Billy Bragg & Wilco — Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key
Album: Mermaid AvenueAvg rating:
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Length: 4:01
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I lived in a place called okfuskee
And I had a little girl in a holler tree
I said, little girl, it's plain to see,
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
She said it's hard for me to see
How one little boy got so ugly
Yes, my little girly, that might be,
But there ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
[chorus:]
Way over yonder in the minor key
Way over yonder in the minor key
There ain't nobody that can sing like me
We walked down by the buckeye creek
To see he frog eat the goggle eye bee
To hear that west wind whistle to the east,
There ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Oh my little girly will you let me see,
Where over yonder where the wind blows free
Nobody can see in our holler tree
And there ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
[chorus]
Her mama cut a switch from a cherry tree
And laid it on to she and me
It stung lots worse than a hive of bees
But there ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Now I have walked a long long ways
And I still look back to my tanglewood days,
I've led lots of girlies since then to stray
Saying, ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
[chorus x 2]
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
And I had a little girl in a holler tree
I said, little girl, it's plain to see,
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
She said it's hard for me to see
How one little boy got so ugly
Yes, my little girly, that might be,
But there ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
[chorus:]
Way over yonder in the minor key
Way over yonder in the minor key
There ain't nobody that can sing like me
We walked down by the buckeye creek
To see he frog eat the goggle eye bee
To hear that west wind whistle to the east,
There ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Oh my little girly will you let me see,
Where over yonder where the wind blows free
Nobody can see in our holler tree
And there ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
[chorus]
Her mama cut a switch from a cherry tree
And laid it on to she and me
It stung lots worse than a hive of bees
But there ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Now I have walked a long long ways
And I still look back to my tanglewood days,
I've led lots of girlies since then to stray
Saying, ain't nobody that can sing like me
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
[chorus x 2]
Ain't nobody that can sing like me
Comments (245)add comment
RabbitEars wrote:
Great picture
Great picture
Rcallinjr wrote:
Oh shush curmudgeon.
4 covers in a row. Unnecessary and unwanted
Oh shush curmudgeon.
4 covers in a row. Unnecessary and unwanted
I heard constantly "we are the younger in the monarchy" in the chorus. Wondered what that would mean. Checked out the lyrics - no monarchy there. 
ace-marc wrote:
yes.
And excellent harmonies here..
yes.
And excellent harmonies here..
I am a sucker for pretty much any song with Natalie Merchant on backup.
one of wilco better albums
Do I hear Natalie Merchant?
You silly haters. Billy Bragg and fucking Wilco. Geniuses both and talented as all get out.
This place is hilarious sometimes with the stupid posts. I have seen them since near inception of RP…
Thanks for the years of music William! Long live RP.
Seems quite engaging at first.. but drags on and on, arrogantly repetitious.
Way on yonder in the Meineki, ain't nobody change a brake like me...
Never knew that was Natalie Merchant! Good meories
Billy Bragg - Mr pretentious, boring, untalented.
Why do I think he doesn't mean singing when he's singing?
Can’t imagine why Natalie merchant would be invited to detract from this great song. She always sounds like a chipmunk on steroids. May the frogman eating the bee (ver)?
Billy Bragg indeed
I’m gonna learn this tune.
tm wrote:
Yup. Promptly skipped. Rated a 3.
this entire album is gold and this tune is “godly” - haters - skip to next
dmcanany wrote:
Neither I think. Frogs eat all kinds of small insects (inc bees) and goggle - eyed means "having staring or protuberant eyes"
Is "see the frog eat the goggle eye bee" a bizarre sexual innuendo or complete nonsense? Don't get me wrong, I like the song, but that line has always stuck out as very peculiar to me.
Neither I think. Frogs eat all kinds of small insects (inc bees) and goggle - eyed means "having staring or protuberant eyes"
this entire album is gold and this tune is “godly” - haters - skip to next
You know, for about 10 years or so (1995 - 2005), Wilco was the most creative, envelope-pushing, RnR band out there.
