Uplifting old timey songs?
My question is maybe a little facetious and intended to jumpstart people into announcing ‘Of course there are uplifting old time songs!’ Seriously, if you know of any, let me know.
Most of the songs I’m aware of, or at least the ones I know or have an inkling of the lyrics to, seem to involve death, murder, lost love, drinking or fighting. Even Keep on the Sunny Side is basically saying despite all the hardship, keep positive.
Anyway, some examples of what I mean, and keep in mind these are the few songs I know to play or sing for my baby son, often when I’m trying to soothe him to sleep.
Lady Gay (recorded by Buell Kazzee amongst others I’m sure) - A woman has 3 children, sends them off to be educated in the ‘North country’. The children all die in a matter of weeks. Clearly the mother is upset but when the children return to her as ghosts (?) it’s basically to tell her to stop mourning… harsh.
Pretty Polly (many many versions, with differing lyrics but similar sentiments) - A man takes his wife to be for a walk through the mountains, only to bring her to a grave he has prepared. After burying her he then goes to the river to drown himself. Again, seems like slightly drastic action, whatever his reasoning.
The Wagoner’s Lad (again, made famous by Buell Kazzee) - No death this time (yay) but plenty of love lost (boo). The wagoner’s lad is in love with a girl, but her parents don’t really approve, and as his work takes him travelling he leaves her, despite her attempts to get him to stay. The song sets all this up by saying these are basically the rules and constructs of society that a woman has to follow, being ‘controlled and confined’ by her parents and husband. Yay!
I could go on, but it’s just too depressing. The Cruel Mother is particularly graphic, a shame because versions like that of Alasdair Roberts are very nice tunes - and I can play it on the banjo.
Finally then, if you have any nominations for chirpy old time songs, please let me know - with lyrics too if possible!
