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Country Blues => Weenie Campbell Main Forum => SOTM - Song Of The Month => Topic started by: Johnm on July 27, 2006, 10:00:52 PM

Title: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on July 27, 2006, 10:00:52 PM
Hi all,
I have an interest in songs and instrumentals that have had an active life in both the Black and White American traditions, like "Buckdancer's Choice", "Spanish Fandango" and "Reuben", and it occurred to me recently that songs about the sinking of the Titanic definitely fell into that category.  I thought I would round up as many of them as I could, and see what we had.

   * Blind Willie Johnson--"God Moves On The Water".  This version was recorded in 1929, and is one of the earlier recorded versions, at least among the sample group I found.  Willie Johnson does the song at a tremendous clip, and his playing on it is notable for its simultaneous extreme force and extreme accuracy and finesse.  How did he do that?  Like many or most of the versions of "The Titanic" it suggests that the Titanic's fate was at least partially due to Man's hubris in imagining that he could construct a boat that could not be sunk--I guess we were shown otherwise!
   * Dixon Brothers--"Down With The Old Canoe".  Dorsey and Howard Dixon hailed from Darlington County, South Carolina, and sang in close harmony, accompanying themselves on Hawaiian guitar played lap-style and finger-picked guitar (almost always in D).  Dorsey was rediscovered in the '60s and appeared at at least one Newport Folk Festival, as well as recording an album (for Testament?) entitled "Babies In The Mill".  This version of the song, from 1938, is particularly preachy, but is made more palatable by the smooth instrumental and vocal sound of the Dixons and the inexplicably jolly melody.  It can be found on an old RCA Vintage Series LP, "Smoky Mountain Ballads", that might be available in libraries, as well as Document DOCD-8048, "The Dixon Brothers, Vol. 3", if it is still available.
   * William and Versey Smith--"When That Great Ship Went Down".  This husband/wife duo recorded their version in Chicago in 1927.  Their slant on the subject is quite religious, as you would expect based on the rest of their repertoire, and their sound was all their own, with a simple guitar accompaniment in Spanish tuning, William's lead singing, and the very aggressive tambourine and almost monotonic shouted response lines of Versey Smith.  Their version can be found on "America Primitive, Vol. 1" on Revenant, or Document DOCD-5045, "The Songster Tradition".
   * Leadbelly--"The Titanic".  Leadbelly's version, from his "Last Sessions", available on Smithsonian/Folkways, has probably the least religious slant of the bunch.  He uses a happy ragtimey melody for his version, and in it rejoices at then-heavyweight champion Jack Johnson first being denied passage on the Titanic because of his race and then, as a result being spared from the ensuing disastrous collision with the iceberg. 
   * Hobart Smith--"The Great Titanic".  This version from the great Appalachian musician came out on a 1964 Folk-Legacy recording.  Hobart accompanies himself in C, standard tuning, with the drive you hear in all his playing, and interestingly, like Henry Thomas, when going to the IV chord of C, F, chooses to leave the first string open, not fretting the F note found at the first fret. 
   * Mance Lipscomb--"God Moves On The Water".  Taken from his "Texas Sharecropper and Songster, Vol. 2" album on Arhoolie, this is a terrific version.  Based on Willie Johnson's version (or a source shared in common with it), Mance's version is also played knife-style in Vestapol, but at a considerably slower tempo than Willie's.  Mance's version is an eerie one, and he sings it beautifully, with an impressive gravity.
   * New Lost City Ramblers--"The Titanic".  The Ramblers' version, from their album "Remembrance Of Things To Come", on Verve/Folkways, is from a late recording by the Carter Family from the '50s that I have never heard.  The melody of this version is exceptionally beautiful, and the words odd, alternating between dreamy images and concern over the fate of surviving family members of those who were lost in the sea.  The final verse concludes, "Oh surely somebody, somewhere, will raise the Titanic someday."!
   * Pink Anderson--"The Titanic".  Pink's version is from his album "The Blues Of Pink Anderson--Ballad & Folksinger, Vol. 3", until recently available on Original Blues Classics OBCCD-577-2.  The CD may still be available from Red Lick.  Pink's version, played in G, standard tuning, clocks in at 4:04, and has a lot of verses not found in any of the other versions, just as Pink's version of "The Wreck Of The Old 97", from the same recording does.  Pink's version, while not exactly jolly, benefits from his droll delivery.  He sounds like it took a lot to make him feel really serious.
   * John Miller--"The Titanic".  I recorded this on my first Blue Goose album.  I used Leadbelly's melody and many of his lyrics, but wanted to do an accompaniment that was more closely influenced by Mance Lipscomb's sound, with a driving monotonic bass.  I played it out of dropped D in standard tuning.  It is fast, as I did most things back then.

