Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Songbook Identity
Oly Old Time does not claim that the chords listed in this book are 'the' chords for the tunes. Chords in old time music are a matter of preference a lot of the time. It is more about melody than the accompaniment. Some people prefer just the 1 and the 5 for practically all tunes, and some people would play lots of minor chords, 2 chords, or swing style chords with the same exact tune. What we do claim, is that the chords listed will work pretty well with the way we commonly play the tunes around here. There are likely a few errors, but feel free to scratch it out and write in what works for you. There are hundreds of different ways to play each tune, so don't think of this as a chord bible. There are also hundreds of verses and variations, being that a lot of these songs are not written down, and are passed down orally for hundreds of years (telephone game). Times change, the language changes, and some words are a bit out of date or more offensive in current times. This is not a lyric bible either, but we do pride ourselves on collecting the cool verses and chucking the overdone tasteless ones. This book strongly represents a preference for what we call tune-songs. They are not just melodic tunes without singing, and they are not just a song where you strum chords. Most tune-songs in this book have a decent fiddle melody and some cool lyrics. Volunteers have spent a lot of time trying to remove offensive language and make the content more accessible/representative while not modernizing/tokenizing and keeping the integrity of the tunes and songs as they came to us. More work needs to be done there. Any help or suggestions are welcome. Any alterations or distribution you do is fine with us. Nobody claims to have written most of the old songs and tunes, so it doesnt hurt to share them with anyone. And the way you play it will be different, in some ways making it your own. As far as the unincorporated Oly Old Time is concerned all this stuff is anti-copyright so do with it what you will.
Roundpeak
Roundpeak refers to a region of Appalachian North Carolina where Tommy Jarrell and other well known old time musicians spent their lives. Folk revivalists flocked there in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's, made a grip of field recordings, learned the tunes that were openly shared with them, and spread the tunes around the country quite a bit. So much so that they are some of the most common tunes played in many circles, at most festivals, and in this book. If you know of different tune sourcing information let us know and it may be on the next edit.
Beyond Roundpeak
There is Old Time Music in many different styles from many different places in the country. New Englanders play a Northern old time called Quebecios or French Canadian. Folks form the gulf play creole, cajun, dixieland jazz, and zydeco music. Folks in Kentucky play traditional bluegrass which was the next progression in modernizing southern old time music to make it more listenable and composed. Midwesterner's have there own set and styles of old time fiddle tunes. The West Coast was colonized last, so most of the fiddlers and banjo players out here who were raised with the music have family from further East roots. Native folks of the Metis tribe adopted some French culture, fiddles, and their own form of square dancing.
5
Angelina Baker
A part: (chorus) 1 6 Angelina Baker lived near the village green 1 4 5 1 The way I always loved her, beats all I ever seen B part: (same chords, replace the 6 with a 4 if you want to cheer up) Her father was a baker, they called him uncle sam I never can forget her, no matter where I am Angelina Baker, left me here alone Left me here to weep a tear and play on the old jawbone Sixteen horses in my team the old grey went before Almost broke Angelinas heart to hear the wagons roll Bought Angeline a brand new dress, neither black nor brown It was the color of a stormy cloud, before the rain poured down Her brother was a banker, they call him Brother Bill. He drinks and smokes and eats a lot, guess he always will Angelina Baker age is forty-three Little children round her feet and a banjo on her knee Angelina shes so tall, she cannot see the ground Even needs a telescope to look upon the town
Baltimore Fire
A part: (parts sung alternately) 1 4 I was goin' to the falls by a narrow 1 5 When I heard a cry, I ever shall remember 1 4 The fire sent and cast it's burning embers 1 5 1 Another fated city of our land Amid an awful struggle of commotion The wind blew a gale from the ocean Brave firemen struggled with devotion But they after all, proved in vain B part: (chorus) 1 Fire, fire, I heard those cries 4 1 From every breeze that passes by 4 1 5 All the world was one sad site of pity 1 Strong men in angry praise 4 1 Calling loud to heaven for aid 4 1 While the fire in ruin was laying 5 1 Fair Baltimore, a beautiful city
8
Barlow Knife
A part: 1 Ive been working (searching) all my life 5 1 All I got is a Barlow knife Buckhorn handle and a Barlow blade Best dang knife that ever was made B part: 4444/4451 C part: 1111/1151
Baby-O
A part: 1 The baby this, and the baby that 5 1 The baby killed my old tom cat Wrap him up in the table cloth Well put him up in the stable loft Wrap him up in calico Well smack his bottom and let him go The baby laughed, the baby cried I stuck my finger in the babys eye B part: (chorus) 1 5 1 What you gonna do with the baby? What you gonna do with the baby-o? (x2)
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12
Big Scioty
A part: 1 I've got a gal (guy) that I love so well She goes to heaven and I go to hell 4 5 1 Can't go home again, can't go home again The river's deep an' the river's wide Cant see nothin on the other side Cant go home again lord, cant go home again I've lived on the river all my life Aint known nothin but toil an strife I can't go home again, I cant go home again B part: (chorus) 1 5 East and West that highway rolls 6 Lord have mercy on a poor boy's soul 4 Miss my blue eyed baby-o 1 Miss my blue eyed baby-o
Black Annie
A part: B part: (same chords)
1
Ol' black Annie got away (x3) 5 1 Down the middle of the bar room door Ol' black Annie got caught (x3) Down the middle of the bar room door
13
Black-Eyed Suzie
A part: 1 4 Bob and I we came to town 1 5 Met a little girl called Suzie Brown 1 4 Her eyes were black and her hair was brown 1 5 Prettiest girl in the whole damn town Fell in love with her that night Was out with her 'till fore daylight We held each other so very tight Said wed kiss and never fight One of the things that makes me happy Is two little boys that call me pappy One named Sam and the other named Davy One likes ham and the other likes gravy Love my wife and love my family Love my friends, love my mammy Some got drunk, some got boozy Not many got drunk like me and Suzie If your momma knew she'd tan your hide Your daddy would hunt you dead or alive B part: (chorus) C part: 1111/1151 1 Hey, black-eyed Suzie, hey (2x)
14
Blackest Crow
5 4 1 6 The time draws near my dearest dear, when you and I must part 5 4 1 6 But little you know of the grief and woe, of my poor aching heart 1 4 6 It's what I suffer for your sake, you're the one I love so dear 5 4 1 6 I wish that I was going with you, or you were to stay here I wish my breast was made of glass, wherein you might behold For there your name lies wrote my dear, in letters made of gold Oh there your name lies wrote my dear, believe me when I say You are the only one for me, until my dying day The blackest crow that ever flew, would surely turn to white If ever I prove false to you, bright day would turn to night Bright day would turn to night my love, the elements would mourn If ever I prove false to you, the seas would rage and burn I wish that you and me my love, were on yonder shady rock And we had neither wealth nor care, and riches was forgot I'd wish for every day a week, and every week a year How happy happy would I be, in presence of you dear And when you're on some distant shore Think on your absent friend And when the wind blows high and free A line to me pray send And when the wind blows high and free, love, send your thoughts to me So I may know, by your handwrite, how times, they fare with thee
15
16
Bowling Green
A part: 1 4 1 I wished I was in Bowlin Green, sittin in my chair, one arm round my 4 5 1 Pretty little gal(whiskey jug), other round my dear, the other round my dear B part: (chorus) 4 1 5 1 Goin to Bowlin Greeeeen, oooh, good ol Bowlin' Green I wish I was a bumble bee, sailin through the air, take my feller by my side Catch em if you dare, catch em if you dare If you see that man of mine, tell him once for me (if you please) If he loves another gal, I will set him free, yes Ill set him free Goin through this whole (old) wide world, goin through alone Goin through this whole wide world, I aint got no home, I aint got nohome
Breaking up Christmas
A part: 1111/1151 B part: 1 Hoo-ray Jake and Hoo-ray John 5 1 Breakin' up Christmas all night long Way back yonder a long time ago, the old folks danced the do-si-do Way down yonder alongside the creek, I seen Santy Claus washin' his feet Santa Claus come, done and gone, breakin' up Christmas right along
17
Buffalo Gals
A part (chorus): 1 Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight 5 1 Come out tonight, come out tonight 1 Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight 5 1 Dance by the light of the moon I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin' And her heel kept a-rockin' and her toe kept a knockin' I danced with a gal with a hole in her stockin' And we danced by the light of the moon As I was walkin' (down the street x3) A pretty girl I chanced to meet Under the silvery moon I asked her if she'd (stop and talk x3) Her feet covered the whole sidewalk She was fair to view I asked her he she'd stop to dance, have a dance, care to dance I thought I might get a chance To shake a foot with her I asked her if (she'd be my wife x3) Then I'd be happy all my life If she'd marry me B part: (same chords)
