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I wish I'd written that (songs)
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Subject: I wish I'd written that. From: Date: 05 Jan 99 - 03:36 PM I was just visiting at The thread for Peggy Seeger's DA DEE DA DA and thought "What a great song, I wish I'd written that" Bert.
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: BBJ Date: 05 Jan 99 - 03:49 PM THE CIRCLE GAME. Don't know who did write it, Tom Rush recorded it, the title song to his Circle Game album. That one and many, many more I wish I had written, a new one comes to mind almost every minute. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: dwditty Date: 05 Jan 99 - 04:22 PM I agree with BBJ that there are many, but if I had to pick just one song it would be Billie Holiday's "GOD BLESS THE CHILD" period. Great idea for a thread. DW |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Joe Offer Date: 05 Jan 99 - 04:43 PM Hmmm. I can see that BBJ did not have a proper rock 'n roll upbringing. "Circle Game" is by Joni Mitchell, one of the few songs Joni wrote that other people can actually sing. I kinda wish it were me instead of Lorenz Hart who wrote "WHERE OR WHEN" with Richard Rodgers. Once upon a time, I had a chance to sing with a certain woman who has the richest, most beautiful voice I've ever heard. I'd love to sing that song with her.... -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bill D Date: 05 Jan 99 - 06:42 PM well, the first thing that comes to mind is "THE FLOWERS OF THE FOREST,".....but then a rush of a dozen more..."THE ROSE OF ALLENDALE".."NOTTAMUN TOWN"...several of Bruce Phillips..(especially "ENOLA GAY")..several of Craig Johnson's..(especially "THE KEWEENAW LIGHT")..."LASSIE WI THE YELLOW COATIE".....and, strange to say, "THE EBENEEZER"...a silly pumping chanty..it's in the DT, but in a most awkward and shortened form...I guess I'll have to add the rest of it.. and 3,219 more...... |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca Date: 05 Jan 99 - 06:58 PM "DARK EYED MOLLY", by Archie Fisher. "LIES", and "THE HOUSE OF ORANGE", by Stan Rogers. "CAPE BRETON LULLABY", by Kenneth Leslie. "A SCARBOROUGH SETTLER'S LAMENT", by Sandy Glendinning. "Wo Sind Die Elefanten?', by Leon Rosselson. "THE COVENTRY CAROL", " "THE HOLLY AND THE IVY", and "GABRIEL'S MESSAGE", by that prolific author, Trad Anonymous. Any number of songs by the Beatles. That song about Vincent Van Gogh by Don McLean. ["VINCENT (STARRY STARRY NIGHT)"] Yes, CIRCLE GAME, by Joni Mitchell, as well as that one about going down to the Mermaid Tavern and buying a bottle of wine [CAREY]. Not a stellar song perhaps, but one I like. I'm sure I could think of dozens more if I sat here long enough.
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Peter T. Date: 05 Jan 99 - 07:02 PM There is an important, if slightly ridiculous, distinction to be drawn here between songs that you like that you could have written (probably in your dreams, but still), and songs that you like that you could never have written in a million years. For instance, there are any number of great 50s songs that follow a single chordal pattern, and anyone who was around then, and had the wit or thought rock and roll was important could have written another one. For example, UNDER THE BOARDWALK and UP ON THE ROOF and Back Row of the Balcony and so on. It is a bit like physicists who happened to be around the week after the atom was smashed -- Nobel Prizes were there for the taking! But where did James Taylor's "FIRE AND RAIN" come from? Or the Beatles "A DAY IN THE LIFE"? I don't think I would have liked to have written either, but I would have liked to be under the same tree when the lightning struck. Yours, Peter T. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca Date: 05 Jan 99 - 07:21 PM I guess the name of the drinking establishment in the song was actually the Mermaid Cafe. I must have been thinking of the Mermaid Tavern in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which I used to frequent many years ago. Yes, Fire and Rain by James Taylor is also one I wish I had written. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Barbara Shaw Date: 05 Jan 99 - 08:11 PM I wish the inspiration that wrote Ashokan Farewell or Sheebeg and Sheemore would hit me. And AMAZING GRACE, although I wouldn't want to have lived that life to come to that point. I like the idea that the best songs are yet to be written. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: McMusic Date: 05 Jan 99 - 09:23 PM "BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER" and "THE BOXER"; "MR BOJANGLES"; "LOVE IS A ROSE"; "WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?"; "PASTURES OF PLENTY". I really could go on and on. So many great songs, so little time. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Mick Date: 05 Jan 99 - 10:10 PM The list is endless, but if you make me pick one, it would be "WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?". All the best, Big Mick Lane |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bill D Date: 05 Jan 99 - 10:30 PM yes, Mick..that one too.... *re-post from a thread last June, about the death of Helen Carter...I needed to add this..* " ....in 1978, when Mother Maybelle died, I was at an open stage in Bethesda, MD, the night the news came out, and a fellow from Baltimore, Ron Penix, came over and got onstage and played "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"....on one of Maybelle's autoharps which he had acquired from her a few years previously!! There was not a dry eye in the place...I have an old autoharp of that style, and I shall be tuning it up and playing the song later today...perhaps others will join me in their own way" |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Don Meixner Date: 05 Jan 99 - 11:24 PM I too will find this an endless list. But I'll be brief.
