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05 Jan 99 - 03:36 PM (#52085) Subject: I wish I'd written that. From: I was just visiting at The thread for Peggy Seeger's DA DEE DA DA and thought "What a great song, I wish I'd written that" Bert.
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05 Jan 99 - 03:49 PM (#52090) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: BBJ THE CIRCLE GAME. Don't know who did write it, Tom Rush recorded it, the title song to his Circle Game album. That one and many, many more I wish I had written, a new one comes to mind almost every minute. |
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05 Jan 99 - 04:22 PM (#52099) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: dwditty I agree with BBJ that there are many, but if I had to pick just one song it would be Billie Holiday's "GOD BLESS THE CHILD" period. Great idea for a thread. DW |
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05 Jan 99 - 04:43 PM (#52103) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Joe Offer Hmmm. I can see that BBJ did not have a proper rock 'n roll upbringing. "Circle Game" is by Joni Mitchell, one of the few songs Joni wrote that other people can actually sing. I kinda wish it were me instead of Lorenz Hart who wrote "WHERE OR WHEN" with Richard Rodgers. Once upon a time, I had a chance to sing with a certain woman who has the richest, most beautiful voice I've ever heard. I'd love to sing that song with her.... -Joe Offer- |
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05 Jan 99 - 06:42 PM (#52122) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bill D well, the first thing that comes to mind is "THE FLOWERS OF THE FOREST,".....but then a rush of a dozen more..."THE ROSE OF ALLENDALE".."NOTTAMUN TOWN"...several of Bruce Phillips..(especially "ENOLA GAY")..several of Craig Johnson's..(especially "THE KEWEENAW LIGHT")..."LASSIE WI THE YELLOW COATIE".....and, strange to say, "THE EBENEEZER"...a silly pumping chanty..it's in the DT, but in a most awkward and shortened form...I guess I'll have to add the rest of it.. and 3,219 more...... |
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05 Jan 99 - 06:58 PM (#52127) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca "DARK EYED MOLLY", by Archie Fisher. "LIES", and "THE HOUSE OF ORANGE", by Stan Rogers. "CAPE BRETON LULLABY", by Kenneth Leslie. "A SCARBOROUGH SETTLER'S LAMENT", by Sandy Glendinning. "Wo Sind Die Elefanten?', by Leon Rosselson. "THE COVENTRY CAROL", " "THE HOLLY AND THE IVY", and "GABRIEL'S MESSAGE", by that prolific author, Trad Anonymous. Any number of songs by the Beatles. That song about Vincent Van Gogh by Don McLean. ["VINCENT (STARRY STARRY NIGHT)"] Yes, CIRCLE GAME, by Joni Mitchell, as well as that one about going down to the Mermaid Tavern and buying a bottle of wine [CAREY]. Not a stellar song perhaps, but one I like. I'm sure I could think of dozens more if I sat here long enough.
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05 Jan 99 - 07:02 PM (#52129) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Peter T. There is an important, if slightly ridiculous, distinction to be drawn here between songs that you like that you could have written (probably in your dreams, but still), and songs that you like that you could never have written in a million years. For instance, there are any number of great 50s songs that follow a single chordal pattern, and anyone who was around then, and had the wit or thought rock and roll was important could have written another one. For example, UNDER THE BOARDWALK and UP ON THE ROOF and Back Row of the Balcony and so on. It is a bit like physicists who happened to be around the week after the atom was smashed -- Nobel Prizes were there for the taking! But where did James Taylor's "FIRE AND RAIN" come from? Or the Beatles "A DAY IN THE LIFE"? I don't think I would have liked to have written either, but I would have liked to be under the same tree when the lightning struck. Yours, Peter T. |
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05 Jan 99 - 07:21 PM (#52136) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca I guess the name of the drinking establishment in the song was actually the Mermaid Cafe. I must have been thinking of the Mermaid Tavern in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which I used to frequent many years ago. Yes, Fire and Rain by James Taylor is also one I wish I had written. |
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05 Jan 99 - 08:11 PM (#52150) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Barbara Shaw I wish the inspiration that wrote Ashokan Farewell or Sheebeg and Sheemore would hit me. And AMAZING GRACE, although I wouldn't want to have lived that life to come to that point. I like the idea that the best songs are yet to be written. |
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05 Jan 99 - 09:23 PM (#52166) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: McMusic "BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER" and "THE BOXER"; "MR BOJANGLES"; "LOVE IS A ROSE"; "WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE?"; "PASTURES OF PLENTY". I really could go on and on. So many great songs, so little time. |
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05 Jan 99 - 10:10 PM (#52180) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Mick The list is endless, but if you make me pick one, it would be "WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?". All the best, Big Mick Lane |
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05 Jan 99 - 10:30 PM (#52185) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bill D yes, Mick..that one too.... *re-post from a thread last June, about the death of Helen Carter...I needed to add this..* " ....in 1978, when Mother Maybelle died, I was at an open stage in Bethesda, MD, the night the news came out, and a fellow from Baltimore, Ron Penix, came over and got onstage and played "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"....on one of Maybelle's autoharps which he had acquired from her a few years previously!! There was not a dry eye in the place...I have an old autoharp of that style, and I shall be tuning it up and playing the song later today...perhaps others will join me in their own way" |
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05 Jan 99 - 11:24 PM (#52196) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Don Meixner I too will find this an endless list. But I'll be brief.
