Poems, Personal Stories, and Observations

Posts tagged ‘Blues’

16 Tons …

Here are four renditions of the song “Sixteen Tons”. Which one is your favorite?
What an ode to a rough life — a working man’s blues. If you know nothing about
“company stores,” read up on it. Also, worth thinking about: where did such people
find hope — I think it would have to be in God — otherwise people turn to drink.

The original version by the original writer (Merle Travis):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pfVvqLM_e4

Fun version; seems to be filmed in a place not unlike Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9kb4-wUAU4

Incredible bass voice; English might not be his native language, but wonderfully done:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjevsnCRQ_A

Tennessee Ernie Ford; starts around 2:00 minute mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjmdEBgsu_g

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Old Lady’s Blues

Well, the air’s too wet,
I’m covered in sweat.
The chiggers are ‘bitin;
Soon there’ll be lightnin’.

But I’ve got food to eat,
A roof over my head,
Even have A/C,
And people who love me.

Well, the news is bad;
It’s makin’ me sad.
My back is in pain;
Might be goin’ insane.

But I’ve got good friends, 
A garden to tend,
Cats who like to cuddle,
Rain enough for some puddles. 

Well, I spilled the dinner,
Don’t seem to be a winner.
The grandbaby’s cryin’;
Life can be tryin’.

But there’s always a light;
Your smile is so bright.
We may not agree,
But you’re talkin’ with me!

Just heard the doctor’s verdict,
Says my blood pressure’s imperfect 
Not to mention blood sugar,
Extra carbs in the cooker.

But I’ve got Jesus beside me;
There’s nothing can fright me.
Well, maybe things will, 
But He’ll help me, until …

I can see through the night,
And hear music bright,
Be calm in the storm,
‘Til He brings me home.

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Dishwashing Blues

[Another silly poem, and “first world” problem?  Well, we need to laugh sometimes! Life can get a bit heavy. Blessings.]

Oh, I hate to wash dishes
But mama said I must.
But I hate to wash dishes;
I’d rather eat dust.

Oh, the dishwasher’s broken
Oh, what can I do?
There’s a pile a foot high
On the counter; it’s true.

Just put on some music
And sing my way through.
Dance to some verses
And tap to the tune.

Each verse that is sung,
The dishrag is wrung.
The clean pile gets higher
‘Til all of them done!

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Blues assignment

[For a Music assignment, we had to write some Blues lyrics, so here are mine.
Hope you can imagine it to a blues rhythm. I was imagining myself as a young
woman again, not knowing how to deal with aggressive men.]

———————————————————————————–

[Parentheses indicate speech]

I’m leavin’ the city, gonna find me a country home,
(You know) I’m leavin’ the city, gonna find me a country home,
You know the city ain’t so pretty; it’s just got me down.

You know, it just got too crowded; people all around.
You know, it just got too crowded; people all around.
No place for a girl to breathe, and they all clownin’ around.

‘Course when I got to the country, things were just as bad.
‘Course when I got to the country, things were just as bad.
What’s a girl to do? — all the men are mad.

Well, I’m back in the city; nowhere else to go (don’t seem to be).
Well, I’m back in the city; nowhere else to go (right now).
Just ask God to take control; and I’ll be heaven bound.

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