I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHERE I'M BOUND, by Tom Paxton And too many more. Don |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Will Date: 05 Jan 99 - 11:52 PM Yes, so many. NORTHWEST PASSAGE, Stan Rogers (among other of Stan's songs) BLUE, Joni Mitchell WALKING ON A WIRE, Richard Thompson (and more other songs than I can count by Richard Thompson) I'M A DREAMER, Sandy Denny (and I wish I could sing it with the same impact as Linda Thompson) HEART LIKE A WHEEL, Anna McGarrigle BORN IN CHICAGO, Paul Butterfield (I think, though it may have been a cover) ONE LIFE TO LIVE, John Mayall HEROIN, Lou Reed (though I'm glad I couldn't have) DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT, Dylan Thomas (John Cale has a version, on "Fragments of a Rainy Season", that sparkles) |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: McMusic Date: 06 Jan 99 - 04:18 AM I forgot one of my favorites: "ACROSS THE UNIVERSE". |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Gearoid Date: 06 Jan 99 - 07:20 AM (Dublin in) THE RARE OULD TIMES (Pete St. John I envy you.) |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Ritchie Date: 06 Jan 99 - 07:54 AM ONE COOL REMOVE - can't remember who wrote it [Greg Brown] but Joni Mitchell sang it. PRECIOUS THING (TILL THE NEXT SOMEWHERE) - again don't know who wrote it but heard it sung by Dee Dee Bridgewater & Ray Charles. I HUNG MY HEAD - Sting FEELS LIKE RAIN - John Hiatt YA YA - Lee Dorsey FUN LOVIN' CRIMINAL - Fun Lovin' Criminals YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT - Jagger & Richard. JACK THE LAD - John Martyn SOMEWHERE DOWN THE CRAZY RIVER - Robbie Robertson PHILADELPHIA - Neil Young Dion, Van Morrison, Al Green, Sam Cooke, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, Willie Nelson, Oh Gosh I'm going to have to go and lie down..... Love & happiness Ritchie |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: The Shambles Date: 06 Jan 99 - 12:13 PM IMAGINE by John Lennon. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Dr John Date: 06 Jan 99 - 01:09 PM One verse:-
As through this world I travel I see lots of funny men Woody Guthrie from PRETTY BOY FLOYD |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Charlie Baum Date: 06 Jan 99 - 02:06 PM "FOR REAL" and "THANKSGIVING EVE," both by Bob Franke. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca Date: 06 Jan 99 - 06:48 PM (LOOKING FOR) THE HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT, by Tom Waits. Also SHIVER ME TIMBERS and I HOPE THAT I DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU, by the same. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Ralph Butts Date: 06 Jan 99 - 10:34 PM Any one of these, but there's more. These are some that move me the most when I sing them, and for a songwriter to be able to do that with words alone is remarkable. IMHO.....Tiger
ANNIE'S GOING TO SING HER SONG - Tom Paxton |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Don Meixner Date: 06 Jan 99 - 11:07 PM Ralph,
