Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Because in the end we DO remember: "This is the symphony that Schubert wrote and never finished," I just wrote words to "Eavesdropper" to help me remember the tune from the title and the title from the tune. I offer them up --to be ripped to shreds no doubt-- in the fervent hope that you will be inspired to do better:
"I swear that she said it, and right to his face, that he wasn't the kind of man he ought to be."
Yes, trivializing great music with jingles can get in the way of their appreciation, but I'm thinking a few words can't destroy an Irish tune. And not REMEMBERING it can get in the way of PLAYING it! Nearly everyone seems to have trouble associating titles and tunes. Plus it will give you seasoned veterans something to do with your wits when they play that old chestnut yet again...
Imagine the benefit for future generations! Your chance at immortality!
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
I've heard it suggested that the original gaelic names of tunes actually sound like the first few notes of the tune, in at least some cases, so they are already a memnomic.
Not to mention para-dimethly-amino-benzaldehyde - try singing that to the opening bars of "The Mason's Apron". It works, it really works.
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
I swear, when I first learned Rolling in the Rye Grass, the B section literally screamed the words, "Rolling in the rye grass, the rye grass, the rye grass."
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
A few days ago I posted an American square-dance call in the comments to The Irish Washerwoman* (G major version) in the Tunes section - it includes the memorable lines
"You're washin' the clothes, and washin' 'em
clean.
It's a rub-a-dub-dub all around the ring"
* as if anyone could ever forget the name of that particular tune!
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Totally different idea, but this reminds me of the song that Cathal McConnell recorded a few years ago, The Hurricane Of Reels - a silly bunch of lyrics, all aimed at getting in the names of a bunch of tunes. The last tune named in each verse was then lilted as a sort of "chorus".
I supose if you learned that one, you'd have a few tunes whose titles you'd never forget.
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
lazyhound.
A few St. Pats ago, a couple of the neighborhood kids were invited to play. They were taking classical training. The people putting the show together had no feeling for Irish Music. ("Play something Irish...its just tunes")
Someone told them to play Irish Washerwoman. Poor kids. They dutifully hammer out the tune. The older Irish ladies in the congregation hated that song. A brutal audience though you did not hear it until they were outside on the street afterward. They were also very proper.
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Not entirely to the point, but it's too good to not mention:
'Oh there was a maid behind the bar and that was where she stayed
Though her friends all cried "Come out! Come out!", they never never could persuade
The maid behind the bar to move - she never would come out.
Her sole purpose on this earthly plane was serving mugs of stout.
Oh unambitious serving maid, she's overworked and underpaid;
Has she no longing to be free? No existential agony?
While serving beers and stouts to ungrateful drunken louts,
Oh is it too late to change her fate, the maid behind the bar?'
Apparently written by Barbara Lester. I don't know who she is, but she's certainly brilliant!
"...A number of Irish-language and English-language songs were set to this tune in Ireland in the 19th century, such as "An Spailpín Fánach" (translated into English as "The Rambling Labourer"), The Rare Old Mountain Dew (published New York, 1882) and in the 20th century, such as Waxie's Dargle.
In England the tune is often known as "Brighton Camp" and is used for Morris Dancing..."
So while what you're suggesting is nothing new, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it and have a good time!
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
The first tune I ever learned had words to the A part that practically shouted the melody:
Feed your babies onions, so you can find 'em in the garden after dark,
Feed your babies onions, so you can find 'em in the dark.
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Not a new idea, but a good idea if your a musician. Some method for remembering how a tune starts.
For instance how could you ever forget "The Salley Gardens" if you can remember this
"Go and catch Mary Ann by the foll dol dil i de dum....."
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Nice one Karen! Though I am a bit worried that the words will stick in my head and get in the way of the pure tune. Hmmmm I guess I'll try it with a tune I'm not infatuated with. . .
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Perhaps musicians are more sophisticated nowadays but when I started playing music in the fifties, there were many examples of tunes being referred to by something other than its correct name, and usually very naughty names at that. Marching bands were the worst culprits, probably inherited from the Military influence. Indeed I marched many times to great tunes such as 'B......cks' - Stick your nose up me .......! - You'd be far better off in a home - Did you ever catch your........(but for obvious reasons I'll leave it at that )
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
1) Aunty Mary had a canary .. .