18
Chilly Winds
1 I'm goin' where them chilly winds don't blow, don't blow 7 1 Im goin where the climate suits my clothes Sing me a song, sing it soft and low Out where them chilly winds don't blow If you're feelin' lonely, if you're feelin' low I love you more than you will ever know I'm leavin' in the springtime, won't be back til Fall No, I might not come back at all See you when your troubles are like mine like mine See you when you aint got a dime Mike Seeger and Paul Brown Melody/Lyrics: 1 6 Who will rock rock your cradle when I'm gone darlin babe 1 6 Now, who will rock your cradle when I'm gone 1 6 Goin where that climate suits my clothes darlin babe 1 6 Baby my time ain't gone I'm goin where them chilly winds don't blow darlin babe (x2) Who will stir your gravy when I'm gone darlin babe (x2)
19
Cider
A part: 1144/1151 B part: 1 You be the horse and Ill be the rider 5 1 Down to the stillhouse to get a little cider Cider, cider, a little more cider, down to the stillhouse to get a little cider Hickory horse and a white oak saddle, and a pretty little girl ridin astraddle Sal went down to get a little cider, little white dog run along side her
Cindy
A part: 1 You ought to see my Cindy, she lives away down South 5 1 And she's so sweet the honey bees, they swarm around her mouth She hugged me and she kissed me, she called me sugar plum With apple butter on the shelf, this is where we lay our home Cindy got religion, she had it once before But when she heard my old banjo, she's the first one on the floor Cindy went to the preachin', she swung around and 'round She got so full of glory, she knocked the preacher down B part: (chorus) 1 6 1 Get along home, Cindy Cindy, get along home 6 5 1 Get along home, Cindy Cindy, Ill marry you some day
20
Coffee-o
A part: 1 5 1 Everywhere in the world I go, I like sugar in my coffee-o How in the world did the old folks know, I like sugar in my coffee-o I've been high, I've been low, I like sugar in my coffee-o B part: 1111/1151/1114/5551
23
Cripple Creek
A part: 1 4 1 Pull my britches down to my knees 1 5 1 Pull my britches down whenever I please Old Sal lives up at the head of the creek Goin' up to see her bout twice a week She got kisses sweet as wine Wrap herself around me like a sweet potato vine Guys down cripple creek, bout half grown Jump on a tubesteak like a dog on a bone Guys down cripple creek, layin in the shade Stealin money from the bossman, quick as a spade I got a pal, he loves me Hes as sweet as sweet can be Hes got tunes, like a dogs got fur Taught me all of his fancy words B part (chorus): 1 Goin' down cripple creek, goin' on a run 1 5 1 Goin' down cripple creek, have a little fun Goin' down cripple creek, rain and sand Goin' down cripple creek, see my man
24
Cumberland Gap
A part: 1 4 1 5 1 Me and my wife and my wifes pap, walked all the way to the Cumblin Gap 1 4 1 5 1 Cumberland Gap, Cumberland Gap, walked all the way to the Cumblin Gap Way down yonder (big ol' feller) sittin on a log Finger on a trigger and eye on a hog... Lay down boys, take a little nap, wake up sober in the Cumberland Gap... Now when I die, dont bury me at all, just pickle my bones in alkyhol Lay my hands on top o my chest, and tell them pretty gals Ive gone to rest Come along girls and come with me, we all go back to Tennessee... If it aint there when I get back, Ill raise the devil in the Cumberland Gap... Old aunt Kate, old aunt Sal, old aunt Kates got a pretty little gal... Old aunt Kate, if you dont care, leave my demijohns sittin right there... B part (if in the key of D): 5511/4411 C part (if in the key of D): 1144/1144/1151 B part (if in cross G or A): 1144/1144/1151
25
Doney
A part: 1 7 Fare you well, my Doney, fare you well I say 1 5 1 Fare you well my Doney, come another day Lips just like a cherry, Cheeks just like a rose How I love my Doney, God almighty knows You may ride the grey mare, I will ride the Roan If you see my Doney, tell her Im sitting at home Wish I had a band box, put my Doney in Take her out and kiss her, put her back again Preacher in the pulpit, bible in his hand Said he wouldnt preach no more, till he got another dram Make me a sandwich doney, with mustard and boloney Make me a sandwich Maggie, make it nice and big Make me a sandwich Maggie, with mayo and smoked pig B part: 1111/1144/ 1111/1151
31
Down To Tampa
1 4 1 My mama she told me when I was nine years old 1 5 You gotta be a hustla' gosh darn your hard luck soul 1 4 1 I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do 1 5 1 I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down Now conductor, conductor please won't you let me ride your blinds You got to have a ticket, don't you know this train ain't mine I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down My mama she told me and my papa he told me too, Don't you let no west virginia boys make make a gosh-darn fool outta you I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down I'm goin' I'm goin,' and your cryin' won't make me stay Yes the more you trouble, the more it drives me away I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down B part: (chorus) 1 4 5 Settle down, settle down, settle down 1 4 5 Settle down, settle down, settle down 1 4 1 I got my ticket, and I tell ya what I think I'll do 1 5 1 I'm goin' down to Tampa, settle down
32
Eighth of January
A part: 1 4 In 1814 we took a little trip 5 1 Along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty mississip 4 Took a little bacon and we took a little beans 5 1 And we fought the bloody british down the town of New Orleans -We looked up the river and we see the british come There must ave been a hundred of them beatin on the drums They stepped so high and the made their bugles ring We stood by our cotton bales and didnt say a thing -Old Hickory said we could take them by surprise If we didnt fire our canons till we looked them in the eyes So we held our fire till we could see their faces well Opened up our squirrel guns and really gave em.well -We fired our canons till the barrels melted down So we grabbed an alligator and we fought another round We filled his head with canon balls and powdered his behind And when we touch the powder off the gator lost his mind -Yah they ran through the Brambles and they ran through the briars And they ran ran through the bushes where a rabbit wouldnt go They ran so fast that the hounds couldnt catchem Down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico B part: (chorus) 1 Fired our guns and the British kept a comin 5 1 But there wasnt as many as there was a while ago Fired once more and they began a runnin' Down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico
34
Fall On My Knees
1 4 1 4 I looked up, I looked down, that long lonesome road 1 5 1 4 Its hang down your little head and cry pretty one 1 5 1 Hang down your little head and cry I fall on my knees and I pray to you please To come stand around with me, (2 syllable adjective) one Stand around with me Well I wish to the Lord that I'd never been born Or died when I was young, pretty one Or died when I was young Then I never should have kissed your red rosy lips Or heard your lying tongue pretty one Or heard your lying tongue You've told me more lies than the stars in the sky And you'll never get to heaven when you die pretty one Never get to heaven when you die Well my suitcase is packed and I'm never comin' back Goodbye little lover I'm gone, I'm gone Goodbye little lover I'm gone Theres more than one, Lord theres more than two No other little lover like you, pretty one No other little lover like you Call up my sheep, feed my little lamb Its goodbye, little darlin', I'm gone, I am (x2)
35
Fortune
A part: 1 5 Once I had a fortune, all locked up in my trunk 1 4 5 1 I lost it all a gambling (in a poker game), one night when I got drunk Wish I had a pretty little horse, corn to feed him on And a pretty little boy to stay at home and feed him when Im gone B part: (same chords)
36
Georgia Railroad
A part: 1 Peter and I we went a-fishin' 5 Georgia railroad I am bound 1 Caught a big mudcat, threw em in the kitchen 5 1 Georgia railroad, Georgia bound Walked down the road til it got right muddy Georgia railroad I am bound But I'm so drunk I can't stand steady Georgia railroad, Georgia gal I got drunk and fell in a gully Georgia railroad I am bound I got drunk but I never got muddy Georgia railroad, Georgia gal I led sheep up to the pasture, Georgia railroad I am bound But my gal said: "Sheep can't you go a little faster" Georgia railroad, Georgia gal Sheep said: "Cow, I have a sore toe" Georgia railroad I am bound Cow said: "Sheep, I did not know" Georgia railroad, Georgia gal B part: (same chords)
37
Goin' Up To Hamburg
A part: 6666/6661/6666/6661 B part: 1144/1151/1144/1151 C part: (Tag) 46 Goin' up to Hamburg to see my little lady, goin' up to Hamburg, yes I am
42
Greasy Coat
A part: 1 7 1 5 1 7 5 1 I dont drink and I dont smoke, I dont wear no greasy coat I dont spit and I dont chew, I dont smooch with the ones that do I dont burp and I dont fart, I dont fool with froofy art I dont cheat and I dont lie, all you sinners are gonna die I dont stink and I dont smell, all you punks can go to hell Tell the preacher tell the pope, I dont wear no greasy coat B part: 1177/1111/{1177}/17[51] {Some folks say we dont have fun}, [but we do]
Greasy String
A part: 1111/1155/1111/4151 B part: 1 Run little feet, stop and sing 5 1 Mash a little harder on the greasy string Jaybird whistle and the cat-bird sing Mash a little harder on the greasy string Jaybird whistle and the cat-bird meow Mash a little harder on the greasy cow My old ladys mad at me Because I wont drink ginger tea Well she is good and she is bad, she gives me the devil when she gets mad
43
Greenback Dollar
