEOPLE HAVE SONGS
by Miguel Heatwole

Here voices are tuned to each other in gladness
To all here in common affection belongs
Here joy and laughter meet keening and sadness
Here tyranny's cursed for the people have songs

Let us set the room ringing with the sound of our singing
When we come to the end let us hold the chord long
Hear the harmonies rise and all close our eyes
'Til the last cadence dies the people have songs

Here is war parting sweethearts
Here are strong sweating sailors
And poets for beauty who ardently long
Here are people at work singing loud at their labours
Here are marriage and drinking for the people have songs

Respect for each other gives each one a hearing
And whether the voice be uncertain or strong
We listen with love if the heart is endearing
Supported in harmony the people have songs

Disdaining oppression like others before us
Our gentleness angered by history's wrongs
Our tradition endures, and our voices in chorus
Are lifted in hope for the people have songs!

Subject: Flash Company-All the Day Singing
From: GUEST,karzarian
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 01:27 PM

You wrote a verse to All the Day Singing back in June.
Please tell me other verses and where the song comes from?

Subject: Lyr Add: HERE'S TO THE SINGER
From: rich-joy
Date: 20 May 05 - 08:35 PM

I posted on the 23rd June last year (yes yes, as I sat weaving all at my loom - of course!!!!) that I would source the following lyrics from me old mate Jeff Corfield, from Perth and Darwin Folk Daze, (who now lives in Townsville) :


HERE'S TO THE SINGER
03.05.1999 by Jeff Corfield of Queensland, Australia


There's songs that are written and songs that are played
To keep the cash registers ringing,
But give me a song that the people have made
A song that's been made for the singing,
There's songs about work and there's songs about play
There's songs about struggle and glory
Ah give me a song where the folk have their say
A song that can tell us a story

CHORUS :
So here's to the singers and here's to the songs
That down through the decades come ringing,
May the gift of your tunes with the people belong
And long may the people keep singing

Be you Paddy from Ireland or Joe from Geelong
Be you Russian or French or Swahili
The people have long put their lives into song
With a passion delivered so freely
For a song is a wild bird, a song is a dove
That soars in the heavens before us
With the laughter, the freedom, the joy and the love
Of humanity woven in chorus

CHORUS
                        
In times when this world's full of trouble and pain
And freedoms long fought for are waning
Just remember those struggles that led to the gains
And the songs that recall the campaigning
For a song on its own cannot right all that's wrong
One singer, the storm cannot weather
But the people united will always be strong
Whether working or singing together

CHORUS
                        
So sing us a song about hauling a rope
Sing of a sloop that's still sailing
Sing us a song, full of life, full of hope
Oh, long may your banjo keep frailing
Sing of one people, the whole world around
And the joys of those freedom bells ringing
May the songs that you taught us forever resound
And long may the people keep singing

CHORUS x 2

                        
Jeff says :   " I wrote it originally in honour of Pete Seeger's 80th birthday, in May 1999, after we had visited him, following our week on Clearwater back in 1997. So, in one sense it's a bit specific (2nd verse reference to Swahili is a Seeger in-joke and also last verse reference to The Clearwater) though I also wrote it as a celebration of all the songs and singers we love. Like many of my efforts it's a bit sentimental and clichéd, and the tune "adapted" from a hotch-potch of traditional songs (esp "All the Good Times"!), but the chorus is robust and folks seem to like it. What it really needs is to grow, change and adapt, in true folk style, to become more generic, so I pass it on to you with that in mind. "


ENJOY!!


Cheers! R-J

PS    sorry, I don't do "music" stuff :~)))

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,cromdubh
Date: 21 May 05 - 05:59 PM

There is a great parady of Eric Bogle´s Green Fields of France. It´s about how Irish Singers are constantly called apon to the one about Willie McBride. Don´t know expactly who wrote it.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: frogprince
Date: 21 May 05 - 07:09 PM

Just picked up a CD with a vintage Shel Silverstein/Bob Gibson song, "Sing for the Song".
You could also check www.geocities.com/jadelapeer/thisonepage.html
for one you won't have heard elsewhere.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Jeanie
Date: 22 May 05 - 05:59 AM

There's also this one (Music Hall - so not strictly "traditional"):
"It's a Fine Thing to Sing", words and music by Willie Cochrane and Harry Lauder on this website

I've only ever heard this song once, and had no idea where it came from until I searched for it on the net just now. I heard it sung by a guest male/female duo ("big names" in folk at the time - no idea now who it could have been) over 30 years ago, but the chorus and melody and memory of such a roof-raising time singing it have stayed with me and I often find myself humming it. Thanks for prompting me to search for it !