I'd be interested in hearing about other versions of "The Titanic" that I didn't mention, and where I could find them.  There is something about the story of the Titanic that still exerts an imaginative tug on many of us, I think.
All best,
Johnm       
   
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Doc Brainerd on July 27, 2006, 11:23:54 PM
John,

A quick Google search adds to the list "Titanic" by Lesley Riddle (an influence on the Carter Family) on his Rounder album Step By Step and "Titanic (It Was Sad When That Great Ship Went Down)" by Vernon Dalhart (c.1920s).

By the way for those interested in the Dixon Brothers, I recently found a nice Dixon Brothers compilation (How Can A Broke Man Be Happy?, Acrobat (import)) containing "Down With Old Canoe" through Tower Records.

As an aside, other historico-political old-time song topics that might be interesting to compile lists for would be assasinations (for example "Charles Giteau" by Kelly Harrell) and the sales tax ("Sales Tax on the Women" by the Dixon Bros and "Sale Tax" by the Mississippi Sheiks).

Greg
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on July 28, 2006, 08:29:34 AM
Thanks for those finds, Greg.  I used to have that Lesley Riddle album.  I wish I had held on to it.  It would be interesting to hear if his melody was the same as that used by the Carter Family.  I know he was a "song-finder" for them.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Doc Brainerd on July 28, 2006, 08:57:20 AM
John,
I had a hunch you were already familiar with Lesley Riddle ;D. His CD is currently on my 'wish list' so I don't (yet) know about the melody.
Greg
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on July 28, 2006, 10:43:35 AM
Some folk hereabouts might like to know that Chris Smith wrote an extremely interesting and detailed examination of the topic in "When That Great Ship Went Down: Black Songs About the 'Titanic'." Talking Blues no. 9/10 (1979, p 24-31, 43) which, of course, took on board all the 'travellin' man' elements and narrative 'toasts'. He updated this for talk he gave at a black music seminar in 1991, "The Titanic, a Case Study of Religious and Secular Attitudes in African-American Song". This was published in the 1996 as a chapter in the book Saints And Sinners (ed. R. Sacre). It's 15 pages long but should anybody require a OCR scan, PM me with an email address and I'll set about doing it.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on July 28, 2006, 03:37:54 PM
Good catch on the humorous songs and toasts pertaining to the Titanic, Bunker Hill.  They had completely slipped my mind.  I love all that "Get your ass in the water and swim like everybody else!" stuff.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Alexei McDonald on July 28, 2006, 04:38:12 PM
There's a Darby and Tarlton "After the sinking of the Titanic", Charley Jordan and Hi Henry Brown's "Titanic blues", and Frank Hutchinson's "Last scene of the Titanic".   Rabbit Brown also recorded a "Sinking of the Titanic."
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on July 28, 2006, 11:37:34 PM
Thank you for those finds, Alexei.  I know I have the Hi Henry Brown somewhere, I will have to dig it up and give it a listen.  I hope to hear the remainder of those soon, especially the Rabbit Brown.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Doug on July 29, 2006, 07:47:07 AM
Most of these have been mentioned already, but I thought it might be interesting...

"Released to cash in on the resulting craze around the time of the motion picture Titanic, Titanic Songs compiles 18 songs recorded between 1912 and 1948 that deal with you-know-what. Vernon Dalhart, the Dixon Brothers, Blind Willie Johnson, Leadbelly and Ernest V. Stoneman are represented, as well as a number of very obscure artists."

