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Lyr Req: Be Quiet When Willie Walks By (M O'Reilly

13 Nov 07 - 04:34 AM (#2192519)
Subject: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: topical tom

This is a powerful, moving song about a war veteran. I think I heard it sung by a country singer but I'm not sure of that.Any information and the lyrics would be greatly appreciated.


13 Nov 07 - 01:15 PM (#2192834)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer

I was going to p.m you and ask if you would start a thread on this. I'm hoping you get results as I'm very curious as well.
Beer (adrien)


13 Nov 07 - 01:46 PM (#2192859)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace

"Be Quiet When Willy Walks By"


13 Nov 07 - 02:08 PM (#2192880)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Joe Offer

Where's that come from, Peace? It does bring up an interesting possible lead:
    Be Quiet When Willy Walks By/Songs of the American Spirit/Country Gentlemen

listed on this page: http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/nwbluegrass/message/39000

I have two Vanguard Country Gentlemen CD's, but not that one. Now, if somebody has that Country Gentlemen album....

You can buy an MP3 from Amazon here (click) for 89 cents (and there's a sample clip from the recording). If you do, please transcribe the lyrics for us.

So, who's gonna pop for the 89 cents?

-Joe-


13 Nov 07 - 02:14 PM (#2192885)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace

I could not locate lyrics. That was the only title that came close to the one requested.


13 Nov 07 - 03:25 PM (#2192923)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: topical tom

Great work once again, Peace. That is the title. I didn't remember it properly.


    There is such a title on Limewire but I'm not sure if it's legit or not.It could be the guy denying "sexual relations with that woman" LOL!

    At the moment I am unable to download it ("awaiting sources, need more sources", etc. etc.                                                            

    Anyway, I'll keep trying.Thanks for the info from you too, Joe.


13 Nov 07 - 10:09 PM (#2193200)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer

I think that a friend in Ottawa who has a radio program called "Back 40" may be able to help. Ron Moores is a friend and a Bluegrass lover. Will call him tomorrow as it is getting late here.


15 Nov 07 - 08:25 PM (#2194947)
Subject: Lyr Add: BE QUIET WHEN WILLIE WALKS BY (M O'Reilly
From: Jim Dixon

Transcribed from the sound file found at box.net:

BE QUIET WHEN WILLIE WALKS BY
Mike O'Reilly

Did you see the old boys with their uniforms on, marching down Main Street today?
Some helped the others as they went along. Their minds seemed so far away.
And when they laid the wreath at the top of the hill, I saw some of them cry
As they thought of their friends they knew long ago in ages long since gone by.

Old Willie Johnson walked all alone as the rain came tumbling down,
And someone they laughed as Willie drew near, for he was the drunk of the town;
And one of the men came over and said, "You know, Willie's one heck of a guy.
If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here today, so be quiet when Willie walks by.

"He sold all his medals a long time ago for the help a bottle could hold,
But it's hard to crawl out of the cracks in your soul when the last of your pride has been sold;
But deep down inside there's a heart of pure gold and a spirit that money can't buy,
So remember, my friends, and bow to the truth. Be quiet when Willie walks by.
Yes, be quiet when Willie walks by."

[As sung by Charlie Waller & the Country Gentlemen on their album "Songs of the American Spirit," Pinecastle Records 1138, 2004. It has also been recorded by The Dick Smith/Mike O'Reilly Band on "Life's Road."]


15 Nov 07 - 08:27 PM (#2194950)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace

Jim, you are the master.


15 Nov 07 - 08:55 PM (#2194961)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer

Thanks Jim I'm sure tom will be very pleased. I got off the phone with Ron Moores who does a radio show up Ottawa Canada way and he is going to see if he can send me a media file.
Thanks again.


15 Nov 07 - 09:06 PM (#2194968)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: oldhippie

Excellent song.


15 Nov 07 - 09:10 PM (#2194970)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: topical tom

Thank you so much,Jim, for such great research.Thanks to all the others who helped as well.

      I find it a short but moving song.Hopefully some of you can perform it sometime if you wish.


15 Nov 07 - 10:00 PM (#2194999)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer

Once I get the melody.
..........


15 Nov 07 - 10:10 PM (#2195003)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Peace

Jim is so unassuming that he may not even check back.


16 Nov 07 - 07:52 AM (#2195205)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Don't Laugh When Willy Walks By
From: Beer

Got it. Very easy to learn.