2) Oh darling Flo, I love you so .. .
3) Old Mrs Docherty .. .
4) My Love she's fed on Lassie .. .
Work out the tune?
These are all standard musos word sets for tune learning/remembrance - there are hundreds of others just in the traditions of these islands, as well as in America. I'm certain that other traditions use them as well.
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Many thanks for all the posts! Some good ones!
Those of you offering up tantalizing tidbits from times gone by, it'd be fab if you have a sec to flesh them out? Maybe this thread could become a database for such-- first lines and titles would be great, or if they exist somewhere else in written form in the hundreds, perhaps a reference if your fingers get tired of typing and there's no one else to help.
I see several of you were inspired to write lyrics to the "Naysayers Reel!" That's great! Maybe a little more attention to meter and ryhme next time, but hey, thanks for contributing to that "Yes, and..." spirit that builds collaborative creativity!
I just know there a few right brainers out there brave enough to come to the party with one of your own, don't be shy! I was thinking just a first line in keeping with the title's theme, not whole songs. Just handy mnemonic devices for the tune/title dyslexics out there like me... a silly limerick sort of thing.
Cause I tell ya', it works! I go to bed at night now with "Eavesdroppers" running through my head and that NEVER happened in the past.
Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Because in the end we DO remember: "This is the symphony that Schubert wrote and never finished," I just wrote words to "Eavesdropper" to help me remember the tune from the title and the title from the tune. I offer them up --to be ripped to shreds no doubt-- in the fervent hope that you will be inspired to do better:
"I swear that she said it, and right to his face, that he wasn't the kind of man he ought to be."
Yes, trivializing great music with jingles can get in the way of their appreciation, but I'm thinking a few words can't destroy an Irish tune. And not REMEMBERING it can get in the way of PLAYING it! Nearly everyone seems to have trouble associating titles and tunes. Plus it will give you seasoned veterans something to do with your wits when they play that old chestnut yet again...
Imagine the benefit for future generations! Your chance at immortality!
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by ZengaGirl
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
I need a new brain -- this one's full.
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by gam
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Each to their own, carry on as you will etc etc. but tunes are tunes and songs are songs and that's about it
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by the wounded hussar
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
I've heard it suggested that the original gaelic names of tunes actually sound like the first few notes of the tune, in at least some cases, so they are already a memnomic.
Not to mention para-dimethly-amino-benzaldehyde - try singing that to the opening bars of "The Mason's Apron". It works, it really works.
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
I swear, when I first learned Rolling in the Rye Grass, the B section literally screamed the words, "Rolling in the rye grass, the rye grass, the rye grass."
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by sara505sings
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
A few days ago I posted an American square-dance call in the comments to The Irish Washerwoman* (G major version) in the Tunes section - it includes the memorable lines
"You're washin' the clothes, and washin' 'em
clean.
It's a rub-a-dub-dub all around the ring"
* as if anyone could ever forget the name of that particular tune!
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Trevor Jennings
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Totally different idea, but this reminds me of the song that Cathal McConnell recorded a few years ago, The Hurricane Of Reels - a silly bunch of lyrics, all aimed at getting in the names of a bunch of tunes. The last tune named in each verse was then lilted as a sort of "chorus".
I supose if you learned that one, you'd have a few tunes whose titles you'd never forget.
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
lazyhound.
A few St. Pats ago, a couple of the neighborhood kids were invited to play. They were taking classical training. The people putting the show together had no feeling for Irish Music. ("Play something Irish...its just tunes")
Someone told them to play Irish Washerwoman. Poor kids. They dutifully hammer out the tune. The older Irish ladies in the congregation hated that song. A brutal audience though you did not hear it until they were outside on the street afterward. They were also very proper.
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by zippydw
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
That Cathal McConnell-Song is hidden somewhere in Chris Smith's radio shows. They are all worth listening to, anyway.
http://kohm.publicbroadcasting.net/csaudioarchive1.html
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by kuec
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/7341/comments#comment156855
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Kenny
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Not entirely to the point, but it's too good to not mention:
'Oh there was a maid behind the bar and that was where she stayed
Though her friends all cried "Come out! Come out!", they never never could persuade
The maid behind the bar to move - she never would come out.
