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The Tear Jerker Thread (songs)
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GOLDEN GUITAR From: kendall Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:16 PM Today, out of the blue, I thought of an old country song and I thought, why not start a tear jerker thread? Sort of a Can you top this? The Golden Guitar I walked into a Honkey Tonk one night down in New Orleans, Up above the bar hung a big guitar, like none I'd ever seen, Its neck was set with diamonds, and although the strings were old, Like kings of sound they wound around six keys of solid gold. A man stepped up beside me, his breath was strong of wine, And he said, "That guitar once belonged to a real close pal of mine. He used to play it, right here, it was '45 I think, I could tell you quite a story friend, if you'd care to buy me a drink." Well possessed by every weakness that makes a man a fool, I bought a round, and he drank it down, and leaned back on his stool. "I remember now" he said,"It was '45 alright, He'd just returned from the great war, that's where he lost his sight. His buddies gave him that guitar, at the time it was simple and plain, He added the gold a jewels as he played his way to fame. He was doing a show in Nashville on the night he received the call to Come up to the Grand Ol' Opry, the greatest show of all. I was driving him to Nashville, it was cold and misting rain, The signals flashed and the whistle blew but, Mr. I never saw that train. I heard the doctor tell him, just after he'd used his knife, 'You're lucky son, it was only your arm, it could have been your life.' But, he died that night, life just demanded more than he could give, I think he could have made it, but he just lost the will to live. But, this earth's loss is Heaven's gain for tonight he's still a star, He plays with a band of angels; that's my son's golden guitar. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: TELL LAURA I LOVE HER (Ray Peterson) From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:19 PM Tell Laura I Love Her ( Ray Peterson ) Laura and Tommy were lovers He wanted to give her everything Flowers, presents, But most of all, a wedding ring He saw a sign for a stock car race A thousand dollar prize it read He couldn't get Laura on the phone So to her mother, Tommy said Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura I may be late I've something to do, that cannot wait He drove his car to the racing grounds He was the youngest driver there The crowed roared as they started the race Around the track they drove at a deadly pace No one knows what happened that day Or how his car overturned in flames But as they pulled him from the twisted wreck With his dying breath, they heard him say Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die Now in the chapel where Laura prays For her poor Tommy, who passed away It was just for Laura he lived and died Alone in the chapel she can hear him cry Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die Tell Laura I love her Tell Laura I need her Tell Laura not to cry My love for her will never die |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:22 PM And of course there is "Patches" (which is in the DT). |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:28 PM Drats, I was gonna mention "Patches" |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Leadfingers Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:29 PM I feel that IF I had any remnant of good taste left , I would steer WAY clear of this thread ! But ! I'm Nobody's child , I'm Nobody's child Just like a flower , I'm growing wild I've got no Mommy's kisses , No Daddy's smile Nobody loves me , I'm No body's child At which point the Taste triggers and I CANT bring myself to post the verses ! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: NOBODY'S CHILD From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:35 PM Sorry, Bobad. I still like the song (and have performed it on rare occasions--usually involving vodka). Terry, ya don't get off that easy. These are the lyrics Terry really WANTED TO POST! As I was slowly passing an orphan's home one day, I stopped for just a little while to watch the children play. Alone a boy was standing and when I asked him why, he turned with eyes that could not see and he began to cry. I'm nobody's child, I'm nobody's child. Just like the flowers I'm growing wild. I got no mummy's kisses I got no daddy's smile. Nobody wants me, I'm nobody's child. No mummy's arms to hold me or sue me when I cry, 'cos sometimes I feel so lonesome I wish that I could die. I'll walk the streets of heaven where all blinds can see. And just like for the other kids it will be a home for me. I'm nobody's child, I'm nobody's child. Just like the flowers I'm growing wild. I got no mummy's kisses I got no daddy's smile. Nobody wants me, I'm nobody's child. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:36 PM How about the John Prine song that goes: "Daddy's got a hole in his arm Where all the money goes" I've always liked that one. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Joe Offer Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:39 PM Hey, there's a Dead Teenager Website that covers all those sappy songs from the 50's and 60's. I wonder why it's so much fun to sing those songs.... Also, be sure to see the Saccharine overload thread. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:39 PM Yep, "Nobody's Child" - (is that the name of the song?) is definitely a tear jerker. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: pdq Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:42 PM Bill Grant & Delia Bell do a song called "Jack & Lucy". The only tear-jerker that works on me. Songs like "Put My Little Shoes Away" are amusing, but not real effective as tear-jerkers. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WATER IN THE FUEL (Fred Eaglesmith) From: GUEST Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:49 PM Fred Eaglesmith (but Kasey Chambers sings it better, IMO) Water In The Fuel Well, darling, I'm a coming down old route number sixty-seven. I just got off the turnpike avoiding the Ohio state inspection. Johnny law followed me up the road, but then he turned off and he let me go. I guess this old truck ain't worth shutting down. And your voice last night on the telephone said you wouldn't be there when I got home So, when I get to Cleveland I'm going to head back south. Chorus: The light keeps coming on, I've got water in the fuel. My brakes are gone, I've got a left front tire throwing thread. By tomorrow morning, I could be dead. Baby, maybe you were right all along. You said you couldn't stay with a man who was always going away, And all you wanted to do was settle down. You wanted to buy that little trailer, out on the edge with the money you saved. It had a carport, a colour TV and no place to turn around. (Chorus) Bridge: Remember that winter when the lake froze over, We drove out there after we'd unloaded, We revved that truck and we spun it 'round and 'round. Then we left it idling out on that ice, Crawled in the sleeper and I held you tight. Baby, I'm sure on thin ice now. (Chorus) |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JennieG Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:52 PM I luuuurrrve these songs - especially those Victorian melodramas. "Don't go down the mine daddy" is one. Cheers JennieG |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DARLIN' LITTLE JOE From: Bill D Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:21 PM DARLIN' LITTLE JOE - (different from the one in the database...I have been singing this version, learned from Norman Blake, for about 35 years) What will the birds do, mother, in the spring To gather the crumbs 'round our door? Will they fly from their nest in the top of the tree, And ask why Joe wanders out no more. What will the kitten do, Mother, all alone, To stray from his frolic for the day? Will he play on the rug beside my bed, Like he did before I went away? And what of Thomas, the old gardner dear, When you ask him for flowers for me? He'll give you the roses he tended with care, The fairest lot that grew around the tree. Keep Tag, Mother, my poor little dog, Blind and helpless, it's true. Watch over him as older he grows, Sleepin' the whole Summer thru. Show him my coat, Mother, so he may know, That his master then will be dead. Speak to him kindly, amd often of Joe, And pat him on his brown, shaggy head. And you, dearest Mother, shall miss me but a while. For in Heaven, I shall no larger grow, And any kind angel you meet at the gate, Will take you to your darlin'little Joe. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DAHN THE PLUG'OLE From: JennyO Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:24 PM Jennie, here's one of those Victorian melodramas - DAHN THE PLUG'OLE A mother was bathing her baby one night The youngest of ten, a poor little mite The mother was fat and the baby was thin 'Twas nowt but a skellington wrapped up in skin. The mother turned round for the soap from the rack She weren't gone a minute, but when she got back The baby was gone, and in anguish she cried 'Oh, where is my baby', the angels replied Your baby has gone down the plug'ole Your baby has gone down the plug The poor little thing was so skinny and thin He should have been bathed in a jug Your baby is perfickly happy He won't need no bathing no more He's working his way through the sewers Not lost, just gone before. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE BOY BLUE (Eugene Field) From: Stilly River Sage Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:49 PM My father put several Eugene Field poems to music. This was my favorite. I asked him to sing it at a hoot one night and was surprised (and relieved) to see lots of furtive tear and nose wipes as the song came to a close--I thought I was the only one who cried over this one. I have this song on a tape, but I don't have the music transcribed. I could probably send the file to anyone who is interested. LITTLE BOY BLUE The little toy dog is covered with dust, But sturdy and stanch he stands; And the little toy soldier is red with rust, And his musket moulds in his hands. Time was when the little toy dog was new, And the soldier was passing fair; And that was the time when our Little Boy Blue Kissed them and put them there. "Now, don't you go till I come," he said, "And don't you make any noise!" So, toddling off to his trundle-bed, He dreamt of the pretty toys; And, as he was dreaming, an angel song Awakened our Little Boy Blue--- Oh! the years are many, the years are long, But the little toy friends are true! Ay, faithful to Little Boy Blue they stand, Each in the same old place--- Awaiting the touch of a little hand, The smile of a little face; And they wonder, as waiting the long years through In the dust of that little chair, What has become of our Little Boy Blue, Since he kissed them and put them there. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: FATHER DEAR FATHER COME HOME WITH ME NOW From: Peace Date: 21 Jan 07 - 11:51 PM Song 95. To the tune of "Come Home Father" FATHER, dear father, come home with me now! The clock in the steeple strikes one; You said you were coming right home from the shop As soon as your day's work was done. Our fire has gone out--our house is all dark, And mother's been watching since tea, With poor brother Benny so sick in her arms And no one to help her but me. Come home! come home! come home! Please, father, dear father, come home! Father, dear father, come home with me now! The clock in the steeple strikes two; The night has grown colder--and Benny is worse-- But he has been calling for you. Indeed he is worse--Ma says he will die, Perhaps before morning shall dawn! And this is the message she sent me to bring, Come quickly or he will be gone! Father, dear father, come home with me now! The clock in the steeple strikes three; The house is so lonely--the hours are so long, For poor weeping mother and me. Yes, we are alone--poor Benny is dead! And gone with the angels of light: And these were the very last words that he said, "I want to kiss Papa to-night?" Come home! come home! come home! Please, father, dear father, come home! Hear the sweet voice of the child Which the night winds repeat as they roam Oh, who could resist this most plaintive of prayers, Please, father, dear father, come home! From The Temperance Songster; a Collection of Songs and Hymns for All Temperance Societies at the Library of Congress, at from dig.lib.niu.edu/teachers/l3-songgroup.doc |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bee-dubya-ell Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:03 AM I dunno, "Little Joe" is a bit too lively to qualify as a real tear-jerker for me. The words are sad, but the tempo (at least in all the versions I've heard, my own included) is just a bit too upbeat. To me, true tear-jerkiness comes from a combination of the lyric and the delivery. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Stilly River Sage Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:09 AM Ed McCurdy has some in his Sin Songs Pro/Con album. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: number 6 Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:11 AM "Tecumseh Valley" .... by Townes Van Zandt "No One Knows my Name" .... by Gillian Welch biLL |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ONLY THE HEART MAY KNOW (Dan Fogelberg) From: michaelr Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:12 AM ONLY THE HEART MAY KNOW (Dan Fogelberg) Silent sea, tell this to me Where are the children that we used to be? At picture shows where nobody goes And only the heart can see Starry skies, soft lullabies Where do they go when their melody dies To a day far, far away That only the heart may know CH: Friends we knew who followed us through All of the days of our lives Love we shared waits for us there Where our wishes forever reside Falling tears, memories' mirrors Where are the summers, oh where are the years Carried far to a wandering star That only the heart may know (CH) Repeat 1st verse and CH |
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Subject: Lyr Add: COCKLES AND MUSSELS / MOLLY MALONE From: number 6 Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:17 AM Cockles and Mussels ... this song has to be mentioned in this thread. In Dublin's fair city, where the girls are so pretty I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone As she wheeled her wheel-barrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O! Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! She was a fish-monger, but sure 'twas no wonder For so were her father and mother before And they each wheeled their barrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O! Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! She died of a fever, and no one could save her And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone But her ghost wheels her barrow Through streets broad and narrow Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! Alive, alive-O! alive, alive-O! Crying cockles and mussels, alive, alive-O! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ONLY ME (Ford/Bratton) From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM Only Me By Walter Ford & John Bratton A mother of fashion was being arrayed By her dainty French maid, Babette. Her two little girls in the nursery played But one was her darling, her pet. A sound from the room caused the mother to cry "Was that you my dear Marie?" The answer came back twixt a sob and a sigh "No, Mother, it's only me." CHORUS Only me. Only me. Sobbed in a weary tone. Wrung from an innocent baby's heart That felt so much alone. One got the kisses and kindly words. That was her pet Marie. One told her troubles to bees and birds. That one was only me. Close to a white cot on a bright summer day The mother's heart wakened at last. The life of her baby was ebbing away And tears of repentance fell fast. "Now don't you cry Mother dear You needn't care. It isn't your dear Marie. And maybe the angels will have love to spare A little for only me." CHORUS |