"What's your hurry? Just watch this. Thanks a lot, I'd forgotten about that song entirely. I also no suddenly recall. "WHEN PRINCES MEET", "NOW THAT I'VE TAKEN MY LIFE", "OUTWARD BOUND", What a songwriter! Don |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Barry Finn Date: 06 Jan 99 - 11:56 PM Anything that other singers had thought was traditional Barry. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Dan Keding Date: 07 Jan 99 - 12:26 AM Most traditional ballads especially THE HOUSE CARPENTER, JESSE JAMES and SIR PATRICK SPENS. Also SPANISH IS THE LOVING TONGUE - killer song. Among contemporaries YELLOW COAT and THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS by Steve Goodman, STREETS OF LONDON by Ralph McTell, DARCY FARROW by Steve Gillette and THE JANUARY MAN by Dave Goulder. There are so many. Dan |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: BSeed Date: 07 Jan 99 - 03:11 AM "ABILENE," of course, and "SAN FRANCISCO BAY BLUES." And I wish I had just written "ME AND BOBBY MCGEE" and that no one had ever heard it. Oh, and "DON'T THINK TWICE, IT'S ALL RIGHT" and "JUST LIKE A WOMAN." And "ILLEGAL SMILE" and "I FEEL LIKE I'M FIXIN' TO DIE RAG" and "DRAFT DODGER RAG." There's also "MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME" and "YESTERDAY" and "AMERICAN PIE " and "OVERFLOWING CAT BOX BLUES." And "GREENSLEEVES" and... --seed |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bert Date: 07 Jan 99 - 08:37 AM "The Overflowing Catbox Blues." I don't think I've heard that one Seed. Do you have the words? Bert. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: AndyG Date: 07 Jan 99 - 10:33 AM THE SONG OF THE INDIAN LASS - Jez Lowe THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN - Leon Rosselson A LENGTH OF YARN - John Kirkpatrick 1952 VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING - Richard Thompson AndyG |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Frank Howe Date: 07 Jan 99 - 01:06 PM AMHRAN NA BHFIANN STICK TO THE CRAYTHUR [= PADDY'S PANACEA or HUMOURS OF WHISKEY] |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Mick Lowe Date: 07 Jan 99 - 06:41 PM It has got to be the ultimate love song:
KATHY'S SONG by Paul Simon, who has got to be one of the greatest poets/songwriters of the 20th century. Simple in its melody, eloquent in its lyrics.. it is just the one. Anyone who knows my love of Irish and English folk might wonder why I picked this.. all I can say is take a listen and you'll know
Great thread by the way
Cheers Mick |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Joe Offer Date: 07 Jan 99 - 08:38 PM I used to think the same about Kathy's Song, Mick - until Kathy divorced me... -Joe Offer- Hey Bert, your Catbox is here. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Songbob Date: 07 Jan 99 - 11:27 PM "Silent Night" |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Reta Date: 08 Jan 99 - 01:36 AM Great thread!
AMERICAN PIE,
-------------this could go on forever. I have to give up and I'm just starting. Blessings, Reta |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: hank Date: 08 Jan 99 - 08:50 AM A couple months ago a beautiful song came to me. It was set on the upper Mississippi, where I normally duck hunt. All the fall colors in the middle of nowhere, wide river. (the only artistic liberty I took was no wind, normally when I'm up there the wind makes it harder to get downstream them up) Saddly it came to me in the middle of the night and I didn't get up and write it down. I'm still kicking myself, cause I can't remember a thing. I hope when I get to heaven I find out it was a horrid song not worth remembering. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bert Date: 08 Jan 99 - 12:59 PM Thanks Joe. That's a good one, I'll have to learn it.
