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The Tear Jerker Thread (songs)
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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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