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Subject: Lyr Add: FATHER'S A DRUNKARD AND MOTHER IS DEAD From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:44 AM From the sheet music in the Levy Collection: FATHER'S A DRUNKARD, AND MOTHER IS DEAD Poetry by "Stella" (of Washington); Music by Mrs A. E. Parkhurst. ©1866. 1. Out in the gloomy night, sadly I roam. I have no Mother dear; no pleasant home. Nobody cares for me—no one would cry Even if poor little Bessie should die. Barefoot and tired, I've wandered all day Asking for work—but I'm too small they say. On the damp ground I must now lay my head— "Father's a Drunkard, and Mother is dead!" CHORUS: Mother, why did you leave me all alone, With no one to love me, no friends and no home? Dark is the night, and the storm rages wild. God pity Bessie, the Drunkard's lone child! 2. We were so happy til father drank rum, Then all our sorrow and trouble begun. Mother grew paler, and wept ev'ry day. Baby and I were too hungry to play. Slowly they faded, and one Summer's night Found their dear faces all silent and white; Then with big tears slowly dropping, I said: "Father's a Drunkard, and Mother is dead!" 3. Oh! if the "Temp'rance men" only could find Poor, wretched Father, and talk very kind— If they could stop him from drinking—why, then I should be so very happy again! Is it too late? "Men of Temp'rance," please try, Or poor little Bessie may soon starve and die. All the day long I've been begging for bread— "Father's a Drunkard, and Mother is dead!" |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:48 AM pdq, I have to disagree. Put My Little Shoes Away et al when sung sincerely are moving. If the singer respects the song, it can be put across. If the singer goes for "over the top" maudlin effect, it becomes laughable. Helen Shneyer could perform this material both ways. Listen to the Blue Sky Boys version of "Shoes" and you will see what I mean. SINS |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Alec Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:58 AM 20 Odd years ago a bunch of friends & I were in a pub where we were somewhat less than satisfied with the quality of the service. So we programmed the jukebox to play "Old Shep" 10 times in a row. Then we left. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bert Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:15 AM They have a place, sometimes they have to be written. Just three years ago my daughter, Rachael lost her baby "Ariseli". She was born premature and lived for two hours. Ariseli Sleep softly my pretty one Sleep softly my darling You promised a happiness that only you could bring You came for a moment and then you were gone Faded away like a snowflake in spring Sleep softly my pretty one Sleep softly my love |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE WATER LILY (Henry Lawson) From: JennyO Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:41 AM The words of Henry Lawson's poem "The Water Lily" have been put to music in a haunting version, sung by Karen Lynne. I have it on a tape, but I can't find a link for it anywhere on the 'net for others to listen to unfortunately. The Water Lily Henry Lawson A lonely young wife In her dreaming discerns A lily-decked pool With a border of ferns, And a beautiful child, With butterfly wings, Trips down to the edge of the water and sings: 'Come, mamma! come! 'Quick! follow me— 'Step out on the leaves of the water-lily!' And the lonely young wife, Her heart beating wild, Cries, 'Wait till I come, 'Till I reach you, my child!' But the beautiful child With butterfly wings Steps out on the leaves of the lily and sings: 'Come, mamma! come! 'Quick! follow me! 'And step on the leaves of the water-lily! And the wife in her dreaming Steps out on the stream, But the lily leaves sink And she wakes from her dream. Ah, the waking is sad, For the tears that it brings, And she knows 'tis her dead baby's spirit that sings: 'Come, mamma! come! 'Quick! follow me! 'Step out on the leaves of the water-lily!' |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Slag Date: 22 Jan 07 - 02:02 AM Two C&W greats were GIDDY-UP GO PHANTOM 1-OH-9 (I think, may have be 4-OH-9 but that might just be the detergent talkin') I don't recall the artist or all the lyrics but the deserve an honorable mention. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MY MOTHER'S BIBLE (Williams/Tillman) From: ragdall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:42 AM Two songs that always get to me: My Mother's Bible Charlie D. Tillman/ M.B. Williams There's a dear and precious Book, Though it's worn and faded now, Which recalls those happy days of long ago, When I stood at mother's knee, With her hand upon my brow, And I heard her voice in gentle tones and low. Refrain Blesséd Book, precious Book, On thy dear old tear stained leaves I love to look; Thou art sweeter day by day, as I walk the narrow way That leads at last to that bright home above. As she read the stories o'er Of those mighty men of old, Of Joseph and of Daniel and their trials, Of little David bold, Who became a king at last, Of Satan and his many wicked wiles. Refrain Then she read of Jesus' love, As He blessed the children dear, How He suffered, bled and died upon the tree; Of His heavy load of care, Then she dried my flowing tears With her kisses as she said it was for me. Refrain Well, those days are past and gone, But their memory lingers still And the dear old Book each day has been my guide; And I seek to do His will, As my mother taught me then, And ever in my heart His Words abide. Refrain Triumphant Service Songs, The Rodeheaver Company, 1934. Tell It Again Mrs. M.B.C. Slade/ R.M. McIntosh Into the tent where a gypsy boy lay, Dying alone at the close of the day, News of Salvation we carried, said he; "Nobody ever has told it to me!" .... Rodeheaver's Sunday School Songs - no publication date, but my mother wrote her name and "~ 1918 ~" in it. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: ragdall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:50 AM LITTLE JOE THE WRANGLER, in the DT. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: ragdall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:57 AM HANG ON THE BELL, in the DT The scene was in the jailhouse, and if curfew rang that night The guy in number 13 cell would go out like a light. She knew her Dad was innocent, and so Poor Little Nell Has tied her tender torso to the clapper of the bell. cho: Oh, hang on the bell, Nelly, hang on the bell Your poor Daddy's locked in a cold prison cell. As you swing to the left, and you swing to the right Remember that curfew must never ring tonight. ... |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Liz the Squeak Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:02 AM I've never found this a tear jerker, until now... can I correct please with local accent? A lie-dy was barfing her bye-by one nigh' The youngist ov ten, an' a poor litool mi'e The mmuvver was poor and the bye-by was fin 'Twas nowt bu' a skillington wrapped up in sking. I can't listen to Terry Jacks 'Seasons in the sun' without it getting me right there..... (gestures to stomach and makes vomiting motions...) LTS |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LONG BEFORE YOUR TIME From: Georgiansilver Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:24 AM The one that comes to mind for me is:- Long before your time. You ask me why, I look so sad, on this bright Summer day, Or why the tears are in my eyes and I seem so far away. Well sit yourself beside me love and put your hand in mine, And I'll tell you of someone I loved, long long before your time. I'm sitting here and thinking of those days so long ago, When I was just a child like you, with a girl I used to know. Through fields of green we laughed and played and sang our merry rhyme Oh Summer days were warmer then, lon long before your time. Through childhood years our love did bloom till our hearts they beat as one. And we promised each, eternal love in the Church before the town. We settled in this little house, I was proud to call her mine, Oh we were young and happy then, long long before your time. One lovely year was all we had, until the sickness came, And stole the roses from her cheeks, my tears they fell like rain. For nine long months she carried you but in the end she died, She chose to go so you might liver, long long before your time. So you ask me why I look so sad, on this bright Summer day, Or why the tears are in my eyes and I seem so far away. It's just you seem a lot like her, when your eyes look into mine, And your smile is so much like her smile, long long before your time. It really freaks out my imagination....Father and young daughter....pulls at the heartstrings. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HONEY (Bobby Goldsboro) From: JennyO Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:24 AM Quick, somebody stop me before I post this......gaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! Honey Bobby Goldsboro See the tree, how big it's grown but friend it hasn't been too long it wasn't big I laughed at her and she got mad, the first day that she planted, it, was just a twig Then the first snow came and she ran out to brush the snow away So it wouldn't die Came runnin' in all excited, slipped and almost hurt herself And I laughed till I cried She was always young at heart, kinda dumb and kinda smart and I loved her so Once I surprised her with a puppy Kept me up all Christmas Eve two years ago And it would sure embarrass her When I came in from workin' late 'cause I would know That she'd been sittin' there and cryin' Over some sad and silly late, late show And honey, I miss you and I'm bein' good And I'd love to be with you if only I could She wrecked the car and she was sad And so afraid that I'd be mad but what the heck Though I pretended hard to be Guess you could say she saw through me and hugged my neck I came home unexpectedly and caught her cryin' needlessly In the middle of a day And it was in the early Spring when flowers bloom and robins sing She went away And honey, I miss you and I'm bein' good And I'd love to be with you if only I could One day while I was not at home while she was there and all alone The angels came Now all I have is memories of Honey and I wake up nights and call her name Now my life's an empty stage where Honey lived and Honey played And love grew up And a small cloud passes overhead and cries down on the flower bed That Honey loved And see the tree how big it's grown but friend it hasn't been too long it wasn't big And I laughed at her and she got mad The first day that she planted it, was just a twig |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:42 AM Slag, I think that was Red Sovine who did Giddy up go. Sad songs are what I grew up with but seldom do anymore. There is one that Slim Dusty did about an old drunk who traveled Australia with a stray dog as his only friend, it goes, ...in a coastal town while Gilbert drank away his cares, his old dog was impounded there and so, when they couldn't find its owner, the dog was put to sleep, and I guess it's best that Gilbert never knows. Then he goes searching for the dog and...then someone found him dead one day 'neath a table in a pub, with a collar and a chain clutched in his hand. If that wouldn't bring a tear to a glass eye, what would? |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:47 AM Alec, you think like I do! Beautiful! |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Beer Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:57 AM Leadfingers, you must be a Harry Hibbs fan. Georgiansilver that a great song, do it all the time. Here are a few titles that I dig out when I'm in the mood. Frozen Charlotte Molly Bond How Will I Ever Be Simple Again Orphan Train Please Mommy Please Stay Home With Me Godspeed Billy the Bum Daughter of Mine Peter Emberley A Mother's Love is a Blessing Richman's Garden After the Ball is Over Silver Hair Daddy of Mine Gypsy Sally The Fields of Athenry Mary of The Wild Moor Makin Break Harbor Old Shep Missing in Action Dancing at Whitsun Oh hell, just about every war song and most Irish laments Beer (adrien) |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: jacqui.c Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:00 AM The Miners Lullabye. Ebony Eyes. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BURIAL OF WILD BILL (Crawford/Stoneman) From: Midchuck Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:11 AM I am, myself, especially partial to flowery Victorian eulogies for fallen heroes. They are especially fun when the hero in question was, in fact, a murderous sociopath, i. e.: THE BURIAL OF WILD BILL (from singing of Norman Blake) Lyrics: "Captain Jack" Crawford Melody: Ernest V. Stoneman Under the sod in the land of gold We have laid the fearless Bill; We called him wild, yet a little child Could bend his iron will. With a generous heart he freely gave To the poorly-clad unshod; Think of it, pards, of his noble traits, While you cover him with the sod. Under the sod in the Deadwood gulch We have laid his last remains. No more his manly form will hail The Red Man on the plains. And many a heartfelt sigh was heard As over the sward we trod, And many an eye was filled with tears As we covered him with the sod. We buried him 'neath the old pine tree In that little world of ours; His trusty rifle by his side, His grave all strewn with flowers; His manly form in sweet repose, That lovely silken hair; It was a sight we can't forget, That face so bright and fair. Under the sod in the prairie land We have laid the good and true; An honest heart and a noble man Has bade his last adieu. No more his silvery voice will ring; His spirit has gone to God; Around his faults let charity cling While we cover him with the sod. Peter. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Obie Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:26 AM "Little Rosa" woukd bring a tear to a glass eye. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Stilly River Sage Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:26 AM Bert, I just wanted to acknowledge your daughter and grandchild's song. It landed in a thread where we're making much of over-the-top tearjerkers, but even if no one else noticed, I don't think any of us are dismissing truly broken hearts. Maggie (SRS) |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Obie Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:36 AM See old thread: thread.cfm?threadid=20528 |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:36 AM JennyO is going to hell for that! We programmed a juke box to play Hey Jude 10x then left. heh heh I do: The Baggage Coach Ahead A Bird In A Gilded Cage and a number of Civil War sad songs. I prefer to think of them as high drama rather than tear jerkers. Nobody jerked a tear when I san Old Shep on New Years Eve. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Scrump Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:40 AM Some of these songs are enough to move me to tears, but probably not for the reason the writers intended ;-) |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JennyO Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:54 AM MWUHAHAHAHAHA HA HA! Nobody jerked a tear when I san Old Shep on New Years Eve Probably too busy watching Seamus - well he did sorta steal the show ;-) |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Alec Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:01 AM Awwwww Thanks Kendall.Sinsull if you must use a Beatles track in that way "Revolution 9" is probably your best bet. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:08 AM I agree but it wasn't on the jukebox. Luke The Drifter aka Hank Williams performed a number of high drama songs which I have heard Kendall sing/recite: Too Many Parties And Too Many Pals A Picture From Life's Other Side Be Careful Of Stones That You Throw Wonderful stuff and not meant as a joke but more as life lessons. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: MMario Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:10 AM Alaska Mike's 'First Kill' or Alan Foster's 'The Wolfhound' |
