I’m looking for suggestions of songs to air in a Memorial Day, May 23 1-5 double shift I’m doing. Examples include:
John Gorka‘s song called Semper Fi about his father
Tom Paxton‘s Lyndon Johnson Told the Nation
Michele Shocked’s version of Soldiers Joy is another idea.

In keeping with the Folk Show’s goal of diversity in music selections, please offer up selections even if it is Tuvan Throat Warbling of My Country Tis of Thee.

Thanks!

Paul

We have Charlie Waller singing There’s a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere, but I have to say i don’t think its a great song in itself. Just the first thing i thought of (actually i first thought of Draft Dodger Rag, which is a great song, but not a great fit for a Memorial Day theme).

There are a lot of layers to Waste Deep in the Big Muddy, which makes it good choice in my opinion. I could see the possibility of objection, but just on the face of the song (forgetting the larger metaphor) i think many NCO’s could relate to frustrations with the divided command hierarchy, and i think that just by itself makes it appropriate. (i voted yes)

There’s certainly a lot to be said for Waist Deep in the Big Muddy—but on days like Memorial Day, in this host’s opinion, it’s not a day for politics or using the idea of honoring those who have fallen in service as a way to put a political opinion out there.  And if you play Waist Deep…, regardless of whatever your intention is and your belief in the nuance is, it’s still a protest song and it’s still putting politics into one of the few days of the year we have that should be pretty apolitical, in my opinion.  My sense would be, if you can’t recognize Memorial Day w/o playing songs like Waist Deep…, you probably should avoid mentioning it all together. 

There’s a pretty (and sad) song from the POV of a mother who lost a son (soldier) in war on Dailey and Vincent’s first release called More Than a Name on a Wall, if you’re looking for apolitical content.

Adam

I’d tend to agree with Adam re: Waist Deep.  Even though I believe hard-hitting songs about war and politics play a crucial role on the Folk Show,  to my mind there’s something special about a day set aside to remember the dead that makes divisive topics problematic.  The arguments about the wisdom of making war in the first place and then the behaviors that follow are important and inexhaustible,  but there’s something to be said for setting aside a little time to acknowledge our mortality,  a condition that connects even those of us with the most extreme differences of opinion.

That said,  Paul’s status as a Veteran gives him a great deal of credibility,  and if he chooses to broadcast Waist Deep, his introduction to it will help listeners accept the choice of that song.

As far as other song suggestions,  Joel Mabus’ “Touch a Name on the Wall” is one of the most powerful folk songs I’ve come across.

Mel

I could never forget Mabus’ song, thanks for the reminder! I’ll bet every folk show in the country plays it at least once.

Paul

P.S. What about the Paxton song about smoking weed in Vietnam?

Michael Jerling also has a nice song called Long Black Wall; we might have a version with John Gorka singing it on one of the Fast Folk discs. Or drop me a line offlist if you want to borrow it, Paul.

Eric Bogle would probably be another good source of material…

Wow!!! First off, I’m impressed that when I Googled “Memorial day folk music” the FIRST link was to this forum!! How cool is that??

As for my Saturday AM show, I always tend towards the patriotic, so, for the last set I think I’m going to go with an acapella “Star Spangled Banner”, Pete Seeger’s “America the Beautiful” from the Smithsonian collection (one of my personal favorites), and some rendition of Woody’s “This Land is Your Land”.

Why not Faded Coat of Blue? Lorena? ...I know there’s a song about a casket coming home by train…can’t remember the name.

Hard Crackers/Hard Times.  Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.

Dixie.

Cumberland Gap.  Soldier’s Joy.  I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy.

This Land Is Your Land.

Tenting on the Old Campground.

The Vacant Chair.

Over There.

Pack Up Your Troubles in the Old Kit Bag.

It’s a Long Way to Tipparary.

Oh, How I Hate to Get Up In the Morning.

How Ya Gonna Keep Em on the Farm, After they’ve Seen Pari?

Ballad of Ira Hays.

Dear Mr. Roosevelt…by Woody Guthrie

Sallie, Don’t You Grieve.

Ballad of the Green Beret’s.

Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.

Universal Soldier.

Blowin in the Wind.

If I Had a Hammer.

Turn, Turn, Turn.

The Times, They are a Changin.

I’d Like to Teach the World To Sing.

With God On Our Side.

.....just food for thought…

Apropos of nothing, and realizing that Memorial Day has done come and gone, Jennifer’s post reminded me… ya know what my favorite version of Faded Coat of Blue is? Tennessee Ernie Ford, from his Civil War Songs of the North record (which was released on CD at one time combined with its counterpart, Civil War Songs of the South.)

Man, this was one of my favorite records growing up. I used to bug my dad about getting the South lp, and he always told me the best songs were on the North record. When I finally got to hear the companion piece, I agreed.

Good memories. Thanks for the nostalgic smile here, Jennifer!