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:0xfixqyjldte
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: OMpicker on July 29, 2006, 03:34:41 PM
I love that attitude in the Leadbelly version.  Looking around I saw mention of this interesting book that considers the sinking of the Titanic on the basis of its cultural impact on drama, art, music, etc.  Just thought I'd mention it; here's a summary and a link to a page with all sorts of Titanic information, including a bibliography:

"Down With the Old Canoe :
A Cultural History of the Titanic Disaster
by Steven Biel -
 

Steven Biel takes a new approach to the Titanic. Instead of discussing the ship itself and her disaster, he explores the cultural legacy of the Titanic. Almost immediately after the sinking, people and groups sought to categorize and exploit the Titanic disaster in their own world view. Politics, music, literature and philosophy were all influenced by Titanic. The symbolism and metaphors created after 1912 still affect us today. Biel covers every detail and parts of his prose may seem a bit too scholarly for some readers. However, for anyone really interested in the total history of the Titanic, this book provides an important perspective.

Hyperion, Reprint Edition Paperback, 1995.
W.W. Norton & Co., 1997. 300 pages"

Titanic page: http://www.keyflux.com/titanic/  But also note the "links" page on that site, which has a "Arts, Graphics, Theatre & Music" section containing links to song lyrics, etc.: http://www.keyflux.com/titanic/links.htm#ART


Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: dj on August 16, 2006, 03:18:33 AM
A bit of a historical curiosity:

Motown once had a Country-Western subsidiary called Mel-O-Dy.  The last record to be released on the label, Mel-O-Dy M-121, came out on April 27, 1965.  The record was by Howard Crockett (real name Howard Hausey), and one side was "The Great Titanic".  The song was written by Hausey, and was more influenced by Johnny Horton's recent hits like "Sink The Bismark" than by any of the tunes mentioned earlier in this thread.  But it's interesting to note that as late as 1965 there was a Titanic song aimed at the commercial market.     
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Stuart on August 16, 2006, 08:25:38 AM
I seem to recall a novelty song ca. 1970 that was either about the Titanic or had a verse or two about the Titanic--it had some spoken parts. It made reference to the Jack Johnson the boxer doing the Eagle Rock, etc. Maybe by Jimmy Buffett? It certainly is not in the same vein as the other songs, but I mention it owing to the recording date, etc. Anyone have a clearer recollection?
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on August 16, 2006, 09:35:52 AM
I seem to recall a novelty song ca. 1970 that was either about the Titanic or had a verse or two about the Titanic--it had some spoken parts. It made reference to the Jack Johnson the boxer doing the Eagle Rock, etc. Maybe by Jimmy Buffett? It certainly is not in the same vein as the other songs, but I mention it owing to the recording date, etc. Anyone have a clearer recollection?
Hardly a novelty song, but you're not by any chance thinking of the x-rated "Hey Shine" by Snatch & The Poontangs (aka Johnny Otis Band with Delmar Evans) which was recorded 1970ish?
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Stuart on August 16, 2006, 12:16:28 PM
I seem to recall a novelty song ca. 1970 that was either about the Titanic or had a verse or two about the Titanic--it had some spoken parts. It made reference to the Jack Johnson the boxer doing the Eagle Rock, etc. Maybe by Jimmy Buffett? It certainly is not in the same vein as the other songs, but I mention it owing to the recording date, etc. Anyone have a clearer recollection?
Hardly a novelty song, but you're not by any chance thinking of the x-rated "Hey Shine" by Snatch & The Poontangs (aka Johnny Otis Band with Delmar Evans) which was recorded 1970ish?

Hi Bunker Hill:

No, it definitely wasn't an x-rated song. It was played occasionally on the University of Vermont radio station by the student DJs. I just did a search and the name "Jaime Brockett" popped up. Here's the link:

http://www.richieunterberger.com/brockett.html

At least I had his initials right.

And it is available on CD:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00078GHT8/sr=8-1/qid=1155756134/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0357355-5527247?ie=UTF8

Over and Out,

Uncle Stuie
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: onewent on August 17, 2006, 06:18:48 AM
..if more modern covers count, Steve Mann does a lilting slide cover of Blind Willie Johnson's version of Titanic on one of his 70's albums..
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on January 07, 2007, 06:04:26 PM
Hi all,
I just found "Titanic Blues" on Bill Jackson's "Long Steel Rail" CD on the Testament label.  Jackson's version is exceptionally bluesy, probably the most bluesy version I have heard of that song, along with Hi Henry Brown's.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: natterjack on January 07, 2007, 06:49:28 PM
Not a new version (well maybe an unrecorded one), but a bit of interesting information none the less.