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Subject: Lyr Add: MY LIFE (Phil Ochs) From: JeremyC Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:12 AM This one really got me the other day: My Life I think knowing his earlier songs gave this one more impact, because you can see the idealism falling apart as his songwriting career progressed. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BASTARD OF THE COUNTY (parody of K Rogers From: GUEST,Bruce Michael Baillie Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:43 AM This one will bring more than tears to your eyes! Many years ago there used to be a Folk Club at a pub in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. called the 'County Bar', I once had an argument there with one of the barmen who tried to give me £5 change for a £10 note... ...after I wrote this parody to Kenny Rogers 'Coward of the County the bastard never tried it again!! Everyone considered him the Bastard of the County, of all the barmen in the pub, he was the nasty one, his mom had named him 'Billy' but the folks all called him 'Shithead', and as he worked behind the bar he'd sing this little song! CHORUS: "I promise to do all the things I shouldn't do, I'll walk right into trouble if I can! I've got such a bloody cheek, I like to pick on them that's week, and if everything goes off as I have planned, I'll end up with your change left in me hand!" One day a poor old tramp came in with not a penny on him, half dead from exhaustion well he staggered to the bar, "Oh for Christs sake give us a packet o' crisps and a pint o' Brown & Bitter! ...I've not eaten since last Friday, and it's nearly thursday now!" As Billy listened to the tramp his mind was ticking over, he'd make this poor old worn out guy look like a right buffoon! he says, "OK then Grandad well I'll do just as you ask me! If you can drink one mouthful, from that dirty old spittoon!" Well the tramp he looked from Billy's face to the cuspidore a-standing, all green and slimy on the floor, it was brim full to the top! and the tears streamed down his tired old face and the pangs of hunger stabbed him, and Billy's voice came to him, "Go on Lad, just a drop!" He was centre of attention, all eyes were fast upon him, as he picked it up with trembling hands and put it to his lips! then as he gurgled softly all the customers stared leaving, ...and a workman in the corner, brought back his fish 'n' chips! "Look stoppit now!" says Billy, "This jokes gone far enough like! me customers are leaving, look here, don't be such a chump!" but the strain showed on the tramps face as these words he tried to gurgle... "...I'M SORRY LAD, I JUST CAN'T STOP, IT'S ALL IN ONE BIG LUMP!" Well Billy's face contorted as he dashed off to the bathroom, he wasn't holdin' nothing back, he got rid of it all! when he came back to the bar room well the carpet was all textured! and the tramp had buggered off wi' t'Till, and he'd left this little note... and it said! LAST CHORUS: "I promised to chew, everything you told me to! I got in there and I sucked it like a man! ...now I'll cut such a dash, cos I've run off with yer cash! things didn't quite work out as you had planned, cos I ended up with YOUR change in my hand ...Who says Country & Western can't be fun! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I STILL CAN'T SAY GOODBYE (Chet Atkins) From: Wesley S Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:07 PM "I Still Can't Say Goodbye" - by Chet Atkins http://www.knopfler.net/mp3/chet.mp3 Spoken introduction: "You know, every time I look in the mirror I see my Dad. I think that's why this song means so much to me." When I was young, my Dad would say: Come on, son, let's go out and play Sometimes it seems like yesterday. And I'd climb up the closet shelf when I was all by myself Grab his hat and fix the brim, pretending I was him No matter how hard I try No matter how many tears I cry No matter how many years go by I still can't say good-bye He always took care of mom and me. We all cut down a Christmas tree He always had some time for me. Wind blows through the trees, street lights, they still shine bright Most things are the same but I miss my Dad tonight I walked by a Salvation Army store Saw a hat like my daddy wore Tried it on when I walked in, Still trying to be like him No matter how hard I try No matter how many years go by No matter how many tears I cry I still can't say good-bye |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bill D Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:17 PM " "Little Joe" is a bit too lively to qualify as a real tear-jerker for me. The words are sad, but the tempo (at least in all the versions I've heard, my own included) is just a bit too upbeat." *smile*..well, don't worry, Bee-dub....**I** don't do it lively. I got the basic tune & words from Norman, but I play it on the autoharp and give it the tone it deserves. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DO YOU THINK I DO NOT KNOW (Henry Lawson) From: Captain Ginger Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:21 PM Henry Lawson was a great one for schmaltz - Do You Think I Do Not Know is a classic of its kind: They say that I never have written of love As a writer of songs should do. They say that I never could touch the strings With a touch that is firm and true. They say I know nothing of women and men In the fields where love's roses grow. I must write, they say, with a halting pen; Do you think I do not know? My love burst came like an English spring In the days when our hair was brown. And the hem of her skirt was a sacred thing, Her hair was an angel's crown. The shock when another man touched her arm Where the dancers sat in a row, The hope and despair and the false alarm; Do you think I do not know? By the arbour lights on the western farm, You remember the question put. While you held her warm in your quivering arms, You trembled from head to foot. The electric shock from her fingertips, The murmuring answer low, The soft shy yielding of warm red lips; Do you think I do not know? She was buried at Brighton, where Gordon sleeps, When I was a world away. And the sad old garden its secret keeps, For nobody knows today. She left a message for me to read Where the wild, wide oceans flow; Do you know how the heart of a man can bleed? Do you think I do not know? I stood by the grave where the dead girl lies When the sunlit scene was fair. 'Neath the white clouds high in the autumn skies I answered the message there. But the haunting words of the dead to me, She'll go wherever I go, She lives in the marriage that might have been; Do you think I do not know? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DREAM OF A MINER'S CHILD (Vernon Dalhart) From: pdq Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:30 PM There was a mention of "Miner's Child" or "Miner's Dream". Is this the one? It sometimes is credited to Ralph Stanley, but it goes back at least to Bradley Kincaid in the 1930s, probably is older than that. DREAM OF A MINER'S CHILD As recorded by Vernon Dalhart, 1926. A miner was leaving his home for his work. He heard his little child scream. He went to the side of the little girl's bed. "Oh, Daddy, I've had such a dream. CHORUS: "Oh, Daddy, don't work in the mines today, For dreams have so often come true. Oh, Daddy, my Daddy, please don't go away. I never could live without you. "I dreamed that the mines were all seething with fire. The men all fought for their lives. Just then the scene changed and the mouth of the mines Were covered with sweethearts and wives." Her daddy then smiling and stroking her face Was turning away from her side, But throwing her small arms around daddy's neck She gave him a kiss and then cried: "Go down to the village and tell your dear friends: As sure as the bright stars do shine, There's something that's going to happen today. Oh, daddy, don't go to the mine." CHORUS |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Marje Date: 22 Jan 07 - 12:32 PM I'm with Scrump on this one: I might be reduced to tears, but for all the wrong reasons. I'd call it more of a "Pass the Sick Bucket" thread. Are we looking at a UK/US split here? My gut feeling is that USians have much more of a taste for sentimentality than the Brits do. Don't get me wrong, I'm often moved to tears by music and songs, but not the kind of schmalz that's laid on with a trowel and then has honey poured over it and a cherry stuck on the top. I'd be interested to know whether others think it's more to do with national cultural preferences or simply individual taste and temperament. Marje |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:09 PM Bruce - that is disgusting. Made me gag. ARRGGGHHHH! |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JeremyC Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:26 PM Marje posted:It probably has plenty to do with cultural differences. Over here, people seem to be moved by some ridiculous shit (see the movie "Love Story" for an example--Harlan Ellison says that he was called a sicko for laughing at the sheer over-the-topness of the final death scene). I think that whether a song is moving tends to depend on the performance. You can sing a sad song ironically, or you can sing a humorous song sadly, and if you're successful, you'll bring something to the table (or stage, if you prefer) that's quite different from what was expected or intended. For me, I don't respond well to feeling like I'm being manipulated, but if the song looks and feels sincere (and this is mainly in the performance), it's moving. I can feel the same thing when I'm performing something, too--Martin Carthy said something once about a performance being an act of creation, where the song is coming into being between you and the audience, and I think that moment of birth, summoning, or awakening (however you prefer to think about it) is where the authenticity of the song and its ability to move becomes relevant. Before that, it's just a lifeless thing on a piece of paper. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bert Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:26 PM Thanks Maggie. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:32 PM pdq, The Miners Lullaby is a different song. Sorry folks, I forgot that there was an old thread with this theme. Some of those old things were indeed over the top, but as Shakespere would say: The man who has no music in him Or is not moved by sweet concord of sound etc. Is fit for treason, strategems and spoils. The motion of his spirit is as dull as Erebus Let no such man be trusted. I don't recall the exact complete statement. For my part, I am moved by dog songs because I owe my life to one. It saved me from drowning. Later on a neighbor shot my dog, and I was too young to stop him. I make no apology for my soft spot; it helps to make me a well balanced person. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SouthernCelt Date: 22 Jan 07 - 01:35 PM How about "Lydia" by Karen Poston (Slaid Cleaves sang it, not sure who else might have) or "Mama's Hand" (It was hard to let go of Mama's hand...) that dates back to the early 1950s or 60s written by a lady whose name escapes me at the moment. If you want sad but not really maudlin songs you have to look no further than Mudcat's own Jed Marum. "Mama's Lily" will tear your heart out and the fiddle music on "After the Dance," even without lyrics, is enough to sober up your mood so that the lyrics really hit home. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Alec Date: 22 Jan 07 - 02:14 PM I've just been out for Fish & Chips. While queueing I heard "Monday, Monday" on the radio. Brought a tear to my eye for an entirely different reason. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LIKE THIS (D Mallett) From: John Hardly Date: 22 Jan 07 - 02:30 PM Like This --D Mallett I wasn't supposed to be like this You always were the answer to my every wish Talking about forever with your hand in mine You and me together 'til the end of time And leavin' wasn't even on the list And it wasn't supposed to be like this You weren't supposed to fall apart I never even noticed when I broke your heart Guess I must be crazy standing out here in the cold I can't stand the thought of going home and growing old or living one more day without your kiss And it wasn't supposed to be like this I must be some kind of fool For this is all I know Once you've come so far for love (There) ain't nowhere else to go You weren't supposed to see me cry I didn't come prepared for such a sad good-bye I was thinking maybe we could start again (But) now I now that ain't how this story ends So I'll just turn and go if you insist But it wasn't supposed to be like this No, leaving wasn't even on the list And it wasn't supposed to be like this. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Stilly River Sage Date: 22 Jan 07 - 03:01 PM Marje and Scrump, I think you've missed the nuance in this thread. Perhaps you're taking it too seriously? There is a category of blatant sentimentalism, of hyper-romantic poetry and songs that we indulge in occasionally. It's good to expose yourself to these kinds of emotions on your own terms, to shed a tear, and move on. The film equivalent would be (for example) based on a story by the British author James Hilton, Goodbye, Mr. Chips. SRS |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 07 - 03:05 PM David has written many songs that get to me. The Old blue ox Phil Brown And, how about "Jeanne's afraid of the dark"? If that one doesn't tear you up, you aint human. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Scoville Date: 22 Jan 07 - 03:33 PM Must confess I've never made it through "Faded Coat of Blue" without choking up. Embarrassing because I'm not the kind of person who cries at movies, weddings, or, ordinarily, at songs. My mother used to play her record of "Three Stars" over and over after the Buddy Holly/Big Bopper/Ritchie Valens crash in 1959. She's also got a weakness for "Darcy Farrow". |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bill D Date: 22 Jan 07 - 05:25 PM If "Faded Coat of Blue" moves you, try "The Vacant Chair" |
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Subject: Lyr Add: YOUR MOTHER STILL PRAYS FOR YOU JACK From: pdq Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:32 PM This one is courtesy of The Carter Family: YOUR MOTHER STILL PRAYS FOR YOU JACK The night was dark and stormy The wind was howling wild As an aged mother gazed upon The portrait of her child As she gazed on the babs features That once filled her heart with joy Hs now in this wild world roaming That mothes long lost boy Chorus: Your mother still prays for you, Jack Your mother still prays for you In a home far over the ocean Your mother still prays for you At last there came a letter It was deeply edged in black From a comrade long forgotten Who still remembered Jack They have lain your dear old mother In a grave so dark and cold And she wants her boy who is roaming To meet her on the streets of gold His stony heart was broken As he thought of his mother dear And in spite of his comrades laughing He could not keep back his tears In spite of the great tempolations That once filled his heart with tears So he started for Heaven that evening As sweetly the people did sing |
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Subject: Lyr Add: EMPTY HEARTS (MacDonald/Johnson) From: John Hardly Date: 22 Jan 07 - 06:59 PM Empty Hearts -M. MacDonald, M. Johnson Are you leaving, are you going? Did you think you could lose that feeling Without me knowing? printable copy of the lyrics to Empty Hearts Are you wishing you'd never met me? Does it take some train whistle blowing To forget me? All the losing And the knowing that you love her still Could be nothing to what empty hearts must feel Tell me what an empty heart must feel Are you leaving, are you going? Did you think you could lose that feeling Without me knowing? All the losing And the knowing that you love her still Could be nothing to what empty hearts must feel Tell me what an empty heart must feel |
