Post a song that has a state name or city in the title or lyrics. Mine is "New York, New York"

[debm55]

and hot lanta by the Allman Brothers.

[Eugene]

1. Selma, Alabama - Eve of Destruction - Bob Dylan

[debm55]

51. Eugene, thank you.

[yonder]

2. Of course, this one would be on the list.

?si=RlO-ACcOV4-FJSt-

[debm55]

52. Didn't a company use this or the USPS? thank you for posting

[yonder]

59. Don't know but has been covered by many people.

I dont think Johnny Cash wrote it either

[yellowdogintexas]

138. That has been around a long time. Hank Snow recorded it in 1962

I saw him on stage at the Grand Ole Opry many times, and he sang it nearly every time.

While looking up Hank Snow, I found the original was written by an Australian and features Australian towns.

Wikipedia reports that Australian songwriter Geoff Mack's music publisher offered the song to Canadian-born country musician Hank Snow in 1962. Snow thought the song had potential for the Canadian and American markets, but only if the place names were changed to mention locations in North America. Mack then rewrote the song for Snow using a North American atlas supplied to him by the publisher.

It was actually written by Geoff Mack, an Australian. He wrote seven different versions for different countries and singers. Original and best version sung by Lucky Starr.

[yonder]

143. Thanks for looking into that. As suspected, someone else penned it.

The original Australian version is likely a hoot with distinctive Aussie names - probably doesn't sound much like the one we're used too. I think I'll try tracking it down.

[RainCaster]

3. Midnight train to Georgia

Gladys Knight, IIRC.

[debm55]

48. Gladys had the strong woman voice. Loved her songs when I was young.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

4. 🎶🎵

&pp=ygUiZWFzdCBzdCBsb3VpcyB0b29kbGUgb28gc3RlZWx5IGRhbg%3D%3D

[debm55]

50. I never knew that was the title. Thank you.

[IrishAfricanAmerican]

53. It's an old Duke Ellington number...

&pp=ygUmZWFzdCBzdCBsb3VpcyB0b29kbGUgb28gZHVrZSBlbGxpbmd0b24%3D

[patphil]

5. This one sung by Tony Bennett

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-e&q=I+left+my+heart+in+san+francisco&bshm=rimc/1

[Diamond_Dog]

6. Of course

OHIO

?si=OJiAIVDkHUEQ53tz

[DoBW]

14. great pick

[patphil]

7. The Standells

[Eugene]

54. Born and raised in Boston, but I never heard that song until freshman year in college.

1981. The person playing it expected me to know it.

[debm55]

81. It's the St.Charles River in Boston. When my MIL died we held a memorial there. We bought a

beautiful wreath to throw into the river. We stood on the bridge and dropped it. It was so damn cold that the river was totally frozen. Wreath stayed there. PS Hubby is from Boston.

[TexasBushwhacker]

8. Galveston

Many forget the Vietnam references. Written by the great Jimmy Webb, backed by The Wrecking Crew.

?si=A5O8VqduL-XFTd5R

[debm55]

43. I didn't remember the references to Vietnam until you brought it up. Song has a different meaning

now. Thank you.

[TexasBushwhacker]

46. There were plenty of songs from that period that had indirect references to Vietnam

Jim Morrison said "Love Me Two Times" was about a soldier getting ready to ship out.

"Love me two times baby
Love me twice today
Love me two times girl
I'm goin' away
Love me two times girl
One for tomorrow, one just for today
Love me two times
I'm goin' away"

[TygrBright]

9. Wichita Lineman. n/t

[debm55]

83. I forgot about that one, Thank you

[rsdsharp]

10. San Francisco (Flowers in Your Hair)

&pp=ygUic2FuIGZyYW5jaXNjbyBmbG93ZXJzIGluIHlvdXIgaGFpcg%3D%3D

[debm55]

44. Loved this song.

[Walleye]

11. California

https://m.

&pp=ygUYY2FsaWZvcm5pYSBqb25pIG1pdGNoZWxs

[debm55]

70. the song is a beautiful as Joni is.

[cbabe]

12. OFFICIAL Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man

OFFICIAL Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole - Maui Hawaiian Sup'pa Man

https://m.