1 4 1 I don't want your greenback dollar I don't want your watch and chain 4 1 5 1 All I want is your heart darlin' won't you take me back again Once I had a darlin' sweetheart And she thought the world of me 'Til another love persuaded Now she cares no more for me Many a night we strolled together Down beside the deep blue sea If you ever love another In my grave I'd rather be Mama said we could not marry Papa said you'll never do If you ever learn to love me I will run away with you
44
Groundhog
1 Shoulder up your gun and whistle up your dog 5 Shoulder up your gun and whistle up your dog 1 We're off to the woods to catch a ground hog 5 1 Oh groundhog (yimacomayankatumayay) Whistle up my dog and shoulder up my gun (x2) Going to the mountains to have a little fun I run him in a rock, I run him off the cliff (x2) Great big ground hog, bigger'n I can lift I run him in the rock, I run him in log (x2) Good god almighty what big groundhog I pulled out my knife and skinned one side (x2) Good god almighty what a ground hog hide Yonder comes grandad poppin' his cane (x2) Swearin' he'll eat that groundhog brain Yonder comes Sal with a snicker and a grin (x2) Groundhog gravy all over her chin Birthday Song for Carolyn Arnold variation: If her lip puckers out, quick get her some soup, (x2) Make it with food that you get from the coop, oh Schmarmy boop Loudest cackle and her big red hair (x2) Garlic and kale flyin' everywhere, oh Schmarmy bear Plays on her fiddle and strums on her 'jo (x2) Shes the kinda gal youd want to know, oh Schmarmy bow Sparkely gloves and dancers thighs (x2) When she gets hungry you can see it in her eyes, oh Schmarmy pie Rides around town on her little blue bike (x2) All the noises she makes I wish I had a mic, oh Schmarmy bike
46
Handsome Molly
1 5 Well I wish was in London, or some other seaport town 4 1 Step my foot in a steamboat, and sail the ocean round Sailin' round the ocean, sailin' round the sea I'd think of handsome Molly, wherever she may be I saw her at church last Sunday, she passed me on by I knew her mind was changing, by the roving of her eye Her hair as black as a Raven's, her eyes were black as coal Her teeth shown like lilies, out in the morning cold Now do you remember Molly, when you give me your right hand Said if you ever married, I'd be your man Now you've broke your promise, go marry whom you please My heart is broken, 'til I get some ease
Horneaux
A part: 1 5 Well I plant my corn all in one row 1 Feed it all to the horny ewe Well the horny ewe is a very fine sheep And the rest of the flock is hard to beat B part: 4455/1151
48
49
Ida Red
A part: 1 4 1 5 1 Ida Red, Ida Blue, I got stuck on Ida too Ida Red, Ida Green, prettiest gal I've ever seen Ida Red she came to town, leading a billy goat trailin' a hound Ida Red, she ain't no fool she can ride astraddle on a humpback mule Up the road down the road all my people live down the road Up the creek down the creek see old Santa Claus washin' his feet She's been to Italy, been to Spain, Shakes in the sunshine shakes in the rain Went to a dance with Ida Red, shimmy wiggle shake it, and the papa fell dead Shakes to the left, she shakes to the right, shakes all day and most of the night She went to the dance with a guy named Stout, told myself she's gonna wear it out All the soldiers, and the sailors, and the farmers too, always shakin' and she never gets blue B part: 1111/1151
50
Jimmy Sutton
A part: 1 Sheep, sheep, sheep, and mutton 4 1 If you cant dance that, you can't dance nothin 1 4 1 And a baa! Baa! old Jimmy Sutton We'll kill us a sheep and eat the mutton And save the tail for old Jimmy Sutton And a baa! Baa! old Jimmy Sutton Well, the cow fell down and skinned her shin Good God-a-mighty, how the billy-goat grinned I cant stand meal, I cant stand mutton I sure dont care for that old Jimmy Sutton (You cant sing that, you cant sing nothin) I took my gun and I went a-hunting Bang! went the gun, and down went the mutton... Cow and the sheep walking through the pasture Cow, says the sheep, Cant you walk a little faster?... I like Sal, she likes chicken I'll keep Sal, all the time pickin'... Sheep got up, goat rolled over Goat got up with a mouth full of clover... B part: 5555/5511
51
52
John Hardy
4 1 John Hardy he was a desperate little man 4 1 He carried two guns ev'ry day 4 1 Killed him a man in the West Virginia land 5 1 Oughta seen poor Johnny gettin' away, oughta seen poor Johnny gettin' away John Hardy was standin' at the barroom door, didn't have a hand in the game Up stepped his wombat, threw down fifty cents Said, "Deal my wombat in the game''(x2) John Hardy he had ten miles to go, and half of that he run He run till he come to the broad river bank He fell to his breast and he swum (x2) He swum till he came to his mother's house, "My boy, what have you done?" ''I killed me a man in that West Virginia Land Now I know that I have to be hung''(x2) John Hardy was lyin' on the broad river bank, as drunk as a man could be Up step the police n' took him by the hand "Johnny boy, come and go with me''(x2) John Hardy, he stood inside his cell, tears running down his eyes Said "I've seen the death of many a poor boy And now I'm ready to die''(x2) I been to the East and I been to the West, I been this whole world 'round I been to the river and I been baptized, now I'm on my hanging ground (x2)
53
John Henry
A part: 1 5 When John Henry was a little baby, a sitting on his papa's knee 1 4 1 He picked up a hammer and a little piece of steel 4 Said, hammer's gonna be the death of me, Lord, Lord 1 5 1 Hammer's gonna be the death of me Well, the captain said to John Henry, gonna bring me a steam drill 'round Gonna bring me a steam drill out on the job, gonna whup that steel on down John Henry said to his captain, a man ain't nothin' but a man And 'fore I let that steam drill beat me down, I'll die with a hammer in my hand John Henry said to his shaker, Shaker, why don't you sing? I'm a throwin' nine pounds from my hips on down, listen to that cold steel ring John Henry was driving on the mtn. and his hammer was flashing fire And the last words I heard that poor boy say, cool drink of water fore I die John Henry, he drove fifteen feet, the steam drill only made nine He hammered so hard he broke his po' heart, laid down his hammer and he died John Henry had a pretty woman, her name was Polly Ann John Henry took sick 'n went to bed, Polly Ann drove steel like a man John Henry had a little baby, you could hold 'em in the palm of your hand The last words I heard that poor boy say, my daddy was a steel drivin' man Every Monday mornin' when the bluebird begins to sing You can hear John Henry a mile or more you can hear that hammer ring They took John Henry to the graveyard, and they buried him in the sand And every locomotive comes a roaring by says, there lies a steel driving man
54
Johnson Boys
A part: 1 Have you heard of many a story 5 Told by young and old with joy 1 About the many deeds of daring That was done by the Johnson boys 5 1 That was done by the Johnson boys They were lads of skill and courage And their sight was very far And they joined the country's service In that awful civil war The Johnson boys were boys of honor They knew how to court the maids They knew how to hug and kiss them Hop up pretty girls don't be afraid They were scouts for the rebel army And were known far and wide When the Yankees saw them coming They threw down their guns and hide B part: 1 Hop up pretty girls don't be afraid 5 1 Hop up pretty girls don't be afraid (x2)
55
June Apple
A part: 1 4 I wish I was a June apple, hanging on that tree 1 5 1 Every time my true love passed, shed take a little bite of me Going 'cross the mountain I'm going in the spring And when I get to the other side I'll hear my true love sing Don't you hear that banjo sing I wish that gal was mine Can't you hear that fiddle sing I wish that gal was mine Goin' down to the river to feed my sheep Goin' down to the river Charlie Goin' down to the river to feed my sheep Feed them on Barley Charlie hes a nice young man Charlie hes a dandy Charlie hes a nice young man He feeds the children candy I wish I had some sticks and poles To build my chimney higher Every time it rains or snows It puts out all my fire B part: 1111/7744/1111/1151
56
Kitty Clyde
A part: (chorus) 1 Say do you love me, Kitty Clyde, Kitty Clyde 5 Say do you love me Kitty Clyde 1 4 Say do you love me, my sweet little girl 1 5 1 Oh say do you love me Kitty Clyde B part: (same chords and melody) Oh I wish I was a little bee, a honey bee I'd never gather honey from a flower I would steal just one kiss from my sweet Kitty's lips And build a hive on her brow Oh I wish I was a fish, a little fish I'd never bite the hook nor the line I would swim, I would swim to the middle of the sea And leave all them big fish behind Oh I wish I was a little dove, a turtledove I would fly far over the sea I would fly, I would fly, but I never would return 'Til my sweetheart sent for me
58
Lazy John
A part: 1 5 1 Work all week in the noon day sun 5 1 Fifteen cents when Saturday come 5 1 Goin' to the dance to have some fun 5 1 Why dont you get along Lazy John B part: (chorus) 1 4 1 Lazy John, Lazy John 5 1 Why dont you get your days work all done 4 1 You're in the shade, Im in the sun 5 1 Why dont you get along Lazy John Every night when I get home Beans in the pot an the old jaw bone Here today, tomorrow hes gone Why dont you get along Lazy John I got a landlord, lives down the road His teeth is crooked and his legs are bowed He better hope I aint got a gun Why dont you get along Lazy John Goin' to the dance on Saturday night Were gonna dance 'til morning light Go to work at the break of dawn Why dont you get away Lazy John
59
Let Me Fall
