First popularized by country singer, Hank Thompson in his 1976 hit “Wild Side of Life”, Honky Tonk Angel refers to a beautiful woman, somewhat out of place in a dirtyContinue readingHonky Tonk Angel
Oh Shenandoah
“Oh Shenandoah” (also called simply “Shenandoah” or “Across the Wide Missouri”) is a traditional American folk song of uncertain origin, dating to the early 19th century. The song appears toContinue readingOh Shenandoah
Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)
Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)” is a classic Irish-American song that was originally written in 1913 by composer James Royce Shannon (1881–1946) for the Tin Pan Alley musical Shameen Dihu.Continue readingToo-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)
Camptown Races
“Gwine to Run All Night, or De Camptown Races” (popularly known simply as “Camptown Races”) is a minstrel song by Stephen Foster (1826–1864). It was published in February 1850 byContinue readingCamptown Races
Oh Mary Don’t You Weep
Oh Mary Don’t You Weep, sometimes known simply as “Mary, Don’t You Weep” is an African-American spiritual, a ‘slave song’. The Mary of the title is Mary of Bethany. WhyContinue readingOh Mary Don’t You Weep
Singin’ in the Rain
Singin’ in the Rain” is a song with lyrics by Arthur Freed and music by Nacio Herb Brown, published in 1929. It is unclear exactly when the song was written;Continue readingSingin’ in the Rain
By The Light of the Silvery Moon
“By The Light of the Silvery Moon” or “By the Light of the Silv’ry Moon” is a popular song. The music was written by Gus Edwards, and the lyrics byContinue readingBy The Light of the Silvery Moon
Big Rock Candy Mountain
“Big Rock Candy Mountain”, first recorded by Harry McClintock in 1928, is a folk song about a hobo’s idea of paradise, a modern version of the medieval concept of Cockaigne. Continue readingBig Rock Candy Mountain
Bald-Headed End of a Broom
The singer warns men against marriage: It’s fun at first, but wait till you’re stuck “with a wife and (sixteen) half-starved kids.” “So keep away from the girls… For whenContinue readingBald-Headed End of a Broom
Cindy
“Cindy” (“Cindy, Cindy”) is a popular American folk song. According to John Lomax, the song originated in North Carolina. In the early and middle 20th century, “Cindy” was included inContinue readingCindy