[debm55]

68. cbabe, thank you for bringing this singer up. I not heard of "IZ" previously but will do a search on

him

[Hekate]

144. Look for his rendition of Over the Rainbow, too. His voice was so tender and beautiful...

I love everything he recorded. Gone much too young.

[debm55]

13. The song "Oklahoma" from the musical

[DoBW]

15. Rocky Mountain High

?si=1P96diYOiXyHViC_

[debm55]

45. Loved John and his music.

[CTyankee]

16. Another Alabama song

[debm55]

69. Jimmy was so young there. I miss him.

[DoBW]

17. Take me home country roads

?si=Ail2QATEK3yZFgR-

[debm55]

72. Living close to WV, people sang this song all the time. It is the official song of WV. The natural

sights John mentions I have seen in person. At one time my husband worked for MSHA and did alot of work in WV. He would come home singing this song.

[Fla Dem]

18. Please Come To Boston by Dave Loggings

Denver is also mentioned.

One of my favorite songs. I was and will always be a Bostonian

[debm55]

73. Bitter sweet song.

[The Magistrate]

19. Thetre's A Place Or Two Mentioned Here, Ma'am, If You Listen Careful...

[debm55]

23. Thanks---Johnny mentioned Pittsburgh!!

[cbabe]

20. I see your John Denver country roads and raise you brother iz...

Take Me Home Country Road Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

https://m.

[NotASurfer]

21. Speaking of East St Louis

?si=e9AHmgfS2w8JJMvj


I'm in that kind of mood

[Ptah]

22. Mississippi Goddam

[cloudbase]

24. Waltz across Texas.

Deep in the Heart of Texas.
I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo.
Tennessee Waltz.

[debm55]

74. Love all three. Thank you.

[RainCaster]

25. It never rains in Southern California

[debm55]

75. Thank you for posting--brings back memories.

[debm55]

26. I'm shipping up to Boston--Dropkick Murphys

Last edited Thu Sep 14, 2023, 04:53 PM - Edit history (2)

[WestMichRad]

27. Michigan, my Michigan

&pp=ygUZbWljaGlnYW4gbXkgbWljaGlnYW4gc29uZw%3D%3D

[debm55]

168. Thanks, What song uses the melody in their song. It seems very familiar?

[jmowreader]

28. New York State of Mind

[debm55]

47. I say Billy Joel in concert when he sang this.

[Brother Buzz]

29. Alabama Jubilee

Filmmaker, Terry Zwigoff is playing the cello.

[yonder]

66. Nice! And to think I went for the low-hanging fruit of " I've been everywhere, man"

I've a couple of RC&HCSS L.P.'s in the collection.

The Beach on Waikiki one might qualify for this thread too.

Edit: qualify or not, here it is:

?si=bRMaKe4Swbu3eaEP

Smilin' for the rest of the day, thanks!

[Brother Buzz]

92. Then there's Honolulu Baby by the The Beau Hunks

Very little Leroy Shield studio music survived so the The Beau Hunks reached out to the Cheap Suiters, the only contemporary band doing Shield (Sing Song Girl and Little Rascals Medley) for some help; they became close friends and even had Robert Crump do their album artwork. The Beau Hunks ended up transcribing the music from the films, note for note.

[debm55]

96. Yes , it does have a twick of the Little Rascals.

[Brother Buzz]

112. The Little Rascals was the second album the Beau Hunks put together

[yonder]

99. Thanks for the background and new road to explore.

They sound smoother, slicker than the Cheap Suiters - almost big bandy.

[Brother Buzz]

104. They started off as a rag-tag group, but Boy howdy, they got better

There's a ton of their work on Youtube

They even did Raymond Scott (Think Looney Tunes)

[jmowreader]

30. Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John

[jmowreader]

31. Streets of Philadelphia - Bruce Springsteen

[jmowreader]

32. The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace

[debm55]

80. I remember them!

Last edited Sat Sep 16, 2023, 10:28 PM - Edit history (1)

[Dulcinea]

33. Pennsylvania Polka!

[debm55]

36. Thank you. They used to play this at the Steeler's games. Changed the title to Pittsburgh Polka.

That was back in the day. I don't know if they still do.