Is "see the frog eat the goggle eye bee" a bizarre sexual innuendo or complete nonsense? Don't get me wrong, I like the song, but that line has always stuck out as very peculiar to me.
TerryS wrote:
Well, there are some cases of the opposite, George Plimpton and William F Buckley were vestigial examples
Don't remember any of their albums...
Well, there are some cases of the opposite, George Plimpton and William F Buckley were vestigial examples
Don't remember any of their albums...
instant sucko barfo, dude. How can u suck so bad?
I've never heard anyone sing well over in the Meineke. 
dublanica wrote:
Beautiful story about the Mermaid Avenue recordings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mermaid_avenue
Very likeable tune! Never heard of it or them before. Thank you for the introduction.
Beautiful story about the Mermaid Avenue recordings.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/mermaid_avenue
People like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger are my childhood musical heroes. In adulthood, Billy Bragg and Natalie Merchant joins them.
This is definitely a sign along song
Love it big time
alanb wrote:
Sine curve also use to go from major to minor and so on.
Just have to point out that as wonderful as this song is (and it is wonderful), it is in a major key.
There are some lovely minor chords, but it is way over in a major key.
There are some lovely minor chords, but it is way over in a major key.
Sine curve also use to go from major to minor and so on.
Very likeable tune! Never heard of it or them before. Thank you for the introduction.
Love it.
Well Done
Well Done
dogpound wrote:
me too.
was given to me by my now wife so it has fond memories.
Don't miss out on part 2 which is equally as good.
me too.
was given to me by my now wife so it has fond memories.
Don't miss out on part 2 which is equally as good.
rhlrstn wrote:
yes.
Is that Natalie Merchant on backing vocals?
yes.
Is that Natalie Merchant on backing vocals?
ziggytrix wrote:
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
And here I thought they were singing "way over yonder in the minor key"
EDIT: ...and that is what they did! So I got the joke without understanding the joke...
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
And here I thought they were singing "way over yonder in the minor key"
EDIT: ...and that is what they did! So I got the joke without understanding the joke... ziggytrix wrote:
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
Superb, thanks friend. I love RP xxx
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
Superb, thanks friend. I love RP xxx
ziggytrix wrote:
Well played, sir!
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
Well played, sir! DaidyBoy wrote:
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Brits can sing however they like, way over yonder in the monarchy.
Love Natalie Merchant's voice in the back.
TerryS wrote:
Well, there are some cases of the opposite, George Plimpton and William F Buckley were vestigial examples
It's fine to sing like US, as long as you arrogant Brits remember that we can sing better than you.
Well, there are some cases of the opposite, George Plimpton and William F Buckley were vestigial examples
It's fine to sing like US, as long as you arrogant Brits remember that we can sing better than you.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Well, there are some cases of the opposite, George Plimpton and William F Buckley were vestigial examples
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Well, there are some cases of the opposite, George Plimpton and William F Buckley were vestigial examples
mardisoninnc wrote:
I agree, both are great albums...interesting that Bob Dylan (many years ago) tried to get his hands on the hoard of Woody Guthrie material that inspired them...
Great song from a great collaborative album. Mermaid Avenue #2 was also quite excellent.
I agree, both are great albums...interesting that Bob Dylan (many years ago) tried to get his hands on the hoard of Woody Guthrie material that inspired them...
Great song from a great collaborative album. Mermaid Avenue #2 was also quite excellent.
This is a very good album. Please pay more, at least the songs with Wilco on them.
Just have to point out that as wonderful as this song is (and it is wonderful), it is in a major key.
There are some lovely minor chords, but it is way over in a major key.
There are some lovely minor chords, but it is way over in a major key.
I want a time machine and I would use it to put Billy Bragg and Woody Guthrie in the same room. I suspect they would really get along and music that would come out of that meeting would be amazing.
dig wrote:
Yes, yes, yes, yes . . . and the sweet melancholy.
I'm not a Natalie M fan, but I think she sounds just fine on this.
Easy 9. Lyrics, delivery, harmony. Yes.
Yes, yes, yes, yes . . . and the sweet melancholy.