I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER WHERE I'M BOUND, by Tom Paxton And too many more. Don |
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05 Jan 99 - 11:52 PM (#52204) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Will Yes, so many. NORTHWEST PASSAGE, Stan Rogers (among other of Stan's songs) BLUE, Joni Mitchell WALKING ON A WIRE, Richard Thompson (and more other songs than I can count by Richard Thompson) I'M A DREAMER, Sandy Denny (and I wish I could sing it with the same impact as Linda Thompson) HEART LIKE A WHEEL, Anna McGarrigle BORN IN CHICAGO, Paul Butterfield (I think, though it may have been a cover) ONE LIFE TO LIVE, John Mayall HEROIN, Lou Reed (though I'm glad I couldn't have) DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT, Dylan Thomas (John Cale has a version, on "Fragments of a Rainy Season", that sparkles) |
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06 Jan 99 - 04:18 AM (#52237) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: McMusic I forgot one of my favorites: "ACROSS THE UNIVERSE". |
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06 Jan 99 - 07:20 AM (#52247) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Gearoid (Dublin in) THE RARE OULD TIMES (Pete St. John I envy you.) |
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06 Jan 99 - 07:54 AM (#52251) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Ritchie ONE COOL REMOVE - can't remember who wrote it [Greg Brown] but Joni Mitchell sang it. PRECIOUS THING (TILL THE NEXT SOMEWHERE) - again don't know who wrote it but heard it sung by Dee Dee Bridgewater & Ray Charles. I HUNG MY HEAD - Sting FEELS LIKE RAIN - John Hiatt YA YA - Lee Dorsey FUN LOVIN' CRIMINAL - Fun Lovin' Criminals YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT - Jagger & Richard. JACK THE LAD - John Martyn SOMEWHERE DOWN THE CRAZY RIVER - Robbie Robertson PHILADELPHIA - Neil Young Dion, Van Morrison, Al Green, Sam Cooke, Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, Willie Nelson, Oh Gosh I'm going to have to go and lie down..... Love & happiness Ritchie |
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06 Jan 99 - 12:13 PM (#52288) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: The Shambles IMAGINE by John Lennon. |
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06 Jan 99 - 01:09 PM (#52294) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Dr John One verse:-
As through this world I travel I see lots of funny men Woody Guthrie from PRETTY BOY FLOYD |
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06 Jan 99 - 02:06 PM (#52308) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Charlie Baum "FOR REAL" and "THANKSGIVING EVE," both by Bob Franke. |
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06 Jan 99 - 06:48 PM (#52345) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Tim Jaques tjaques@netcom.ca (LOOKING FOR) THE HEART OF SATURDAY NIGHT, by Tom Waits. Also SHIVER ME TIMBERS and I HOPE THAT I DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU, by the same. |
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06 Jan 99 - 10:34 PM (#52405) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Ralph Butts Any one of these, but there's more. These are some that move me the most when I sing them, and for a songwriter to be able to do that with words alone is remarkable. IMHO.....Tiger
ANNIE'S GOING TO SING HER SONG - Tom Paxton |
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06 Jan 99 - 11:07 PM (#52412) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Don Meixner Ralph,
"What's your hurry? Just watch this. Thanks a lot, I'd forgotten about that song entirely. I also no suddenly recall. "WHEN PRINCES MEET", "NOW THAT I'VE TAKEN MY LIFE", "OUTWARD BOUND", What a songwriter! Don |
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06 Jan 99 - 11:56 PM (#52423) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Barry Finn Anything that other singers had thought was traditional Barry. |