[Dulcinea]

38. I remember!

I was a kid then, but my dad & I would sing it together!

[debm55]

39. HAHAHAHAHA. Wow, I don't watch football anymore. Back then it was REALLY big in the town. Franco's

Army and all the rest of the fans had their own groups for players. I remember them playing this over the Loud Speaker at Three Rivers.

[jmowreader]

34. All the Gold in California - Gatlin Brothers

[Dulcinea]

35. Private Idaho-B52s

[Dulcinea]

37. Louisiana 1927--Randy Newman

[debm55]

40. Georgia on my Mind.--Ray Charles

[lpbk2713]

58. Willie had some success with that one too.

...

[debm55]

122. Agree

[Dulcinea]

41. Mainline Florida-Eric Clapton

[debm55]

123. I remember this song as I saw Clapton while he was on tour for the album. Cost of ticket-$25.

[debm55]

42. Sweet Home Alabama--Lynyard Skynyrd though I really didn't like it. It was in answer to Young's

Southern Man.

[Harker]

49. Here you go...

?si=QcHyPYBfYvG-M0cQ

[debm55]

55. Love this song. I miss Johnny and June.

[Harker]

56. When I was a child I thought Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra

had no business singing.

I've come around, though.

[lpbk2713]

60. And speaking of Johnny and June ...

Jackson.

[IcyPeas]

57. Cocteau Twins - Heaven or Las Vegas // Patty Griffin and Robert Plant - Ohio // Hole - Malibu

[Niagara]

61. Kentucky Rain by Elvis Presley

[debm55]

67. Loved this song by Elvis. I really didn't listen to his music, but this one was special

[Niagara]

76. This is my favorite song from Elvis.

[Niagara]

62. One Night In Bangkok by Murray Head

[Niagara]

63. Hollywood by The Runaways

[debm55]

94. I haven't heard this song before, but I like it. Thanks Niagara to opening my ears to them.

[Niagara]

129. You're welcome, Debbie.

I'm sharing another music video from The Runaways in this thread as well.

[ailsagirl]

64. San Francisco - Scott MacKenzie nt

[debm55]

65. Loved it. Wore granny dresses and wove a wreath of flowers that summer

[ailsagirl]

124. I had a granny dress, as well!!

[debm55]

169. At that time, girls were not allowed to wear slacks to school, so they did keep your legs warm

waiting and seating on the cold bus seats.

[ailsagirl]

171. We couldn't wear slacks, either

It was after I finished high school that the girls could wear slacks.
Oh well... I survived

[First Speaker]

71. Marching Through Georgia...

...when I think of MTG, it seems more relevant than ever...

[debm55]

77. Yes, it does.

[Laffy Kat]

78. My hometown: Memphis, TN

[debm55]

79. Laffy Kat, I remember dancing to that as a young kid.

[Laffy Kat]

82. Me, too!

We kept calling the radio stations and requesting it.

[debm55]

84. We did that too! Then listened on transistor radio

[surrealAmerican]

85. Moving to Montana

... Frank Zappa.

[debm55]

88. I will have to check that out on YouTube. Montana and Zappa sound interesting.

[RainCaster]

115. Love that song! There's dental floss involved

[raccoon]

86. Lodi, by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

[debm55]

90. Oh yes, Lodi, CA. Thank you, raccoon

[rogerballard]

87. "Strange times in Portland, Maine Lobsters dancing on the docks"

[debm55]

89. Well, I be darn if there is a song about Maine and Carly song it. Thank you.

[rogerballard]

91. Carly has few...

United States and overseas in the lyrics and titles and you are welcome

[debm55]

93. Hot Lanta. I also put in the instrumentals. But I loved the Allman Bros.

And it is about Atlanta, GA

[Angleae]

95. Steve Miller Band - Rock'n Me

[debm55]

97. Yes, Steve did list the places he went to. AZ was mentioned for a first time!!!! Thank you Anglea

[debm55]

98. California Girls Beach Boys.

[Mr.Bill]

109. We moved from the east coast to what is now Silicon Valley

in 1961. I was eight years old. I was still kind of homesick for Baltimore for awhile. My dad worked for United Airlines so we could fly cheap. Every summer I would spend about six weeks in Baltimore with my cousins. There's a lot to like about Baltimore. Lots of good food. I still felt like I belonged there. Then one summer day I heard California Girls on the radio. I remember it like it was yesterday. Before that song was over I knew I was a Californian. Huge turning point in my life all because of a song.