- jeanie

Subject: Lyr Add: A GIFT OF SONG (Mason Williams)
From: Barry T
Date: 22 May 05 - 01:37 PM

I'd recommend Mason William's 'Gift of Song' for the list. It's in the Digital Traditions library...

A GIFT OF SONG
(Mason Williams)

A gift of song is a gift of love,
Though how this is I cannot say.
But who receives a gift of love,
Must send it freely on its way
As I receive, so let me give,
And live in joy my whole life through

A gift of song, is a gift of love
Here comes a gift of love for you

A gift of song is a gift of love
It falls to earth, we know not where
But who receives a gift of love
It follows then that he must share
As I receive, so let me give,
And live in joy my whole life through.
@love @music
filename[ GIFTLOVE
SS

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 22 May 05 - 04:14 PM

I played the blackbird
old roneys glory,
the stacks of Barley
and the foggy dew
she sang each note like
an Irish Linnet
and tears rolled down
from those eyes of blue

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 22 May 05 - 04:15 PM

Thre gypsies came tae oor ha' door
and oh, but they sang sae bonny
they sang sae sweet and sae complete
that they won the heart o' a lady

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 03 Sep 05 - 01:44 PM

Transcribing this one today (then finally finding it in the DT), I thought of this thread.

The Carter

My feet they grow weary walking by their side
I said to my mate,"I will get up and ride."
And as I was riding, I made a new song
And as I did sing it, you must learn it along.

I once was a bold fellow and went with my team,
And all my delight was a keeping them clean,
With brushes and curries I'd show their bright colour,
And the name that they gave me was a "hearty good fellow".


(I've corrected this from "curties" to "curries," as I've never heard the first, but a "curry comb" is a very stiff rubber, metal, or plastic sort of a brush used for cleaning horses.)

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Frances Wade
Date: 03 Sep 05 - 07:39 PM

Eric Bogle's 'I Just Won't Sing Any Bob Dylan' (I think that's the title).
And goodness - here comes an ancient memory from primary school singing class! I think I've still got the words of the first verse almost right. You couldn't help but learn a song off by heart if you had to wait till next term for a new one. I think it was called 'Music Makers'.

Come music makers, rouse up a song
A song for the joy of singing
A song of truth in the heart of youth
To set the echoes ringing
For the birds make music and the trees sing
And the wind joins song with the sea
All the world has a song of its own
And so (dum-de-dum) have we.
So sing, sing, music makers
A song for the joy of the singing
For the joy of the singing.

Which is very similar in spirit and content to 'Air Fa La Lo'.

And here's another one, which I'd like to track down myself. I heard Frankie Armstrong sing it years ago, and I think it may have been written by Malvina Reynolds. It begins: 'I've got a song, it's about this long ...'

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Frances Wade
Date: 03 Sep 05 - 07:41 PM

Oh rats - sorry about that repeat. FW

Subject: Lyr Add: THE NUTTING GIRL
From: GUEST,Barrie Roberts
Date: 03 Sep 05 - 10:42 PM

What about 'THE NUTTING GIRL'?

Come all you jovial maidens, listen to my song,
'Tis just a little ditty that will not detain you long,
'Tis of a fair young maiden, she lived down in Kent,
Arose one summer's morning, and she a-nutting went.

Chorus: And she a-nutting went,
       Arose one summer's morning, and she a-nutting went,
       With my fal-lal, to me ral-tal-lal,
       Wait for the dear old day,
       And what few nuts that poor girl had she threw them all away.

'Tis of a brisk young plouighboy, who as he ploughed did sing,
His voice was so melodious it made the valleys ring,
It charmed her where she stood, till she could no longer stay,
And what few nuts that poor girl had, she thre them all away.

She went up to young Johnny, where he sits by his plough,
Said she, 'Young man, I really feel I cannot tell you how'.
He took her to some shady broom and there he laid her down,
Said she, 'Oh John, I think I feel the world go round and round!'

So all you pretty maidens, a warning by me take,
And if you must a-nutting go, make sure don't stay too late,
For if you stay too late to hear that ploughboy sing
You might have a young farmer to nurse up in the spring.

Subject: Lyr Add: SONG FOR JOHN
From: GUEST,Lady Policeman
Date: 04 Sep 05 - 11:30 AM

Sorry not a traditional song but still a good song about singing -   
             Song For John by Mick Ryan.

                        SONG FOR JOHN.

When I was a younger man I did my very best
I worked with young ambition, with little time for rest
They were days of great endeavour they were full and they were long,
And I'm happy now if I can sing my song.

Chorus:
         Sing my song, sing my song,
         I'm happy in the place where I belong
         If I can sing the songs I love and old friends sing along
         I'm happy now if I can sing my song.