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07 Jan 99 - 12:26 AM (#52431) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Dan Keding Most traditional ballads especially THE HOUSE CARPENTER, JESSE JAMES and SIR PATRICK SPENS. Also SPANISH IS THE LOVING TONGUE - killer song. Among contemporaries YELLOW COAT and THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS by Steve Goodman, STREETS OF LONDON by Ralph McTell, DARCY FARROW by Steve Gillette and THE JANUARY MAN by Dave Goulder. There are so many. Dan |
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07 Jan 99 - 03:11 AM (#52472) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: BSeed "ABILENE," of course, and "SAN FRANCISCO BAY BLUES." And I wish I had just written "ME AND BOBBY MCGEE" and that no one had ever heard it. Oh, and "DON'T THINK TWICE, IT'S ALL RIGHT" and "JUST LIKE A WOMAN." And "ILLEGAL SMILE" and "I FEEL LIKE I'M FIXIN' TO DIE RAG" and "DRAFT DODGER RAG." There's also "MY BABY JUST CARES FOR ME" and "YESTERDAY" and "AMERICAN PIE " and "OVERFLOWING CAT BOX BLUES." And "GREENSLEEVES" and... --seed |
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07 Jan 99 - 08:37 AM (#52514) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bert "The Overflowing Catbox Blues." I don't think I've heard that one Seed. Do you have the words? Bert. |
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07 Jan 99 - 10:33 AM (#52532) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: AndyG THE SONG OF THE INDIAN LASS - Jez Lowe THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN - Leon Rosselson A LENGTH OF YARN - John Kirkpatrick 1952 VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING - Richard Thompson AndyG |
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07 Jan 99 - 01:06 PM (#52567) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Frank Howe AMHRAN NA BHFIANN STICK TO THE CRAYTHUR [= PADDY'S PANACEA or HUMOURS OF WHISKEY] |
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07 Jan 99 - 06:41 PM (#52626) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Mick Lowe It has got to be the ultimate love song:
KATHY'S SONG by Paul Simon, who has got to be one of the greatest poets/songwriters of the 20th century. Simple in its melody, eloquent in its lyrics.. it is just the one. Anyone who knows my love of Irish and English folk might wonder why I picked this.. all I can say is take a listen and you'll know
Great thread by the way
Cheers Mick |
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07 Jan 99 - 08:38 PM (#52660) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Joe Offer I used to think the same about Kathy's Song, Mick - until Kathy divorced me... -Joe Offer- Hey Bert, your Catbox is here. |
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07 Jan 99 - 11:27 PM (#52702) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Songbob "Silent Night" |
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08 Jan 99 - 01:36 AM (#52721) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Reta Great thread!
AMERICAN PIE,
-------------this could go on forever. I have to give up and I'm just starting. Blessings, Reta |
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08 Jan 99 - 08:50 AM (#52747) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: hank A couple months ago a beautiful song came to me. It was set on the upper Mississippi, where I normally duck hunt. All the fall colors in the middle of nowhere, wide river. (the only artistic liberty I took was no wind, normally when I'm up there the wind makes it harder to get downstream them up) Saddly it came to me in the middle of the night and I didn't get up and write it down. I'm still kicking myself, cause I can't remember a thing. I hope when I get to heaven I find out it was a horrid song not worth remembering. |
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08 Jan 99 - 12:59 PM (#52799) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bert Thanks Joe. That's a good one, I'll have to learn it.