[debm55]

111. Such a great story, Mr. Bill.

[Mr.Bill]

100. California - John Mayall

There is something unique about the collection of instruments used in this song. It's missing something almost all bands have. See if you can tell what it is. I listened to it for decades before I found out about it.

[debm55]

102. Oh Mr.Bill, the jazzy undertone's are great. Thank you.

[Mr.Bill]

103. Can you tell what is missing?

[debm55]

106. Drums?

[Mr.Bill]

108. Very good!

[debm55]

110. At first I thought it was a bass, but I heard it. What I didn't hear was drums. Listened to again,

no drums. Yes to me. PS did use google or anything. just listened.

[yonder]

101. And one more - I always liked this.

?si=0V78KMfUjluAD1iZ

[debm55]

105. yonder, do you live in Colorado? I like the very mellow tone of the song. Been to Colorado and it is

fantastic. thank you.

[yonder]

116. Born and raised but moved to Idaho in 1979

to escape the huge influx of transplants. The same thing has now been happening here. Cold, high, windy Wyoming next? Probably not.

That song was a one-hit wonder for Danny Holien way back when. I always liked the minor tension in it.

[GP6971]

107. California Dreamin'

Mamas & the Papas

[debm55]

113. OMG, I knew we were missing something. Thank you. That song always reminds me of the fall season.

[GP6971]

114. YW!! n/t

[Alpeduez21]

117. Battle of 1814

A little Howlin' Wolf

[IcyPeas]

118. Led Zeppelin- Going to California

[yonder]

119. Great song. LZ4 was probably my favorite and that was 1 of 3 favourites on 4.

[debm55]

121. Thank you, IcyPeas. You know what, I like this acoustic version very much. It brings out Robert

Plants vocals more.

[debm55]

120. Very different and great choices, Alpeduez21, Thank you for posting.

[SeattleVet]

125. Woodstock: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

(Written by Joni Mitchell)

[debm55]

170. Oh yes, Joni's verson is more laid back, but I also like CSNY version. TY

[Emile]

126. Back Home Again in Indiana

[Emile]

127. My Old Kentucky Home

[yellowdogintexas]

140. FInally! nt

[MissMillie]

128. Not a "guilty pleasure" for me... I unabashedly love the Bee Gees!

[debm55]

164. Wow that was a very early one.

[Niagara]

130. California Paradise by The Runaways.

[debm55]

162. Great song.

[Doc_Technical]

131. Robert Mitchum - The Ballad Of Thunder Road

[debm55]

161. Did know Robert Michum sang. Thank you.

[Doc_Technical]

132. Arizona- Mark Lindsay

[debm55]

163. Love that song, so Mark did as a solo, instead of with the raiders?

[Doc_Technical]

133. Robert Johnson- Sweet Home Chicago

[DFW]

188. SO many good people have done that song since, too! Including.......

[Doc_Technical]

135. Luckenbach, Texas

[debm55]

167. I remember that song. Thank you for posting.

[Doc_Technical]

136. Dschinghis Khan - Moskau

[ironflange]

137. King of the Road

[Emile]

146. Third box car, midnight train, destination Bangor Maine.

[debm55]

155. Great!

[debm55]

160. I remember listening to this on my transiter radio.

[sakabatou]

139. N.Y. Rush

[debm55]

156. Really like the jazzy sound. Thank you

[yellowdogintexas]

141. Nothing Could Be Finer Than to Be In Carolina in the Morning

also "Carolina in my mind"

[yellowdogintexas]

142. Sweet Georgia Brown Blue Moon of Kentucky El Paso Wabash Cannonball nt

[Emile]

151. City of New Orleans / Arlo Guthrie

[Hekate]

145. Hawai'i Aloha and Hawai'i Pono'i

This was new to me when I returned for my 50th high school reunion, but it has become an anthem of unity and love for the aina, and I’ve been trying to teach it to myself.