I got a new biography of Jack Johnson for Christmas (Unforgivable Blackness by Geoffrey C. Ward) from which the following footnote is quoted:

"Memories of the newspaper fuss made over the Johnson's traveling first class on an ocean liner would become confused with reports of the sinking of the Titanic the following spring, and the legend grew that Johnson had been refused passage on the fatal voyage. Blind Lemon Jefferson performed a song about it that was later recorded by Huddie Ledbetter - Leadbelly. In it, Johnson is refused passage by the Titanic's captain who says "I ain't hauling no coal." When Johnson hears that the ship has gone down, he dances on the dock with glee"

I'm afraid I can't help you on where the reference to Blind Lemon comes from.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: natterjack on January 07, 2007, 07:01:45 PM
I'm afraid I can't help you on where the reference to Blind Lemon comes from.

Yes I can - Leadbelly's Biography by Charles Wolfe and Kip Lornell
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on January 07, 2007, 07:38:40 PM
Thanks for this information, natterjack.  I have been singing the verses about Jack Johnson and the Titanic for years and had never realized that his attempt to book passage on the Titanic was apocryphal.  Boy, Leadbelly's version of that song was great--he had that heavy time!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: natterjack on January 08, 2007, 10:41:01 AM
Ben Andrews does a cover of Leadbelly's Titanic on his album Journey
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on January 03, 2008, 11:33:19 AM
Some folk hereabouts might like to know that Chris Smith wrote an extremely interesting and detailed examination of the topic in "When That Great Ship Went Down: Black Songs About the 'Titanic'." Talking Blues no. 9/10 (1979, p 24-31, 43) which, of course, took on board all the 'travellin' man' elements and narrative 'toasts'. He updated this for talk he gave at a black music seminar in 1991, "The Titanic, a Case Study of Religious and Secular Attitudes in African-American Song". This was published in the 1996 as a chapter in the book Saints And Sinners (ed. R. Sacre). It's 15 pages long but should anybody require a OCR scan, PM me with an email address and I'll set about doing it.
I find that I still have this on my computer. One or two folk did request it at the time but before I permanently delete are there any other takers? Saturday it will be erased...
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on February 18, 2008, 09:01:48 AM
A quick Google search adds to the list "Titanic" by Lesley Riddle (an influence on the Carter Family) on his Rounder album Step By Step and "Titanic (It Was Sad When That Great Ship Went Down)" by Vernon Dalhart (c.1920s).

Thanks for those finds, Greg.  I used to have that Lesley Riddle album.  I wish I had held on to it.  It would be interesting to hear if his melody was the same as that used by the Carter Family.  I know he was a "song-finder" for them.
All best,
Johnm

In the better late than never dept., I've been listening to this Lesley Riddle album lately. His "Titanic" song is not the same as the Carter Family song. Melodically, it's along the lines of the standard "Wasn't It Sad When That Great Ship Went Down" style of songs, like Pink Anderson's. Riddle's version, however, is played as a slide tune in Vestapol tuning.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: banjochris on February 18, 2008, 12:41:35 PM
The Darby and Tarlton "After the Sinking of the Titanic" is the same as the Carter Family/NLCR version, but I don't think it has the "raise the Titanic" verse.
Chris
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Richard on February 19, 2008, 10:51:06 AM
Reminds me that some years back I used to play now and then in great little 20s outfit called "The Titanic Tea Room Quartet" even if there were five of us, but my point was the advertisng always used to say  "Goes down well......."  ;D
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: dj on August 26, 2008, 03:35:58 PM
"They Cert'ly Sound Good To Me: Sheet Music, Southern Vaudeville, And The Commercial Ascendancy Of The Blues" by Lynn Abbott and Doug Seroff in Ramblin' On My Mind mentions Butler "String Beans" May, born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1894.  He was known as the "blues master piano player of the world".  Famous not only for his blues piano playing but also for his wit and his dancing ability, he was an acknowledged influence on the likes of Jelly Roll Morton, Ethel Waters, and Butterbeans and Susie.  He was known as "the Elgin Movements Man", and may have originated the phrase "Elgin movements in my hips". 