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08 Jan 99 - 02:57 PM (#52830) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Steve Latimer THE RED-HEADED STRANGER, DENVER, Willie Nelson. Anything that Dylan wrote especially from "Blood on the Tracks" as well as A HARD RAIN'S A-GONNA FALL, I SHALL BE FREE and TALKIN' WORLD WAR III BLUES (we tend to forget the genius of Bob's satirical wit). ALICE'S RESTAURANT, Arlo Guthrie. YOU NEVER EVEN CALLED ME BY MY NAME, Steve Goodman and David Alan Coe. (I've always had a soft spot for humour.) Anything by Robert Johnson, especially if I could have lived long enough to collect the royalties. Earlier in this thread, a few people mentioned the Joni Mitchell song that mentions the Mermaid Cafe [CAREY]. I have been trying to find the CD that has this, is the song called Kerry? and what album is it from? |
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08 Jan 99 - 04:54 PM (#52858) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Peter T. The Album is called "Blue", it is coloured "Blue", it makes you "Blue". Stop reading this, turn off your computer, get into your favourite form of transportation, or stroll at a fast anticipatory pace to your favourite store, and BUY THIS RECORD!! You will be pleased you did. Yours, Peter T. |
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10 Jan 99 - 04:06 AM (#53139) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Sandy Paton Larry Kaplan: OLD ZEB; SONG FOR GALE; THE WRECK OF THE BAY RUPERT; SONG FOR THE BOWDOIN, and others. Bob Coltman: LONESOME ROBIN; DEVIL IN THE GARDEN (and other "Son of Child" ballads); WEAVER'S REVERIE; Christmas on the Range, and others. Craig Johnson: GOODBYE TO THE LOWLANDS; ROLL, BIG SANDY, ROLL; DAMNED OLD PINEY MOUNTAINS; WAY DOWN THE ROAD, and almost any other song he ever wrote! Gordon Bok: TURNING TOWARD THE MORNING; MRS. MACDONALD'S LAMENT; BAY OF FUNDY; HILLS OF ISLE AU HAUT, and more. Jerry Rasmussen: LIVING ON THE RIVER; OLD BLUE SUIT; COUNTY FAIR; HANDFUL OF SONGS, and many more. Plus all the great ones by Ewan MacColl, Utah Phillips, Si Kahn, etc., etc. These writers all served their apprenticeships in traditional songs, and write accordingly. Bless 'em! Sandy |
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10 Jan 99 - 11:01 AM (#53164) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Roger in Baltimore Joe O., Was it just a mistake that I clicked on your link for Kathy's Song and ended up with the Vulture's Song? So bitter. For those who want to know Kathy's Song is available on the International Lyrics Server. Roger in Baltimore |
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11 Jan 99 - 11:02 AM (#53396) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Peter T. Sandy, if you are still monitoring this thread, what or who is a "Bowdoin"? And what is the song? I know that there is a famous college in Maine, but never knew what a Bowdoin was. Also how do you pronounce it? Is it like Bow down, or rhymes with coin, or what? Yours, Peter T. |
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11 Jan 99 - 01:28 PM (#53436) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: BillyJ pete st john wrote some excellent songs like THE FIELDS OF ATHENRY and THE FERRYMAN. anybody got email site for him? |
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12 Jan 99 - 11:19 PM (#53792) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Sandy Paton For Peter T.: Check out the Bowdoin thread that's now up and running. All you need to know, and maybe more! Lordy, these Mudcat experts will even tell you the thickness of her hull! They continually astound me. Sandy |
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13 Apr 04 - 01:53 PM (#1161028) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that (and The Ebeneezer) From: GUEST,"Altair Jones" Harking back to a Bill D post: "THE EBENEZER"...a silly pumping chanty..it's in the DT, but in a most awkward and shortened form...I guess I'll have to add the rest of it.. Did you ever do it? I can't get the link at all anymore, and wonder if this is the "Here I Hang My Ebenezer" that my friend is familiar with - we are trying to refresh our memories on the words... As with all songs of this nature, every person who remembers it can remember some of the lyrics ... but no single person can remember it (authoritatively) all... |
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13 Apr 04 - 02:02 PM (#1161033) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST The Ebeneezer |
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13 Apr 04 - 03:20 PM (#1161051) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,harlowpoet THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE. Words Ewan MacColl, and sung by Roberta Flack. Only three verses and not a single word wasted. Simple, timeless and brilliant. The best thing he ever did. In my humble opinion |
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13 Apr 04 - 03:28 PM (#1161057) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Amos The Bowdoin Thread, an excellent sample of fine Mudcattery. A |
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13 Apr 04 - 04:13 PM (#1161109) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Tunesmith "WHITE SQUALL" by Stan Rogers. This, to me, is an epic. In a few verses, Stan captures so much, Marvellous stuff! |