?si=is36DnOu-2gFUweQ




We used to sing Hawai’i Pono’i on every occasion when I was a kid on O’ahu (after football games, at graduations) . I think it was the national anthem for the Kingdom, but it became the State song. In any case, it was written by King Kalakaua.

?si=mtASdcS_oByXa-cv

[Niagara]

147. Nutbush City Limits by Ike & Tina Turner

I'm surprised this one hasn't been mentioned yet.

[debm55]

166. Loved Tina and you can see her energy there.

[malthaussen]

148. "Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania" of course.

Guy Mitchell and his orchestra

-- Mal

[debm55]

165. How could I forget. That is the Kauffman's clock.

[malthaussen]

172. We shopped at Kauffman's frequently.

And Horne's. Back when department stores were department stores!

-- Mal

[Upthevibe]

149. debm55...............

[WestMichRad]

150. L.a.n.t.a. - The Pretty Things

&pp=ygUTcHJldHR5IHRoaW5ncyBsYW50YQ%3D%3D

[ProfessorGAC]

152. Boo!

Songs about cities are my musical pet peeve.
I loathe all of them.

[debm55]

159. Boo to you.

[Dulcinea]

153. My City Was Gone--Pretenders

[Dulcinea]

154. Long Twin Silver Line--Bob Seger

[debm55]

157. Loved Bob Seger, thank you.

[debm55]

158. Oh I remember this. Loved the driving beat. Thank you

[DFW]

173. Walkin' to New Orleans--Fats Domino

[DFW]

174. Duesseldorf & Koeln (Cologne)--Zehn Kleine Jaegermeister by the Toten Hosen

[DFW]

175. Lahaina

[DFW]

176. Kailua Kona

[DFW]

177. Sailing to Philadelphia--Mark Knopfler and James Taylor

[DFW]

178. Last Exit to Brooklyn--Gene Pitney

[DFW]

179. Wichita Lineman --Glen Campbell

[DFW]

180. Poyezd iz Tambova --Kazbek Orchestra

"Train from Tambow"

[DFW]

181. Tourist Town --Marti Jones

Kind of generic, but even so, great song

[DFW]

182. Two Jewish Reels: Shepherd's Dream/Song of Bucharest -De Danann

[DFW]

183. De Grofschmitt Hannes Wader

About a country boy who goes to the University of Kiel.
Sung in Pladdütsch, a dialect that is dying out today. It was the native language of my father in law.

[DFW]

184. Der Rattenfaenger (Hameln) -- Hannes Wader

The story of the Pied Piper turned into a class struggle story, about the city of Hameln (Hamlin).

Fast jeder weiß was in Hameln geschah, vor tausend und einem Jahr
Wie die Ratten dort hausten, die alles fraßen was nicht aus Eisen war
Zu dieser Zeit kam ich nach langer Fahrt als Spielmann in diese Stadt
Und ich hörte als erstes den Herold schreien, als ich den Markt betrat
Wer mit Gottes Hilfe oder allein die Stadt von den Ratten befreit
Für den lägen ab nun beim Magistrat hundert Taler in Gold bereit

Ich packte mein Bündel, die Flöte und Leier und klopfte ans Rathaustor
Kaum sah man mich schlug man die Tür wieder zu und legte den Riegel vor
Und ich hörte wie man den Herren sagte, es stünde ein Mann vor dem Tor
Zerrissen und stinkend in bunten Lumpen, mit einem Ring im Ohr
Dieser Mann nun ließe den Herren sagen, er käme von weit, weit her
Und er böte der Stadt seine Hilfe, weil er ein Rattenfänger wär

Ich wartete lange, dann rief eine Stimme durch die geschlossene Tür:
"Vernichte die Ratten und du bekommst die versprochenen Taler dafür!"
Und ich ging und blies in der Nacht die Flöte, immer nur einen einzigen Ton
Der so hoch war, dass nur die Ratten ihn hörten, und keine kam davon
Bis hinein in die Weser folgte mir bald die ganze quiekende Brut
Und an Morgen trieben dann hunderttausend Kadaver in der Flut