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Steve Latimer Date: 08 Jan 99 - 02:57 PM THE RED-HEADED STRANGER, DENVER, Willie Nelson. Anything that Dylan wrote especially from "Blood on the Tracks" as well as A HARD RAIN'S A-GONNA FALL, I SHALL BE FREE and TALKIN' WORLD WAR III BLUES (we tend to forget the genius of Bob's satirical wit). ALICE'S RESTAURANT, Arlo Guthrie. YOU NEVER EVEN CALLED ME BY MY NAME, Steve Goodman and David Alan Coe. (I've always had a soft spot for humour.) Anything by Robert Johnson, especially if I could have lived long enough to collect the royalties. Earlier in this thread, a few people mentioned the Joni Mitchell song that mentions the Mermaid Cafe [CAREY]. I have been trying to find the CD that has this, is the song called Kerry? and what album is it from? |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Peter T. Date: 08 Jan 99 - 04:54 PM The Album is called "Blue", it is coloured "Blue", it makes you "Blue". Stop reading this, turn off your computer, get into your favourite form of transportation, or stroll at a fast anticipatory pace to your favourite store, and BUY THIS RECORD!! You will be pleased you did. Yours, Peter T. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Sandy Paton Date: 10 Jan 99 - 04:06 AM Larry Kaplan: OLD ZEB; SONG FOR GALE; THE WRECK OF THE BAY RUPERT; SONG FOR THE BOWDOIN, and others. Bob Coltman: LONESOME ROBIN; DEVIL IN THE GARDEN (and other "Son of Child" ballads); WEAVER'S REVERIE; Christmas on the Range, and others. Craig Johnson: GOODBYE TO THE LOWLANDS; ROLL, BIG SANDY, ROLL; DAMNED OLD PINEY MOUNTAINS; WAY DOWN THE ROAD, and almost any other song he ever wrote! Gordon Bok: TURNING TOWARD THE MORNING; MRS. MACDONALD'S LAMENT; BAY OF FUNDY; HILLS OF ISLE AU HAUT, and more. Jerry Rasmussen: LIVING ON THE RIVER; OLD BLUE SUIT; COUNTY FAIR; HANDFUL OF SONGS, and many more. Plus all the great ones by Ewan MacColl, Utah Phillips, Si Kahn, etc., etc. These writers all served their apprenticeships in traditional songs, and write accordingly. Bless 'em! Sandy |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Roger in Baltimore Date: 10 Jan 99 - 11:01 AM Joe O., Was it just a mistake that I clicked on your link for Kathy's Song and ended up with the Vulture's Song? So bitter. For those who want to know Kathy's Song is available on the International Lyrics Server. Roger in Baltimore |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Peter T. Date: 11 Jan 99 - 11:02 AM Sandy, if you are still monitoring this thread, what or who is a "Bowdoin"? And what is the song? I know that there is a famous college in Maine, but never knew what a Bowdoin was. Also how do you pronounce it? Is it like Bow down, or rhymes with coin, or what? Yours, Peter T. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: BillyJ Date: 11 Jan 99 - 01:28 PM pete st john wrote some excellent songs like THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY and THE FERRYMAN. anybody got email site for him? |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Sandy Paton Date: 12 Jan 99 - 11:19 PM For Peter T.: Check out the Bowdoin thread that's now up and running. All you need to know, and maybe more! Lordy, these Mudcat experts will even tell you the thickness of her hull! They continually astound me. Sandy |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that (and The Ebeneezer) From: GUEST,"Altair Jones" Date: 13 Apr 04 - 01:53 PM Harking back to a Bill D post: "THE EBENEZER"...a silly pumping chanty..it's in the DT, but in a most awkward and shortened form...I guess I'll have to add the rest of it.. Did you ever do it? I can't get the link at all anymore, and wonder if this is the "Here I Hang My Ebenezer" that my friend is familiar with - we are trying to refresh our memories on the words... As with all songs of this nature, every person who remembers it can remember some of the lyrics ... but no single person can remember it (authoritatively) all... |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST Date: 13 Apr 04 - 02:02 PM The Ebeneezer |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,harlowpoet Date: 13 Apr 04 - 03:20 PM THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE. Words Ewan MacColl, and sung by Roberta Flack. Only three verses and not a single word wasted. Simple, timeless and brilliant. The best thing he ever did. In my humble opinion |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Amos Date: 13 Apr 04 - 03:28 PM The Bowdoin Thread, an excellent sample of fine Mudcattery. A |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Tunesmith Date: 13 Apr 04 - 04:13 PM "WHITE SQUALL" by Stan Rogers. This, to me, is an epic. In a few