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13 Apr 04 - 04:22 PM (#1161123) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Jerry Rasmussen One nobody has probably heard... COME ON, JOE by Tony Romeo, recorded by Jo-El Sonnier "It's so muggy in the shack and the backwoods are black Cause the clouds hid the moon away The light from my cigarette flickers in the dark The only way she knows I'm here And suddenly the sound of the fiddles and accordions sweetly begin to play And I can almost hear her sweet voice say Come On, Joe, count to ten Pull yourself together again" I can see that song, smell the woods, see the cigarette flickering in the dark and hear the fiddles and accordions. And feel a six-pack high as the singer says. A song that touches all six senses and the soul. Jerry |
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13 Apr 04 - 04:44 PM (#1161145) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Lindswidder Two songs I wish I had written: Eric Bogle's "NO MAN'S LAND" (motorcycling in France in 1976 I came across a tiny roadside cemetery containing about two dozen graves, the average age of those that lie there was about 19 years - and I have just discovered the grave of my great uncle in Laventie, who was killed in 1915, aged 17) "HE WAS BEAUTIFUL" as sung by Cleo Laine accompanied by John Williams to the tune "Cavatina" (I first heard this song two days after the death of my fiance in a motorcycle accident in 1978) |
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13 Apr 04 - 04:52 PM (#1161152) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Mick "We Danced" by Bill Gallaher. An absolutely phenomenal song about older love. "The Ballad of Martin and Gibson" by Torontonian Rick Speyer. A song that every guitar player, or player of vintage instruments will love. Any one of a number of historical ballads by Canadian singer songwriters. These wonderful artists seem infused with a sense of place that boggles my mind. I love performing songs which tell a story well, or express an emotion in a way that makes you feel it, and when I listen to many of these songs by Bill Gallaher, Rick Speyer, or David Stone, to mention a few, it just grabs me. Mick |
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13 Apr 04 - 04:55 PM (#1161154) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Linda Kelly 'DIAMONDS AND RUST' Joan Baez 'THE DEATH OF QUEEN JANE' traditional 'NORMANDY ORCHARDS ' Keith Marsden 'FAREWELL TO TARWATHIE' George Scroggie 'RECONCILIATION' Ron Kavana 'Senzinina' Traditional South African 'THE SCARLET TIDE' Elvis Costello I've sung a lot of them, but hardly do justice to these wonderful songs. |
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13 Apr 04 - 10:02 PM (#1161368) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Mudlark GuestLindswidder: Cleo Laine a phenomenal singer. So many good songs here. I'd add Michael Smith's "Time" and Steve Goodman's "THE DUTCHMAN." Also, the May Song, as sung by Cynthia Gooding, and QUEEN ELEANOR'S CONFESSION, and all the wonderful shanties, like GO TO SEA NO MORE" and "I've been a Sea Cook." A couple of Small Potatoes songs "QUARTZITE" and "WALTZ OF THE WALLFLOWERS." But I agree, this thread is liable to reach the thousands! The more one thinks of, the more one (me!) wants to add. |
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13 Apr 04 - 10:25 PM (#1161377) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Augie Good choices Mudlark although "The Dutchman" is also a Michael Smith composition, not SG. For primo Goodman, try "ONE BITE OF THE APPLE" or "WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN TO DANCE?". |
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13 Apr 04 - 11:03 PM (#1161395) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Stephen L. Rich "HYMN SONG" by Bruce "U. Utah" Phillips Stephen Lee |
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14 Apr 04 - 02:50 AM (#1161464) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: George Papavgeris Stan Rogers: "LIES", "THE FIELD BEHIND THE PLOW", "THE LAST WATCH" Dave Webber: "Obby Oss", "PARTING SONG" Graeme Miles: "WHERE RAVENS FEED" Heck, I could be here for hours - so much good stuff... |
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14 Apr 04 - 12:56 PM (#1161553) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Lindswidder oh - and "(If I Could Put) TIME IN A BOTTLE" - which I think was a song by Jim Croce...? |
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14 Apr 04 - 03:20 PM (#1161674) Subject: Lyr Add: CAREY (Joni Mitchell) From: SueB I noticed that someone was looking for info on Joni Mitchell's Carey way back when, one of my favorite songs, and noticed it hasn't made it into the Digitrad yet, so... CAREY As recorded by Joni Mitchell on "Blue" (1971)
1. The wind is in from Africa; last night I couldn't sleep.
Oh, Carey, get out your cane, (Carey, get out your cane.)
2. Come on down to the Mermaid Cafe and I will buy you a bottle of wine,
Come on, Carey; get out your cane. (Carey, get out your cane.)
3. Maybe I'll go to Amsterdam or maybe I'll go to Rome
Come on, Carey; get out your cane, (Carey, get out your cane.)
