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1. OLD BLUE (Traditional) Hill people and back country folk used to live off hunting, and a good hound dog was worth his weight in gold in helping them to track and catch food. No wonder they wrote songs of praise in his honor, and mourned his death in song. "Old Blue" is known throughout the rural south by all folks alike. D
1. I have a dog, and his name is Blue
D A D
I have a dog, and his name is Blue
D
I have a dog, and his name is Blue
D A D
Betcha five dollars, he's a good dog, too.
D Bm A D
Chorus: HERE BLUE, OLD BLUE, YOU'RE A GOOD DOG, YOU
2.Shouldered my gun and I tooted my horn, Gonna find a possum in the new ground corn Old Blue barked and I went to see Cornered a possum right up a tree (Chorus) 3.Old Blue died and he died so hard, Shook the ground in my back yard Dug his grave with a silver spade Lowered him down with links of chain. (Chorus) 2. A FROGGY WENT A-COURTIN' (Traditional)
This song was first printed in England in 1611 under the
title: "A Most Strange Weddinge of the Froge and the Mouse."
Pilgrims probably brought the song to America, where
it later migrated to the Blue Ridge and southern Appalachian
regions.
E
1.Froggy went a-courtin' and he did ride, uh-huh (uh-huh)
E
Froggy went a -courtin' and he did ride
A E B7 E
Sword and pistol by his side, uh- huh, uh-huh, uh-huh.
2. Well, he went down to Miss Mousie's door, uh-huh (uh-huh) He went down to Miss Mousie's door Where he had often been before, uh huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. 3. And he took Miss Mousie on his knee, uh-huh (uh-huh) He took Miss Mousie on his knee, and he said, "Miss Mousie, will you marry me?" uh huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. 4."Not without my Uncle Rat's consent uh-huh (uh-huh) Not without my Uncle Rat's consent I would not marry the President, uh huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. 5.Where will the wedding supper be? Uh-huh (uh-huh) Where will the wedding supper be? Way down yonder in a hollow tree, uh huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. 6.First to come were the two little ants, uh-huh, uh-huh Fixin' around to have a dance, uh-huh, uh-huh Next to come was a bumblebee Bouncing a fiddle on his knee, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh. 7.And next to come was a big, old mean tomcat, uh-huh, uh-huh Next to come was a big, old mean tomcat And he swallowed the frog, and the mouse, and the rat, Uh huh, uh huh, uh huh. 3. THE GIRL I LEFT BEHIND ME (Traditional) This song has roots set in Dublin, Ireland, and was also known as "Brighton Camp" in England. I have recorded an Irish first verse, an early American second verse, (usually played on a fife), and a "cowboy" third verse from the mid-1800's This song is typical in that immigrants would take familiar songs and change the words to fit their liking. Irish Lyrics:
A E D A
The dames of France are fond and free, and Flemish lips are willing
A D E A
And soft the maids of Italy and Spanish eyes are thrilling
A E
Still though I bask beneath their smile, their charms fail to bind me
A D E A
And my heart falls back to Erin's Isle, to the girl I left behind me.
American Lyrics:
A E
I'm lonesome since I crossed the hill And o'er the moor and valley
A D A E A
Such heavy thoughts my heart do fill since parting with my Sally
A E
I seek no more the fine and gay For each does but remind
A D A E a
How swift the hours did pass away with the girl I've left behind me.
Bob Wills recorded these lyrics in the mid 1940's:
G D
If ever I get off of the trail and the Indians, they don't find me
G C G D G
I'll make my way straight back again, to the girl I left behind me.
G D
Oh, that girl, that purdy little girl, the girl I left behind me
G C G D G
With rosy cheeks and curly hair, the girl I left behind me.
4. OLD SLEWFOOT (Manney, Hausey & Webb)
A favorite bluegrass song, "Old Slewfoot" is about a clever bear
who keeps evading his rural human neighbors.
C
1.High upon a mountain, tell me, what do you see?
F C
Bear tracks, bear tracks looking back at me.
C
Better get your rifle boys, before it's too late
F C
The bear's got a little pig and he's heading for the gate
G C
Chorus: He's big around the middle, and he's broad across the rump
G C
Running ninety miles an hour, taking thirty feet a jump
C
He ain't never been caught, he ain't never been treed
F C
Some folks say he looks a lot like me.