I'm not a Natalie M fan, but I think she sounds just fine on this.
Beaker wrote:
Disagree.
I really like what she adds to this.
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
Me too.
Me three.
Disagree.
I really like what she adds to this.
KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
Me too.
Me three.
I recently discovered Billy Bragg because of the acknowledgements of the book "One Day" (for his song St Swithins day), and of course it did not surprise me that I can listen to him in RP. California Stars is a fantastic song, and this collaboration with Wilco I really like!
DaidyBoy wrote:
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Maybe you just embarrass way too easily, for inappropriate reasons.
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Maybe you just embarrass way too easily, for inappropriate reasons.
Beaker wrote:
Disagree.
I really like what she adds to this.
Me too.
Disagree.
I really like what she adds to this.
Me too.
Love this song.
blame Jagger
DaidyBoy wrote:
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
I got to see him in Madison a year or so ago. Just him and his guitar. No opening act. First set was all Guthrie, second set was all Bragg. One of the best shows I have ever seen. I believe this was one of the first songs of the first set. Good stuff.
And as I side note, I, for one, really like what NM adds to this track as well as her other vocal contribution on the album.
And as I side note, I, for one, really like what NM adds to this track as well as her other vocal contribution on the album.
fredriley wrote:
Erm, I've heard Billy in concert, singing and speaking, sitting a few metres away from him such that I could see the spots on his face. He's got an Essex accent, being a Barking boy, narmean? On this song he's singing with a cod American accent, which he probably figures is in keeping with the song, but IMO he'd be better off keeping his normal accent and letting the lyrics speak for themselves.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I guess you're right; I had to go back and listen a few times... it's a bad enough American accent that plenty of his Essex comes thru. I've listened to this a thousand times and never heard the faux accent. But then again, maybe the material just brings it out of him. I'm sure I couldn't read Rob't Burns aloud without falling into that same trap.
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
Erm, I've heard Billy in concert, singing and speaking, sitting a few metres away from him such that I could see the spots on his face. He's got an Essex accent, being a Barking boy, narmean? On this song he's singing with a cod American accent, which he probably figures is in keeping with the song, but IMO he'd be better off keeping his normal accent and letting the lyrics speak for themselves.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I guess you're right; I had to go back and listen a few times... it's a bad enough American accent that plenty of his Essex comes thru. I've listened to this a thousand times and never heard the faux accent. But then again, maybe the material just brings it out of him. I'm sure I couldn't read Rob't Burns aloud without falling into that same trap.
Why do we Brits think it's ok to sing like our cousins across the pond. Grow up. It is embarrassing, to say the least. Look at Richard Ashcroft.....
salzburg4321 wrote:
Yea I gotta admit the same thing, but the song is so great she only brings it from a 10 to an 8.
Nathalie ruined it for me
Yea I gotta admit the same thing, but the song is so great she only brings it from a 10 to an 8.
Who is Nathalie (the French version of Natalie)?
salzburg4321 wrote:
salzburg4321 wrote:
Nathalie ruined it for me
Easy 9. Lyrics, delivery, harmony. Yes.
..8!..also, dunno if it's been brought up, but the organ (synths?) smack of "Walk of Life" (to me at least)..not much else of it sounds Straits-ish, but that iota popped out..
fredriley wrote:
Erm, I've heard Billy in concert, singing and speaking, sitting a few metres away from him such that I could see the spots on his face. He's got an Essex accent, being a Barking boy, narmean? On this song he's singing with a cod American accent, which he probably figures is in keeping with the song, but IMO he'd be better off keeping his normal accent and letting the lyrics speak for themselves.
I guess you're right; I had to go back and listen a few times... it's a bad enough American accent that plenty of his Essex comes thru. I've listened to this a thousand times and never heard the faux accent. But then again, maybe the material just brings it out of him. I'm sure I couldn't read Rob't Burns aloud without falling into that same trap.