4. The wind is in from Africa; last night I couldn't sleep.
Oh, Carey, get out your cane. (Carey, get out your cane.) |
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14 Apr 04 - 04:58 PM (#1161749) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: YorkshireYankee "LIES" by Stan Rogers I know it's already been mentioned, but it's SO good... took me months to be able to sing it without choking up at the end "CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES" by John McCutcheon "THE BROKEN TOKEN" by Mike Agranoff I love making people laugh... "THERE WERE ROSES" by Tommy Sands Yes, I know that one's already been mentioned, too, but it is so moving. And so many more... YY |
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14 Apr 04 - 05:44 PM (#1161786) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: MoorleyMan Ain't that interesting? Agree with both Yorkshire Yankee and El Greko re Stan Rogers' Lies. Like YY, it took me a long time to get composed enough to actually sing it, it's so moving. Thanks, El Greko, I'd agree in adding Graeme Miles' Where Ravens Feed to that category too. And have done! Then we've got Ewan's JOY OF LIVING. And Dave Webber's Parting Song. And some of El Greko's own too, come to that ..... Then there's any number of Richard Thompson songs - BEESWING, 1952 VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING, WITHERED AND DIED, THE POOR DITCHING BOY for starters. Robin Williamson's FIRST GIRL I LOVED and OCTOBER SONG. Dylan - TOMORROW IS A LONG TIME. Joni Mitchell's BOTH SIDES NOW. And of course so many by the true original Morley Man, Keith Marsden ! The list could go on and on. There's so many that we humble singers try to do justice to (right on, Linda - love your singing too!), and sure, in doing so we might fail - albeit honourably. |
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14 Apr 04 - 06:46 PM (#1161822) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: C-flat If I had to name just one song, I would probably go for WINTER SONG by Lindisfarne. Great lyrics, good message and a beautifully crafted piece of music. |
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14 Apr 04 - 06:56 PM (#1161827) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Lindswidder and "THE MYSTERY OF OWLD TOM'S GRAVE" by Allan Smethurst (The Singing Postman). During the 1980s in North Oxfordshire I had a bit of a reputation for singing his lesser-known songs and bringing them to the attention of a quite appreciative audience - and even though I first heard this song in 1968 and regularly sang it between 1982 and 1993 I still cannot even think about it without getting the lump in the throat............ |
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14 Apr 04 - 07:13 PM (#1161838) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: black walnut I wish I'd written MIRABEAU BRIDGE, but Sam Larkin got that muse. ~b.w. |
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14 Apr 04 - 08:29 PM (#1161898) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Augie "...the children of your body, spread out across this earth Like messages, written across time Measuring the years." from Kate Wolf's song "POET'S HEART" |
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15 Apr 04 - 09:09 AM (#1162312) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Moses All El Greco's choices and:- "THE BLACKBIRD" and "MAY SONG" - Dave Webber "Holy Wine" [= "A CASE OF YOU"] - Joni Mitchell "THE MARY ELLEN CARTER" - Stan Rogers "THANKSGIVING EVE" (already mentioned) - Bob Franke "AND THE BAND PLAYED WALTZING MATILDA" - Eric Bogle "BEESWING" - Richard Thompson Just a sample, there are so many more |
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15 Apr 04 - 09:56 AM (#1162342) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: black walnut Oh, and every David Francey song. ~b.w. |
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15 Apr 04 - 10:59 AM (#1162392) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Is that "Holy Wine" title another song, or does it refer to "A CASE OF YOU" from Blue? |
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16 Apr 04 - 03:46 AM (#1162925) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Moses Sorry, yes it is "A case of you" from Blue. (Not got brain into gear and not at home to check album). |
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16 Apr 04 - 12:00 PM (#1163256) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,leeneia The song that Martin Wyndham Read sings that starts The hill are clad purple, and the trees are clad in gold. The autumn wind is sighing for a beauty growing old. The grey grouse in the heather and the wild deer in the glen are longing for the summer when they'll see their joy again. |
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19 Apr 04 - 11:37 PM (#1165712) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Mick You want lyrics? You should give a listen to some of the songs written by our own KT. Love Song For A Mother - a wondrous song about the time in Kath's adolescence when she was with her Mom at church and realized her Mother's faith. It's a Dog's Life - written from the perspective of her beloved friend, her dog. Wondrous Gift of Love. I wish I had the gift this woman has. And .... we just might get to meet her at Getaway. Mick |
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25 Jul 04 - 08:29 PM (#1233648) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Sandy Andina ON THE ROAD TO FAIRFAX COUNTY--David Massengill DETROIT OR BUFFALO--Barbara Keith THE BRAMBLE AND THE ROSE--Barbara Keith LIES--Stan Rogers FORTY-FIVE YEARS--Stan Rogers Electricity--Joni Mitchell REQUIEM FOR THE MASSES--The Association THE GREAT MANDALA--Peter, Paul, & Mary Mr. Arthur's Place--Thom Bishop SPOON RIVER--Michael Smith PENDLE HILL--Anne Hills These Cowboys Born Out of Their Time--Tom Dundee DRINKING BUDDY--Claudia Schmidt THANKSGIVING EVE--Bob Franke CHESTNUT TREE--Reilly & Maloney KEEP ME IN YOUR HEART--Warren Zevon THE SCOTSMAN--Michael Cross I WILL--Lennon & McCartney BOREDOM--John Sebastian BLESS THESE STREETS--Jill Dawson |