2.Saved up my money and I bought me some bees Started growing honey way up in the trees Saved up my money but the honey's all gone Old Slewfoot's gone and made himself a home. (Chorus) 3.Winter's coming on and it's forty below River's froze over, so where can he go? We'll run him up the gully, and we'll chase him in the well Shoot him in the bottom just to listen to him yell. (Chorus) 5. THE CAT CAME BACK (Traditional)
This song was passed along to me by my cousin Carol, when
I took guitar lessons from her as a 10-year-old. Children love
singing this song because of its predictable chorus. The song has
lots and lots of verses. Here are my favorites:
Em D C B7
1.Now poor Mr. Johnson had troubles of his own,
Em D C B7
He had a yellow cat that would not leave him home
Em D C B7
He tried and he tried to give that cat away
Em D C B7 So he gave it to a man going far, far away. Em D C B7
Chorus: But the….cat came back the very next day
Em D C B7
The cat came back, thought she was a goner,
Em D C By Em D
But the cat came back, just wouldn't stay away
C B7 Em D C B7
No, no. No, no. No, no.
2.(Dialogue) Now the man around the corner said, "I'll shoot that cat on site!" So he loaded up his pistol full of nails and dynamite. But the next day, 98 pieces of man were all they found! (Chorus) 3.So he gave it to a man going up in a balloon He told him to take it to the man up on the moon. The balloon came down about ninety miles away Where the man is now, I dare not say. (Chorus) 4.High upon a telephone pole, some birds were in a bunch The yellow cat decided she was going to have those birds for lunch So, she climbed the telephone, and back (chorus) 6. GRANDFATHER'S CLOCK by Henry Clay Work Written at the end of the 19th century, this song has remained a "timeless" masterpiece. A few years back, I attended a coffeehouse concert, and heard one of my musician friends play and sing it. The song instantly awoke a memory of childhood when I use to hear this song being sung to me, although, I cannot recollect its whereabouts. Hearing it as an adult unlocked childhood memories. D A D G
1. My grandfather's clock was too tall for the shelf,
D A D
So it stood ninety years on the floor
D A D G
It was taller by half than the old man himself
D A D
Though it weighed not a penny weight more
D E A
It was bought on the morn of the day that he was born
D E A
And was always his treasure and pride
D A D G
But it stopped, short, never to go again
D A D
When the old man died.
2. In watching its pendulum swing to and fro
Many hours had he spent while a boy
And in childhood and manhood the clock seem to know
And it shared both his grief and his joy
For it struck twenty-four when he entered at the door
With a blooming and beautiful bride
But it stopped, short, never to go again
When the old man died.
D
Ninety years without slumbering (tick, tock, tick, tock)
D
Its life seconds numbering (tick, tock, tick tock)
D A D G
But it stopped, short, never to go again
D A D
When the old man died.
3. My grandfather said that of those he could hire Not a servant so faithful he found For it wasted no time and had but one desire At the close of each week to be wound. And it kept in its face not a frown upon its face And its hand never hung by its side But it stopped, short, never to go again When the old man died. Ninety years without slumbering (tick tock, tick tock) Its life seconds numbering (tick tock, tick tock But it stopped, short, never to go again When the old man died. This song chronicles my musical journey back to the Early 90's when I sang and played guitar in a gospel quartet at church. This song can be traced back to early America as a Negro spiritual. Am
1. I'm just a poor wayfaring stranger
G Am
Traveling through this world of woe
Am
There is no sickness, toil or danger
G Am
In that bright land to which I go
Fmaj7 Am
I'm going there to meet my Father
Fmaj7 Am
I'm going there no more to roam
Am
I'm just a goin' over Jordan
G Am
I'm just a goin' over home.
2. I know dark clouds will gather 'round me I know my pathway's rough and steep But golden fields I have before me Where weary eyes no more shall weep. I'm going there to meet my Father I'm going there no more to roam I'm just a goin' over Jordan I'm just a goin' over home. 8. OLD DAN TUCKER by Daniel Decatur Emmett 1843 The tune of this song is often used for folk dancing. This robust ballad has many stanzas, and was a very popular song during the California Gold Rush. Children love learning hand motions while singing this one. D
1. Old Dan Tucker, he's a fine old man,
A D
Washed his face in a frying pan
D
Combed his hair with a wagon wheel
A D
Died of a toothache in his heel
D G
Chorus: Get out of the way! Old Dan Tucker,
A D
You're too late to get your supper
D G
Supper's gone, dinner is a cooking
A D
Old Dan Tucker just a standing there looking
2. Old Dan Tucker, he'd come to town
Riding a billy goat, leading a hound
Hound dog barked, billy goat jumped
Landed Dan Tucker on the top of a stump! Chorus
3. Now old Dan Tucker has come to town
Swinging the ladies round and round
First to the right and then to the left
Then to the girl that he loves best (Chorus)
9. WABASH CANNONBALL Traditional
This is one of those traditional train songs that I would like
to see persevere. I've seen it in "Kids Songs" and on
Disney recordings, but very rarely do today's children
recognize it. This one is enjoyed by great-grandparents,
grandparents, parents, and hopefully, their children as well.