In 1913 String Beans began performing a song called "Titanic Blues".  According to a contemporary eyewitness, "As he attacks the piano, Stringbeans' head starts to nod, his shoulders shake, and his body begins to quiver.  Slowly, he sinks to the floor of the stage.  Before he submerges, he is executing the Snake Hips..., shouting the blues and, as he hits the deck still playing the piano, performing a horizontal grind..."  String Beans died in 1917 and never recorded, but a fragment of "Titanic Blues was remembered by Abbe Niles:

I was on dat great Titanic
De night that she went down;
Ev'rybody wondered
Why I didn't drown -
I had dem Elgin movements in ma hips
Twenty years' guarantee!
     
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Pan on August 26, 2008, 05:13:54 PM
FWIW, I recently played on a sweetwater cruise on a blues festival here in Finland. I learned Leabelly's "Titanic" and Clarenece Williams' /Sara Martin's "Shiprecked Blues", mentioned by MTJ3 on this thread: http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?amp;Itemid=128&topic=2831.0 , for the occasion. To quote Richard, they went down well.  ;)

WC has again proven to be a great resource, so thank you guys! :)

BTW, I noticed that "Titanic" has quite a large vocal range to it. I forgot to put my capo on, and was in trouble!  :P

Cheers

Pan

Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Mr.OMuck on August 26, 2008, 05:31:06 PM
Bessie Jones & Group with Hobart Smith on guitar is my all time favorite Titanic.
Its a 1959 Lomax Field recording, issued as part of the southern journey series, (The Eastern Shores) on Prestige.
Haunting, moving and super cool.


http://youtu.be/09yWul4yPY4 (http://youtu.be/09yWul4yPY4)


Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on February 02, 2012, 03:46:26 PM
Hi all,
Somehow, I remembered more of the versions of "The Titanic" cited in this thread as being transcribed.  Anyhow, here is the version recorded by the Dixon Brothers (Dorsey playing out of D in standard tuning and singing lead and Paul playing lap slide and harmonizing on the chorus) as "Down With The Old Canoe" in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 25, 1938.

   It was twenty-five years ago when the Wings of Death came low
   And spread out on the ocean far and wide
   A great ship sailed away, with her passengers so gay,
   To never, never reach the other side

   CHORUS:  Sailing out out to win her fame, the Titanic was her name
   When she had sailed five hundred mile from shore
   Many passengers and her crew went down with that old canoe
   They all went down to never ride no more

   This great ship was built by man, that is why she could not stand
   "She could not sink" was the cry from one and all
   But an iceberg ripped her side and it cut down all her pride
   They found the Hand of God was in it all

   CHORUS:  Sailing out out to win her fame, the Titanic was her name
   When she had sailed five hundred mile from shore
   Many passengers and her crew went down with that old canoe
   They all went down to never ride no more

   Your Titanic sails today, on Life's Sea you're far away
   For Jesus Christ can take you safely through
   Just obey his great command, over there you'll safely land
   You'll never go down with that old canoe

   CHORUS:  Sailing out out to win her fame, the Titanic was her name
   When she had sailed five hundred mile from shore
   Many passengers and her crew went down with that old canoe
   They all went down to never ride no more

   When you think that you are wise, then you need not be surprised
   That the hand of God should stop you on Life's Sea
   If you go on in your sin, than you'll find out in the end
   That you are just as foolish as can be

   CHORUS:  Sailing out out to win her fame, the Titanic was her name
   When she had sailed five hundred mile from shore
   Many passengers and her crew went down with that old canoe
   They all went down to never ride no more

All best,
Johnm


   
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on February 02, 2012, 08:40:42 PM
The Ernest Stoneman version of "The Titanic" was mentioned in passing earlier in the thread. I was just listening to it recently. It's a pretty great version played on autoharp and harmonica, and the recording was quite early, in 1924 at his first session, and done again in 1925.