1 4 If I get drunk, if I get drunk 1 5 1 Just let me fall, little darlin', on the ground Oh me, oh my Let me fall, let me fall, let me fall Weap and moan, weap and moan Carry me home little darlin', take me home On the ground, on the ground Just let me fall, little darlin', on the ground Lay me down, lay me down Just lay me down little darling on the ground Old hard road, old hard road Kill me dead, kill me dead, kill me dead Tie my shoes, tie my shoes If I get drunk, little darlin; tie my shoes Let me fall, on my knees Let me fall little darlin' on my knees
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Little Maggie
1 7 1 5 1 Oh its yonder stands little Maggie, got a dram glass in her hand 7 1 5 1 She's drinkin' to drown her troubles, and courting some other man Oh, how can I ever stand it, to see them two blue eyes Shining like some diamonds, pretty diamonds in the sky Come and go with me to the depot, got a suitcase in my hand Lord, Im going away and leave you, you can hunt you another man (Im going to some far distant land) Oh the last time I saw little Maggie, she was sitting on the banks of the sea Had the whiskey bottles all stacked around her, and a banjo on her knee Pretty flowers theyre made for blooming, pretty stars theyre made to shine Pretty women theyre made for loving, and little Maggie shes made for mine Oh, Id rather be off in some dark hollow, where the sun dont never shine Than to think that you love some other, wont be no little darling of mine Go away, go away little Maggie, go and leave me as fast as you can Gonna hunt me another woman, like you got you another man
Liza Jane
A part: 1111/1144/1111/1151 B part: 1 6 Oh Liza, oh Liza Jane 5 1 Oh Liza, ridin' on that train (or she got on that train) Wish I had a needle and thread, fine as I could sew Sew that pretty one to my side, down the road wed go Hardest thing I ever did, was workin' on the train Easiest thing I ever did, was kiss on Liza Jane Hell and damn that, hell and damn that train Hell and damn that train that killed ol' Liza Jane
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Old Joe
A part: 6 1 Old Joe, Old Joe looks just like me B part: 1111/5555/1111/5551
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Old Napper
A part: 1 Napper comes to my house 4 5 I thought he come to see me 1 Then I come to find out 5 1 He coaxed my wife to leave me B part: 1 5 1 Poor Old Napper, Poor Old Napper, couldnt get away (x2) He goes to his cabin, he said he loved her more My rifle shot came flyin, laid him on the floor Napper he had money land, and later so he said But, If hed of stayed at home last night, I wouldnt of kilt him dead
Policeman
1 Police come didnt wanna go this mornin' 4 1 Police come didnt wanna go this mornin' 4 1 5 1 Police come didnt wanna go, shot 'em in the head with my 44' this mornin' Police come to my back door, keep your finger on the trigger and your eye on the hog Roll your dice have a little fun this mornin', run like the devil when the police come 'Larm bell rang didnt wanna go this mornin', told my boss to sweep the floor Taxman come wanted him some, but I wanted it all and I didnt have none Bullfrog jumped from bank to bank, skinned him on his belly from head to shank I got drunk and fell on the floor, good corn likker and I want some more Preacherman come called me his son, told that preacherman he better run Two little kids layin in bed this mornin, one rolled over to the other and said I got something aint gonna tell, dont wanna go to heaven so im goin to hell
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Reubens Train
1 I'm a-riding on this train, there are tears in my eyes 7 1 Tryin' to read a letter from my home... 1 7 1 Oh me, oh my, [he run it to the Lord knows where] (or the end of [last verse]) If this train runs me right, I'll be home Wednesday night For I'm nine hundred miles from my home... (And I hate to hear that lonesome whistle blow) Reuben had a train went from Portland to Maine Couldnt get no letters from his home... Well, this train I ride on is a hundred coaches long You can hear her whistle blow a hundred miles... If my woman says so, I won't railroad no more I'll sidetrack that wheeler and go home... Old Reuben made a train, and he put it on the track He run it to the Lord knows where... You oughta been in town, to see old Reuben's train go down You could hear the whistle blow a hundred miles... I've been to the East, and I've been to the West I'm going to the one I love the best... Last night I laid in jail, had no money for to go my bail Lord how it sleeted and it snowed... I got myself a blade, laid ol' Reuben in the shade I'm startin' me a graveyard of my own
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Roll on Buddy
1 4 1 Roll on buddy roll on, roll on buddy roll on 4 1 6 1 5 1 You wouldn't roll so slow if you knew what I know, roll on buddy roll on I'm goin' to the East, Karo (x3) going to the west, to the one I love the best My home is down in Tennessee, in Tennessee where I want to be, sunny TN
Sally Ann
A part: 1111/1155/1144/5511 B part: 1 Ride the buggy, yes I am 5 1 Ride in the buggy, Sally Ann Sally Ann, Sally Ann Im going to the wedding, yes I am Im a-going to the wedding old Sally Ann Greenback dollar Greenback dollar, good as gold Sift your meal and save your bran The old cow needs it Sally Ann C part: How in the world can I swing Susan Susans done and gone Shes done and gone (or shes gone away) Susans gone away Sallys in the garden sifting sand Susans in bed with the hog-eye man Im going home with Sally Ann Im going homw with Sally Ann Who in the world in the doggone nations Throwing them rocks at me All of them rocks, all them rocks, all of them rocks at me
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Sandy Boys
A part: 1 Somebody stole my old coon dog 4 Wish theyd bring him back 1 Run the old sow over the fence 5 1 Little ones through the cracks B part:1111/1177/1111/1151 Hey hey sandy boys, hey get along I say Hey hey sandy boys, waitin' on the break of day Mama lies sick in bed, papas gone to town Charlie wears them high top boots, wish that hed come around
Shady Grove
5 Shady Grove, my little love 1 4 Shady Grove, my darlin' 1 Shady Grove, my little love 5 Goin' back to Harlen Coffee grows on the white oak tree, the river flows with brandy The rocks on the hills are covered with gold, and the girls are sweet as candy Did you think my little miss, that I would live without you I'll let you know before I go, I hear so little about you Every time I take that road, it's always dark and cloudy Every time I see that girl, I always tell her howdy If I had no horse at all, I'd be found a-crawlin' Up and down this rocky road, a-looking for my darling Peaches in the summertime, apples in the fall If I can't get the girl I love, I won't have none at all
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Shortenin' Bread
A part: 1 4 Three little children, lying in bed 1 5 1 Two was sick an' the other 'most dead Sent for the doctor, the doctor said 5 1 Give those children some short'nin' bread B part: 1 Mama's little baby loves short'nin', short'nin' 5 1 Mama's little baby loves short'nin' bread Put on the skillet, slip on the lid Mama's gonna make a little short'nin' bread That ain't all she's gonna do Mammy's goin' to make a little coffee too When those children, sick in bed Heard that talk about short'nin' bread Popped up well to dance and sing Skipped around and cut the pigeon wing Slipped to the kitchen, slipped up the lid Filled my pocket full of short'nin' bread Stole the skillet, stole the lid Stole the gal makin' short'nin' bread Caught me with the skillet, caught me with the lid Caught me with the gal makin' short'nin' bread Paid a dollar for the skillet, a dollar for the lid Spent a year in jail eatin' short'nin' bread
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Soldiers Joy
A part: 1 5 Fifteen cents for the morphine, twenty-five cents for the beer 1 5 1 Fifteen cents for the morphine, gonna take me away from here B part: 1144/1155/1144/1511 Grasshopper sittin' on a sweet potato vine (x3) Long come a chicken and says its mine Love somebody yes I do (x3) Ain't gonna tell you who Dance all night and fiddle all day (x3) That's the soldier's joy they say Sun comes up and the moon goes down (x3) See my little Sally in her morning gown
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Sourwood Mountain
A part: 1 4 Roosters a-crowin' on Sourwood Mountain 1 5 1 Hi ho fiddle, I ay 1 4 So many pretty ones you can't count 'em 1 5 1 Hi ho fiddle I ay My true love's a blue-eyed daisy If I don't get her, I'll go crazy Big dogs bark and little ones bite you Big girls court and little ones spite you My love lives at the head of the holler She won't come and I won't foller My true love lives over the river A few more jumps and I'll be with her Ducks in the pond, geese in the ocean Devil's in the women if they take a notion B part: (chorus) 1 5 1 Roosters a-crowin' on Sourwood Mountain, hi ho 5 1 So many pretty ones you can't count 'em, hi ho fiddle I ay
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Starry Crown
A part: 1 5 I met old Satan through the door 1 5 And I hit him on the head with a two by four 1 5 1 And Im gonna wear that starry crown, over there I met old Satan down the lane And I hit in on the head with a walking cane And Im gonna wear that starry crown over there I met old Satan round the stump And I gave him a kick for every jump And Im gonna wear that starry crown over there I met old Satan through the door And I hit him on the head a two by four And Im gonna wear that starry crown over there B part: (chorus) 1 4 Over there, over there, 1 5 Im gonna wear that starry crown over there 1 5 1 5 For I got no skillet and I got no lid, ashcake tastes like shortenin' bread 1 5 1 And Im gonna wear that starry crown, over there
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Sugar Hill
