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Lyr Req: Who Killed Norma Jean? (Rosten, Seeger)

14 Sep 97 - 11:50 PM (#12294)
Subject: LYR ? Who Killed Norma Jean?
From:

Recent events brought to mind this Pete Seeger song from the 60's. Does anyone have the words?

15 Sep 97 - 03:18 AM (#12300)
Subject: Lyr Add: WHO KILLED NORMA JEAN? (Rosten, Seeger)
From: Joe Offer

WHO KILLED NORMA JEAN?
Lyrics: Norman Rosten
Music: Pete Seeger, 1963

Who killed Norma Jean?
I, said the City, as a civic duty,
I killed Norma Jean.

Who saw her die?
I, said the Night, and a bedroom light,
We saw her die.

Who'll catch her blood?
I, said the Fan, with my little pan,
I'll catch her blood.

Who'll make her shroud?
I, said the Lover, my guilt to cover,
I'll make her shroud.

Who'll dig her grave?
The tourist will come and join in her fun,
He'll dig her grave.

Who'll be the chief mourners?
We who represent, and lose our ten percent.
We'll be the chief mourners.

Who'll bear the pall?
We, said the Press, in pain and distress,
We'll bear the pall.

Who'll toll the bell?
I, screamed the mother, locked in her tower,
I'll pull (or ring) the bell.

Who'll soon forget?
I, said the Page, beginning to fade,
I'll be first to forget.

In his musical autobiography, "Where Have all the Flowers Gone," Pete Seeger says he read the poem in Life Magazine, and put a tune to it. On his "We Shall Overcome" CD, Seeger says Norman Rosten was a friend who knew Marilyn Monroe well. On the CD, the mother says, "I'll RING the bell."

-Joe Offer-

22 Nov 99 - 02:50 PM (#139613)
Subject: Who killed Norma Jean?
From: Eric the Viking

A long time ago back in the late 60's a friend of mine had a Pete Seegar album. (yes I know lots of people did!) On this album was a track called "Who killed Norma jean?" about the death of Marilyn Munroe. The song was in G to Dm7 I believe but I lost my tape of it years ago. If any one out there has all the words and chords I would be really pleased to get them. The song is along the same lines as "Who killed Davey Moore" and poses the questions to all the media, fans etc. Thanks folks. Eric.

22 Nov 99 - 06:41 PM (#139698)
Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Who killed Norma Jean?
From: Stewie

The song is on CD - Disc 1 of Pete Seeger 'We Shall Overcome: the Complete Carnegie Hall Concert' Sony.

22 Nov 99 - 07:34 PM (#139724)
Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: Who killed Norma Jean?
From: Susanne (skw)

I was about to dash to my record rack and dig out Elton John's song, but noticed in time it wasn't what you want. (How DID I get the idea it might be?) I've never heard 'Who killed Norma Jean', only read about it, so I'll have to get the CD, I suppose. - Susanne

29 Jul 00 - 01:00 PM (#267326)
Subject: Ron Mahler
From: GUEST,Israel

I am looking for the song "who killed Norma Jean" by Pete Seeger that was sang in the show "we shall over come". Can you send me the words of this song. Thanks, Ron Mahler

29 Jul 00 - 01:13 PM (#267335)
Subject: RE: Ron Mahler
From: Amergin

Who Killed Norma Jean?
Lyrics: Norman Rosten
Tune: Pete Seeger

1.Who killed Norma Jean?
I, said the City, as a civic duty
I killed Norma Jean

2.Who saw her die?
I, said the Night, and a bedroom light
We saw her die

3.Who'll catch her blood?
I, said the Fan, with my little pan,
I'll catch her blood.

4.Who'll make her shroud?
I, said the Lover, my guilt to cover
I'll make her shroud

5.Who'll dig her grave?
The Tourist will come and join in the fun
He'll dig her grave.

6.Who'll be the chief mourners?
We who represent, and lose our ten percent
We'll be the chief mourners

7.Who'll bear the pall?
We, said the Press, in pain and distress
We'll bear the pall.

8.Who'll toll the bell?
I, said the mother, locked in her tower.
I'll toll the bell.

9.Who'll soon forget?
I, said the Page, beginning to fade, I'll be the first to forget.

Found this in Pete's book Where Have All The Flowers Gone. Never really looked at this song before. Pretty powerful.

Amergin

29 Jul 00 - 01:16 PM (#267336)
Subject: RE: Ron Mahler
From: catspaw49

Also same tune..."Who Killed Davey Moore?"...also a strong indictment.

Spaw