verses, Stan captures so much, Marvellous stuff! |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Jerry Rasmussen Date: 13 Apr 04 - 04:22 PM One nobody has probably heard... COME ON, JOE by Tony Romeo, recorded by Jo-El Sonnier "It's so muggy in the shack and the backwoods are black Cause the clouds hid the moon away The light from my cigarette flickers in the dark The only way she knows I'm here And suddenly the sound of the fiddles and accordions sweetly begin to play And I can almost hear her sweet voice say Come On, Joe, count to ten Pull yourself together again" I can see that song, smell the woods, see the cigarette flickering in the dark and hear the fiddles and accordions. And feel a six-pack high as the singer says. A song that touches all six senses and the soul. Jerry |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Lindswidder Date: 13 Apr 04 - 04:44 PM Two songs I wish I had written: Eric Bogle's "NO MAN'S LAND" (motorcycling in France in 1976 I came across a tiny roadside cemetery containing about two dozen graves, the average age of those that lie there was about 19 years - and I have just discovered the grave of my great uncle in Laventie, who was killed in 1915, aged 17) "HE WAS BEAUTIFUL" as sung by Cleo Laine accompanied by John Williams to the tune "Cavatina" (I first heard this song two days after the death of my fiance in a motorcycle accident in 1978) |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Mick Date: 13 Apr 04 - 04:52 PM "We Danced" by Bill Gallaher. An absolutely phenomenal song about older love. "The Ballad of Martin and Gibson" by Torontonian Rick Speyer. A song that every guitar player, or player of vintage instruments will love. Any one of a number of historical ballads by Canadian singer songwriters. These wonderful artists seem infused with a sense of place that boggles my mind. I love performing songs which tell a story well, or express an emotion in a way that makes you feel it, and when I listen to many of these songs by Bill Gallaher, Rick Speyer, or David Stone, to mention a few, it just grabs me. Mick |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Linda Kelly Date: 13 Apr 04 - 04:55 PM 'DIAMONDS AND RUST' Joan Baez 'THE DEATH OF QUEEN JANE' traditional 'NORMANDY ORCHARDS ' Keith Marsden 'FAREWELL TO TARWATHIE' George Scroggie 'RECONCILIATION' Ron Kavana 'Senzinina' Traditional South African 'THE SCARLET TIDE' Elvis Costello I've sung a lot of them, but hardly do justice to these wonderful songs. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Mudlark Date: 13 Apr 04 - 10:02 PM GuestLindswidder: Cleo Laine a phenomenal singer. So many good songs here. I'd add Michael Smith's "Time" and Steve Goodman's "THE DUTCHMAN." Also, the May Song, as sung by Cynthia Gooding, and QUEEN ELEANOR'S CONFESSION, and all the wonderful shanties, like GO TO SEA NO MORE" and "I've been a Sea Cook." A couple of Small Potatoes songs "QUARTZITE" and "WALTZ OF THE WALLFLOWERS." But I agree, this thread is liable to reach the thousands! The more one thinks of, the more one (me!) wants to add. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Augie Date: 13 Apr 04 - 10:25 PM Good choices Mudlark although "The Dutchman" is also a Michael Smith composition, not SG. For primo Goodman, try "ONE BITE OF THE APPLE" or "WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN TO DANCE?". |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Stephen L. Rich Date: 13 Apr 04 - 11:03 PM "HYMN SONG" by Bruce "U. Utah" Phillips Stephen Lee |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: George Papavgeris Date: 14 Apr 04 - 02:50 AM Stan Rogers: "LIES", "THE FIELD BEHIND THE PLOW", "THE LAST WATCH" Dave Webber: "Obby Oss", "PARTING SONG" Graeme Miles: "WHERE RAVENS FEED" Heck, I could be here for hours - so much good stuff... |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Lindswidder Date: 14 Apr 04 - 12:56 PM oh - and "(If I Could Put) TIME IN A BOTTLE" - which I think was a song by Jim Croce...? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: CAREY (Joni Mitchell) From: SueB Date: 14 Apr 04 - 03:20 PM I noticed that someone was looking for info on Joni Mitchell's Carey way back when, one of my favorite songs, and noticed it hasn't made it into the Digitrad yet, so... CAREY As recorded by Joni Mitchell on "Blue" (1971)
1. The wind is in from Africa; last night I couldn't sleep.
Oh, Carey, get out your cane, (Carey, get out your cane.)
2. Come on down to the Mermaid Cafe and I will buy you a bottle of wine,
Come on, Carey; get out your cane. (Carey, get out your cane.)
3. Maybe I'll go to Amsterdam or maybe I'll go to Rome
Come on, Carey; get out your cane, (Carey, get out your cane.)