C
From the great Atlantic ocean to the wide Pacific shore
G C
From the queen of the flowing mountains, to the South belles by the shore
C F
She's long, and tall and handsome, quite well known by all
G C
She's the modern combination, called the Wabash Cannonball.
CHORUS: Listen to the jingle, the rumble and the roar As she glides along the woodlands, through the hills and by the shore Hear the mighty rush of the engines, hear the lonesome hobo's call Riding through the jungles, on the Wabash Cannonball. 2. Now the eastern states are dandy, so the western people say From New York to St. Louis, and Chicago on the way From the hills of Minnesota, where the rippling waters fall No chances can be taken, on the Wabash Cannonball (Chorus) 3. Here's to Daddy Claxton, may his name forever stand And always be remembered, through all parts of the land When his earthly race is over, and the curtains around him fall We'll carry him home to victory, on the Wabash Cannonball. (Chorus) 10. WILDWOOD FLOWER by A.P. CARTER First recorded in 1928 by the Carter Family, the single sold 100,000 copies, an impressive amount in those days! Today, the melody is easily recognizable to anyone who listens to, or performs traditional bluegrass or folk music. G D G C G
I will twine with my mingles of raven black hair
G D G C G
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
G C G
The myrtle so green of an emerald hue
G D G C G
And the pal and the leader and eyes look so blue
2. I will dance I will sing and my life shall be gay I will charm every hard in its crown I will sway Though my heart is breaking, he shall never know How his name makes me tremble, my pale cheeks a glow. 3. He taught me to love him, and promised to love And cherish me over all others above My poor heart is wondering, no misery can tell He left me no warning, no words of farewell 4. He taught me to love me, and called me his flower That was blooming to cheer him through life's weary hour How I long to see him, and regret that dark hour He's gone and neglected his frail wildwood flower 11. OLD JOE CLARK - Traditional, with additional lyrics by Gary Francisco This song migrated to the southern region of the Appalachian Mountains, and since was passed on verbally, has many, many verses. Even my friend Gary Francisco wrote apple- themed verses, which are included in the lyrics below. A G
Old Joe Clark's a fine old man, tell you the reason why
A E A
Keeps those apples 'round his house, good ole' northern spy
A G
Old Joe has a yellow house 16 stories high
A G A
And every story in that house is filled with apple pie
A G
Chorus: Fare thee well, Old Joe Clark, fare thee well, I say
A A E A
Fare thee well, Old Joe Clark, I'll be on my way
I went up to Old Joe's house, he was feelin' sore Stuck my finger down his throat, pulled out an apple core And I went up to Old Joe's house, he invited me to supper I stubbed my toe on the table leg, my face fell in the butter (Repeat Chorus) Old Joe has a yellow barn 15 stories high And every story in that barn is filled with chicken pie (Bach! Bach!) Fare thee well, Old Joe Clark. 12. CINDY - Traditional Here's another Southern Appalachian favorite that has been passed down from generation to generation. D A
You ought to see my Cindy, she lives way down south
D G D A D
She's so sweet the honey bees, swarm around her mouth
G
Chorus: Get along home, Cindy, Cindy
D
Get along home, Cindy, Cindy
G
Get along home, Cindy, Cindy
D A D
I'll marry you someday
The first I seen my Cindy, She was standing in the door Her shoes and stockings in her hand With her feet all over the floor (Chorus) I wish I was an apple, a-hangin' on a tree And every time my Cindy passed, she'd take a bite of me (Chorus) 13. AIKEN DRUM - Traditional These lyrics first appeared as a nursery rhyme In England in the mid- 1800's as: "Edrin Drum." However, according to the Traditional Folksongs and Ballads of Scotland by John Loesberg, the tune dates to "at least the 18th century or earlier." Raffi even did a version of this song in the 1980's using Italian food based lyrics. Yum. E A E B7
There was a man lived in the moon, in the moon, in the moon
E A E B7 E
There was a man lived in the moon, and his name was Aiken Drum.
