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.

musicians suzanne vega sings...marc ribler plays guitar...john denicola on upright bass...dz on lap steel...

traditional song

sound sample click here

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...

chords
intro
| Em D | C B7| Em D | C B7| Em…….

verse
| Em D | C B7 | Em | B7 Em |
| Em D | C B7 | Em | B7 Em |

1st chorus
"we've hauled some barges in our day…"
| G | G D | Em | Em B7|
| Em D | C B7| Em | B7 Em | Em | D |

2nd chorus
"low bridge every body down…"
| G | G D | Em | Em B7 |
| Em D | C B7| Em | B7 Em | Em | Em |