4. The wind is in from Africa; last night I couldn't sleep.
Oh, Carey, get out your cane. (Carey, get out your cane.) |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: YorkshireYankee Date: 14 Apr 04 - 04:58 PM "LIES" by Stan Rogers I know it's already been mentioned, but it's SO good... took me months to be able to sing it without choking up at the end "CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES" by John McCutcheon "THE BROKEN TOKEN" by Mike Agranoff I love making people laugh... "THERE WERE ROSES" by Tommy Sands Yes, I know that one's already been mentioned, too, but it is so moving. And so many more... YY |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: MoorleyMan Date: 14 Apr 04 - 05:44 PM Ain't that interesting? Agree with both Yorkshire Yankee and El Greko re Stan Rogers' Lies. Like YY, it took me a long time to get composed enough to actually sing it, it's so moving. Thanks, El Greko, I'd agree in adding Graeme Miles' Where Ravens Feed to that category too. And have done! Then we've got Ewan's JOY OF LIVING. And Dave Webber's Parting Song. And some of El Greko's own too, come to that ..... Then there's any number of Richard Thompson songs - BEESWING, 1952 VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING, WITHERED AND DIED, THE POOR DITCHING BOY for starters. Robin Williamson's FIRST GIRL I LOVED and OCTOBER SONG. Dylan - TOMORROW IS A LONG TIME. Joni Mitchell's BOTH SIDES NOW. And of course so many by the true original Morley Man, Keith Marsden ! The list could go on and on. There's so many that we humble singers try to do justice to (right on, Linda - love your singing too!), and sure, in doing so we might fail - albeit honourably. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: C-flat Date: 14 Apr 04 - 06:46 PM If I had to name just one song, I would probably go for WINTER SONG by Lindisfarne. Great lyrics, good message and a beautifully crafted piece of music. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Lindswidder Date: 14 Apr 04 - 06:56 PM and "THE MYSTERY OF OWLD TOM'S GRAVE" by Allan Smethurst (The Singing Postman). During the 1980s in North Oxfordshire I had a bit of a reputation for singing his lesser-known songs and bringing them to the attention of a quite appreciative audience - and even though I first heard this song in 1968 and regularly sang it between 1982 and 1993 I still cannot even think about it without getting the lump in the throat............ |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: black walnut Date: 14 Apr 04 - 07:13 PM I wish I'd written MIRABEAU BRIDGE, but Sam Larkin got that muse. ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Augie Date: 14 Apr 04 - 08:29 PM "...the children of your body, spread out across this earth Like messages, written across time Measuring the years." from Kate Wolf's song "POET'S HEART" |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Moses Date: 15 Apr 04 - 09:09 AM All El Greco's choices and:- "THE BLACKBIRD" and "MAY SONG" - Dave Webber "Holy Wine" [= "A CASE OF YOU"] - Joni Mitchell "THE MARY ELLEN CARTER" - Stan Rogers "THANKSGIVING EVE" (already mentioned) - Bob Franke "AND THE BAND PLAYED WALTZING MATILDA" - Eric Bogle "BEESWING" - Richard Thompson Just a sample, there are so many more |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: black walnut Date: 15 Apr 04 - 09:56 AM Oh, and every David Francey song. ~b.w. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:59 AM Is that "Holy Wine" title another song, or does it refer to "A CASE OF YOU" from Blue? |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Moses Date: 16 Apr 04 - 03:46 AM Sorry, yes it is "A case of you" from Blue. (Not got brain into gear and not at home to check album). |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,leeneia Date: 16 Apr 04 - 12:00 PM The song that Martin Wyndham Read sings that starts The hill are clad purple, and the trees are clad in gold. The autumn wind is sighing for a beauty growing old. The grey grouse in the heather and the wild deer in the glen are longing for the summer when they'll see their joy again. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Mick Date: 19 Apr 04 - 11:37 PM You want lyrics? You should give a listen to some of the songs written by our own KT. Love Song For A Mother - a wondrous song about the time in Kath's adolescence when she was with her Mom at church and realized her Mother's faith. It's a Dog's Life - written from the perspective of her beloved friend, her dog. Wondrous Gift of Love. I wish I had the gift this woman has. And .... we just might get to meet her at Getaway. Mick |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Sandy Andina Date: 25 Jul 04 - 08:29 PM ON THE ROAD TO FAIRFAX COUNTY--David Massengill DETROIT OR BUFFALO--Barbara Keith THE BRAMBLE AND THE ROSE--Barbara Keith LIES--Stan Rogers FORTY-FIVE YEARS--Stan Rogers Electricity--Joni Mitchell REQUIEM FOR THE MASSES--The Association THE GREAT MANDALA--Peter, Paul, & Mary Mr. Arthur's Place--Thom Bishop SPOON RIVER--Michael Smith PENDLE HILL--Anne Hills