Erm, I've heard Billy in concert, singing and speaking, sitting a few metres away from him such that I could see the spots on his face. He's got an Essex accent, being a Barking boy, narmean? On this song he's singing with a cod American accent, which he probably figures is in keeping with the song, but IMO he'd be better off keeping his normal accent and letting the lyrics speak for themselves.
I guess you're right; I had to go back and listen a few times... it's a bad enough American accent that plenty of his Essex comes thru. I've listened to this a thousand times and never heard the faux accent. But then again, maybe the material just brings it out of him. I'm sure I couldn't read Rob't Burns aloud without falling into that same trap.
closing my eyes, see Woody sitting, leaning on the flat wheel of an old ford. it's an immigrant road. a dust bowl okie, singing to himself and the setting sun
Happy belated 100th birthday to Woody Guthrie!
Repetitive. Repetitive. Repetitive.
Sloggydog wrote:
Ummmm....this isn't serious is it? The accent is definitely Billy's normal accent. I think you are getting confused by what we would call the lyrics. Perhaps you would be happier if he sung "There is not one whom can sing like me"?
Erm, I've heard Billy in concert, singing and speaking, sitting a few metres away from him such that I could see the spots on his face. He's got an Essex accent, being a Barking boy, narmean? On this song he's singing with a cod American accent, which he probably figures is in keeping with the song, but IMO he'd be better off keeping his normal accent and letting the lyrics speak for themselves.
Ummmm....this isn't serious is it? The accent is definitely Billy's normal accent. I think you are getting confused by what we would call the lyrics. Perhaps you would be happier if he sung "There is not one whom can sing like me"?
Erm, I've heard Billy in concert, singing and speaking, sitting a few metres away from him such that I could see the spots on his face. He's got an Essex accent, being a Barking boy, narmean? On this song he's singing with a cod American accent, which he probably figures is in keeping with the song, but IMO he'd be better off keeping his normal accent and letting the lyrics speak for themselves.
That is sooo true...there is nobody that can sing (as bad) as BILLY BRAGG!
Had to come in and help with the harmony.....8..Beautiful.....
Volume 3 of Mermaid Avenue out this month in celebration of Woody's 100th. Download only unless you buy the box set.
At first I felt weird saying that thinking about this song takes me back, but then again it has been 14 years which is a fair spell. I ate this record up back then. This track is a gem.
Nathalie ruined it for me
scrubbrush wrote:
a little?
great lyrics and harmony but a little dull and repetitive.
a little?
CMax wrote:
She sings on a couple of tunes on this album. "Birds and Ships" is very nice.
Was that Natalie Merchant singing in this song?
She sings on a couple of tunes on this album. "Birds and Ships" is very nice.
A great song from a great album.
CMax wrote:
Oh now, that is just totally uncalled for!
Was that Natalie Merchant singing in this song?
Oh now, that is just totally uncalled for!
I hear Natalie Merchant! Love it!
Love this song. Snarkily amused at the way the line "ain't nobody that can sing like me" makes Bragg-haters go all twitchy and cranky. Billy Bragg is like Tom Waits — very few people are neutral about them.
calypsus_1 wrote:
Billy Bragg - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (w/ Wilco & Natalie Merchant ):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqFmNUz7WhY
I totally agree with calypsus
Billy Bragg - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (w/ Wilco & Natalie Merchant ):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqFmNUz7WhY
With lyrics by Woody Gurthie, from 1998's "Mermaid Avenue""Why don't they play this real stuff/ real music with real feeling depth n integrity on the damn radio? this is the real shit. timeless, lovely, quality music. billy bragg is my favorite. period. always n forever may his music be known and appreciated." useacondompeople
I totally agree with calypsus
Yeeeeehaaaaaa!!!! I love it
With lyrics by Woody Gurthie, from 1998's "Mermaid Avenue"
"Why don't they play this real stuff/ real music with real feeling depth n integrity on the damn radio? this is the real shit. timeless, lovely, quality music. billy bragg is my favorite. period. always n forever may his music be known and appreciated." useacondompeople
Was that Natalie Merchant singing in this song?
