New song re catter Jaze by Marion

Subject: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: Marion
Date: 27 May 06 - 03:34 PM

Hi folks. Just wanted to let you know of a song I recently wrote and, IMO, a fine example of how the Mudcat can create connections and inspire music.

A couple of years ago I offered to send a demo tape to Mudcatters and one of those who responded was Jaze in the USA. He wrote back to say that he was particularly interested by one called Frederick Shortt's Lament (lyrics here) because of his own history in an orphanage. He then sent me a copy of his childhood memoirs, "Memories of St. John's", which eventually led to this song.

And just to complete the Mudcat circle... the tune is Spancil Hill.

Cheers, Marion


Memories of St. John's

Lyrics © 2006 Marion Parsons; music traditional

Oh, Weaver is a common name, there's lots of Jerrys too
I might have known the brimstone wall would show me quite a few
But if my Jerry's one of them, for sure I cannot say
Who wrote the simple letter that I've kept unto this day.

"Was good to get your note," he said, across the moulding page
"For I was in a place like that when I was 'bout your age
So pray for me, I'll pray for you, each night until the time
That you may find a loving home, and I return to mine."

When Sister Francis made us write to soldiers far away
I had my own war to be lost, and my own price to pay
How little did my father know, when he gave me to their care
How long that he would be away, and the burdens I would bear.

Were times a neighbour's jug of milk went lost so we could eat
My brothers, sisters scattered, and our things out by the street
With father always gone to work, and mother just plain gone
They hushed my timid questions, and they dropped me at St. John's.

The older boys soon taught me when to speak and where to stand
The ones that swung a belt or broom, and who just used her hand
We swapped in saints and Phillies cards, played stickball in the field
And lined up when the bells would ring for school or church or meal.

I learned about the devil and I said a million prayers
Enough to get me through the gates, a sin or two to spare
But not enough to stop the day the nuns took me aside
Cause God had took my father home, and all my hopes had died.

My grownup sister came around at last to take me in
I can't forget the loneliness that felt as though I'd sinned
Been forty years since I got out, I guess I've done OK
And hope the same for Jerry, though I wonder to this day.

PS Also, Jaze tells me that he's been trying to track down Jerry Weaver - if there's anyone who can provide good advice as to how to locate a Vietnam vet, that would really complete the circle...

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 27 May 06 - 04:00 PM

Awesome, great lyrics Marion.

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 27 May 06 - 04:05 PM

Sorry, This site might help you find Vietnam Veterans: http://www.squidoo.com/vietnamwarvets/

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 May 06 - 07:24 PM

Marion, well done! Jaze PM'd me a few days ago about this. I've had the honour of reading his memoir and you have encapsulated it beautifully. Thanks for sharing. That is the wonderful thing about Mudcat!

I found a few Jerry Weavers in the SSDI (death index) on ancestry.com, but Jaze says his name is not on the Viet Nam Memorial, so I don't think any of them are him. I recently found this site which may help: Military.com. If you click on the branch of service he was in, on the left, and join, then you can use their "Buddy Finder."

Thanks, again,

kat

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: jaze
Date: 28 May 06 - 03:22 PM

Thanks Kat, I haven't tried that one.

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 May 06 - 06:17 PM

You're welcome, Jaze. I just found it the other day in looking for someone else for another friend. Good luck!

kat

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: jaze
Date: 29 May 06 - 05:35 PM

Thanks for the link to those sites, Dave(the ancient mariner). That'll keep me busy for a while!

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 29 May 06 - 09:27 PM

Email me as much info as you can, branch of service, full name, ss or RA number if known..probably not...time of service..where he served. What he did... I'll put the word out. [e-mail]. mg

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: jaze
Date: 29 May 06 - 10:05 PM

Thanks,mg, I sent you an e-mail with all the info I have. And I did check the names on the Wall-"my" Jerry Weaver is not there.

Subject: RE: New song re catter Jaze by Marion
From: Marion
Date: 31 May 06 - 12:55 PM

Hi folks, and sorry for the delay in getting back to this thread... I'm glad you like the song, Kat. Thanks to all who have offered leads.

Marion