Okay so, again the BandLab URL’s generically Label as bandlab - but it goes direct to that song only like the prior. (The embed does not show up here, so can’t use it.)
So, background:
This song started as an anonymous poem in the 1877 edition of the Sacramento Daily Union. Addison D. Crabtree wrote it as Lyrics 1880. There have been many performances with a few minor revisions. Joan Baez did her version in 1969.
I heard a single line in some sound bite recently, dark and soulful and was likely just that single line recorded as these things go - so did a little research on it. It’s got a long “authored by” list lol! credited as “author” - ah, no; but, of course their version, performance, revision.
So, digitalcommons@UMaine had a nice (humorous) “explanation” with a number of verses considered for, “…in the history of recorded hillbilly music…” LOL! So, since I ama hillbilly figured on re-do’n it yet again, so:
- now 35 versions/performances/interpretations with mine today - rewrite, re-orchestrate, add chorus, new music melody, gospel neutral-secular lyrics for Rocktober 2024 ustaknow.
- many don’t realize that many of these old hymns, gospel songs from long ago, cowboy days were to the tunes of “old beer hall chants, songs” - made them easier to learn if familiar? lol! I brought this back to - just a human being.
So, it’s not so “smooth” since was flow of thought recording while writing, so to speak. I liked the take and just kept it for now. I instinctively went back to an ABAB type format. It’s just a “campfire song” maybe. I avoided the 1-4-5 progression I heard and went from C to Am to F then G. I thought, hope that Am, and F make it at least a little more interesting.
This song has such an interesting history. I really enjoyed your vocals, and vocal styling and guitar playing. This is a really well done acoustic one-take.
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Thank you, I appreciate the feedback very much.
What has always interested me in these old songs, or even fragments of a song, chant/cadence, like, e.g., the “iko iko” line, verse fragments (New Orleans, other) is their true origin and to consider why they exist today and still have any appeal at all to any one in today’s world, 21st century. There seems to always be a “something” there if even not fully appealing - can’t toss it either! 
I also enjoy seeing the side stories that may pop up around them over time. One “rock” song version, “Black Betty” from Ram Jam 1977 I tracked to a Revolutionary War marching cadence! That was what their Black Powder weapons were called that, fed them, kept them safe and slept with, etc. There were a couple of old Cowboy, Outlaw songs based on that/those references.
Anyway, appologies if TMI again - you commented on the history; and, so many today that use in entirety or “derive” don’t even Liner Note the “influences” - Robert Plant is known for that lol! But, they don’t have to do it. For me - why not!? You always own your performance, recording, and of course version or even complete re-write.
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You have a lot of interesting knowledge about song history. I find it really interesting - how as an art songs, or parts of songs, are living breathing things that can evolve, influence other versions and launch other songs, carry folklore with them over time, and become part of the story of our lives. It is cool how these stories stick in our heads. Not sure if you are a Dolly Parton fan - but I listened to Dolly Parton’s America and was surprised how much I learned about her history and music history through that - plus also how she has managed her career and managed to stay relevant and popular for so many years. I also love Song Exploder and hearing all about one song from the artist’s perspective.
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I’ll check out
songexploder .net/episodes
There’s a few in that list that look very interesting - thank you.
Oh, and Dolly Parton, yes, I lived in that part of Appalachia, other side of that mountain, and family on her side of it too - it’s a, for me, imo, great culture in many ways and how I see it is - certain personality types migrate to, or are formed by these aspects in our up bringing.
One thing that stuck out to me as I got older and landed in different parts from the south to the north (up to the Canadian border) is the or a - common thread in these people (even the “townies” LOL! hahhh). In my mind I imagine, maybe “ridiculous” to say, but that Appalachian range could be it’s own “State”, one long slice up that side of America.
- That phenomenon seems to be a “human” thing, since, if love history will see it in other parts of the world where you see modern day borders, but kind of better understand the conflicts, good/bad if understand the “tribal” (?) regions that over lap those borders. Borders don’t care! LOL!
Anyway, again, too long on this maybe, but, I think, arguably - Dolly is whom she is in part due to her heritage. I’m not married to the idea that environment shapes us, since many turn out 180 degrees - but it may facilitate some of the good stuff - I hope
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