Als die Hamelner Bürger hörten, was alles geschehen war in der Nacht
Tanzten sie auf den Straßen, nur an mich hat keiner gedacht
Und als ich dann wieder vorm Rathaus stand und forderte meinen Lohn
Schlug man auch diesmal die Tür vor mir zu und erklärte mir voller Hohn
Nur der Teufel könne bei meiner Arbeit im Spiel gewesen sein
Deshalb sei es gerecht, ich triebe bei ihm meine hundert Taler ein

Doch ich blieb und wartete Stunde um Stunde bis zum Abend vor jenem Haus
Aber die Ratsherren, die drinnen saßen, trauten sich nicht heraus
Als es Nacht war kamen bewaffnete Kerle, ein Dutzend oder mehr
Die schlugen mir ihre Spieße ins Kreuz und stießen mich vor sich her
Vor der Stadt hetzten sie ihre Hunde auf mich und die Bestien schonten mich nicht
Sie rissen mich um und pissten mir noch ins blutende Gesicht

Als der Mond schien, flickte ich meine Lumpen, wusch meine Wunden im Fluss
Und weinte dabei vor Schwäche und Wut, bis der Schlaf mir die Augen schloss
Doch noch einmal ging ich zurück in die Stadt und hatte dabei einen Plan
Denn es war Sonntag, die Bürger traten eben zum Kirchgang an
Nur die Kinder und die Alten blieben an diesem Morgen allein
Und ich hoffte, die Kinder würden gerechter als ihre Väter sein

Ich hatte vorher mein zerfleischtes Gesicht mir bunten Farbe bedeckt
Und mein Wams, damit man die Löcher nicht sah, mit Hahnenfedern besteckt
Und ich spielte und sang, bald kamen die Kinder zu mir von überall her
Hörten was ich sang mit Empörung und vergaßen es nie mehr
Und die Kinder beschlossen mir zu helfen und nicht mehr zuzusehen
Wo Unrecht geschieht, sondern immer gemeinsam dagegen anzugehen

Und die Hamelner Kinder hielten ihr Wort und bildeten ein Gericht
Zerrten die Bosheit und die Lügen ihrer Väter ans Licht
Und sie weckten damit in ihren Eltern Betroffenheit und Scham
Und weil er sich schämte, schlug manch ein Vater sein Kind fast krumm und lahm
Doch mit jeder Misshandlung wuchs der Mut der Kinder dieser Stadt
Und die hilflosen Bürger brachten die Sache vor den hohen Rat

Es geschah was heute noch immer geschieht, wo Ruhe mehr gilt als Recht
Denn wo die Herrschenden Ruhe wollen, geht's den Beherrschten schlecht
So beschloss man die Vertreibung einer ganzen Generation
In der Nacht desselben Tages begann die schmutzige Aktion
Gefesselt und geknebelt, von den eigenen Vätern bewacht
Hat man die Kinder von Hameln ganz heimlich aus der Stadt gebracht

Nun war wieder Ruhe in der Stadt Hameln, fast wie in einem Grab
Doch die Niedertracht blühte, die Ratsherren fassten eilig ein Schreiben ab
Das wurde der Stadtchronik beigefügt, mit dem Stempel des Landesherren
Und besagt, dass die Kinder vom Rattenfänger ermordet worden wär'n
Doch die Hamelner Kinder sind nicht tot, zerstreut in alle Welt
Haben auch sie wieder Kinder gezeugt, ihnen diese Geschichte erzählt

Denn auch heute noch setzen sich Menschen für die Rechte Schwächerer ein
Diese Menschen könnten wohl die Erben der Hamelner Kinder sein
Doch noch immer herrscht die Lüge über die Wahrheit in der Welt
Und solange die Gewalt und Angst die Macht in Händen hält
Solange kann ich nicht sterben, nicht ausruhen und nicht fliehen
Sondern muss als Spielmann und Rattenfänger immer weiter ziehen
Denn noch nehmen Menschen Unrecht als Naturgewalt in Kauf
Und ich hetze noch heute die Kinder dagegen immer wieder auf
Und ich hetze noch heute die Kinder dagegen immer wieder auf

Almost everyone knows what happened in Hameln, a thousand and one years ago,
how rats lived there, eating everything that was not made of iron.
At that time, after a long journey, I came to this town as a minstrel,
and when I entered the market place, the first thing I heard, was a herald shouting,
who, with the help of God or alone, would rescue the town from the rats,
would be paid a reward of one hundred Talers in gold by the town council.