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Subject: Lyr Add: GHOST IN THIS HOUSE (Hugh Prestwood) From: John Hardly Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:05 PM GHOST IN THIS HOUSE -Hugh Prestwood I don't pick up the mail I don't pick up the phone I don't answer the door I'd just as soon be alone I don't keep this place up I just keep the lights down I don't live in these rooms I just rattle around I'm just a ghost in this house I'm just a shadow upon these walls As quietly as a mouse I haunt these halls I'm just a whisper of smoke I'm all that's left of two hearts on fire That once burned out of control You took my body and soul I'm just a ghost in this house I don't care if it rains I don't care if it's clear I don't mind staying in There's another ghost here He sits down in your chair And he shines with your light And he lays down his head On your pillow at night I'm just a ghost in this house I'm just a shadow upon these walls I'm living proof of the damage Heartbreak does I'm just a whisper of smoke I'm all that's left of two hearts on fire That once burned out of control And took my body and soul I'm just a ghost in this house Oh, I'm just a ghost in this house |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BEAUTIFUL BROWN EYES From: Slag Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:16 PM A few I grew up with were "Tennesee Waltz" which has been amply discussed here above the line. Another is: Beautiful Brown Eyes (if memory serves me correctly) Beautiful, beautiful Brown Eyes Beautiful, beautiful Brown Eyes I'l never love Blue Eyes again. Willie, my darling I love you, Love you with all my heart. Oh tomorrow we might have been married But ramblin' has captured your heart. (chorus) Down through the barroom he staggered Then fell there upon the floor. The very last words that he uttered "I'll never see Brown Eyes no more. (chorus) I'm sure there were more verses but that means I'd have to look them up! Another was "Wreck on the Highway" repleat with heart wrenching details "Who did you say it was, Brother?" and the haunting refrain "But I didn't hear nobody pray!" And "Pennsylvannia Pal" about a cowboy gone to Round-up with a promise in a letter to come back to his Pennsylvannia Pal and marry her after the Round-up. Needless to say, she's still waiting. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: bobad Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:39 PM These lyrics from Bill Morrissey's song "These Cold Fingers" got my wife to bawling the first time we heard it : The dog can't move no more, surprised he made it 'till the spring His pain won't go away and the pills don't do a thing You've known that old hound dog longer than you've known any of your friends And no matter how you let him down he'd always take you back again So it's one tall glass of whiskey, one last drink for old times' sake The dog just lays in bed and watches every move you make Wrap him in his blanket, hold him once more close to you Lead him out behind the barn with a borrowed .22 Just typing the words out are bringing tears to my eyes. I'm sure those of you who have ever put a beloved pet down will understand. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WRECK ON THE HIGHWAY From: pdq Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:39 PM Wreck on the Highway Who did you say it was brother? Who was it fell by the way? When whiskey and blood run together Did you hear anyone pray? Chorus: I didn't hear nobody pray, dear brother I didn't hear nobody pray I heard the crash on the highway But, I didn't hear nobody pray. When I heard the crash on the highway I knew what it was from the start I went to the scene of destruction And a picture was stamped on my heart. There was whiskey and blood all together Mixed with glass where they lay Death played her hand in destruction But I didn't hear nobody pray. I wish I could change this sad story That I am now telling you But there is no way I can change it For somebody's life is now through. Their soul has been called by the Master They died in a crash on the way And I heard the groans of the dying But, I didn't hear nobody pray. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:23 PM Just Before The Battle Mother Lorena Rocking Alone In An Old Rocking Chair |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THESE DAYS (Jackson Browne) From: GUEST Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:26 PM These Days - Jackson Browne (the acoustic version for *tradheads*) Well Ive been out walking I don't do that much talking these days These days-- These days I seem to think a lot About the things that I forgot to do For you And all the times I had the chance to And I had a lover Its so hard to risk another these days These days-- Now if I seem to be afraid To live the life I have made in song Well its just that Ive been losing so long Ill keep on moving Things are bound to be improving these days These days-- These days I sit on corner stones And count the time in quarter tones to ten, my friend Dont confront me with my failures I had not forgotten them |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Peace Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:26 PM "I'm sure those of you who have ever put a beloved pet down will understand." Oh, yeah. If I was wearing mascara you'da ruined it. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Scoville Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:15 PM No, I do much better with "Vacant Chair". Mostly, I'm immune to Victorian schmaltz, but "Faded Coat" gets me every time. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: pdq Date: 22 Jan 07 - 10:24 PM Paul Clayton wrote and performed a companion song (to "Faded Coats Of Blue") called "Uniforms Of Grey", I but do not know where you can find a copy. Not a tear-jerker, just a good song. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: I'VE JUST TOLD MAMA GOODBYE From: Cruiser Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:00 PM I've Just Told Mama Goodbye Recorded by hank williams, sr. Words and music by curley kinsey and sunshine slim sweet [d] Each year on [a7] mothers [d] day The rose I [g] wore was [d] red But [g] today Im saying [d] my first prayer Mamas lying on her [a7] dying [d] bed. [d] Ive just told [a7] mama good-[d] bye Mothers day has [g] turned to [d] night Like the [g] flowers in may, she [d] withered away And my red rose is [a7] turning [d] white. This is the dreaded hour We all must face someday Yet theres consolation in my heart She will bloom in the masters bouquet. Her time has come to go And theres nothing I can do Only hold her hand and say goodbye Mamas day with her children is through. Ive just told mama goodbye And knelt beside her bed I heard her say, Ill meet you someday, Where the white roses turn to red. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: WIND THAT SHAKES THE CORN (R D Joyce) From: Cruiser Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:11 PM Robert D. Joyce, 1830-1883 Wind that Shakes the Corn I sat within the valley green I sat with my true love My sad heart had to choose between Old Ireland and my love I looked at her and then I thought How Ireland was torn While soft the wind blew down the glen And shook the golden corn T'was hard the woeful words to bring To break the ties that bound But harder still to bear the shame Of English chains around And so I said, the mountain glen I'll seek in early morn And join the brave united men While soft winds shook the corn While sad I kissed away her tears My fond arms round her clung A British shot burst in our ears From out of the wild woods round One bullet pierced my true love's side A rose pierced by a thorn And in my arms in blood she died While soft winds shook the corn So blood for blood without remorse I've taken in the glen I placed my true love's "clay-cold" corpse I joined true Irish men But around her grave I wander drear Sometimes in early morn And with breaking heart sometimes I hear The wind that shakes the corn |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T TELL MAMA From: Lin in Kansas Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:23 PM Bluegrass music is full of these old songs, as pointed out above with "Wreck on the Highway" and several others. But even the modern guys do them. Here's one Gary Allan does on his "Smoke Rings in the Dark" album. Granted, he's classified country, but his stuff is fairly contemporary anyway. I only have lyrics; don't know who wrote it. He does a great job of singing it. Lin in Kansas __________________________________________________ Artist/Band: Allan Gary DON'T TELL MAMA I was headed north on Highway Five On a star-lit Sunday night When a pick-up truck flew by me out of control As I watched in my headlights He swerved left then back right He never hit the brakes As he left the road I found him lying in the grass Among the steel and glass With an empty whiskey bottle by his side And through the blood and tears He whispered in my ear A few last words just before he died CH: Don't tell Mama I was drinkin' Lord knows her soul would never rest I cain't leave this world with Mama thinkin' I met the Lord with whiskey on my breath I still think about that night And how that young man died And how others sometimes pay for our mistakes The last thing on his mind As he left this world behind Was knowing someone else's heart would break CHORUS FADE... Don't tell Mama I was drinkin' |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THEY'LL NEVER TAKE HER LOVE FROM ME From: Cruiser Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:33 PM THEY'LL NEVER TAKE HER LOVE FROM ME Written by Leon Payne Sung by Hank Williams Sr. If today the sun should set on all my hopes and cares There is one smiling face the gods would see Because she'll walk along beside me up the golden stairs No, they'll never never take her love from me. What a fool I was to go and break the trust she gave And see her love turn into sympathy It's the one regret I'll carry with me to my grave Oh, they'll never ever take her love from me. (bridge chords for solos) I'm so thankful for each golden hour of happiness That we shared together in the used to be Someone else's arms may hold her now in fond caress But they'll never never take her love from me. I thought I'd make her happy if I stepped aside But I knew her love would never set me free And even on the morning she became another's bride I said they'll never never take her love from me. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ROCK MY CRADLE ONCE AGAIN From: Cruiser Date: 22 Jan 07 - 11:41 PM ROCK MY CRADLE ONCE AGAIN Recorded by Hank Williams, Sr. Writers: Johnny Bond and Billy Folger [c] Far away from friends and loved ones 'mid the [g7] storm, a soldier [c] lay Gathered 'round him all his buddies Raised his [g7] head, we heard him [c] say. There's a [f] lamp light in the [c] window Where an [f] angel from a-[c] bove Gently [f] rocked my baby [c] cradle With such [g7] tender care and [c] love. Mother [f] dearest, darlin' [c] mother It would [f] ease this awful [c] pain If she'd sing until i'm sleepin' Rock my [g7] cradle once a-[c] gain. 'neath the palms tonight he's sleepin' On an island far away Tho' the years pass on in sorrow I still recall his words today. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: DAYS OF SAND AND SHOVELS From: Cruiser Date: 23 Jan 07 - 12:19 AM I posted this on an earlier thread about melodramatic songs: A beautiful melodic, lyrical ballad notwithstanding it's very sentimental, although meaningful, context; one of my all-time favorite tearjerkers. DAYS OF SAND AND SHOVELS (Bud Reneau / Doyle Marsh) Jim Ed Brown - 1970 Lyricsplayground.com When I noticed her the first time I was outside running barefoot in the rain She lived in the house next door Her nose was pressed against the window pane When I looked at her she smiled And showed a place where two teeth used to be And I heard her ask her mom If she could come outside and play with me Soon the days of sand and shovels Gave way to the mysteries of life Then I noticed she was changing And I looked at her through different eyes We became as one and knew a love Without beginning or an end And everyday I lived with her Was like a new day dawning once again And I've loved her since Every doll was Shirley Temple Soda pop was still a nickel Jam was on her fingertips Milk was circled on her lips After many years our love grew silent And at night I heard her cry And when she left me in the fall I knew that this would be our last goodbye I was man enough to give her Everything she needed for a while But in searching for a pefect love I found that I could not give her a child Now she lives a quiet life And is a mother of a little girl And everytime I pass her house My thoughts go back into another world Cause I see her little girl Her nose is pressed against the window pane And she thinks I'm a lonely man Who wants to come inside out of the rain And I've loved her since Every doll was Shirley Temple Soda pop was still a nickel Jam was on her fingertips Milk was circled on her lips Bobby Vinton Debut: 6/14/69 Peak: #34 Weeks: 8 Source: Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-2002 Billboard Waylon Jennings Debut: 5/24/69 Peak: #20 Weeks: 12 Nat Stuckey also had a #26 country hit with this song in 1978. Source: Joel Whitburn's Top Country Singles 1944-1993 Billboard Cruiser |
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Subject: Lyr Add: BLACK DENIM TROUSERS (Leiber/Stoller) From: Lin in Kansas Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:15 AM And there's always "Black Denim Trousers" that was on the back side of a 78 we had. Side A was called "The Creep," I think. We played "Trousers" so much that my dad pitched it out on the driveway, where it broke into smithereens. I always wound up with a mental picture of this biker dude flying down the highway, buck naked, on the back of his bike...? Lin in Kansas _____________________________________ Black Denim Trousers Words and Music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller as sung on "The Diamonds Collection" Stardust CD-1010 (charted by The Cheers at # 6 in 1955) He wore black denim trousers and motorcycle boots And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back He had a hopped-up 'cicle that took off like a gun That fool was the terror of Highway 101 Well, he never washed his face and he never combed his hair He had axle grease imbedded underneath his fingernails On the muscle of his arm was a red tattoo A picture of a heart saying "Mother, I love you" He had a pretty girlfriend by the name of Mary Lou But he treated her just like he treated all the rest And everybody pitied her 'cause everybody knew He loved that doggone motorcycle best He wore black denim trousers and motorcycle boots And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back He had a hopped-up 'cicle that took off like a gun That fool was the terror of Highway 101 Mary Lou, poor girl, she pleaded and she begged him not to leave She said "I've got a feeling if you ride tonight I'll grieve." But her tears were shed in vain and her every word was lost In the rumble of his engine and the smoke from his exhaust He took off like a Devil; there was fire in his eyes!! He said "I'll go a thousand miles before the sun can rise." But he hit a screamin' diesel that was California-bound And when they cleared the wreckage, all they found Was his black denim trousers and motorcycle boots And a black leather jacket with an eagle on the back But they couldn't find the 'cicle that took off like a gun And they never found the terror of Highway 1 oh 1. You can hear this one at this URL. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bert Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:39 AM Goodbye Old Ship of Mine. Hobo Bill. Noreen Bawn. While London Sleeps. And "Baby has gorn dahn the Plug'ole" is not supposed to be taken seriously. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Lin in Kansas Date: 23 Jan 07 - 02:02 AM There's always the one called "Little Blossom"--there are two versions of it in the DT. I just listened to a third version from a CD called "Mountain Music Collection" by Wild and Reckless Men, which varies a bit from the DT versions (and no, I'm not going to transcribe the thing just now; I couldn't stand to listen to it again!) This is one of the albums we used to take with us on long trips, but both of us would reach for the "Skip" button when Little Blossom came on. Gaaaahhhhhhhhhh...barf. We have the same reaction to Wreck on the Highway--but to each his own, as they say. Lin |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JennyO Date: 23 Jan 07 - 02:27 AM And "Baby has gorn dahn the Plug'ole" is not supposed to be taken seriously. Erm - I think I already knew that. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HOBO'S LULLABY (Goebel Reeves) From: eddie1 Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:11 AM Must be some twenty years since I first heard the late Danny Kyle sing "Hobo's Lullaby", a song by Goebel Reeves, "The Texas Drifter". Sadly, I was on tour in Bavaria when I heard of Danny's death and couldn't make the funeral. Since then I have heard the Goebel Reeves version and guess if I'd only heard that, I'd never have learnt it. For about 10 years, Danny and I did a Burns Night at "The Swan" in Grasmere and for that reason, I'll play Danny's version of the song on my radio programme on the 25th and I'll have a lump in my throat. HOBO'S LULLABY (Goebel Reeves) Go to sleep, you weary hobo Let the town drift slowly by; Listen to the steel rails humming That's the hobo's lullaby. Do not think about tomorrow; Let tomorrow come and go. Tonight you have a nice warm boxcar Free from all the ice and snow. I know the police cause you trouble, They make trouble everywhere; But when you die and go to heaven, Well, you won't find police there. Now do not let your heart be troubled If the world calls you a bum; 'Cause if your mother lives, she loves you Well, you are still your mother's son. Eddie |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Flash Company Date: 23 Jan 07 - 10:18 AM Roger Miller.. One Dying and a Burying. FC |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:31 AM ..when you die and go to heaven, All the trains there you can ride, The hard boiled brakeman and the hobo Sleep there peaceful side by side. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: eddie1 Date: 23 Jan 07 - 11:55 AM Thanks Kendall - I'll use that one Eddie |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST Date: 23 Jan 07 - 12:26 PM "....he smiled as we parted, 'cos he didn't know that we lost our baby, at the first fall of snow". Hank, of course. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Marje Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:47 PM JeremyC - yes, I agree that it's very often the actual performance that moves me, and the whole ambiance and context in which it takes place. I was trying to think, after I'd posted, which songs or tunes had made me cry, and it was always individual performances that came to mind. For this reason, I wouldn't list the songs, but for the most part they are very simple, direct songs, full of feeling but devoid of sentimentality. In a newspaper article recently, a journalist wrote: "Sentimentality is the tribute that indifference pays to feeling. It is to compassion what clichés are to thought." That's how I see it too. I can't find myself moved to do anything but laugh, or groan, or throw up at most of the suggestions in this thread. I know a few of them are tongue-in-cheek, but most seem to be offered in all seriousness. I still think there's something in the American culture or temperament that I just don't get. Marje |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Cruiser Date: 23 Jan 07 - 01:59 PM Gee Marje, are you an Old Maid and/or ugly as a mud fence? If so, do I have a song for you. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: fat B****rd Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:24 PM I've always thought the words to "Hickory Holler's Tramp" were pretty moving but "Running Bear" has always been a sad favourite of mine. However, many years ago a friend was given a pile of 78s among which was a real "Good Old Days" (UK TV) singalong chorus waltz called "Don't 'ang My 'Arry". Phew !! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ONE DYIN' AND A BURYIN' From: Cruiser Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:33 PM Flash Company mentioned one of my all-time favorite tearjerker songs, the very antithesis of have a Zip-a-dee-doo-dah day. ONE DYIN' AND A BURYIN' Well, I think I finally found me a sure-fire way to forget It's so simple, I'm surprised I hadn't done thought of it before yet It's foolproof - well, it's foolhardy, maybe, but who knows Anyway, here I am walking toward where the cold dark water flows Cos all it takes is: One dying and a buryin' One dying and a buryin' Some crying Six carrying me I wanna be free Oh...I wanna be free Free from all this heartache and regret And free from pining for the love I can't forget The love that once was warm and then just somehow turned to hate Made my life a prison from which there's only one escape And that's: One dying and a buryin' One dying and a buryin' Some cryin' Six carryin' me I wanna be free One dying and a buryin' One dying and a buryin' Some cryin' Six carryin' me I wanna be free Debut Date: 07/24/65 Peak Position: 10 Pop Pos: 34 Weeks Charted: 12 Source: Joel Whitburn's Top Country Singles 1944-1993 Billboard Roger Miller, vocalist/humorist/guitarist/composer/songwriter/drummer, was once a fine fiddler. A lifelong smoker, he died of cancer on 10/25/92. I am listening to the song now and the following line always makes me ponder about life, love, hate, and loss: "The love that once was warm and then just somehow turned to 'hate'" So true, but how is it possible for that to happen? If you have ever experienced that aspect of lost love then you can empathize with the lyrical phrase. I guess it is just another one of life's great conundrums… Roger Miller's Official Website Cruiser |
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Subject: Lyr Add: HIS NAME IS ANDREW (David Ackles) From: JeremyC Date: 23 Jan 07 - 03:58 PM This song hasn't ever made me cry, but I think it's moving. Although it's by David Ackles, I prefer Martin Carthy's cover to the original (most of the stuff on Ackles' album was way, way overdone). His name is Andrew |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:09 PM My ex wife used to call those tear jerkers "emotional rape". I know a couple of people who do not understand the attraction of such songs. They both have Asbergers Syndrome. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Scoville Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:12 PM So do I, but it doesn't save me from freakin "Faded Coat of Blue". For the record--Aspies feel emotion just like everyone else, we're just not sure what to do with it. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JeremyC Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:41 PM Marje: I think the "high feeling/low sentimentality" is a big part of why I prefer Carthy's version of "His Name is Andrew." Martin Carthy seems to play everything very straight and let the song do what it needs to do. I tend to respond less to something if it seems overplayed, sentimental, or manipulative. The Phil Ochs song I posted earlier is moving because it's basically a description of his loss of purpose in the wake of the 1968 DNC. There's a guy I know, too, who has written some incredibly affecting songs, and it's because they're straight with you. They're matter-of-fact, without any attempt at dramatizing anything. One of his, about losing each of his parents, is one of the best songs I've heard anywhere, and it's because he...well, he does what Martin Carthy does--he lets the song do what it needs to do without getting in the way or trying to force an audience reaction. Townes Van Zandt could do it, too, although the people who have covered him haven't always been as successful. Maybe what I mean is that a moving song should be cathartic in some way, while a song that crassly manipulates you (if successful) is more like an emotional rape. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JeremyC Date: 23 Jan 07 - 04:42 PM Haha, Kendall beat me on the 'emotional rape' comparison. I like sad songs, but they have to come by it honestly. So there. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Stilly River Sage Date: 23 Jan 07 - 05:10 PM I can't find myself moved to do anything but laugh, or groan, or throw up at most of the suggestions in this thread. I know a few of them are tongue-in-cheek, but most seem to be offered in all seriousness. I still think there's something in the American culture or temperament that I just don't get. I agree, as stated before, that you've missed the way these are appreciated. I conjecture that the problem is the tone the voice in your head uses when reading most of these entries. Context is everything here. Were some of these songs played alongside the actual news of war, disaster, and mayhem in the world today, I'd be appalled. These songs are sung with the intent of generating a visceral response. I wouldn't call them "emotional rape." I think "emotional masturbation" is closer to the mark. :) Or if you want to sound scholarly, call it "emotional onanism." SRS |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Slag Date: 23 Jan 07 - 05:24 PM You can't beat "Casey's Last Ride" K. Kristofferson! |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Beer Date: 24 Jan 07 - 12:11 AM Right on Slag. Beer (adrien) |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE GIFT OF THE SEA (Rudyard Kipling) From: Mr Fox Date: 24 Jan 07 - 12:28 PM I'm amazed that Peter Bellamy never set this to music. Kipling writing Victorian melodrama in the style of folk song: THE GIFT OF THE SEA The dead child lay in the shroud, And the widow watched beside; And her mother slept, and the Channel swept The gale in the teeth of the tide. But the mother laughed at all. "I have lost my man in the sea, And the child is dead. Be still," she said, "What more can ye do to me?" The widow watched the dead, And the candle guttered low, And she tried to sing the Passing Song That bids the poor soul go. And "Mary take you now," she sang, "That lay against my heart." And "Mary smooth your crib to-night," But she could not say "Depart." Then came a cry from the sea, But the sea-rime blinded the glass, And "Heard ye nothing, mother?" she said, "'Tis the child that waits to pass." And the nodding mother sighed. "'Tis a lambing ewe in the whin, For why should the christened soul cry out That never knew of sin?" "O feet I have held in my hand, O hands at my heart to catch, How should they know the road to go, And how should they lift the latch?" They laid a sheet to the door, With the little quilt atop, That it might not hurt from the cold or the dirt, But the crying would not stop. The widow lifted the latch And strained her eyes to see, And opened the door on the bitter shore To let the soul go free. There was neither glimmer nor ghost, There was neither spirit nor spark, And "Heard ye nothing, mother?" she said, "'Tis crying for me in the dark." And the nodding mother sighed: "'Tis sorrow makes ye dull; Have ye yet to learn the cry of the tern, Or the wail of the wind-blown gull?" "The terns are blown inland, The gray gull follows the plough. 'Twas never a bird, the voice I heard, O mother, I hear it now!" "Lie still, dear lamb, lie still; The child is passed from harm, 'Tis the ache in your breast that broke your rest, And the feel of an empty arm." She put her mother aside, "In Mary's name let be! For the peace of my soul I must go," she said, And she went to the calling sea. In the heel of the wind-bit pier, Where the twisted weed was piled, She came to the life she had missed by an hour, For she came to a little child. She laid it into her breast, And back to her mother she came, But it would not feed and it would not heed, Though she gave it her own child's name. And the dead child dripped on her breast, And her own in the shroud lay stark; And "God forgive us, mother," she said, "We let it die in the dark!" - Rudyard Kipling |
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Subject: Lyr Add: SHALL I BE AN ANGEL DADDY From: terrier Date: 24 Jan 07 - 03:48 PM I've been into Victorian melodramatic parlour songs for many years, I just wish I could travel back in time to see what those people really thought about the songs? Try this one I found in a book called 'Prepare to Shed Them Now'. SHALL I BE AN ANGEL DADDY One day a father to his little son Told a sad story, a heart breaking one He took from an album a photo and said "This is you're mother, but long she's been dead" "You she has left me to cherish and love She is an angel on high, up above" The boy in an instant drew close by his side And these are the worde that he softly replied... Shall I be an angel, daddy An angel in the sky Will I wear the golden wings And rest in peace on high Shall I live for ever and ever With the angels fair If I go to Heav'n, please tell me, daddy Will I see mother there. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE THREE BELLS (from The Browns) From: Peace Date: 24 Jan 07 - 07:22 PM Not a tear jerker, but I felt a very touching combination of lyrics, melody and harmonies way back when I first heard it (1950s(?)). It's been my favourite song ever since. The Browns The Three Bells [Originally a French tune written in 1945] [Original French words by Bert Reisfeld] [Music by Jean Villard] [English words added by Dick Manning] There's a village hidden deep in the valley Among the pine trees half forlorn And there on a sunny morning Little Jimmy Brown was born All the chapel bells were ringing In the little valley town And the songs that they were singing Were for baby Jimmy Brown Then the little congregation Prayed for guidance from above Lead us not into temptation, Bless this hour of meditation Guide him with eternal love There's a village hidden deep in the valley Beneath the mountains high above And there, twenty years thereafter Jimmy was to meet his love All the chapel bells were ringing, Was a great day in his life Cause the songs that they were singing Were for Jimmy and his wife Then the little congregation Prayed for guidance from above Lead us not into temptation, Bless oh Lord this celebration May their lives be filled with love From the village hidden deep in the valley One rainy morning dark and gray A soul winged its way to heaven Jimmy Brown had passed away Just a lonely bell was ringing In the little valley town Twas farewell that it was singing To our good old Jimmy Brown And the little congregation Prayed for guidance from above Lead us not into temptation, May his soul find the salvation Of thy great eternal love" |