I've had my disappointments, I've been high and I've been low,
The good times and the bad times, I watch them come and go,
But I've been blessed with many things and fate the meaner on
And I'm happy now if I can sing my song.
If I can watch my dogs run with a long and lovely stride,
They fill my eyes with pleasure and my heart with harmless pride.
They give me love and welcome in the place where I belong
And I'm happy now if I can sing my song.

If I can take a piece of wood and smooth it with my hands,
I'd build a sense of order in a world I understand
And what I make will mark my passing when I'm dead and gone
And I'm happy now that I can sing my song.
Each voice one day must fade away and so I say to you,
Sing out sing up and sing with me what better could we do
Sing tenor, bass or baritone, sing feeble or sing strong
Be happy for the day you sing your song.

Chorus.
   Sing your song; sing your song,
   Be happy if you find where you belong
   If you can sing the songs you love and old friends sing along
   Be happy for the day you sing your song



Kath

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Carol
Date: 05 Sep 05 - 09:25 AM

I have only read from about 1/2 way through but has anyone mentioned 'how can I keep from Singing?'
I think it's a 'Shaker Hymn' but i still love singing it even as a confirmed athiest!

Subject: Lyr Add: SING OUT
From: thespionage
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 12:35 AM

"SING OUT," the song for which Sing Out! magazine is named.

Chorus:
You gotta sing out if you want to get to heaven.
You gotta sing out, join in and pray.
Sing out if you want to get to heaven.
Ask the Lord to show you the way
and He'll show you if you pray!

Well, I can sing my title clear
to mansions in the sky.
I'll bid farewell to ev'ry fear
and wipe my weepin' eye.

Chorus

Wake up by the trumpet sound,
I from the grave shall rise
to see the judge with the glory crown,
a view from flaming sky.

Chorus x2

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 07:34 AM

Many Scots and Ulster trad songs at least mention singing. Two favourites of mine are The Next Market Day, where the maid gets waylaid on the way to market and sung to (hem hem), and which ends:


The maid she went home and she went up to bed
And the song that he sang her still rang in her head
She said "I'll go find him by land or by sea
Till he learns me the song called The Next Market Day"

And Hatton Woods, which finishes:

Oh my blessings on yon bonny lass wherever she might be
I wish no evil unto her although she slighted me
But I only hope that she might say, some time before she'll dee
Och I wish I'd wed yon plooman lad, as sang sae sweet tae me.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,thurg
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 09:59 AM

Then there's:

I woke up in the morning sick and sore, boys,
Belayin' pins were flyin' 'round the deck;
The mate came up and grabbed me by the collar,
Sayin' If you don't sing a song, I'll break your neck.

So when we got to hoistin' up the mains'l,
Not a man among the bunch could sing a lick;
I got up and gave a verse of Reuben Ronzo,
The answer that I got would make you sick.


- from Paddy, Lay Back

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: thespionage
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 06:30 PM

"The Rainbow Connection"

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Charmain
Date: 06 Jun 06 - 07:01 PM

Heave away Cheerily-o
(Four 'n' Aft - "Running Free")

well the chorus mentions singing anyway

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: JohnB
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 11:36 AM

Jolly Wagoner, chorus;
Sing Whoa my lads sing Whoa
Drive on my lads drive on
Who wouldn't be for all this world
A Jolly Wagoner
Must be in the DT.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Blair Robinson
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 12:13 PM

for (dum-di-dum) read "in our turn,"

...And so, in our turn, have we...

The second verse started

Who listens to the song that we raise
His owm part may be bearing
A song of the truth, in the heart of Youth,
A song for the joy of sharing

For the earth... (as verse 1) as far as I remember.

THanks for the memories

Blair Robinson.
York

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: mg
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 02:04 PM

I have a new one that was supposed to be about a boardinghouse owner for fishermen..but she starts talking about the fishermen who knit nets in her attic..she is Swedish and they are??? Baltic? Amernian? Albanian? Greek? Somewhere around there....they sing an old Catholic hymn in Latin to save them from the perils of the sea..Ave Maris Stella..which I didn't know until just now but supposedly a promise was made to St. Bridget of Sweden that if people sing this as a group they will be saved from danger.

From the rafters nets are hung
From the nails the twine is strung
As they knit their songs are sung
Ave Maris Stella

And when the candlelight grows dim
They finish with their evening hymn
I sometimes sing along with them
Ave Maris Stella

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 05:43 PM

Is Whoopee-Ti-Yi-Yo traditional?

As I was a-walkin' one mornin' for pleasure/I spied a cowpuncher a-lopin' along/His hat was throwed back and his spurs were a-janglin'/And as he approached, he was singin' this song/Whoopee ti-yi-yo, get along little dogies/For you know that Wyoming will be your new home/etc.

Although I guess technically that's only a song about singin'.