A part: (B part same chords) 1 If you want to get your eye knocked out 4 If you want to get your fill 1 If you want to get your head chopped off 5 1 Just climb ol' sugar hill Jay bird on the mountain top And a red bird on the ground Black bird in the sugar tree Shaking that sugar down They said she got mighty sick And what do you recking ailed her Drunk three quarts of sugar top And then ther stomach failed her Thirteen cents in pocket change And don't you hear it jingle I'm going to court them pretty gals As long as I stay single Yonder comes my own true love. and how do you think I know Tell her by her shoe fly dress, that comes from sugar store Get your banjo off the wall, grab your fiddle, Bill Hitch the horses to the sleigh, we'll climb old sugar hill I'm getting lonesome for my gal, I want a drink of rye I'm going up to sugar hill, and you know the reason why
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Trouble in Mind
1 Trouble in mind, I'm blue, but I won't be blue always Cause, the sun gonna shine, on my back door someday I'm goin' down, down to the river, I'm gonna take my rockin' chair Lord, if the blues overtake me, I'm gonna rock on away from here I'm gonna lay, lay my head, on some sad, old railroad iron I'm gonna let that 2:19, pacify my mind Trouble in mind, that's true, I have almost lost my mind Life ain't worth living, I feel like I could die Trouble in mind, I'm blue, my poor heart is healing slow I've never had such trouble in my whole life before Well it's trouble, oh trouble, trouble on my worried mind, When you see me laughin' I'm laughin' just to keep from cryin' You been a hard-hearted mama, great god! you been unkind Gonna be a cold, cold papa, cause you to lose your mind I'm all alone at midnight, and my lamp is burnin' low Ain't never had so much, trouble in my life before Lookee here, sweet mama, see what you have done, done Why you made me love you, now you're reg'lar man done come Now all you men's the same, but now I'm old enough to change my name Lord, that sun's gonna shine in my back door someday Trouble in mind, I'm blue, but I won't be blue always Child, that wind's gonna come and blow my blues away
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Walkin' in my Sleep
A part: 1 Walkin' in my sleep, babe Walkin' in my sleep 5 4 Every time I close my eyes (up and down that dixie line) 5 1 I end up on my feet B part: 1 5 If you see that gal of mine tell her if you please 1 If she loves another man I will set her free Bake them biscuits baby bake them good and brown When I eat my breakfast, I'm West Virginia bound Pain in my finger pain in my toe Pain in my ankle bone ain't gonna work no more Yonder come that gal of mine how do you think I know Know her by her golden curls hangin' down so low
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Washin Jim
A part: 5 1 My dog Jim, my dog Jim, o he does like to play 5 1 He went over to Micas house, and played in the mud all day B part: 1 Washin Jim, washin Jim, soaps and suds all over him 5 1 Washin Jim, washin Jim, soaps and suds all over him In his ears, out his nose, wash the dirt between his toes Round his eyes, over his legs, paws as fat as tuning pegs Washin Jim, washin Jim, washin Jim all day Washin Jim, washin Jim, no Jim you cant play Washin Jim, washin Jim, washin Jim all over the hill Washin Jim washin Jim, washin Jim all over the hill My dog Jim, took a swim, for to wash the dirt off him My dog Jim, took a swim, for to wash the dirt off him
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Waterbound
A part: 1 Chickens crowin' in the old plowed field (ol' pine tree) 5 Chickens crowin' in the old plowed field 1 4 Chickens crowin' in the old plowed field 1 5 1 Down in North Carolina Rivers up caint get across (x3)... I'm waterbound cant get home (x3)... Old mans mad and I dont care (x3) fell in love with his daughter If he dont let her go, were gonna run away (x3)... Wake up Charlie let's go home (x3) before the water rises Logged the trees down in Brentwood Killed the bees down in Brentwood Logged the trees, killed the bees, down in Tennessee y'all Pave your heart down in Brentwood Save your soul down in Brentwood Pave your heart save your soul, down in Tennessee y'all Stay all night, dont go home Stay all night, dont go home Stay all night, dont go home Stay with me til morning B part: 4444/1111/4444/1151
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If you see that girl of mine, I wish that you would tell her To be true to her soldier boy, and have no other feller
Willow Garden
1 4 1 6 Down in the willow garden, where me and my true love did meet 1 4 1 5 1 There we went a courtin', my love fell off to sleep 4 1 4 1 6 I had a bottle of burgundy wine, my love she did not know 1 4 1 5 1 It was there I poisoned that dear little girl, down on the banks below I drew a saber through her, it was a bloody knife I threw her into the river, which was a dreadful sight My father oft had told me, that money would set me free If I would murder that dear little girl, whose name was Rose Connelly My father sits at his cabin door, wiping his tear dimmed eyes For his only son soon shall walk, to yonder scaffold high My race is run beneath the sun, the scaffold now waits for me For I did murder that dear little girl, whose name was Rose Connelly No more, we'll sit in the garden, no more will lie beneath the stay A dreamin' on a future which never will be ours I loved that girl with all my heart, I loved her as my life Whatever was I thinking, when I layed her down to die
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Yodelady
A part: 1 4 1 We were campin', we were boilin' up some beans 4 1 Makin' coffee, with the water from the stream 4 1 We slept outside and we slept inside too 4 1 With so many nights of sleepin' I only want to sleep with you B part: 1 4 1 Yodelady, yodelady of my dreams 4 1 Yodelady and you make my blood run clean 4 1 Yodelady, yodelady of my dreams 5 4 1 Yodelady, yodelady, yodelady You came dancin' through the landscape of my sleep Then you asked me, what if I'm the one you wed I tried to kiss you, but I got drunk instead You broke my lonliness, when you came to me and smiled And I would never think youd hear me shout You broke me like an egg over the hills and valleys Well folks I was a yolk of love broken and playin' on the trees
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T-Claw Here, It is great youre interested in square dance calling. I decided to include this in the songbook, to try to get more people calling dances. This is part of the Dare To Be Square Calling Zine that is an ongoing work in progress. It is always good to have something in writing. However, I have found that the old books written in the 60s and 70s dont help me that much. What I need, is to get calls from people who are calling now. To learn a fiddle tune I jam and jam and jam until the tune is stuck in my head, and then all of a sudden I can play it. My approach to learning dances is similar, I dance and dance and dance, until the calls and the motions are flowing right out of me. Sometimes recordings or written lyrics can really help solidify what you already know. With that being said, this handbook does not spell out, word for word how to teach someone to do si do or even the Texas Star figure. I give you some tips, some background, and some calls. If you dont already know how to dance the dance or what each of the calls mean, then you should find someone who does and dance it more before you try to call. I am not supposing that everyone learns through experience its just that, to learn how to call, you just have to do it. Figure out the calls to one easy dance, crank up the music, have a drink, and teach your friends how to dance. It is great to try it out on people whop havent danced before because they will be ignorant and have fun anyways, but it is also nice to start out with dancers who know what they are doing and dont need as much prodding or assistance in getting going. I learned how to call out of necessity. I was playing old time music for a couple of years and had never seen a square dance happen in Olympia except for the annual May Day Hoedown. Get that? Annual. That just aint enough dancin. So, I channeled the punk kids going crazy at shows into a whirlwind of traditional square dance furry. I learned my first few dances as a team at Dare to be Square West 2007. We all were taught the calls from Bill Martin and then just started dancing and chiming in with the calls as we were able. What I learned in this hour long workshop is that you cant rely on workshops and festivals to learn how to call. They will bring out dance and music masters, but for the most part they learned just by doing it. They can give you some insight and tricks of the trade, but they will not put you up there and turn you into a caller. When you are doing dances without sound systems, a loud steel guitar, resonator banjo, or monster bucket bass can be your best friend. Practice yelling doesnt hurt also. If you got a wood floor to work with, wear boats and just stomp away. The dancers and any ramshackle band will fall in line. In the future more descriptions of dance moves and figures, more dance calls, more history, and more pictures can be included in this zine. This is meant as a starting place and to give you something to take home. It is also meant to be altered, replicated, distributed by the community. So by all means, lets have the zine grow with the community. If you have more dance calls to contribute or just want an electronic copy of this (for easy editing) let me know. Hold Fast and Never Let Go! More Questions or for submissions of content, hit me up. T-Claw roundandpointy@gmail.com 615-430-8230
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Practice, practice, practice your calls and your teaching language. Try them out on your cat. Rehearse the movements you will use to pantomime or demonstrate aspects of the dance. Don't just visualize it, get up and do it physically. Judge your teaching from the viewpoint of a dancer, and be brutal. I've seen more dances bog down while a caller fumbles and bumbles and tries to invent a description of the dance on the fly.