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Subject: Lyr Add: KILKELLY (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Bardan Date: 25 Jan 07 - 07:03 PM It doesn't really fit with the other songs on here. But I have yet to sing it all the way through without crying KILKELLY (Peter Jones) Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 60, my dear and loving son John Your good friend the schoolmaster Pat McNamara's so good as to write these words down. Your brothers have all gone to find work in England, the house is so empty and sad The crop of potatoes is sorely infected, a third to a half of them bad. And your sister Brigid and Patrick O'Donnell are going to be married in June. Your mother says not to work on the railroad and be sure to come on home soon. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 70, dear and loving son John Hello to your Mrs and to your 4 children, may they grow healthy and strong. Michael has got in a wee bit of trouble, I guess that he never will learn. Because of the dampness there's no turf to speak of and now we have nothing to burn. And Brigid is happy, you named a child for her and now she's got six of her own. You say you found work, but you don't say what kind or when you will be coming home. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 80, dear Michael and John, my sons I'm sorry to give you the very sad news that your dear old mother has gone. We buried her down at the church in Kilkelly, your brothers and Brigid were there. You don't have to worry, she died very quickly, remember her in your prayers. And it's so good to hear that Michael's returning, with money he's sure to buy land For the crop has been poor and the people are selling at any price that they can. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 90, my dear and loving son John I guess that I must be close on to eighty, it's thirty years since you're gone. Because of all of the money you send me, I'm still living out on my own. Michael has built himself a fine house and Brigid's daughters have grown. Thank you for sending your family picture, they're lovely young women and men. You say that you might even come for a visit, what joy to see you again. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 92, my dear brother John I'm sorry that I didn't write sooner to tell you that father passed on. He was living with Brigid, she says he was cheerful and healthy right down to the end. Ah, you should have seen him play with the grandchildren of Pat McNamara, your friend. And we buried him alongside of mother, down at the Kilkelly churchyard. He was a strong and a feisty old man, considering his life was so hard. And it's funny the way he kept talking about you, he called for you in the end. Oh, why don't you think about coming to visit, we'd all love to see you again. Surely a candidate for saddest song ever. Sheep's crook and black dog is good as well. As is the unquiet grave. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Bardan Date: 25 Jan 07 - 07:10 PM Oh and that australian one about WW1. You know the one that goes "and the band played walzing matilda" |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST Date: 25 Jan 07 - 07:17 PM there's one by the Everly Brothers, I don't know the title but it concerns a boy travelling on a train without a ticket because he has no money....saying to the conductor, "I've got to get home to kiss Mother goodbye/Before God takes her away..." there is also "Ebony Eyes", of course.... and Jim Reeve's monologue "Old Tighe" |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Black Hawk Date: 25 Jan 07 - 07:29 PM Everley Brothers song is 'The Lightning Express' but have only heard it performed by bluegrass bands 'Two Little Orphans' is a tear jerker. Many a lady has cried when I sing 'Bringing Mary Home' (but could be my singing). |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: terrier Date: 25 Jan 07 - 07:31 PM The train one I know is of a young girl who's father (who "worked upon the line")falls victim to a serious accident. The young girl, hearing one of his workmates say "He's bound for Heaven", goes to the railway station and asks the ticket clerk for a "ticket to Heaven". Got a good chorus as well as a happy ending. What more could you want. I won't type the whole thing out unless somebody is desperate for the words. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie) Date: 25 Jan 07 - 08:48 PM I guess no one here ever plays my records- but my tear-jerker from the album, "None But One," was the "Two Little Children," just named in Black Hawk's post ("Two Little Orphans"). The reason it's there is that our producer, Al Steckler, who when invited to produce the album, sent word that he would do it if, "Two Little Children" would be included! He had heard it on an older record of mine and was apparently captivated. I'll give just a verse or two: Two little children, a boy and a girl Sat down by the old church door; The little girl's feet were as brown as the curl That fell on the dress that she wore. The little boy's coat was all ragged and torn, A tear shone in each little eye. Why don't you go home to your mama, I said, And this was the maiden's reply Mama's in heaven- angels took her away, Left Jim and I all alone, We've no one to love us since Papa's away, And we have no Mama nor home. And so it goes- you know it, some of you. My belief is that, amongst the church people (most of us in Eastern KY), if a song was not religious, in order for it to be accepted in the community it had to be about things held sacred- Motherhood, Orphans, Sailors lost at sea, train wrecks with good people aboard ("...Old # Nine, etc.) I don't know why happy endings couldn't be considered sacred! Or maybe emotions could only be allowed to be expressed at sadness and tragedy, and menfolks especially needed an excuse to shed tears. For whatever reason, the sad songs seemed to be the most popular kind, in that one era (Victorian times to the early 1920s I'd say, for our region). I suppose they were our version of broadsides, which were the newspapers of an earlier time. Tragedy sells; happy things don't. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST Date: 25 Jan 07 - 08:50 PM oh yeah and what about Rolf Harris's "Two Little Boys"....? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE ALICE From: Charley Noble Date: 25 Jan 07 - 09:09 PM When I was much younger I had the usual youthful arrogance about death. Songs like this from another age amused me, and I and my college friends competed to see who could come up with this most morbid one. This one made the top ten, probably because of its last three verses if you manage to plow through to them: LITTLE ALICE (In SONGS FOR THE LITTLE ONES AT HOME, published by the American Tract Society in the 1850's) Dear little Alice has gone to rest, Where never a sin shall stain her breast; No trouble disturb her, no fear annoy, No cloud overshadow her innocent joy. She lived on this earth but a little while; She died before we had seen her smile, But she was our sister, and is so still; Sweet Alice, we call her, and always will. We think we are glad she's gone away, Where her life will be all one pleasant day; Where an unkind word she'll ne'er receive, Nor speak one herself, our kind hearts to grieve. For if she were here now, she would often cry, And then she'd take sick, suffer and die; But now death is over, and all the while Her sweet little face may wear a smile. For she'll never know, nor do what is wrong, The angels in heaven will teach her their song; Dear sister, we wish we could be there too – Oh, when shall we come and join with you? I forget the name of the gospel tune we set this one to; maybe it was "The Great Speckled Bird." Songs like this just make me sad today. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Scoville at Dad's Date: 25 Jan 07 - 10:09 PM Oh, I forgot about "Lightning Express". Somewhere, I have dulcimer tab for "In the Baggage Coach Ahead", which features a Victorian mother traveling by train in the baggage coach, in her casket. I think it pulls pretty much every hearstring at hand. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: catspaw49 Date: 26 Jan 07 - 12:15 AM Hey JennyO......Let me help you out. The next time "Honey" comes up (along with your lunch), just throw in this verse: See the tree, it fell on you Now you're gone, my balls are blue I can't get laid. So now I've started shagging sheep And sometimes chickens in their sleep But they want paid. And Honey I miss you I get huge morning wood I think I'll dig up your body Necrophilia'd be good. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Slag Date: 26 Jan 07 - 03:17 AM Well, Spaw! That's quite a revamping (and improvement) of the original. I wanted to post that "The Green Green Grass of Home" was a pretty sappy tear jerker, but it's so hard when I'm laughing my head off!!!! LOL&ROG |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: JennyO Date: 26 Jan 07 - 04:05 AM KAKSOD Spaw! You owe me another keyboard! |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Blindlemonsteve Date: 26 Jan 07 - 05:15 AM George Jones, He stopped loving her today.... the best sad dong i have ever heard, check it out, it makes my spine tingle everytime i hear it. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Beer Date: 26 Jan 07 - 07:56 AM I Don't Remember Loving You. Artist ?? Would be considered a Country song. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 26 Jan 07 - 10:14 AM Spaw - that is perfect! |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Scoville Date: 26 Jan 07 - 11:04 AM Loaded into iTunes on my office computer: Kneeling Drunkard's Plea (the Carter sisters, recording by the Weary Boys) Billy Gray & Girl I Left in Sunny Tennessee (Norman Blake) Engine 143 (Sara Carter) Wagoner's Lad (Buell Kazee) St. James Hospital (Doc Watson) Deux-Pas des Condamnés & Parting Waltz (Red Stick Ramblers. I know these are tear-jerkers even though they're in Cajun and I can't understand most of the words.) |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Lonesome EJ Date: 26 Jan 07 - 01:30 PM Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven" is certainly a tear-jerker, even more so because it isn't saccharine like so many others. I can't play and sing "I Come and Stand at Every Door" even though I love the song, because I can't get past the line "I'm seven now, as I was then,when children die they do not grow". |
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Subject: RE: Is this a "tearjerker"? From: frogprince Date: 26 Jan 07 - 03:08 PM When I wrote this song, I was thinking of it as decidedly happy, but I wanted it to come across as thoughtful rather than glib. I've been taken off guard by seeing a couple of people tear-up on hearing it. Some months back I asked one mudcat regular his reaction to it, and he referred to it (I didn't feel negatively) as a "real tear jerker". What do y'all think in that regard? Dean |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Slag Date: 27 Jan 07 - 04:23 AM Marty Robins did a really bizarre song in the early 70's called "The Chair" about a guy getting executed in the electric. It was in the first person so it really raised serious "narrator" problems. The last line goes something "Did I hear him (the Dr. in attendence, I assume) say, 'This man is dead?'" Ifelt like shedding a tear for Marty's carrer at that point. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE BLIZZARD (Harlan Howard) From: Lin in Kansas Date: 27 Jan 07 - 05:15 AM Jim Reeves also did one called The Blizzard, where he and his horse are lost in the snow. Anyone who's ever seen or been out in a Great Plains blizzard can sympathize with his plight. Lin __________________________________________________ The Blizzard By Harlan Howard There's a blizzard comin' on how I'm wishin' I was home For my pony's lame and he can't hardly stand Listen to that northern sigh if we don't get home we'll die But it's only seven miles to Mary Anne it's only seven miles to Mary Anne You can bet we're on her mind for it's nearly suppertime And I'll bet there's hot biscuits in the pan Lord my hands feel like they're froze and there's a numbness in my toes But it's only five more miles to Mary Anne it's only five more miles to Mary Anne That wind's howlin' and it seems mighty like a woman's screams And we'd best be movin' faster if we can Dan just think about that barn with that hay so soft and warm For it's only three more miles to Mary Anne it's only three more miles to Mary Anne Dan get up you ornery cuss or you'll be the death of us I'm so weary but I'll help you if I can All right Dan perhaps it's best that we just stop awhile and rest For it's still a hundred yards to Mary Anne it's still a hundred yeards to Mary Anne Late that night the storm was gone and they found him there at dawn He had made it but he just couldn't leave ol' Dan Yes they found him there on the plains his hands froze to the reins He was just a hundred yards from Mary Anne He was just a hundred yards from Mary Anne |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Greycap Date: 27 Jan 07 - 07:20 AM Hank Snow recorded an entire album of tear jerkers called "When Tragedy Struck" - my personal choice of tj was "There's Little Box of Pine on the 7.29, bringing back the lost sheep to the fold" choke, sob,cry.... |
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Subject: Lyr Add: IRISH SOLDIER BOY From: LukeKellylives (Chris) Date: 27 Jan 07 - 02:06 PM Irish Soldier Boy (copied and pasted from another site, sorry for any mistakes in it) At[G] a cottage door one[C] wintery[G] night As the snow lay[C] on the[G] ground Stood a youthful Irish[C] soldier boy To the mountains he was[G] bound His mother stood[C] beside him saying You'll win my boy don't[G] fear And with her loving arms[C] around his[G] waist She tied his[C] bando[G]leer [2] Goodbye God bless you mother dear I hope your heart wont pain But pray to God your soldier boy Your son wou'll sea again And when im out on the firing line It will be a source of joy To know that your the mother proud Of an Irish soldier boy [3] When the fighting it was over And the flag of truce was raised The leaders ordered the firing to cease All Ireland stood amazed Some men came up to the cottage door Containing news in sad detail Of her Irish soilder boy [4] Goodbye God bless you mother dear I'm dying a death so grand From received in fighting Trying to free my native land And when im up in heaven above In the land beyond the sky You'll always be in the company of Your Irish soldire boy |
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Subject: Lyr Add: COUNTRY BUMPKIN From: Lonesome EJ Date: 27 Jan 07 - 02:23 PM Country Bumpkin He walked into the bar and parked his lanky frame upon a tall bar stool With a long soft southern drawl said I'll just have a glass of anything that's cool A barroom girl with wise and knowing eyes slowly looked me up and down And she said I wonder how on earth that country bumpkin found his way to town And she said hello country bumpkin how's the frost out on the pumpkin I've seen some sights but man you're somethin' Where'd you come from country bumpkin Just a short year later in a bed of joy-filled tears and death- like pain Into this wondrous world of many wonders another wonder came That same woman's face was wrapped up in a raptured look of love and tenderness As I marvelled at the soft and warm and cuddly boy-child feeding at her breast And she said hello country bumpkin fresh as frost out on the pumpkins I've seen some sights but babe you're somethin' mommy loves her country bumpkin Forty years of hard work later in a simple quiet and peaceful country place The heavy hand of time had not erased the raptured wonder from my woman's face She was lying on her death bed knowing fully well her race was nearly run But she softly smiled and looked into the sad eyes of her husband and her son And she said so long country bumpkin the frost is gone now from the pumpkin I've seem some sights and life's been somethin' see you later country bumpkin See you later country bumpkin |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Cruiser Date: 28 Jan 07 - 11:49 AM frogprince: I very much like the lyrics and the nice melody of your song. Thanks for the all-important sound clip. I would say it is a beautiful reflective song that some could call a tearjerker. One small edit: (to) should be (too) in the following phrase: "Entirely to good to be true;" As Obie linked above there are 7 other threads about sad songs, one with 225 posts from the year 2000. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: QUICK AS DREAMS (Slaid Cleaves) From: Scoville Date: 28 Jan 07 - 12:15 PM Seven miles in a blizzard on the plains? He might as well have tried to walk to Mongolia. Slaid Cleaves wrote on based on a chapter from the book Seabiscuit: Quick as Dreams (Slaid Cleaves) My name is Tommy Luther, I'll soon be eighty-four, I'll show you a little picture I keep here in this drawer, Sixty years ago, boys, I road for the Diamond team, Sailing by, eight feet high, on horses quick as dreams. Well, I joined up with the races when they came through Alabam', They had a good young rider, just a boy, named Sandy Graham, We were two kids run away from home when the world was breaking down, Didn't stay to see the family sell the farm and move to town. From Detroit to Tijuana to Annapolis we rode. They called us rookies "bug boys", we were just sixteen years old, We were worth a couple of saddles and two big bags of grain, The big men owne the horses and they owned us just the same. Sixty years ago, boys, I rode for the diamond team, Sailing by, eight feet high, on horses quick as dreams. Well, it's Winnipeg and it's raining but the track's not looking bad, They gave me Irish Princess, Sandy rode on Vesper Lad, We were flying down the backstretch, my horse was running proud, I pulled ahead of Sandy, when a roar came from the crowd. I crouched as Irish Princess thundered across the line, And then I stood and turned around to see that friend of mine, Vesper Lad was standing still, there must have been a fall, And in the mud lay Sandy, looking lifeless as a doll. Well, a crowd ran up to Sandy, they scooped him off the track, They took him to the office with shattered ribs and back, At the hospital the next morning, I sat by Sandy's side, But the season would be ending soon and then I'd have to ride. Just a couple days past Danville, word came down the line, Sandy'd lost the struggle; we hung our heads and cried. It was poor old Mother Harris from the boarding house in town, Who paid for the little casket and laid him in the ground. I sent a couple of dollars, it was all that I could save, She drew me a little picture of the lonely rider's grave. I've kept it in my bedroom drawer all these sixty years, I still see that crumpled body now but I'm to old for tears. My name is Tommy Luther ... |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: fumblefingers Date: 28 Jan 07 - 12:22 PM "No Schoolbus In Heaven," Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Allen in Oz Date: 28 Jan 07 - 05:59 PM Beer, I think that John Connolly sang " I Don't Remember Loving You" Jenny G...." Vacant Chair" must come close to best tear jerker( we must sing it at Cursed Toongabbie one night AD 1943 |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Lin in Kansas Date: 28 Jan 07 - 08:58 PM Scoville, That was always my reaction to The Blizzard, too...might as well have been a couple of thousand. But Reeves almost manages to pull it off anyway, with that golden voice of his. Lin |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Bardan Date: 28 Jan 07 - 11:15 PM I'll assume the 'rolf harris' comment was directed at me. Just listen to a decent recording mate. (Not 'waltzing matilda' mind, 'the band played waltzing matilda' is the one to look for.) I have since remembered ae fond kiss, anachie gordon, she moved through the fair, black is the colour, my dreams have withered and died, ride on, farewell farewell. So much depends on context though, like there's one or two songs make me think of my grandfather, or there's one my dad used to sing to my sister- the lyrics and tune become almost irrelevant next to context. Similarly sometimes a song will seem to speak for you perfectly at some point because it describes what you're going through (teenagy unrequited love angst, grieving, homesick, marriage falling apart... whatever). Few years down the line will it have the same effect? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE BLUE MAN (Betty Johnson) From: Slag Date: 28 Jan 07 - 11:25 PM OK, here it is, the jerkiest tear jerker of all times. Remember this? The Little Blue Man by Betty Johnson One morning when I was out shopping Though you'll find this hard to believe A little blue man came out of the crowd And timidly tugged on my sleeve. (Chorus) "I wuv you, I wuv you" said the little blue man, "I wuv you, I wuv you to bits." "I wuv you." He loved me said the little blue man And scared me right out of my wits. (repeat) For weeks after that I was haunted Though no one could see him but me Right by my side was the little blue man Wherever I happened to be. One evening in wild desparation I rushed to a rooftop in town And over the side pushed the little blue man Who sang to me all the way down (chorus) I whispered "Thank goodness that's over." I smiled as I hurried outside But there on the street stood the little blue man Who said with a tear in his eye, "I don't wuv you anymore." My baby sister bawled her eyes out when she heard it and made such a fuss that we could never play the radio whenever it was on. I think this was around 60 or 61. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,ib48 Date: 29 Jan 07 - 02:38 PM anything by westlife is guaranteed to make me cry,oh,and ronan keating as well |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Uncle_DaveO Date: 30 Jan 07 - 11:23 AM I have a number of tearjerkers in my repertoire, including A Bird in a Gilded Cage Please, Mr. Conductor Hobo Bill To my mind, No-one sings "Please Mr. Conductor" or "The Picture That is Turned Toward the Wall" better than our Ozzie friend, Joybell. Her singing projects (to my mind) a whole time when these songs were endemic, and without any smirking or overplay. Simple, affecting songs. Dave Oesterreich |
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Subject: Lyr Add: OLD SHEP From: dianavan Date: 31 Jan 07 - 03:52 AM When I was a lad And old shep was a pup Over hills and meadows wed stray Just a boy and his dog We were both full of fun We grew up together that way I remember the time at the old swimmin hold When I would have drowned beyond doubt But old shep was right there To the rescue he came He jumped in and then pulled me out As the years fast did roll Old shep he grew old His eyes were fast growing dim And one day the doctor looked at me and said I can do no more for him jim With hands that were trembling I picked up my gun And aimed it at sheps faithful head I just couldnt do it I wanted to run I wish they would shoot me instead He came to my side And looked up at me And laid his old head on my knee I had struck the best friend that a man ever had I cried so I scarcely could see Old shep he has gone Where the good doggies go And no more with old shep will I roam But if dogs have a heaven Theres one thing I know Old shep has a wonderful home |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SouthernCelt Date: 31 Jan 07 - 01:43 PM Scoville, "Quick as Dreams" fits this thread but it's a good song, not too maudlin. I've put it in my miscellaneous songs set to do for general audiences. SC |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Scoville Date: 02 Feb 07 - 11:39 AM Oops--forgot I had this loaded into iTunes: Cyril Tawney's "Sammy's Bar". SouthernCelt: I'm just a hopeless sucker for a) horses, b) ballads. Complete and utter history fiend. Slaid Cleaves does a lot of ballads. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: sapper82 Date: 02 Feb 07 - 04:21 PM Slag:- Didn't Petula Clark record that song? |
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Subject: Lyr Add: TEDDY BEAR From: bill\sables Date: 02 Feb 07 - 07:23 PM Teddy Bear I was on the outskirts of a little southern town, Trying to reach my destination before the sun went down. The old CB was blaring away on channel one-nine When there came a little boy's voice on the radio line. And he said, "Breaker, one-nine, is anyone there? Come on back, truckers, and talk to Teddy Bear." Well, I keyed the mike and I said, "Well, you got it,Teddy Bear." And the little boy's voice came back on the air. "'Preciate the break. Who we got on that end?" I told him my handle, and then he began: "Now, I'm not supposed to bother you fellas out there, Mom says you're busy and for me to stay off the air. But, you see, I get lonely and it helps to talk 'Cause that's about all I can do. I'm crippled and I can't walk." I came back and told him to fire up that mike And I'd talk to him as long as he'd like. "This was my dad's radio," the little boy said, "But I guess it's mine and Mom's now 'cause my daddy's dead. Dad had a wreck about a month ago. He was trying to get home in a blinding snow. Mom has to work now to make ends meet And I'm not much help with my two crippled feet. She says not to worry, that we'll make it all right, But I hear her crying sometimes late at night. You know, there's one thing I want more than anything else to see. Aw, I know you guys are too busy to bother with me, But, you see, my dad used to take me for rides when he was home But I guess that's all over now since my daddy's gone." Not one breaker came on the old CB As that little crippled boy talked with me. I tried hard to swallow, the lump just wouldn't stay down As I thought about my boy back in Greenville town. "Dad was gonna take Mom and me with him later on this year. Why, I remember him saying, 'Someday this old truck'll be yours, Teddy Bear.' But I know I'll never get to ride an 18-wheeler again, But this old base will keep me in touch with all my trucker friends. Teddy Bear's gonna back on out now and leave you alone 'Cause it's about time for Mom to come home. But you give me a shout when you're passing through And I'll sure be happy to come back to you." Well, I came back and I said, "Before you go ten-ten, What's your home-twenty, little CB friend?" Well, he gave me his address and I didn't once hesitate 'Cause this hot load of freight was just gonna have to wait. I turned that truck around on a dime And headed straight for Jackson Street, 229. And as I rounded the corner, boy, I got one heck of a shock-- Eighteen-wheelers were lined up for three city blocks! Why, I guess every driver for miles around had caught Teddy Bear's call And that little crippled boy was having a ball. For as fast as one driver would carry him in, Another would carry him to his truck and take off again. Well, you better believe I took my turn at riding Teddy Bear And then I carried him back in and put him down in his chair. And, buddy, if I never live to see happiness again I want you to know I saw it that day, in the face of that little man. We took up a collection for him before his mama got home And each driver said goodbye and then they were all gone. He shook my hand with a mile-long grin And said, "So long, trucker, I'll catch you again!" I hit that interstate with tears in my eyes And I turned on the radio and I got another surprise. "Breaker, one-nine," came a voice on the air, "Just one word of thanks from Mama Teddy Bear. We wish each and every one a special prayer for you 'Cause you just made my little boy's dream come true. I'll sign off now before I start to cry. May God ride with you. Ten-four, and goodbye." |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Charley Noble Date: 02 Feb 07 - 10:05 PM Well, Bill, you certainly clinched this thread. There shouldn't be a dry eye in the house. Oh, the tune for "Little Alice" for those that care is "Gathering Flowers for the Master's Bouquet." Tearfully, Charley Noble |
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Subject: Lyr Add: PRETTY PAPER (Willie Nelson) From: GUEST,Bert Date: 03 Feb 07 - 01:08 AM Pretty Paper Artist: Roy Orbison Words & Music by Willie Nelson Crowded street, busy feet hustle by him Downtown shoppers, Christmas is nigh There he sits all alone on the sidewalk Hoping that you won't pass him by Should you stop?, better not, much too busy You're in a hurry, my how time does fly In the distance the ringing of laughter And in the midst of the laughter he cries Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue Wrap your presents to your darling from you Pretty pencils to write "I love you" Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue (Interlude) Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue Wrap your presents to your darling from you Pretty pencils to write "I love you" Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Lin in Kansas Date: 13 Jun 07 - 11:44 AM Bill/Sables, I am amazed! I would not have guessed that you would know Teddy Bear! Charley, too right. At least my eyes aren't dry. Maudlin or not, that one always gets me. One of the hazards of being raised on country music, I reckon. There are many, many tear-jerker songs. Lin |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Highlandman Date: 13 Jun 07 - 02:53 PM I admit that sometimes I'm a sucker for a tearjerker, but it depends on my mood, the context, and whether it strikes me as being _intended_ to be a tearjerker. The older ones, like "The Vacant Chair," "All Quiet Along the Potomac," "Katy Wells," and many other war-related songs, usually get to me because they have (I think) a more authentic emotion about them. Modern stuff like "Honey," "The Christmas Shoes," and (sorry) even "Teddy Bear" just strike me as too formulaic, too calculated, to generate real emotion. Understated songs like Jim MacLean's "Don't Cry In Your Sleep" sometimes catch me by surprise... the real emotion behind the words, can be much more powerful than anything worn on the singer's sleeve. Another one I just can't sing, tho' I really like it, is "Mama Look Sharp" from the musical "1776." |
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Subject: Lyr Add: GEORGIA LEE (Waits/Waits-Brennan) From: Rain Dog Date: 13 Jun 07 - 05:24 PM Georgia Lee Written by: Tom Waits and Kathleen Waits-Brennan Cold was the night and hard was the ground They found her in a small grove of trees And lonesome was the place where Georgia was found She's too young to be out on the street Why wasn't God watching? Why wasn't God listening? Why wasn't God there for Georgia Lee? Ida said she couldn't keep Georgia from dropping out of school I was doing the best that I could Oh, but she just kept running away from this world These children are so hard to raise good Why wasn't God watching? Why wasn't God listening? Why wasn't God there for Georgia Lee? Close your eyes and count to ten I will go and hide but then Be sure to find me, I want you to find me And we'll play all over We'll play all over We'll play all over again There's a toad in the witch grass, there's a crow in the corn Wild flowers on a cross by the road And somewhere a baby is crying for her mom As the hills turn from green back to gold Why wasn't God watching? Why wasn't God listening? Why wasn't God there for Georgia Lee? Why wasn't God watching? Why wasn't God listening? Why wasn't God there for Georgia Lee? This song has been covered by Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Solas, Tim Grimm, The Cottars and there is an instrumental version by Joanna MacGregor & Andy Sheppard. Of course songs have to stand on their own but you can read about the background to this song here Georgia Lee |
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Subject: Lyr Add: ORPHAN CHILD (Gillian Welch) From: GUEST,Rich (Bodhránaí gan ciall) Date: 13 Jun 07 - 05:51 PM Orphan Child by Gillian Welch I am an orphan, on God's highway but I'll share my trouble if you're going my way I have no mother, no father, no sister, no brother I am an orphan child. I have had friendships, pure and golden but the prize of kinship, I have not known it, I have no mother, no father, no sister, no brother, I am an orphan child Oh Blessed Saviour, if you are willing, walk beside me until I'm with them Be my mother, my father, my sister, my brother I am an orphan child When He calls me I will be able to meet my family at God's table I'll meet my mother, my father, my sister, my brother No more an orphan child |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Bert Date: 13 Jun 07 - 06:13 PM Actually Lin, I'd be more amazed to find a song that Bill doesn't know!!! |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Young Buchan Date: 14 Jun 07 - 11:30 AM Enough of the practical. Let's move on to the delights of theory. At what point does a sad song become a tearjerker? a) He looked at me. No word he said. And then I knew my love was dead. 'He's drowned in lowland seas' they said; The rushy reeds are now his bed. b) There's |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Young Buchan Date: 14 Jun 07 - 11:58 AM My apologies. I was interrupted by a person from Porlock and pressed Submit in a moment of panic. I will return ( as McArthur said on being interrupted by the Japanese in the 21st verse of Lord Bateman). |
