mp3: Sally Ann – Click To Play “Sally Ann” is a traditional song from the 1800s. It’s been used as a dance tune. I tried to pin down where Sandy Land is but got mixed results. Some say it represents the southeastern shore of Maryland and other say it’s in Texas. In both casees there … Continue reading "Sally Ann"

mp3: The Parting Glass – Click To Play This Traditional Celtic song is a favorite in all the world as the last song of the night at the pub. It’s also a fine way to say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in the New Year!!! The Parting Glass Oh of all the money that e’re … Continue reading "The Parting Glass"

mp3: Early Christmas Morn – Click To Play I wrote this with Mike Settle in 1961. We shared an apartment in Greenwich Village at the time. This was the first song I ever wrote. The original melody and chords were a bit different but the lyrics are the same. Merry Christmas! EARLY CHRISTMAS MORN [Em] … Continue reading "Early Christmas Morn"

mp3: Marching Through Georgia – Click To Play This marks the 30th anniversary of the Folk Den. My maternal grandfather was born in the late 1800s. He used to sing this song to me when I was a child. I received this recording from a talented multi-instrumentalist named L.J. Slavin who gave me his CD … Continue reading "Marching Through Georgia"

mp3: Fentanyl Fold – Click To Play I noticed people bending over in San Francisco on the TV news. After a little research I discovered the reason. It’s referred to as “The fentanyl fold” It’s a specific posture that individuals may assume when under the influence of fentanyl, characterized by a drooping head and slumped … Continue reading "Fentanyl Fold"

mp3: Sing Hallelujah – Click To Play I wrote this to the tune of a 19th century folk song “Skillet Good and Greasy” I loved the melody but I thought these lyrics were more uplifting . [C] Well I’m headed up to Heaven Gonna see all my friends [Em] Sing [Am] Hallelujah [Em] Where time … Continue reading "Sing Hallelujah"

m4a: Pastures of Plenty – Click To Play Woody Guthrie wrote this song in 1941 to celebrate the migrant workers described in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” The tune is taken from the Appalachian murder ballad “Pretty Poly.” A home recording of Woody Guthrie singing this and other compositions of his was discovered recently … Continue reading "Pastures of Plenty —— Lyrics By Woody Guthrie"

mp3: Hallelujah, I’m a bum – Click To Play This is an old song Roud 7992 from the 1890’s. Carl Sandburg included it in his anthology “The American Songbook” Lyrics:   [G] Rejoice and be glad, for the [Em] springtime has come [G] We can throw down our shovels and [D] go on the bum … Continue reading "BUM"

mp3: We Shall Not Be Moved – Click To Play We Shall Not Be Moved is a lovely spiritual from the Southern churches in the 1800’s. It was extremely hard to find the original lyrics because for years it had been rewritten as a union song. The text is based on biblical scripture: Happy Juneteenth!!! … Continue reading "We Shall Not Be Moved"

mp3: Happy Bears Quick Step – Click To Play Here’s a story that I tell in my one-man-show: When I worked for Bobby Darin in Las Vegas, I would follow him around and ask questions on how to make it in the music business. One time I mentioned that I’s like to get in the … Continue reading "Happy Bears Quick Step"