Subject: Lyr Add: ALL THE TUNES IN THE WORLD
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 08:51 PM

A song about singing and playing!

ALL THE TUNES IN THE WORLD
Words by Ewan McVicar
Tune: Southwind

Lay down the borrowed guitar
Lay down the fiddle and bow
You'd like one more drink at the bar
But the manager says you must go.
Chorus
And all the tunes in the world
Are dancing around in your head
But the clock on the gantry says play-time is o'er
You'll just have to sing them instead

Lay down the jig and the reel
Lay down the planxty and slide
Everyone knows how you feel
But there's no time to take one more ride.

The barmaid has put on her coat
And the barman has emptied the slops
And the manager's friends are afraid
The music will bring in the cops.

Everyone here feels the same
Oh yes you deserve one more tune
but you know the rules of the game,
It's time to go howl at the moon.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 28 Feb 09 - 11:47 PM

Too many to list here, but if you look in the DT for "sing" or "singing" you'll find much more than a few.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Clontarf83
Date: 01 Mar 09 - 12:01 AM

dougie mclean; singing land?? (been a while since i heard it)

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Joybell
Date: 01 Mar 09 - 01:08 AM

Ring Down the Curtain I Can't Sing Tonight.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Haruo
Date: 01 Mar 09 - 02:36 AM

Just off the top of my head "Key of R" and "Chariots" (the Christmas one) come to mind. "When We All Get to Heaven".

Haruo

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 07:11 PM

Come music makers, rouse up a song
To set the echoes ringing
A song of truth in the heart of youth
A song for the joy of singing
For the birds make music and the trees sing
And the wind joins song with the sea
All the world has a song of its own
And so in our turn have we.
So sing, sing, music makers
A song for the joy of the singing
For the joy of the singing.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jun 09 - 10:04 PM

Uh Oh!

another of mine

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Pattie
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 06:22 AM

Second verse of 'for the joy of the singing', though there are a couple of words I'm not sure of. I think I'll sing it in my Folkie Singaround!

Who listens to the song that we raise Their own (hearts?) should be (baring?) To speed on it's way as best they may This song that was made for sharing. There are times for hearing others singing, There are times for learning how; Times as well for a song of our own, And the best of them all is NOW! So sing, sing Music Makers, A song for the joy of the singing. For the joy of the singing!

Any help on the missing words would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 09:30 AM

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 08 Oct 09 - 10:04 AM

And oh I say
We was that gay
You should have heard us how we sang,
"With a way hey hey
Get out of the way
Of the four-horse sharrybang!"

Corney Grain 1885

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 09 Oct 09 - 02:37 AM

Well, if it was sung enough...it would be 'traditional'(?)..If you could sing it! All you songwriters should love it!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjCh_Bk2L7s

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,et
Date: 25 Mar 10 - 12:01 PM

hey can you send me the score for land of music?

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Dauv Miner
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 08:36 AM

I distinctly remember some of the words from an English 'class' song from my High School days in the late Forties! Can anyone help with the Title and the Words?   Here is a snippet!

"Still lies the starry night and still lies the lagoon.
   The echoes ring soft as the breezes arrive.
   Then hasten I pray thee - tis all for thine own.
   How I thrill with delight when I think thou art near!"

I have been trying to rediscover this song for many years.

Any response would be appreciated!

Dauv Miner.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Elmore
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 04:18 PM

Sorry Dauv, nothing happening. However, since everybody else has ignored the term ,"traditional", I'd like to mention two of my favorites." Sweet Song from Yesterday" by Bob Zentz, and the obscure "Old Songs" written by David Hassi, and sung by Margaret MacArthur on her album, The Old Songs.

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,songbob
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 11:12 PM

Tell me the tales that once were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.
Sing me the songs I delighted to hear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago....

...

No Telling What a Love Song Will Do (Richard Thompson)

...

Hmmm... I thought I had a bunch, but it seems I can't actually remember so many, and most that come to mind are not traditional AND have been mentioned.

Sigh

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: quokka
Date: 17 Aug 12 - 11:59 PM

Bob Dylan's 'Lay Down Your Weary Tune'

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: Elmore
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 12:19 AM

Attn: Bob Clayton. I googled " no Telling" to death, and as far as Ican tell, it was written by Linda Thompson. Regards, Elmore

Subject: RE: Songs about singing
From: GUEST,Heather
Date: 18 Aug 12 - 02:10 PM

what about Jean Ritchie's Early Fields?
as I went out o'er early fields I heard a song a borningI
it fell around me like the dew that washes off the morning
chorus
I love the pipes and I love the drum
I love the wild harp ringing
but there's naught on earth that can match the sound of one clear voice singing.

I have the score if anyone wants it the tune is fab and three more verses