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Subject: Lyr Add: JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE MOTHER From: GUEST,edthefolkie Date: 14 Jun 07 - 12:10 PM Have we had this one yet? American, Civil War period. A version used to be performed by Mike Clifton and John Watcham (Mr. Gladstone's Bag) around London in the 1970s. They did it complete with actions, putting great emphasis on the "beneath the sod" line. Just before the battle, Mother, I am thinking most of you, While upon the field we're watching With the enemy in view. Comrades brave are 'round me lying, Filled with thoughts of home and God For well they know that on the morrow, Some will sleep beneath the sod. CHORUS: Farewell, Mother, you may never Press me to your breast again, But, oh, you'll not forget me, Mother, If I'm numbered with the slain. Oh, I long to see you, Mother, And the loving ones at home, But I'll never leave our banner, Till in honor I can come. Tell the traitors all around you That their cruel words we know, In every battle kill our soldiers By the help they give the foe. Hark! I hear the bugles sounding, 'Tis the signal for the fight, Now, may God protect us, Mother, As He ever does the right. Hear the "Battle-Cry of Freedom," How it swells upon the air, Oh, yes, we'll rally 'round the standard, Or we'll perish nobly there. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 15 Jun 07 - 10:41 AM There is an amazing thread here called RECITATIONS. It's filled with these tear jerker songs too. There was a Recitations 2 thread also, but I can't find it using the orum Search. Try 'em, you'll like 'em! Art |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: George Papavgeris Date: 15 Jun 07 - 11:00 AM Nothing beats "Cats in the Cradle" by Harry Chapin, for me. Heard it on the car radio just last week and just had to stop the car, for safety's sake. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,jackdad Date: 15 Jun 07 - 04:20 PM How about this tale of a poor unfortunate lass? She is More to be Pitied than Censured': At the old concert hall on the Bowery 'Round the table were seated one night A crowd of young fellows carousing, With them life seemed cheerfull and bright. At the very next table was seated A girl who had fallen to shame; And the young fellows jeered at her weakness, Till they heard an old woman exclaim: She is more to be pitied than censured, She is more to be helped than despised, She is only a lassie who ventured On life's stormy path, ill advised. Do not scorn her with words fierce and bitter, Do not laugh at her shame and downfall; For a moment just stop and consider That a man was the cause of it all. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Lucius Date: 15 Jun 07 - 09:16 PM A week before the battle of Bull Run Sullivan Ballou, a Major in the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, wrote home to his wife in Smithfield. July 14,1861 Camp Clark, Washington DC Dear Sarah: The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. And lest I should not be able to write you again I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no more. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt. Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence can break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battlefield. The memory of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me, and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you, that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes and future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and see our boys grown up to honorable manhood around us. If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name... Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, how foolish I have sometimes been!... But, 0 Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you, in the brightest day and in the darkest night... always, always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath, or the cool air your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again... Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the 1st Battle of Bull Run. You know the music. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: George Papavgeris Date: 16 Jun 07 - 02:32 AM Very moving, Lucius. And Les Sullivan in Bishops Stortford (UK) has put the words of this letter to a most touching song, "Sullivan's Farewell". |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Lin in Kansas Date: 16 Jun 07 - 05:45 AM And that reminds me: Last Letter Home, by Kim C on the Plum CD of the Mudcat CDs, is a beautiful (and similar) song. Lin |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Kerry 27/female Date: 19 Jun 07 - 01:37 AM Okay, I know that some of these songs are oldies...but they still stick out in my mind as the ALL-TIME "tear-jerker" songs: 1.) "Chiseled in Stone" by Vern Gosdin 2.) "Ghost in this House" by Shanendoah 3.) "The Little Girl" by John Michael Montgomery You should pull these songs up and check them out. Most effective when you listen to the actual song, but these songs are powerful enough that you could actually just pull up the lyrics and that alone is moving enough. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: GUEST,Young Buchan Date: 19 Jun 07 - 12:25 PM As I was saying …. a) He looked at me. No word he said. And then I knew my love was dead. 'He's drowned in lowland seas' they said; The rushy reeds are now his bed. Trad Lowlands b) There's many a horse is gone now, as there's many a lad gone too Of all the lads and horses in the old fields I once knew. For Dick fell at Givenchy and Prince beside the guns On that red road to glory a mile or two from Mons. Cicely Fox-Smith Home Lads Home c) If those lips could only speak, if those eyes could only see; If those beautiful golden tresses, were here in reality; Could I only take your hand, as I did when you took my name - But it's only a beautiful picture, in a beautiful golden frame. Charles Ridgewell and William Godwin If Those Lips Could Only Speak d) One night as she lay in her cold attic chamber She dreamt that her own darling truelove was there. But it was the Angel of Death that so softly came by her And took away Ethna from this sad world of care. Trad Derry So Fair e) There fell a deep hush, as the song of the thrush was heard by that motley throng; Many a rough fellow's eyes grew dim as the notes rang out clear and strong. Eyes lighted up with a bright yearning look, as the bird trilled its beautiful lay; It brought to their minds dear old England at home thousands of miles away. Walter Hastings and George Le Brun The Song of the Thrush f) Shall I never see you more, sweet Fanny Adams? You're the daughter I so dearly did love. You were killed and cut to pieces by a villain. But now you're in heaven up above. Trad Sweet Fanny Adams Your challenge, should you wish to accept it, is to say which of these are tear jerkers and why. In the interests of not using up too much space, I have forborne to print the whole of each song, and I am sympathetic to those who say it is impossible to answer the question by reference to just one verse, without having the context of the full song; but I guess that most who may wish to answer the question will be familiar with the majority of these six songs. For what it is worth, I feel that to qualify as tearjerkers there needs to be a positive intention on the part of the writer to make the hearer cry, and it must be artfully written to that end; a very Victorian phenomenon, I think, though it has lived on! So I would put c) and e) in there, but not b) which has higher ambitions. The problems come when we look at the works of Mr Trad. f) is so badly written that it is hard to judge intention, but I think I would put it down as a tear jerker; a) not. d) is the most difficult – definitely maudlin, as are most emigration ballads, but I think there is a genuineness there, which makes me feel it a real descriptive product, and not simply a device. Over to you …. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: NO SCHOOL BUS IN HEAVEN (Stanley Brothers From: fumblefingers Date: 20 Jun 07 - 02:29 AM No School bus in heaven Stanley Brothers On route 23 down in eastern Kentucky, A school bus wrecked there in the county of Floyd. It left many parents a weepin' and moanin'. It took away the lives of their little girls and boys. These little school children have gone on to glory. No lessons to study, no worries or cares. They're now rejoicin' and walkin' with Jesus. They won't have to ride on a school bus up there. God please watch over these heart broken families. Give them the courage to go on alone. Show them the right way that leads us to heaven. Where once more these families will be all at home. These little school children have gone on to glory. No lessons to study, no worries or cares. They're now rejoicin' and walkin' with Jesus. They won't have to ride on a school bus up there. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: SINSULL Date: 18 Nov 10 - 10:47 PM Hello Central, give me Heaven For my Mommy's there You will find her with the angels On the golden stairs. She'll be glad it's me who's calling Hurry will you please For I want to surely tell her We're so lonely here. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Amergin Date: 18 Nov 10 - 11:51 PM I just heard a great song by Ted Egan called Old Ned....it's about a drover who's too old to ride anymore. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Allen in Oz Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:15 AM " O My Papa" by the late and much married Eddie Fisher |
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Subject: Lyr Add: AS IF HE KNOWS (Eric Bogle) From: eddie1 Date: 19 Nov 10 - 03:20 AM I can listen to real "tear jerkers" of the over-sentimentalised type and remain pretty unmoved beyond the urge to smile. Leading up to Remembrance Sunday I played several anti-war, pro peace songs on my radio show and certainly found some that were difficult to handle but this one, which I included in another thread some time ago, never fails to really get to me. Copied from As If He Knows Here are the lyrics of a song by Eric Bogle. It is about the horses of the Australian Light Horse in World War 1. The below is about the song as Eric Bogle describes. The story is as follows: The song is of course about the horses sent overseas during WW1 to serve in the various theatres of war. Of the approximately 53000 horses Australia sent overseas during WW1, only one ever returned to Australia after the war (this horse belonged to a general). At the end of the war the Anzacs were ordered to get rid of their horses, the authorities did not want them returning to Australia and perhaps bringing in anthrax or TB or suchlike back into the country. Most of the horses were sold or given away, but in Palestine the Light Horsemen refused to give or sell their horses to the Arab population of Palestine, and chose instead to shoot them all. I based the song on an actual Light Horseman called Elijah Conn who had a horse in Palestine called Banjo. Elijah never forgot Banjo and for the rest of his life could not talk about him without tears coming to his eyes. AS IF HE KNOWS It's as if he knows He's standing close to me His breath warm on my sleeve His head hung low It's as if he knows What the dawn will bring The end of everything For my old Banjo And all along the picket lines beneath the desert sky The Light Horsemen move amongst their mates to say one last goodbye And the horses stand so quietly Row on silent row It's as if they know Time after time We rode through shot and shell We rode in and out of Hell On their strong backs Time after time They brought us safely through By their swift sure hooves And their brave hearts Tomorrow we will form up ranks and march down to the quay And sail back to our loved ones in that dear land across the sea While our loyal and true companions Who asked so little and gave so much Will lie dead in the dust. For the orders came No horses to return We were to abandon them To be slaves After all we'd shared And all that we'd been through A Nation's gratitude Was a dusty grave For we can't leave them to the people here, we'd rather see them dead So each man will take his best mate's horse with a bullet through the head For the people here are like their land Wild and cruel and hard So Banjo, here's your reward. It's as if he knows, he standing close to me, His breath warm on my sleeve, his head hung low. As he if he knew. Copyright Eric Bogle July 2001 Eddie |
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Subject: Lyr Add: THE ANGELS REJOICED LAST NIGHT (Louvin) From: GUEST,GPF Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:54 PM THE ANGELS REJOICED LAST NIGHT The Louvin Brothers A house not a home was the picture Satan painted For sweet little sister and me. Our daddy would frown While mother was prayin', his heart was so hardened That he would not believe. In anger he'd swear, his voice cold and loud. His Sunday's were spent out with the gamblin' crowd. I'd never seen my daddy inside the house of God For Satan held his hand down the path of sin he trod. Not long ago our circle was broken As God called on mother in a voice sweet and low. Her last words were spoken asking our daddy To raise her children right. The angels rejoiced in Heaven last night; I heard my daddy pray, "Dear God, make it right!" He was smiling and singing with tears in his eyes While mother with the angels rejoiced last night. While mother with the angels rejoiced last night. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: A DAISY A DAY (Jud Strunk) From: beardedbruce Date: 19 Nov 10 - 12:59 PM "A Daisy A Day" (As recorded by Jud Strunk) JUD STRUNK He remembers the first time he met her He remembers the first thing he said He remembers the first time he held her And the night that she came to his bed He remembers her sweet way of sayin' "Honey has something gone wrong?" He remembers the fun and the teasin' And the reason he wrote her this song. I'll give you a daisy a day Dear I'll give you a daisy a day I'll love you until the rivers run still And the four winds we know blow away. They would walk down the street in the evenin' And for years I would see them go by And their love that was more than the clothes that they wore Could be seen in the gleamof their eye As a kid they would take me for candy And I'd lvoe to go taggin' along We'd hold hands as we'd walk to the corner And the old man would sing her his song. I'll give you a daisy a day Dear I'll give you a daisy a day I'll love you until the rivers run still And the four winds we know blow away. Now he walks down the street in the evenin' And he stops by the old candy store And I somehow beliee he's believin' He's holdin' her hand like before For he feels all her love walkin' with him And he smiles at things she might say Then the old man walks up to the hilltop And gives her a daisy a day. I'll give you a daisy a day Dear I'll give you a daisy a day I'll love you until the rivers run still And the four winds we know blow away. (c) Copyright 1972 by Every Little Tune, Inc./Pierre Cossette Music Co., 3 E. 54th St., New York, N.Y. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: kendall Date: 19 Nov 10 - 01:13 PM Old Shep, he laid his head on my knee, I STROKED the best pal not STRUCK. I have to get out of here, my old dog is lying at my feet and I wonder if he knows he is not long for this world? |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: olddude Date: 19 Nov 10 - 01:13 PM The Golden Guitar |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: gnu Date: 19 Nov 10 - 01:23 PM Ooooohhh, it's kinda lonely in the saddle since ma horse died... |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: MGM·Lion Date: 19 Nov 10 - 04:04 PM Have you ever read the whole original lyric of the much-parodied [see an ongoing thread] It Was Christmas Day In The Workhouse? Most poignant tearjerker indeed ~~ http://lyricsplayground.com/alpha/songs/xmas/christmasdayintheworkhouse.shtml Written by prolific Victorian author & social reformer George R Sims, it is a work by no means to be despised. ♥♫❤Michael❤♫♥ |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: VirginiaTam Date: 19 Nov 10 - 05:33 PM Past Carin' |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread From: Joe_F Date: 19 Nov 10 - 06:02 PM "Please sell no more drink to my father" surely belongs here, tho IMO it is a good song. What is the name of that one about the highschool football player who gets bawled out by his coach for being depressed during practice, but plays brilliantly in the game? Turns out he was depressed because his father was sick, but just before the game he got the news that his father, who had been blind, was now in heaven & could see him play for the first time. |
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Subject: TEARJERKER From: GUEST,Stacey Date: 12 Jan 18 - 02:14 PM Iam trying to find an old song my dad sang from the early 1900,s maybeabout a bum who watched his wife and daughter burn in a house fire starts with Dont you think by my dress I would rob a hens nest if any one heard this or knows what the name of it is Iwould love to get it |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread (songs) From: GUEST,Clayton Date: 04 Oct 19 - 05:47 PM Special commendations to Two little boys - Rolf Harris Cats in the cradle - Harry Chapin The Living Years - Mike and the mechanics But the "Bohemian Rhapsody" of tear jerkers is ..... Daisy A Day - Jud Strunk |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread (songs) From: Jack Campin Date: 04 Oct 19 - 06:09 PM Moving away from English - "Papirosn" (in Yiddish) pushes all the right buttons. There must be a ton of them in Italian. |
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Subject: RE: The Tear Jerker Thread (songs) From: Mrrzy Date: 05 Oct 19 - 06:26 AM Surprised no mention of Bringing Mary Home... |
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