Billy Bragg & Wilco? I've never come across this pairing before but I like it!
fredriley wrote:
Well, it's debatable, but my view is that a song stands on its merits, and doesn't need to be sung in the accent of the original singer/songwriter. Putting on an accent you're not very good at reminds me of sad bearded folkies singing "Oi woz a-wassailng darn the lane" in faux yokel accents, or singing "Fog on the Tyne" in some abysmal imitation of Geordie. If you can do the accent fine, but IMO Billy doesn't do American accents.
Billy is a great songwriter and good singer, but I'd prefer him to stick to his native Essex accent. He's also a dedicated political activist, and has been involved in some unsexy but very practical work, such as Jail Guitar Doors. I've a hell of a lot of respect for the guy and would happily share a pint or four with him.
Ummmm....this isn't serious is it? The accent is definitely Billy's normal accent. I think you are getting confused by what we would call the lyrics. Perhaps you would be happier if he sung "There is not one whom can sing like me"?
Well, it's debatable, but my view is that a song stands on its merits, and doesn't need to be sung in the accent of the original singer/songwriter. Putting on an accent you're not very good at reminds me of sad bearded folkies singing "Oi woz a-wassailng darn the lane" in faux yokel accents, or singing "Fog on the Tyne" in some abysmal imitation of Geordie. If you can do the accent fine, but IMO Billy doesn't do American accents.
Billy is a great songwriter and good singer, but I'd prefer him to stick to his native Essex accent. He's also a dedicated political activist, and has been involved in some unsexy but very practical work, such as Jail Guitar Doors. I've a hell of a lot of respect for the guy and would happily share a pint or four with him.
Ummmm....this isn't serious is it? The accent is definitely Billy's normal accent. I think you are getting confused by what we would call the lyrics. Perhaps you would be happier if he sung "There is not one whom can sing like me"?
mandolin wrote:
...it's woody guthrie; would you really rather hear it hear it any other way?..
Well, it's debatable, but my view is that a song stands on its merits, and doesn't need to be sung in the accent of the original singer/songwriter. Putting on an accent you're not very good at reminds me of sad bearded folkies singing "Oi woz a-wassailng darn the lane" in faux yokel accents, or singing "Fog on the Tyne" in some abysmal imitation of Geordie. If you can do the accent fine, but IMO Billy doesn't do American accents.
Billy is a great songwriter and good singer, but I'd prefer him to stick to his native Essex accent. He's also a dedicated political activist, and has been involved in some unsexy but very practical work, such as Jail Guitar Doors. I've a hell of a lot of respect for the guy and would happily share a pint or four with him.
...it's woody guthrie; would you really rather hear it hear it any other way?..
Well, it's debatable, but my view is that a song stands on its merits, and doesn't need to be sung in the accent of the original singer/songwriter. Putting on an accent you're not very good at reminds me of sad bearded folkies singing "Oi woz a-wassailng darn the lane" in faux yokel accents, or singing "Fog on the Tyne" in some abysmal imitation of Geordie. If you can do the accent fine, but IMO Billy doesn't do American accents.
Billy is a great songwriter and good singer, but I'd prefer him to stick to his native Essex accent. He's also a dedicated political activist, and has been involved in some unsexy but very practical work, such as Jail Guitar Doors. I've a hell of a lot of respect for the guy and would happily share a pint or four with him.
phillips wrote:
Me, too. Love it still ...
awesome album. when i first bought it, i listened to it for months.
Me, too. Love it still ...
great lyrics and harmony but a little dull and repetitive.
Just another terrific song off of an absolute classic album!!
YES!
Excellent! Deserves a re-post: cc_rider wrote:
Just to drive the point home, this IS the original recording! You can rag on Billy, Nat and the gang all you want, but they rescued Woody Guthrie's work from extinction.
These albums were made with the deepest respect for the man. And the full support of his family: they really feel Billy and Co. captured the way Woody would have performed the songs.
Some of the songs are silly, written only for his children, or even just some random thoughts. So not all of them are insightful gems, I'll grant you that. And Billy Bragg's voice is, well, an acquired taste, to be kind. But if these fine folks had not done these albums, these little snippets of Mr. Guthrie's genius would have been lost entirely.
c.