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26 Jul 04 - 04:07 AM (#1233784) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: jacqui.c THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE VINCENT KATHY'S SONG |
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26 Jul 04 - 01:49 PM (#1234063) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,judetheshepherd It's a line as much as the whole song, and not really from the folk world. From the Waterboys' "The whole of the moon":- I saw the rain-dirty valley You saw Brigadoon Now that's what I call imagery! |
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26 Jul 04 - 03:09 PM (#1234133) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: PoppaGator Somewhere way up thise thread, someone mentioned "Begin the Beguine" and didn't know the composer. It's Cole Porter; not a folk-music (type not hardly!), but one helluva songwriter -- a devilishly clever lyricist, and no slouch with melodies and chord progressions, either. I'd be glad to take credit for just about any piece of his. |
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26 Jul 04 - 07:54 PM (#1234334) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Al Whittle I was always partial to The Farting Song that Dave Turner used to sing. |
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27 Jul 04 - 02:37 PM (#1234910) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,fifer If you have never heard "THE FARM AUCTION" written by Enoch Kent, and preferably the version sung by him, Please take the opportunity to do so! If you are not moved by it, you must be dead from the neck up. Super melody, with lyrics to match |
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27 Jul 04 - 03:44 PM (#1234959) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: mg The one I always think, gee I wish I'd written that is THE TOWN I LOVED SO WELL by Phil Coulter. I was having coffee with Pat Humphries and Susan L. at Folk Alliance many years ago and Pat asked us what kind of songs we wished we could write. I wish I could write songs like her that are great to sing and hopeful etc..(and have choruses that are great). did she write "we will rise like the morning we will rise like the sun?" ["COMMON THREAD"] I get her stuff mixed up with other people but I wish I could write inspirational songs. But I will say the songs I have written have very good people in them, stalwart etc....not on purpose..they just are...mg |
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28 Jul 04 - 10:59 AM (#1235537) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Guest Baillie I wish I'd written that song by Tom Bliss 'The Violin', but sadly my talents will only run to stuff like 'The Ballad of the Assistant Banana Ripening Manager' ...never mind eh? |
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28 Jul 04 - 02:10 PM (#1235690) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: wanderhope GRACELAND |
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02 Dec 04 - 09:22 PM (#1345915) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Sheila Almost anything by Jim Croce, and a lot of Simon and Garfunkel. |
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02 Dec 04 - 09:41 PM (#1345925) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Jeep man How about great lines within a song? Mine would be,"God Bless Little Chldren Before They Learn to Hate". (Tom T Hall, "Old Dogs and Children and Watermelon Wine". Jim |
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02 Dec 04 - 09:44 PM (#1345927) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Bill the Collie Happy birthday to you. |
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03 Dec 04 - 06:42 AM (#1346171) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,14fret 'WHITE CHRISTMAS'. I'd have made some money! |
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03 Dec 04 - 08:37 AM (#1346252) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Cluin A few years ago, James Keelaghan had a songwriter's show on CBC Radio. One of the running challenges on the show for the guests he'd interview was to name and sing a song that they in fact wished they had written. It made me think about which song I'd choose in that situation. There are so many worthy choices, but I guess I'd have gone with the host's own "RIVER RUN", my favourite Keelaghan song. |
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03 Dec 04 - 09:06 AM (#1346284) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Auggie The Roads Are Long "The roads are long in Canada You're driving through the night. You're washed in prarie moon and stars You're bathing in their light, And if God in Her heaven seems so far away, At least you're assured that you're headed that way And you're headed for someone who's asked you stay, and its right." Bob Franke |
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03 Dec 04 - 09:31 AM (#1346305) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Cluin Oh yeah, and I'll say just about anything written by Bob Franke, too. |
