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Thursday, November 01, 2007

Old Folkie Me


Some may find them merely diverting melodies. Others may find them incitements to Red revolution. And who will say if either or both is wrong? Not I. ~ Pete Seeger on folk music

H
ere’s another of those old photos I found while organizing my papers earlier this week:

It was taken at my oldest son’s home in Oklahoma on a trek west I made about eight or so years ago. Although it’s a bit blurred (obviously I didn’t snap the photo!) it is folk-singer me singing and teaching my son (lower right) and grandkids folk songs.
As I looked at the photo I was reminded of Harry Chapin’s song, Old Folkie:


He's the man with the banjo and the 12-string guitar.
And he's singing us the songs that tell us who we are.
When you look in his eyes you know that somebody's in there.
Yeah, he knows where we're going and where we been
And how the fog is gettin' thicker where the future should begin.
When you look at his life you know that he's really been there.

Still, what is the name that they're calling that man?
What is the name that they're calling that man?
You know, it's always the "Old Folkie"
They say he's always bleedin'
But whenever somebody's needing him,
He's the one who cares.
It's always the "Old Folkie"
Whenever somethin's burning,
Or a lesson needs some learning,
Or a tide that needs some turning,
To a better world somewhere,
Yeah, the "Old Folkie's" there.

Yeah, for forty years now he's been pushin' on.
Carrying the dream 'cause Woody's long gone.
He's the last voice singing that "Bound for Glory" song.
And if you never seen him you might take a look
He's the man who put the meaning in the music book.
Yeah, the world may be tired but Pete's still going strong.

Still, what is the name that they're calling that man?
What is the name that they're calling that man?
You know, it's always the "Old Folkie"
They say he's always bleedin'
But whenever somebody's needing him,
He's the one who cares
It's always the "Old Folkie:'
Whenever somethin's burning,
Or a lesson needs some learning,
Or a tide that needs some turning,
To a better world somewhere, Yeah, the "Old Folkie's" there.

What is the name that they're calling that man?
What is the name that they're calling that man?
You know, it's always the "Old Folkie"
Singing for some hopeless cause.
Shouting at the mountain top
The wind is his only applause.
It's always the "Old Folkie"
We don't know what we're missing
'Cause nobody ever listens,
'Cept the lovers as they're kissin'
Oh, he's singing for them somewhere.
Yeah, the "Old Folkie's" there. The"Old Folkie's" there.

Yeah, I know the song was written about Pete Seeger. However, now as I’ve myself aged to become an “old folkie,” I rather identify with it. (Like Pete Seeger, who I met briefly in NYC in the late '80s, I have owned and played not only a half dozen six-string guitars, but couple of 12-string guitars and a banjo or two).

12 comments:

  1. Good post Nick, I love banjo music.
    And you are not an "old folkie!"....
    I will be posting a 55 flash on Friday.

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  2. You were pretty good in your day. Of course I've not heard you play and sing in at least 5 or 6 years.

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  3. Another string to your guitar...er...bow. You are a man of many accomplishments, Nick. My aunt (who was Tongan) taught me to play the ukelele years ago, that was easy, only four strings.

    Have a great weekend and a big hug for Alex.

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  4. i like folk music. i like the rampant, furious pace of fiddles and accordians going like the clappers ... one beautiful mess of a melody - yes sirree!

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  5. Hi Nick ~~ I enjoyed this post and well done on the guitar playing and the folk song. It fits quite a few of us bloggers. The best line (in my opinion) is "When you look in his eyes, you know somebody's there."
    Thank you for your concern for John,
    I appreciate it. Thanks Nick. Take
    great care, Kind regards, Merle.

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  6. I couldn't see the pic for some reason, it was just blank with a red x in the box.
    Ah remember Peter Paul and Mary and the Kingston Trio.
    I love 12 strings but I have a hard enough time tuning a 6 string.lol
    tc

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  7. Sometimes, my great friend,Please!

    Send an email to the Brazil embassj your country and repor the injustice that the brazilian courts are making with this girl
    Release on Flavia’s accident and status of the process.

    The resignation is to stop the evolution. (David Santos in times without end)

    Thank you

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  8. Remember those hootenannies you and Candy took me to. They were so enjoyable, especially the ones at that pizza place. I just realized that was over 40 years ago. Time goes by very fast.

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  9. You know, I used to play the viola... for 15 years! And, when I was in 6th grade, I learned how to play the mandolin... Together we could start another folk band! :)

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  10. Hi nick, I've seen you out and about but have just popped over from Debs blog, you left such wise words there I thought I want to meet this guy. Great blog, I will be back if thats ok with you.

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  11. very cool song, and very cool picture! i don't play any instruments- though my mom can play the guitar and the piano.

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