Clear teaching before the music starts is way more important than an interesting call during the dance. The teaching should move right along. Experience will enable you to spot what part of your walk-through is not working for a particular crowd. ______________________________________________________________________ NOTES ON CALLING A ONE-NIGHT-STAND, WEDDING, ETC. The main thing at a one-night-stand is to get on the side of the dancers. Kid them about their possible reluctance to dance, their fear of looking dumb. And be the biggest fool on the dance floor. By joking about your own dance skills in a self-deprecatory way, and by mixing with the crowd and dancing with them, you give them permission to make mistakes and loosen up. Dont bother pushing people to dance at a more challenging level than you would normally expect them to do. That is your ego trip and it has nothing to do with why these people have gathered together this night. A one-night-stand is less a test of your teaching skills than it is a challenge to develop hosting skills. You are the host, the life, of the party. Youre the one who slaps people on the back and cajoles them into dancing. You wear the lampshade and crack the jokes. A one-night-stand is a party, not a dance class. Keep it very simple, keep it moving at a speedy pace, keep them laughing. Never stand behind the mic and beg people to come out and dance. Go get them, physically invite them in to the party. I often start off these dances by announcing: Folks, So-and-so (the bride and groom, the CEO, etc.) has asked us to lead you all through a few old-fashioned dances. You dont have to know a thing about dancing to do this stuff. You dont even have to like dancing! Well teach you everything and show you how to do it. For the first dance you dont even need a partner. Im not going to teach it; you just have to be able to hang on and go for the ride. With that, the band starts playing and I grab a couple of people who are obviously game, like the bride and groom, and start forming up a long line. We course amongst the tables and hallways until we have a good-sized crew. I lead them out onto the floor and we do the grand march spiraling figure that turns inside out. We might do that twice, and then open into a circle, circle left and right, into the center and back and finally clap along to the music until the band is finished. After that youve got them. Tell them to choose a partner and get back in the circle. For the second dance I often choose a circle mixer that ends with a promenade. After dancing the mixer a few times, I go out on the floor and pick a lead couple and have them follow me from the bottom of the hall up through the center of the circle to the top, signaling the other couples to follow the leaders. This forms long-ways sets automatically and everyone has a new partner to dance a long-ways dance with. After that it is usually time for a break.
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HOW TO PLAN A FULL LENGTH DANCE PROGRAM by the great Bill Martin Organize your dances progressively, so that you introduce new figures, moves and concepts on a learning curve rather than all at once. Start off very easy and fun, just to get people moving with the music. Call a mixer for your second or third dance. Another one later, or early in the last half. Mixers can jazz up the energy of a crowd, and they do mix people all together. Which is a good subconscious lesson to sneak up on them, since these dance parties are intended to create a socializing stir. Its not easy to judge when is the best time to finish a dance. 4-couple squares, of course, are self-limiting. They have a natural end point. But the whole set long-ways dances and the Appalachian big circle dances, them are horses of a different hue. Its better to quit while people are doing well, before fatigue sets in. Leave them wanting more. But don't end the dance too soon. Sometimes it takes awhile for the group as a whole to get the dance working. If it seems to be coming together and the dancers are starting to dig it, let the dance run on awhile. I like to include couple dances. Seems like Portland musicians will only play waltzes, so at least 2 waltzes. (If you have a band that can play the music, you might included a schottische, polka, swing dance, 2-step, or whatever.) Its a good idea to take a break at some point. The musicians can use a rest, and so can your voice. Keep it short or people will start leaving. If you have some more difficult dances, save them until the middle or just after the middle of the dance. By that time people will have some skills down and will be warmed up and still sharp. They won't be ready earlier and they will be too fatigued later. Place one or two easy but active dances that require little teaching at the very end of the evening. The dancers will be getting tired by then and won't tolerate a long teaching session. They just want to get moving at that time. You will leave them with a feeling of success. Be prepared to wad up your dance plan and toss it in the trash. As the host of the party you need to adjust your program of dances to fit the tenor of the dance crowd. If the dances you planned on calling turn out to be too difficult, you will have to substitute easier ones. But don't let them see you perspire and wring your hands. They'll have you for lunch. Make any announcements after you get people formed up for a dance and before you begin teaching it. You have their attention then and you can make short work of it.
CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES ONLINE FOR INFO ON SQUARE VS. CONTRA The Old-Time Herald Volume 1, Number 6 (Winter 1988-89) The Dance Beat / Issues in Old Time Music Community Dances in the Eighties: Dare To Be Square! The Old-Time Herald Volume 9, Number 3 Dance Beat/Issues in Old-Time Music Old-Time Square Dancing in the 21st Century: Dare to be Square!
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Family Dances
New callers and new dancers are a great combination. If you make a few mistakes and keep smiling, no one will know the difference. One of my favorite dances to start with is the Virginia Reel. Gender identification is optional. Dont be afraid to have call and response calling, because kids love it and they are learning. At the last family dance I did, I got 6 kids up on stage to learn and call into the microphone. They loved it and they were great. Galopede (longways set) All go forward and back All pass through to the other side (trade places with partner) All go forward and back All pass through back to original place Right hand turn partner Left hand turn partner Top couple dance to the bottom and all others move up one place This is best for about 5-8 couples. Dudley Laufman also calls this the Mousetrap. If lines are longer than about 8 couples or the top couple is slow to get to the bottom they might get caught in the middle of the forward and back. On a dance like this, a 4-yr. old can dance next to a parent or older child as one person with a partner in the other line. Don't need to be hung up about only two people dancing as a couple. Scottish Reel (for about 4-6 couples in longways set) First person in the right line leads the line weaving through the dancers in the opposite line; Opposite line does the same; Top couple sashay (dance) down the middle and back, cast out by themselves to the bottom of the set; Lines join hands and sashay down and back as a group (or two hand turn partner and do si do) Alabama Gal (longways set for 6-8 couples) Top couple sashay down and back Right hand turn partner, left hand turn partner Top couple cast out and lead lines to the bottom Top couple make an arch and all others come up through the arch, top couple stays at the bottom Big Circle (with partner) Circle left and right Into the middle and back twice Do si do partner Do si do neighbor Promenade partner
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Wind Up the Ball of Yarn If you have enough people for a good sized circle (about 20 or more) Everyone keeps holding hands in a circle left; you drop your hand with the person on your left and you lead the circle into a spiral into the middle, then reverse the spiral to come back out. You can turn it into a circle facing out and then do a backwards spiral into the middle again or as you come out of the spiral turn to face the circle in again. Rural Felicity (longways set for 5-8 couples, top couple active) Long lines go forward and back Top couple sashay down to the bottom of the set Long lines go forward and back Couple who sashayed down sashay back to the top All do si do partner All two hand turn partner All except active couple make two hand arches with partners forming a long tunnel. Active couple dance down under the tunnel to the bottom of the set. Simple Figures Totally simple: circle left, circle right, go in (2, 3, 4) and out (2, 3, 4). Another simple figure: Right hands across and how are you, Left hands back fine thank you. Birdie in the Cage (4 person set) Birdie in the cage (one lady in the middle other 3 circle around her), Bird hops out and the crow hops in (that's her partner), He flaps his wings he's gone again (crow rejoins circle). You either have couples move to a new set or you do a cumulative thing where couple one gathers in 2 to circle up6, etc. If you do the cumulative thing, then you can get two birds in the cage, etc. Simple Reel Set: Get everyone in two lines. Long lines go forward and back. Use farm animals or cat and dog to distinguish the lines. Top cat leads the line around the dogs and back to place. Top dog leads the dog line around the cats and back to place. Top couple sashay to the bottom and back and then "peel the banana": each leads the line around and down to the bottom. Top couple makes an arch at the bottom and everyone else comes through. Kids really like watching adults try to get under their arch...
Dont be afraid to make things up. Kids just like playing around, so make up your own group coordinated play session with the kids.
