Tunes

[Tim Twiss]

Hey John, want to do this again? So many to pick from...especially with the Glee Book available. It does not have to be a vocal tune. I know Clarke has done "Clare De Kitchen" a lot...this is a good candidate, and another one of those very early ones. The lyrics are classic. It would also make a really good Stroke instrumental. 

[Elaine Masciale]

You're welcome, Tim.  I've been pursuing musical cultural references for about a year now and really enjoy how much they add.  Nothing worse than a spectator asking you what something means and saying, "I don't know."  Nothing wrong with saying that, of course, but when you don't understand most of the references in a song it can get a bit tricky.

[Tim Twiss]

You should share more of your findings.

[Al Smitley]

Here's is a parody on "Clare De Kitchen", printed as a song sheet and must be from 1833 or shortly thereafter, referring to the nullification issue during the Jackson Administration in which S. Carolina threatened to secede.  In fact Calhoun (VP to Jackson) quit his job with several months remaining, in order to help his home state, S. Carolina, in its fight.   I think I've mentioned it before...but here are the words....

A mighty angry quarrel rose,

Among the Tarrif's friends and foes

And South Carolina, in a fit

De Union vows to curse and quit, .....but

   [Chorus]

   Save de Union old folks, young folks

   Save the Union old folks, young folks

   Old Virginny never tire

Virginny love her sister State

and most as much the Tariff hate

but while the Tariff she despise

de Union very much she prize,....so

She send her son Mas Watkins Leigh

De South Carolina folks to see

To tell em just to wait a while

and better times will on us smile, so....

The Tariff chief, name Henry Clay

who love his country much dey say

Begin to fear its danger great

and says I join my native State, to.....

Calhoun, a great Calina man

Abominate the Tariff plan

but he too say, Oh yes, 'tis right

And Clay, let's me and you unite, to.....

McDuffie too, when he see dat,

off-hand begin to smell de rat

he say, no doubt Calhoun is wise

and we must do what he advise, to.....

Den all de folks in Congress Hall

De ladies, gentlemens an all

all smile upon Calhoun and Clay

and say well done, dat is de way, to.....

And when Calina hear de news

she come into Virginny's views

she smile upon Mas Watkins Leigh

and say my Nullies all agree

[Tim Twiss]

Lovin' this song. For what it's worth, I took it down a P5....fits my vocal range and is still a good lay on the banjo...kind of in the Rose of Alabama range. All the verse are great...a "root" tune I believe.