(CHORUS)
E A E B7
And he played upon a ladle, a ladle, a ladle,
E A E B E
He played upon a ladle, and his name was Aiken Drum.
2. And his hat was made of good cream cheese,
Good cream cheese, good cream cheese
His hat was made of good cream cheese, and his name was Aiken Drum
3 And his coat was made of good roast beef
Good roast beef good roast beef
And his coat was made of good roast beef, and his name was Aiken Drum
(Chorus)
And his button were made of penny loaves, Penny loaves, penny loaves His buttons were made of penny loaves, and his name was Aiken Drum Repeat first verse. 14. DANNY BOY Words by Fred Weatherly, Music Traditional Some of the most beloved "Irish" songs aren't Irish at all! Danny Boy is one of them. Although its melody comes from the ancient Irish aire: "Londonderry Aire," Englishman Fred Weatherly wrote its words, and never even stepped foot in Ireland! This song is one of the most requested ballads during St. Patrick's Day celebrations - at least those in the U.S.! D G G7 C Am
Oh, Danny Boy, the pipes the pipes are calling.
D7 G Em Am D7
From glen to glen and down the mountainside
G G7 C
The summer's gone and all the roses falling.
G Am D7 G
"Ties you, 'tis you must go and I must bide
Gdim7 D7 G Bm G
But come ye back when summer's in the meadow,
Gdim7 D7 Me C Bm Am D7
Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow
G7 C G Em
"Tis I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow.
Cm G/B Me Am7 D7 G
Oh Danny Boy, oh Danny Boy I love you so.
15. YANKEE DOODLE BOY by George M. Cohan
This song was written in 1905 as part of one of America's first true musicals
"Little Johnny Jones," which appeared on Broadway in New York.
Its counterpart: "You're a Grand Old Flag," is also one of Cohen's
well-known masterpieces, and is still sung by most American school-age
children today.
D E A D
I'm a Yankee Doodle dandy, a Yankee Doodle do or die!
B7 Me E A7
A real live nephew of my Uncle Sam's, born on the 4th of July
D E A D
I've got a Yankee Doodle sweetheart; she's my Yankee Doodle joy
D A D A
Yankee Doodle went to London, just to ride the ponies
E A D
I am a Yankee Doodle Boy.
16. SKIP TO MY LOU - Traditional Here is the first song I ever learned. After one week of guitar lessons, my parents packed up the family and headed to a mountain cabin with several other families. There, in March of 1966, one of the dads pulled out a portable reel-to-reel tape recorder and taped all the kids and their parents having fun doing skits and singing songs. It's amazing that the recording survived 35 years, and even more amazing when the Overholt's put a copy of it in the mail to me. There I was… plunking away singing my first song on the guitar as an 8-year old. I've included this 30-second segment as an inspiration to other budding musicians with the message: "We all have to start somewhere!" C G Lost my partner, what'll I do? Lost my partner, what'll I do? C G C Lost my partner, what'll I do? Skip to my Lou, my darling. Chorus: C G Skip, skip, skip to my Lou. Skip, skip, skip to my Lou. C G C Skip, skip, skip to my Lou. Skip to my Lou my darling Flies in the buttermilk, shoe fly shoe, Flies in the buttermilk, shoe fly shoe Flies in the buttermilk, shoe fly shoe, skip to my Lou, my darling. Chorus 17. BULLSEYE BREAKDOWN by Sandii Castleberry-Daigh This instrumental piece I wrote several years ago, after leaving my 15-year airline career to pursue two balanced careers between musical performance and elementary school teaching. The song sounds like a herd of cattle running free - exactly the way that I felt when I decided to pursue my dreams. My 2nd grade teaching partner and I use this melody to signal to our students when it's time to get settled in for school, and when it's time to go home Chords: (4/4 timing) D - D - G - A D - D - G - A D - D - G - A - D - D - D - D (2X) / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / G - G - A - A - D - D - Bm - Bm - G - G - A - A - D - D - D - D / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / G - G - A - A - D - D - Bm - Bm - E - E - E - E - A - A - A - A / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / D - D - G - A D - D - G - A D - D - G - A - D - D - D - D / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / D - D - G - A - D - D - D - D G - G - Asus - A - D - D - D - D / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / For questions about any of these lyrics, please feel free to e-mail me at Sandii1@aol.com
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