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Introduction Calls
All into your places, brighten up your faces Tighten up your laces for a good long haul! Up the river, down the bend, join your hands, were goin again! All join hands and circle to the left, now circle right like a wagon wheel The more you dance the better you feel In to the middle to the sound of the fiddle All join hands and circle south, let a little moonshine in your mouth Tighten your belt, pull down your vest, swing the one that you love best First you whistle and then you sing, all join hands and form a ring Or Join your hands from a ring, circle left while you shout and sing Honor your partners and corners all, square your sets and listen to the call All eight balance, all eight swing, swing your partner, pretty little thing Now promenade around the ring Honor your partner sides address, join your hands and circle left Reverse back about a mile, lady in the lead and the gent run wild All jump up and never come down, swing your big food round and round And promenade around the town, jaybird sittin on frozen ground Face the front face the back, circle to the sizzle of the Tennessee tats Reverse back on the same ol track, make your feet go whickety whack 2, 4, 6, 8, circle left and dont be late, back you go with heel and toe
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Circle high and circle low 1,3,5,9, circle left your doin just fine Swing your partner high and low, swing em till they holler woah Scratch your heel and save your toe, then promenade around the row Pop your whip and jerk that line lets all start dancin , have a good time On your heel and on your toe, stomp your feet and here we go Look at your honey, bow and smile, join you hands and circle a mile Back to the right youre goin wrong ladies in the lead, gents come along Honor your partners bow and smile, step right up and swing awhile All jump up and when you come down, swing your honey round n round Hold your breath, and from a circle, circle fast until your face turns purple Breathe it in, shout and grin, circle up fast and well go again Swing em boys, and do it right, swing your partners all through the night Swing your partners, dont be late, Swing your corner like swingin on a gate Now your own and promenade eight Swing your partner a swing and a whirl, do-sa-do the corner girl Swing your darling, swing your maid Keep on swingin till you promenade And bring the caller some lemonade
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Square Dances
(4 couple square unless otherwise noted) Star Swap From: Bill Martin (scattered circles, two couples) Join hands and circle left, reverse, now circle right Shake right hands, right hand star, the other way back, left hand star Gents drop out and ladies go, swing a little bit on the heel and toe Now swing your opposite dont be slow [Repeat all above but swing partner instead of opposite] *Promenade on to a new circle after you are back with your partner [When the gents drop out, they just release hands and the ladies keep turning until the swing partner or corner. After that first swing with the corner, that corner becomes their partner temporarily. So, Gents finish the swing with the lady on the right, gent on the left and facing your original partner.] Two Little Sisters From: Bill Martin Lady number one out to the right Two little sisters circle around Home you go swing your own Three little sisters form a ring Break that ring with a partner swing Four little sisters circle around Everybody swing when they come down Now promenade around the town (Repeat with ladies 2,3,4 and then the gents too if ya want)
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Virginia Reel anti-war variation From: Bill Martin and T-Claw (longways set gender is negligible) All join hands, up and back Lets get our troops out of Iraq Back again Alemande right, if it takes all night Alemande left, this war is theft Do si do, the one you know Do si do, the bombs won't blow Now swing your own, as youve been shown Top couple Sache down Clap your hands stomp your feet, against police brutality Sache down, Sache back, peoples revolution across Iraq Now frace the front and peel off When you get to the bottom Make an arch, go on through, give the state a big pee yew Stop this war, thats what well do Grapevine Twist First gent take your lady by the wrist Round that lady with a grapevine twist Back to the center with a whoah haw gee And around that gent from Tennessee Circle up four in the middle of the floor On to the next and dance some more
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Swing Like Thunder (good mixer or running set figure too) First couple out to the couple on the right Circle four for half the night Gents arms across, ladies bow, gents bow under Hold your holts and swing like thunder Break that basket form a ring Circle left around that thing (or break that ring with a partner swing) On to the next to pick up six dont be late to pick up eight Face better grin when you pick up ten Birdie in a Cage (good mixer or running set figure too) First couple out to the couple on the right Circle four for half the night Birdie in the cage, three hands round, make that big foot jar the ground Birdie fly out, the crow hop in, Ill take my tonic with a bottle o gin Crow go home to swing his own, and on to the next Texas Star (works well with 3 or 5 couples too) Ladies to the center and back to the bar Gents to the center with a right hand star Right hand out, left hand back, make your feet go whickety wack Meet your partner pass them by Take the next one on the fly(gents pick the next lady up around the waste) Gents swing out, ladies swing in, form that Texas star again Break and swing that new girl round, -romenade around the town Duck for the Oyster (good mixer or running set figure too) First couple out to the couple on the right Circle to the left, and to the right Duck for the oyster Dive for the clam Shoot for the hole in the ol tin can (shoot them off to a distant land)
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Push Ma, Shove Pa From: Steph Noll, Charmaine Slaven, Paul Silveria, and T-Claw Couple number one, Down the center and divide the ring Around one (stand) behind the next And you push ma, shove pa, swing that gal from Arkansas (or swing that gal to the open spot) Same ol gent with a brand new girl, down the center and divide the world (repeat until everyone is home and swing) other patter: -Same old rooster with a brand new hen Down the middle and do it again -Same old buck with a brand new doe Down the middle and dont be slow -Same old bee with a brand new queen Give the floor that waxy sheen -Same old grizz with a brand new fish Keep on dancin, cuz you aint finished -Same old tree with a brand new fruit Dance so hard, your partner hoots -Same old possum with a brand new coon Down the center and divide the room -Same old doe with a brand new doe You can swing both ways, dont you know -Same old buck with a brand new buck Down the middle, and try your luck
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6 Go Forward, 8 Fall Back From: Lucas Hicks (Good for ruckus parties) Couple number one, Down the center and divide the ring Gent to the left, lady to the right Line of 4 hold on tight 4 steps forward, 4 steps back 4 slide to the right on the outside track Join hands (attack formation) 6 Go Forward, 8 Fall Back 8 go forward, 6 fall back, 4 slide right on the outside track 4 steps forward 4 steps back 4 slide right on the outside track Join hands and 6 go forward, 8 fall back 8 go forward, 6 fall back 4 slide right on the outside track Circle 4 to the right, half way Duck for the oyster, dive for the clam, Shoot them off to a distant land And everybody swing, promenade around the ring (Then every couple gets a chance to lead) Plow the Row From: Paul Silveria Couple 1, back to back Head around that outside track Corner couples circle 3 Open up into a line of 3 Up and back Up again and make an arch Lone couple, plow the row Everybody home and swing your own
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3 Couple Dance From: Paul Silveria Circle right, circle left, right hand star, left hand star Bottom gent pull her under, middle couple pull her under Top (last couple) everybody swing, form a brand new ring Uptown Downtown From: Amy Hofer Couple one, head up town Bring that other couple down Pick them up and put them down Separate go round the town Right elbow when you get down Strip the willow Lady Round the Lady and the Gent Also From: Caroline Oakley Lady round the lady and the gent also Lady round the gent but the gent dont go Little circle left Little circle right Left to your opposite Right to your own And promenade in a little ring and on to the next Nervous Breakdown From: Sandy Bradley (large circle mixer) Right hand turn On to the next with a left hand turn, on to the next for a two hand swing Do si do that pretty little thing, and on to the next for a balance and swing
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Chase the Rabbit, Chase the Squirrel From: Caroline Oakley Couple one out to the right and circle left for half the night Chase the rabbit, chase the squirrel Chase that pretty girl around the world Swing your partner Chase the possum, chase the coon Chase that bad boy around the room Everybody swing On to the next Take a Little Peek From: Maggie Lind Couple one out to the right and circle left Couple one take a little peek Head back home and swing your sweet Couple one peek once more Swing your partner off the floor On to the next (or put in a Georgia Rang Tang Do Si Do) Right Hand High, and a Left Hand Low From: Beth Molaro Head couples balance and swing Ladies out to the right of the ring Circle left on the side Open up into lines of three [Long lines go to and fro, two lone gents do si do With a right hand high, and a left hand low](x3) Everybody swing your own
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Butterfly Whirl From: Bob Dalsemer Couple one into the middle for a butterfly whirl Down the set and divide the world Everybody do si do Allemande left your corner Box the gnat Pull by Swing your corner on the fly Head on home for a promenade pie Gent one with a brand new girl into the middle with a butterfly whirl Low Gent Pull Through From: Gabe Strand 3 couple mixer Circle left, circle right Allemande left your corner Allemande right your partner Right hands across with a right hand shake star Left hands back Low gent pull through You swing here and shell swing you Promenade off to a couple of new couples Ladies Chain From: Gabe Strand Head couples up and back, up again and make an arch Side ladies chain through, side ladies chain back Allemande left with your left hand, walk right into a right left grand
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Easy Square From: Bob Dalsemer First couple stand back to back Walk once around the outside track Walk all the way around the outside ring While the roosters crow and the birdies sing Meet your partner right elbow swing Once and a half Allemande left corners all Promenade your partners all Repeat couples 2,3,4, Couples 1 and 3, couples 2 and 4, all couples Two Lone Gents From: Michael Ismerio Gent one out to the right circle up three hands round Steal that lady, on to the next Leave her behind, they form a line, onto the next your doing fine Take her home and circle three, then form a line two ladies and me Lines of three forward and back Two lone gents go back to back With a right hand high and left hand low Send the ladies to the (sides) and here we go Lines of three forward and back Two lone gents go back to back With a right hand high and a left hand low Send the ladies to the (heads) and here we go Repeat with sides, Repeat with heads tip: Let the gents finish their do si do before calling the right hand high. That way the other dancers are watching the two lone gents do their thing
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Duck and Dive From: Bob Dalsemer and Paul Silveria Couple one out to the right, circle left half way around Inside arch, outside under, dip and dive, pillage and plunder On to the next join hands and circle left Turn the opposite lady with the right hand round Now your partner with the left hand round Ill swing yours you swing mine, Ill swing mine any old time (your own) Onto the next circle four halfway round, couple one out to the right Circle left half way around, inside arch, outside under Dip and dive, pillage and plunder, everybody home, swing your own Cheat or Swing From: Caroline Oakley Couple one balance and swing, gent you stay there Lady lead out to the right of the square, with a right elbow Back home with a left elbow, down the set for a right elbow Back home with a left elbow, to the side with a right elbow Back home do si do, and cheat or swing Everybody home, everybody swing (Ladies 1+2, 3+4, Gents 1 +2, 3+4) Elbow Swing From: Gabe Strand Couple one out to the right Two gents swing with a left elbow Opposites swing with a right elbow Two gents swing with a left elbow Now your partner with a right elbow Opposites swing, partner swing, and on to the next