I took my bundle, my flute and my lyre, and knocked on the town hall gate,
but as soon as they saw me, they slammed the door shut again and put the bolt in place.
And I heard that they told the councilors, there was a man at the gate,
torn and stinking, in colourful rags, with a ring in his ear.
This man now would let the councilors know, that he came from far, far away,
and he'd offer his help to the town, because he were a rat-catcher.

I waited a long time, then a voice shouted through the closed door,
„Kill the rats, and you will get the promised Talers!“
I went and blew my flute at night, only one single tone,
which was so high that only the rats could hear it, and none of them escaped.
Soon the whole squeaking brood followed me into the river Weser,
and then, in the morning, a hundred thousand cadavers floated in the water.

When the citizens of Hameln heard, what had happened during the night,
they danced in the streets, but nobody remembered me.
And when I stood at the town hall again and demanded my pay,
this time again they slammed the gate shut in my face, and mockingly told me,
only the devil could have supported my work,
so it would be only just, if I collected my hundred Talers from him.

But I stayed there and waited for hours in front of that house, until the evening came,
but the councilors, who were sitting inside, didn't dare to come out.
When the night fell, armed fellows approached, a dozen or more,
they hit me in the back with their spears and pushed me around the place.
Outside the town they set their dogs on me, and the beasts did not spare me.
They tore me down, and on top of that, they pissed on my bleeding face.

When the moon was shining, I mended my rags and washed my wounds in the river,
and cried with weakness and anger, until sleep closed my eyes.
But once more I went back to the town, and now I had a plan.
It was Sunday, the citizens were about to go to the church now.
Only the children and the elderly stayed alone this morning,
and my hope was, that the children would be more just than their fathers.

Beforehand I had covered my torn face with colourful paint,
and I had draped my vest with cock feathers, so that the holes could not be seen.
And I played and sang, and the children soon joined me from everywhere,
they indignantly listened to what I sang and never forgot it again.
And the children decided to help me and no longer to just watch,
where injustice happens, but to fight it together from now on.

And the children of Hameln kept their word and they installed a court,
pulled to light their fathers' malice and lies.
And they aroused dismay and shame in their parents,
and because he was ashamed, many a father beat his child almost crooked and lame.
But with every cruelty the courage of the children of the town grew,
and the helpless citizens brought the matter to the high council.

It happened what is still happening today, when silence is more important than justice,
for where the rulers demand silence, the ruled are worse off.
So they decided the expulsion of a whole generation.
The dirty action started in the night of the same day.
Bound and gagged, well guarded by their own fathers,
the children of Hameln secretly were brought out of town.

Now there was silence again in the town of Hameln, almost like in a tomb,
but infamy flourished, and the councilors hurriedly drew up a document.
It was added to the town chronicle, sealed by the sovereign,
and it said, that the children had been slain by the rat-catcher.
But the children of Hameln are not dead, only dispelled all over the world,
they also fathered children again, and they told them this story.

Even today, there are people who are still fighting for the rights of the weaker.
These people could be the heirs of the children of Hameln.
But still the lie prevails the truth in this world,
and as long as violence and fear hold the power in their hands,
for so long I can neither die, nor could I rest nor flee,
but as a minstrel and a rat-catcher I must keep on going,
because people still take injustice for a natural force.
And still today I stir up the children against that, again and again,
and still today I stir up the children against that, again and again.

Submitted by malucamaluca on 2017-08-01
Translation
https://lyricstranslate.com

[DFW]

185. Last Train to Clarksville --the Monkees

[debm55]

187. DFW thank you for all your songs. Some I remember some I don't. It was wonderful you to post.I will

Last edited Sun Sep 17, 2023, 08:46 PM - Edit history (1)

go back up and listen,

[DFW]

189. Listen to the ones you DON'T know!

They are the most interesting!!

There's even one of them I wrote the lyrics to, though not the mucsic.

[DFW]

186. In D.C. --a Trump parody of "On Broadway" (tell me this doesn't sound EXACTLY like George Benson)