These Cowboys Born Out of Their Time--Tom Dundee DRINKING BUDDY--Claudia Schmidt THANKSGIVING EVE--Bob Franke CHESTNUT TREE--Reilly & Maloney KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART--Warren Zevon THE SCOTSMAN--Michael Cross I WILL--Lennon & McCartney BOREDOM--John Sebastian BLESS THESE STREETS--Jill Dawson |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: jacqui.c Date: 26 Jul 04 - 04:07 AM THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE VINCENT KATHY'S SONG |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,judetheshepherd Date: 26 Jul 04 - 01:49 PM It's a line as much as the whole song, and not really from the folk world. From the Waterboys' "The whole of the moon":- I saw the rain-dirty valley You saw Brigadoon Now that's what I call imagery! |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: PoppaGator Date: 26 Jul 04 - 03:09 PM Somewhere way up thise thread, someone mentioned "Begin the Beguine" and didn't know the composer. It's Cole Porter; not a folk-music (type not hardly!), but one helluva songwriter -- a devilishly clever lyricist, and no slouch with melodies and chord progressions, either. I'd be glad to take credit for just about any piece of his. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Al Whittle Date: 26 Jul 04 - 07:54 PM I was always partial to The Farting Song that Dave Turner used to sing. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,fifer Date: 27 Jul 04 - 02:37 PM If you have never heard "THE FARM AUCTION" written by Enoch Kent, and preferably the version sung by him, Please take the opportunity to do so! If you are not moved by it, you must be dead from the neck up. Super melody, with lyrics to match |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: mg Date: 27 Jul 04 - 03:44 PM The one I always think, gee I wish I'd written that is THE TOWN I LOVED SO WELL by Phil Coulter. I was having coffee with Pat Humphries and Susan L. at Folk Alliance many years ago and Pat asked us what kind of songs we wished we could write. I wish I could write songs like her that are great to sing and hopeful etc..(and have choruses that are great). did she write "we will rise like the morning we will rise like the sun?" ["COMMON THREAD"] I get her stuff mixed up with other people but I wish I could write inspirational songs. But I will say the songs I have written have very good people in them, stalwart etc....not on purpose..they just are...mg |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Guest Baillie Date: 28 Jul 04 - 10:59 AM I wish I'd written that song by Tom Bliss 'The Violin', but sadly my talents will only run to stuff like 'The Ballad of the Assistant Banana Ripening Manager' ...never mind eh? |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: wanderhope Date: 28 Jul 04 - 02:10 PM GRACELAND |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Sheila Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:22 PM Almost anything by Jim Croce, and a lot of Simon and Garfunkel. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Jeep man Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:41 PM How about great lines within a song? Mine would be,"God Bless Little Chldren Before They Learn to Hate". (Tom T Hall, "Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine". Jim |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bill the Collie Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:44 PM Happy birthday to you. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,14fret Date: 03 Dec 04 - 06:42 AM 'WHITE CHRISTMAS'. I'd have made some money! |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Cluin Date: 03 Dec 04 - 08:37 AM A few years ago, James Keelaghan had a songwriter's show on CBC Radio. One of the running challenges on the show for the guests he'd interview was to name and sing a song that they in fact wished they had written. It made me think about which song I'd choose in that situation. There are so many worthy choices, but I guess I'd have gone with the host's own "RIVER RUN", my favourite Keelaghan song. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Auggie Date: 03 Dec 04 - 09:06 AM The Roads Are Long "The roads are long in Canada You're driving through the night. You're washed in prarie moon and stars You're bathing in their light, And if God in Her heaven seems so far away, At least you're assured that you're headed that way And you're headed for someone who's asked you stay, and its right." Bob Franke |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Cluin Date: 03 Dec 04 - 09:31 AM Oh yeah, and I'll say just about anything written by Bob Franke, too. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: RobbieWilson Date: 03 Dec 04 - 09:48 AM Have to agree with Harlow poet back in April Ewan McColl's THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE is the most fantastic song. Never mind writing it how about having a song like that written for you by your husband? Not only about you, but for you to sing. I am not aware of any recordings of Ewan McColl doing the song although an old woman at Bromyard Folk Festival said she had seen him do it Live in Birmingham shortly after he wrote it. Talking of say it all in a few words I don't think you can beat Robbie Burns, MY LOVE IS LIKE A RED, RED ROSE, and YE BANKS AND BRAES O' BONNIE DOON both very short, leave nothing else to say and not a single word wasted. Pete Morton sings a song called SYLVIA which is like a stripped down version of the much better known Sovay as sung by Martin Carthy, among many. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: muppitz Date: 03 Dec 04 - 10:15 AM 3, 5 & 6 of Moses' choices I agree with totally, but I would personally supersede them with: BEESWING - Richard Thompson WHEN MY MORNING COMES AROUND - Which I think is by Iris Dement Tenterhooks - Jez Lowe Tenterhooks is one of my favourite songs and it contains one of the most profound statements I have ever heard: "Bad news has the wings; good news must dream of growing" muppitz x |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,bflat Date: 03 Dec 04 - 02:53 PM I have to agree with those who chose Ewan MacColl's THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE. It's my favorite love song. Otherwise, I like IF I HAD A HAMMER by Pete Seeger and Lee Hayes for my social conscience. Ellen |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:09 PM Pete Morton's "Thanksgiving" is a beautiful meditation on the value of life as someone passes away. I will never write anything near as good. Most of us can improve as craftsmen. However, there are songs like that to remind us of the difference between a reasonable craftsman and a true artist. There is definitely something there which the rest of us can't do. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Al Whittle Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:29 PM Be content with the songs God gives you to write. these lists of songs are all nice songs, great songs even. But who knows tomorrow you might, just by being you, find the great song that is within you. To have written one of the great songs of our age of course would be nice. Solve many problems - financial and personal and maybe nobody will ask who does he think he is any more........ However i can't help but feel there is something essentially self defeating about lusting after another man's glory. Admire the craftsmanship, originality etc by all means. But to have written that song you have to have been that man or woman, and nobody's as good at being you as you are. And isn't that what Mudcat's all about. We come together as individuals. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Date: 04 Dec 04 - 05:25 PM I don't think anyone is lusting after anyone else's glory. We have some pretty distinguished writers here. They are simply admiring songs which they couldn't have written themselves. I think the title here is intended a little tongue cheek. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Date: 04 Dec 04 - 05:26 PM ...tongue in cheek, of course... |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Little Hawk Date: 04 Dec 04 - 05:53 PM Al Stewart's "ROADS TO MOSCOW". It's a masterpiece. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Dave Wynn Date: 04 Dec 04 - 06:53 PM Try Andy Mitchells "CALUM MOORE" Mudcat's own Strupag. It contains insight and emotion beyond the normal. If I could ever write just one song. This would be it. Spot the Dog (who now performs it in almost every set and has permission from Andy to do so.....Isn't Mudcat just wonderful when writer and performer can communicate this way.) |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: jaze Date: 04 Dec 04 - 08:24 PM RAGLAN ROAD CORNFLOWER BLUE - Kate Wolf LOVE SONG TO A STRANGER - Joan Baez LOVE IS JUST A FOUR LETTER WORD - Dylan COLD MISSOURI WATERS - James Keelaghan OLD FRIENDS - Mary McCaslin SPANISH IS THE LOVING TONGUE and hundreds more |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Little Hawk Date: 04 Dec 04 - 08:58 PM PACK UP YOUR SORROWS - Richard Farina |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: mg Date: 04 Dec 04 - 11:34 PM IF I NEEDED YOU by Townes Van Zandt.. FOLLOW ME by John Denver. (Let us sing this song for) THE TURNING OF THE WORLD...Ruth Pelham
and of course, #1 remains THE TOWN I LOVED SO WELL. |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Date: 05 Dec 04 - 03:46 AM Thinking about weelittledrummer's post, I can say that there is not really a song of anyone else's which I would like to have written. It is a bit like Shakespeare. I am just very glad we have it. The songs I most wish I had written, are those which go through my head at sometime, but which I can't get down on paper before they slip away. They might not have have been classics, but I would have liked to have got them anyway! |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 05 Dec 04 - 01:30 PM LONESOME DOVE Art |
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Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 05 Dec 04 - 01:32 PM CALIFORNIA JOE Art |
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