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Honest Square (divide the ring) By: Agnes Cunningham OK First couple, balance and swing, down the center and divide the ring Down the center and cast off six, the tenant farmers in an awful fix Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Beans all gone, there aint no more, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Down the center and cut off two, what the heck can a poor man do? Home you are and everybody swing, allemande left go around the ring Eight million acres of company land, partner by the right, Shake for a right left grand, meet your partner promenade, Join the union dont be afraid Second couple balance and swing. down the center and divide the ring Gent to the left and lady to the right, the tenants union will put up a fight Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Down the center as you down before, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Better join the union too, down the center and cast off two Home you are and everybody swing, allamande left go around the ring Half the land is all dried out, and the rest is up the landhogs snout Meet your partner, promenade, join the union dont be afraid 3rd. couple balance do the same, we aint playin till they change the game Down the center, cast off six unions gonna see that they change it quick
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Swing your honey off the floor, recruiting officer get away from my door You dont catch me in a rich mans war, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Cast off two an fore were through, were gonna cast off the landhog too Home you are and everybody swing allemande left go around the ring All bucks, the oil mans makin, while tax is added to the price of bacon Fourth couple, balance and swing, down the center and divide the ring Down the center and cast off six, the ruling class just cant be fixed Swing at the head and the foot couples too, side go right and left through Money all gone, its out the door, down the center and cast off four Swing at the head and the foot couples too, sides go right and left through Down the center and cut off two, you know what we gotta do? Home you are and everybody swing, allemande left go around the ring Apple pie, we are all fans, partner by the right, for a right left grand Meet your partner promenade, all of us must not behave This sorta thing has got to stop, grab your partner and hippity hop Grab your partner and promenade, everybody here is union made
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Break Figures
Lady Get Around Lady 1 to C2, swing someone thats what you do. Lady one to C3 Pass One Man Join hands and circle left Other way back, go single file Ladies turn back gents follow Ladies turn out, pass one man Give the next one your left hand Back to your partner right left grand Gents Dont Go Join hands and circle left Other way back, go single file Ladies turn back gents follow Ladies turn out, gents dont go (you can to a corner allemande to a RLG if you want) Find your partner and promeno Sausage Grinder Allemande left your corner Allemande right your partner Swing your corner with all your might Put that lady on your right Do Saw Do Face your partner, do si do Chicken in the bread pan scratchin out dough On the corner, see saw Go back home and swing your taw
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Big Grand All eight balance, all eight swing Swing your partner pretty little thing Allemande left to the corner you go Grand chain eight around the row Wave the ocean wave the sea (pass their partners once) Wave that pretty one back to me and promenade Rip and Snort Couple one you rip and snort Down the middle and cut them off short Split the apple split the pear Everybody get on out of there Make an arch couple 2 Dive on through thats what you do Couple Switcheroo Couple one to the right of the square Circle left, dont be scared Circle right, hold on tight Swing the opposite with all your might Gent bring that gal on to the next, Circle up left, Circle right, Bring that girl on the next and Circle left, Circle right, swing your opposite everybody swing Box the Nat Face your partner shake right hands Pass on by with a right left grand Meet your partner, box the gnat Head on back (or call RLG) on the reverse track Promenade (or box the gnat again)
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Ladies (or gents) to the Middle, Back to Back Ladies to the middle, back to back, gents go around that outside track Meet your partner, pass them by, take the next one on the fly Star Hand Grand Gents to the middle with a right hand star Other way back with a left hand star Right to your partner with a right left grand In and Out with a Half Sashay In to the middle and back that way Roll away with a half sashay (all the way around then) In to the middle and back once more Swing yoyur partner right off the floor Swingin on a Gate Swing on the corner like swingin on a gate Now your own if your not too late Allemande left on your left hand (corner), dance on into a right left grand Hand over hand, go around the ring, meet your partner, pretty little thing And promenade Simple RLG Face your partner, shake right hands, pass on by with a right left grand Pass them once and around you go, next time you meet you promeno Little Red Wagon Allemande left with your left hand Right hand to your partner, right left grand Here we go in a little red wagon The hind wheels off and the axles draggin Meet your own and promenade Promenade eight till you come straight
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Four Ladies Chain Four ladies chain across the set Chain right back your not through yet Turn around with your left hand And promenade with your ol man Pretty Little Ring Ring ring, pretty little ring, break that ring with a corner swing Ring ring, pretty little ring, break that ring and swing your own Now promeney and promeneaux head back home thats what you do Or now promeney and promeknow head back home and knead the dough Promenade Roll Back Promenade 8 and dont slow down Keep on walkin your partners round Gals roll back to the next in line Promenade again and keep in time 4 times then swing Star Promenade Ladies to the center and back to the bar Gents to the middle with a right hand star A right hand star in the middle of the hall Come back by the left to your partners all And promenade around the hall Star RLG Ladies to the center and back to the bar Gents to the middle with a right hand star Back by the left in the middle of the land Meet your own go right and left grand Hand over hand around the hall Meet your partners and promenade all
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Closing Calls
The jug is empty, the keg is dry, so leave your partner and say goodbye Thats the end I do believe, kiss the caller before you leave Thats all there is, there is no more, take your partners off the floor Wave to the caller at the door Thats the end of this old square, so promenade to a big soft chair You know where and I dont care Form a ring, a pretty little ring Break that ring with a corner swing Promenade your partners all Take trip around the hall, with your Big foot up and your little foot down When you get home settle on down First old couple you rip and snort Go down the middle and cut em off short Gent go left and the gal go right Everybody else just hang on tight Then down the center you go once more And promenade right off the floor
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Promenade Patter
Horses in the corral, cows in the stall, promenade now, one and all Little bit o heel, little bit o toe, promenade as you always do Promenade up, and promenade down, strut your stuff round the town Promenade eight till you come strait, chows on the table so dont be late Promenade eight, promenade all, promenade around the hall Tap your heel and save your toe Chicken in the bread pan scratchin at the dough Meet your partner in calico, and promenade around the row Meet your partner, pat em on the head If they dont like biscuits, feed em cornbread, and promenehd Barbed wire fence broken down gate, meet your partner and promenade Pronamanah, pronamanah Promeno, promenade, your partners hair could use a little pomade Promeney, promenai, if youd just ask me, Id share my pie Right left grand round the ring, when you see your partner you promeney RLG around you go, when you see your partner you promeno RLG a little farther, when you see your partner, you promenartner
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There once lived a curly headed gal with a warm smile and an empty belly. Now this gal was from
California, but well call her Carolina. It was during a particularly frosty winter that Carolina had no food and no money. She rambled around town singing her favorite songs hoping the generosity of strangers would relieve her hunger One day as Carolina was wandering down a road she came upon a tabby cat playing a fiddle. As she came near Carolina began to cry, for the cat played a song so slow and mournful that Carolina could not stop herself. What is wrong? she asked the cat. Why do you play such a sad song? My fiddle is weeping, replied the tabby, Because my paws are quite cold and my belly is so empty. I am shivering as well. And I have not eaten in weeks. May I play with you? Asked the girl. Certainly replied Carolina. And so Carolina took her guitar off her back and began to plunk along as the two rambled down the road further. Eventually they came upon a heron perched on the edge of a trashcan. What are you doing up there? shouted the tabby cat. This was a peculiar sight, for the tabby knew this bird was not one to idle on such a perch. I was looking for food. But all I can find are these tin cans. Said the heron. Carolina and the tabby began to look through the trashcan. Not surprising they found nothing to eat. But Carolina had another idea. Why dont you peck at those cans while the tabby and I play a song? So the tabby struck up a tune while the three played and played until their limbs grew week and stiff. They were so deeply satisfied by their music that for a moment all had forgotten the ever-present hunger pains. They also had neglected to notice a deer with a banjo strapped to her back that was now standing right beside them. Hello The deer said. My name is Juniper, and like you I am cold and hungry. But I know of a certain grizzly bear who has more chestnuts and corn than he could ever eat alone. Who is he? Asked the heron. Where is he? Asked the tabby cat. Is he kind to strangers? Asked Carolina. He has the loudest roar and the sharpest claws but the warmest heart. However he has been asleep since the first snow fall, and I have tried my hardest to wake him with no success. I have been plucking my banjo and singing with all my strength, but neither are loud enough to cause a stir. If we play our instruments together. The heron said, I know wed be loud enough to wake him. So the vagrant bunch followed Juniper to the grizzlys home, playing as they walked. News had spread quickly and along the way two frogs equipped with mandolins had joined the march. As they rambled further they past two huntsmen washing hides. Come join in! cried the tabby. One grabbed the washtub, and the other the washboard, and the two followed suit. Now their music resonated throughout the woods, attracting the attention of cellist who willingly joined the procession. Soon they reached the grizzlys home. He lay fast asleep while the musical bunch surrounded him. They played so loud that not even the bears snoring could be heard. But he still did not wake. Somethings missing! croaked to frog. Unknowest to all, an owl entered carrying two spoons. Mind if I join? She shouted. But the music was so loud that no one could hear her. So the owl joined in anyway. Finally the grizzly awoke from his slumber. He was so thrilled to hear their song that he began to dance, stomping his feet and clapping his claws. And before anyone asked, the grizzly cooked up a feast of which everyone partook. And from that night on the group called themselves the Grizzle Grazzle Trash Can Band, playing music for all who will listen and filling the bellies of all who are hungry.
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