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03 Dec 04 - 09:48 AM (#1346323) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: RobbieWilson Have to agree with Harlow poet back in April Ewan McColl's THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE is the most fantastic song. Never mind writing it how about having a song like that written for you by your husband? Not only about you, but for you to sing. I am not aware of any recordings of Ewan McColl doing the song although an old woman at Bromyard Folk Festival said she had seen him do it Live in Birmingham shortly after he wrote it. Talking of say it all in a few words I don't think you can beat Robbie Burns, MY LOVE IS LIKE A RED, RED ROSE, and YE BANKS AND BRAES O' BONNIE DOON both very short, leave nothing else to say and not a single word wasted. Pete Morton sings a song called SYLVIA which is like a stripped down version of the much better known Sovay as sung by Martin Carthy, among many. |
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03 Dec 04 - 10:15 AM (#1346346) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: muppitz 3, 5 & 6 of Moses' choices I agree with totally, but I would personally supersede them with: BEESWING - Richard Thompson WHEN MY MORNING COMES AROUND - Which I think is by Iris Dement Tenterhooks - Jez Lowe Tenterhooks is one of my favourite songs and it contains one of the most profound statements I have ever heard: "Bad news has the wings; good news must dream of growing" muppitz x |
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03 Dec 04 - 02:53 PM (#1346611) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,bflat I have to agree with those who chose Ewan MacColl's THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE. It's my favorite love song. Otherwise, I like IF I HAD A HAMMER by Pete Seeger and Lee Hayes for my social conscience. Ellen |
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03 Dec 04 - 03:09 PM (#1346629) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Pete Morton's "Thanksgiving" is a beautiful meditation on the value of life as someone passes away. I will never write anything near as good. Most of us can improve as craftsmen. However, there are songs like that to remind us of the difference between a reasonable craftsman and a true artist. There is definitely something there which the rest of us can't do. |
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04 Dec 04 - 03:29 PM (#1347403) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Big Al Whittle Be content with the songs God gives you to write. these lists of songs are all nice songs, great songs even. But who knows tomorrow you might, just by being you, find the great song that is within you. To have written one of the great songs of our age of course would be nice. Solve many problems - financial and personal and maybe nobody will ask who does he think he is any more........ However i can't help but feel there is something essentially self defeating about lusting after another man's glory. Admire the craftsmanship, originality etc by all means. But to have written that song you have to have been that man or woman, and nobody's as good at being you as you are. And isn't that what Mudcat's all about. We come together as individuals. |
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04 Dec 04 - 05:25 PM (#1347498) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit I don't think anyone is lusting after anyone else's glory. We have some pretty distinguished writers here. They are simply admiring songs which they couldn't have written themselves. I think the title here is intended a little tongue cheek. |
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04 Dec 04 - 05:26 PM (#1347499) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit ...tongue in cheek, of course... |
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04 Dec 04 - 05:53 PM (#1347531) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Little Hawk Al Stewart's "ROADS TO MOSCOW". It's a masterpiece. |
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04 Dec 04 - 06:53 PM (#1347581) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Dave Wynn Try Andy Mitchells "CALUM MOORE" Mudcat's own Strupag. It contains insight and emotion beyond the normal. If I could ever write just one song. This would be it. Spot the Dog (who now performs it in almost every set and has permission from Andy to do so.....Isn't Mudcat just wonderful when writer and performer can communicate this way.) |
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04 Dec 04 - 08:24 PM (#1347664) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: jaze RAGLAN ROAD CORNFLOWER BLUE - Kate Wolf LOVE SONG TO A STRANGER - Joan Baez LOVE IS JUST A FOUR LETTER WORD - Dylan COLD MISSOURI WATERS - James Keelaghan OLD FRIENDS - Mary McCaslin SPANISH IS THE LOVING TONGUE and hundreds more |
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04 Dec 04 - 08:58 PM (#1347691) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: Little Hawk PACK UP YOUR SORROWS - Richard Farina |
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04 Dec 04 - 11:34 PM (#1347752) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: mg IF I NEEDED YOU by Townes Van Zandt.. FOLLOW ME by John Denver. (Let us sing this song for) THE TURNING OF THE WORLD...Ruth Pelham
and of course, #1 remains THE TOWN I LOVED SO WELL. |
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05 Dec 04 - 03:46 AM (#1347811) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: alanabit Thinking about weelittledrummer's post, I can say that there is not really a song of anyone else's which I would like to have written. It is a bit like Shakespeare. I am just very glad we have it. The songs I most wish I had written, are those which go through my head at sometime, but which I can't get down on paper before they slip away. They might not have have been classics, but I would have liked to have got them anyway! |
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05 Dec 04 - 01:30 PM (#1348078) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Art Thieme LONESOME DOVE Art |
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05 Dec 04 - 01:32 PM (#1348081) Subject: RE: I wish I'd written that. From: GUEST,Art Thieme CALIFORNIA JOE Art |