Just to drive the point home, this IS the original recording! You can rag on Billy, Nat and the gang all you want, but they rescued Woody Guthrie's work from extinction.
These albums were made with the deepest respect for the man. And the full support of his family: they really feel Billy and Co. captured the way Woody would have performed the songs.
Some of the songs are silly, written only for his children, or even just some random thoughts. So not all of them are insightful gems, I'll grant you that. And Billy Bragg's voice is, well, an acquired taste, to be kind. But if these fine folks had not done these albums, these little snippets of Mr. Guthrie's genius would have been lost entirely.
c.
gopre49 wrote:
As far as I know, the music for the songs on this album was composed by Billy Bragg, from lyrics that Woody Guthrie had written - none were songs that Guthrie had performed or recorded.
I think woody guthrie sings this himself. Am I mistaken? Is there a guthrie version out there? Or a cover that sounds a lot like him?
As far as I know, the music for the songs on this album was composed by Billy Bragg, from lyrics that Woody Guthrie had written - none were songs that Guthrie had performed or recorded.
Great song.
I think woody guthrie sings this himself. Am I mistaken? Is there a guthrie version out there? Or a cover that sounds a lot like him?
toterola wrote:
I'm with you, Tot-man. Love this beautiful, melancholy song.
Beautiful song, done with reverence for Woody and his family. "10" from me, hands down.
I'm with you, Tot-man. Love this beautiful, melancholy song.
fredriley wrote:
...it's woody guthrie; would you really rather hear it hear it any other way?..
Hmm. I'm a big fan of our Billy as a modern troubadour, but mixing him with Wilco is a bit iffy, as is his faux American accent on this. Stick to the Essex accent, Barking Boy :o)
...it's woody guthrie; would you really rather hear it hear it any other way?..
Shesdifferent wrote:
Makes my ears bleed...
No no no . . . this is sooooo gooood for the ears. Really.
Makes my ears bleed...
No no no . . . this is sooooo gooood for the ears. Really.
Detlaps wrote:
I think this predates hootenannies.
Makes my ears bleed...
I think this predates hootenannies.Makes my ears bleed...
phillips wrote:
me too.
was given to me by my now wife so it has fond memories.
awesome album. when i first bought it, i listened to it for months.
me too.
was given to me by my now wife so it has fond memories.
Hmm. I'm a big fan of our Billy as a modern troubadour, but mixing him with Wilco is a bit iffy, as is his faux American accent on this. Stick to the Essex accent, Barking Boy :o)
I think this predates hootenannies.fabulous, wonderful, brilliant
Beautiful song, done with reverence for Woody and his family. "10" from me, hands down.
Excelsior wrote:
I truly enjoy it when the informed listeners here let you have it..pendejo!
No more thorough way to destroy a graet Woody Guthrie song than to include Billy Bragg, Wilco, AND Natalie Merchant in the same track. Might as well set the original recording on fire and run it over with a truck.
I truly enjoy it when the informed listeners here let you have it..pendejo!
Saw Wilco last night opening for Neil here in Ottawa, Capital of Canada.
Great show all round. Wonder if Wilco will still be cranking it out at age 63.
Great show all round. Wonder if Wilco will still be cranking it out at age 63.
good effort, but track would benefit by adding a little 'edge', either musically or vocally, taking it out of the mr. roger's category.
awesome album. when i first bought it, i listened to it for months.
Excelsior wrote:
Just to drive the point home, this IS the original recording! You can rag on Billy, Nat and the gang all you want, but they rescued Woody Guthrie's work from extinction.
These albums were made with the deepest respect for the man. And the full support of his family: they really feel Billy and Co. captured the way Woody would have performed the songs.
Some of the songs are silly, written only for his children, or even just some random thoughts. So not all of them are insightful gems, I'll grant you that. And Billy Bragg's voice is, well, an acquired taste, to be kind. But if these fine folks had not done these albums, these little snippets of Mr. Guthrie's genius would have been lost entirely.
c.
