erie canal
erie canal:
traditional song
i think that once i became interested in folk music i learned almost as much about the history of this country as i did in school (that’s not a reflection on your teaching mrs. lloyd!). it’s a tremendous experience to hear the events as told by the people who lived and felt them. sometimes, for me, the ultimate combination is a song that arouses my curiosity followed by a trip to the library (or where ever the books are). this song is a perfect example of a starting point for a wild history lesson.
song sample:
lyrics:
oh i've got a mule her name is sal
fifteen miles on the erie canal
she's a good old worker and a good old pal
fifteen miles on the erie canal
we've hauled some barges in our day
filled with lumber coal and hay
and we know every inch of the way
from albany to buffalo
low bridge everybody down
low bridge cause we're coming to a town
and you always know your neighbor
you always know your pal
if you ever navigated on the erie canal
we'd better look around for a job old gal
fifteen miles on the erie canal
cause you bet your life i'd never part with sal
fifteen miles on the erie canal
get up there mule here comes a lock
we'll make rome 'bout six o clock
one more trip and back we'll go
right back home to buffalo
low bridge...
musicians:
suzanne vega sings...marc ribler plays guitar...john denicola on upright bass...dz on lap steel...
erie_canal.pdf