Her sole purpose on this earthly plane was serving mugs of stout.
Oh unambitious serving maid, she's overworked and underpaid;
Has she no longing to be free? No existential agony?
While serving beers and stouts to ungrateful drunken louts,
Oh is it too late to change her fate, the maid behind the bar?'
Apparently written by Barbara Lester. I don't know who she is, but she's certainly brilliant!
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Joe CSS
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
The Mason's Apron and Shakespeare collide with a memorable story song - sure hope it helps you remember the tune.
http://supersearch.mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=4520
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Toppish
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
This has been done over and over again in the history. It's where the songs come from. The tunes are reused for songs.
Take the song The Girl I Left Behind Me for example:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Girl_I_Left_Behind
"...A number of Irish-language and English-language songs were set to this tune in Ireland in the 19th century, such as "An Spailpín Fánach" (translated into English as "The Rambling Labourer"), The Rare Old Mountain Dew (published New York, 1882) and in the 20th century, such as Waxie's Dargle.
In England the tune is often known as "Brighton Camp" and is used for Morris Dancing..."
So while what you're suggesting is nothing new, that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it and have a good time!
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
The first tune I ever learned had words to the A part that practically shouted the melody:
Feed your babies onions, so you can find 'em in the garden after dark,
Feed your babies onions, so you can find 'em in the dark.
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by fiddlerdan
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Not a new idea, but a good idea if your a musician. Some method for remembering how a tune starts.
For instance how could you ever forget "The Salley Gardens" if you can remember this
"Go and catch Mary Ann by the foll dol dil i de dum....."
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by knightly
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
I was going to say... this has been done. I.e. the Frieze Britches, Kitty Lie Over, all the Gaelic canterach songs in Scotland, etc.
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
@SWLF:
When I first heard "Brighton Camp" I thought it was a theme tune used by Graham Norton.
(Forget the dots or letters, listen to the sound,)
# Posted on May 3rd 2010 by Alex Wilding
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Nice one Karen! Though I am a bit worried that the words will stick in my head and get in the way of the pure tune. Hmmmm I guess I'll try it with a tune I'm not infatuated with. . .
# Posted on May 4th 2010 by Martin_BC
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Perhaps musicians are more sophisticated nowadays but when I started playing music in the fifties, there were many examples of tunes being referred to by something other than its correct name, and usually very naughty names at that. Marching bands were the worst culprits, probably inherited from the Military influence. Indeed I marched many times to great tunes such as 'B......cks' - Stick your nose up me .......! - You'd be far better off in a home - Did you ever catch your........(but for obvious reasons I'll leave it at that )
# Posted on May 4th 2010 by Free Reed
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
1) Aunty Mary had a canary .. .
2) Oh darling Flo, I love you so .. .
3) Old Mrs Docherty .. .
4) My Love she's fed on Lassie .. .
Work out the tune?
These are all standard musos word sets for tune learning/remembrance - there are hundreds of others just in the traditions of these islands, as well as in America. I'm certain that other traditions use them as well.
# Posted on May 4th 2010 by Ebor_fiddler
Re: Let's write words to tunes to remember their titles!
Many thanks for all the posts! Some good ones!
Those of you offering up tantalizing tidbits from times gone by, it'd be fab if you have a sec to flesh them out? Maybe this thread could become a database for such-- first lines and titles would be great, or if they exist somewhere else in written form in the hundreds, perhaps a reference if your fingers get tired of typing and there's no one else to help.
I see several of you were inspired to write lyrics to the "Naysayers Reel!" That's great! Maybe a little more attention to meter and ryhme next time, but hey, thanks for contributing to that "Yes, and..." spirit that builds collaborative creativity!
I just know there a few right brainers out there brave enough to come to the party with one of your own, don't be shy! I was thinking just a first line in keeping with the title's theme, not whole songs. Just handy mnemonic devices for the tune/title dyslexics out there like me... a silly limerick sort of thing.
Cause I tell ya', it works! I go to bed at night now with "Eavesdroppers" running through my head and that NEVER happened in the past.
# Posted on May 12th 2010 by ZengaGirl