No more thorough way to destroy a graet Woody Guthrie song than to include Billy Bragg, Wilco, AND Natalie Merchant in the same track. Might as well set the original recording on fire and run it over with a truck.
Just to drive the point home, this IS the original recording! You can rag on Billy, Nat and the gang all you want, but they rescued Woody Guthrie's work from extinction.
These albums were made with the deepest respect for the man. And the full support of his family: they really feel Billy and Co. captured the way Woody would have performed the songs.
Some of the songs are silly, written only for his children, or even just some random thoughts. So not all of them are insightful gems, I'll grant you that. And Billy Bragg's voice is, well, an acquired taste, to be kind. But if these fine folks had not done these albums, these little snippets of Mr. Guthrie's genius would have been lost entirely.
c.
Every time I hear this song, I always think of the childhood ditty "Froggy Went a 'courtin'"
Woody Guthrie is a true American music maker.
Woody Guthrie is a true American music maker.
Billy Bragg + Natalie Merchant = the stuff of nightmares.
Yes!!!!!! 10, outstanding. LOVE this. So much. 
Folk music is so inspiring! I love singing along with this song. Helps when your in tune/key with the singer. (female of course lol)
Folk music is so inspiring! I love singing along with this song. Helps when your in tune/key with the singer. (female of course lol)
Excelsior wrote:
Another talkin-out-his-ass Excelsior comment (surprise). The "songs" given to Billy Bragg, BY the Guthrie family I might add, were not recordings. Most were just lyrics and chords on paper. Some were scribbled thoughts—all were made into songs by Billy and Wilco. So, when exactly did you hear this by Woody, Excelsior? Yeah..I thought so.
No more thorough way to destroy a graet Woody Guthrie song than to include Billy Bragg, Wilco, AND Natalie Merchant in the same track. Might as well set the original recording on fire and run it over with a truck.
Another talkin-out-his-ass Excelsior comment (surprise). The "songs" given to Billy Bragg, BY the Guthrie family I might add, were not recordings. Most were just lyrics and chords on paper. Some were scribbled thoughts—all were made into songs by Billy and Wilco. So, when exactly did you hear this by Woody, Excelsior? Yeah..I thought so.
windhorse wrote:
Lay off the country! Where you comin' from? You've rated several CSNY songs, a band that were/are a country influenced group, especially Neil. And by the way, every now and then good Bill G plays some of the real thang! Peace
Thanks God this is as close to Country as RP gets...it's still too close for my ears... 4 
Lay off the country! Where you comin' from? You've rated several CSNY songs, a band that were/are a country influenced group, especially Neil. And by the way, every now and then good Bill G plays some of the real thang! Peace
No more thorough way to destroy a graet Woody Guthrie song than to include Billy Bragg, Wilco, AND Natalie Merchant in the same track. Might as well set the original recording on fire and run it over with a truck.
This sounds like it should be a children's song.
Laptopdog wrote:
Ain't nobody that can mute like me!
funny - but its still a cool song. . .
ndad47 wrote:
this is what woody guthrie was about. music that makes you feel better about life. i loooooooooove this song.
Hear hear!
Ain't nobody that can mute like me!
The first time I heard this I thought he was singing "Way over yonder in the monarchy". And considering that Billy Bragg is English and this album was produced in the US (?) I thought it all made sense...
Good song from a (mostly) good album.
Just to drive the point home, this IS the original recording! You can rag on Billy, Nat and the gang all you want, but they rescued Woody Guthrie's work from extinction.
These albums were made with the deepest respect for the man. And the full support of his family: they really feel Billy and Co. captured the way Woody would have performed the songs.
Some of the songs are silly, written only for his children, or even just some random thoughts. So not all of them are insightful gems, I'll grant you that. And Billy Bragg's voice is, well, an acquired taste, to be kind. But if these fine folks had not done these albums, these little snippets of Mr. Guthrie's genius would have been lost entirely.
c.
I'm not one to appreciate this song as others do but I do like your well written thoughts here.