You can listen to it here:

http://www.archive.org/details/ErnestStoneman-TheTitanic1924 (http://www.archive.org/details/ErnestStoneman-TheTitanic1924)

It shares some lyrics with the versions by William and Versey Smith and Pink Anderson.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on February 08, 2012, 03:38:14 PM
Hi all,
Bill Jackson was described as a "Maryland Songster" on his album, the first to be recorded by Pete Welding for his Testament label.  The album was re-released on CD and may still be available.  Jackson did "Titanic Blues", accompanying himself out of A position in standard tuning for the song.  He had the ability to play at very slow tempos and keep a degree of liveliness in his rhythm that is pretty unusual.  I've never heard the Captain Smith verse elsewhere.

   Now the Titanic pulled out from England, bound for New York shore
   Now the Titanic pulled out from England, bound for New York shore
   Cryin', when she struck that iceberg, poor old ship was lost
 
   She was sailing 'cross the water, sailing 'cross the deep blue sea
   She was sailing 'cross the water, sailing 'cross the deep blue sea
   
   Now when the Titanic was sinkin', sinkin' in the deep blue sea
   Now when the Titanic was sinkin', sinkin' in the deep blue sea
   Oh, then the band begin to play "Nearer My God To Thee"

   Now Captain Smith walked out with a shotgun under his arm
   Now Captain Smith walked out with a shotgun under his arm
   Cryin', "Let the women get off.  Let the men go down."

   Now wasn't it sad, sad, when the great ship went down?
   Now wasn't it sad, sad, when the great ship went down?
   There was husbands and wives, little children lost their lives

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on February 08, 2012, 09:56:40 PM
Some folk hereabouts might like to know that Chris Smith wrote an extremely interesting and detailed examination of the topic in "When That Great Ship Went Down: Black Songs About the 'Titanic'." Talking Blues no. 9/10 (1979, p 24-31, 43) which, of course, took on board all the 'travellin' man' elements and narrative 'toasts'. He updated this for talk he gave at a black music seminar in 1991, "The Titanic, a Case Study of Religious and Secular Attitudes in African-American Song". This was published in the 1996 as a chapter in the book Saints And Sinners (ed. R. Sacre). It's 15 pages long but should anybody require a OCR scan, PM me with an email address and I'll set about doing it.
Quote
I find that I still have this on my computer. One or two folk did request it at the time but before I permanently delete are there any other takers? Saturday it will be erased...
Despite stating in 2006 that this would be erased I obviously overlooked doing so. Any late takers?
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on February 09, 2012, 09:29:43 AM
I already took you up on the offer, though didn't remember reading it, which I just did now. I agree, an interesting read. Though it does miss something, IMO, by limiting itself to black song.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on February 09, 2012, 10:38:10 AM
Flora Molton and the Truth Band did "The Titanic", a version of "When That Great Ship Went Down". Available on Introduction to Living Country Blues USA.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on February 09, 2012, 12:09:47 PM
I already took you up on the offer, though didn't remember reading it, which I just did now. I agree, an interesting read. Though it does miss something, IMO, by limiting itself to black song.
It was originally written for a blues magazine hence limitation of content and the article title of The Titanic a Case Study Of Religious And Secular Attitudes In African American Song.

Maybe here would be a good place to bring to light all the non African American songs.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: RobBob on February 09, 2012, 12:44:38 PM
Ruthie Foster does an a capella version with the Blind Boys of Alabama on her new CD, "Let it Burn" that is mighty fine.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on February 09, 2012, 05:24:20 PM
Hi all,
William and Versey Smith's "When That Great Ship Went Down" is one of the wildest versions of "Titanic".  Almost nothing is known about the duo,  who recorded four titles for Paramount in August of 1927.  At least on the basis of the recorded evidence, William Smith played everything out of Spanish tuning and sang the lead parts, while Versey sang response lines and whaled on the tambourine with abandon.  It's interesting that in their version of the song William repeats two of his verses.  I'd appreciate help with the problem areas.  I've made no attempt to transcribe Versey's response lines, which are almost more of a musical texture than words which are felt as having meaning.  Harry Smith chose this recording for his Anthology of American Folk Music.

   On a Monday mornin', just about nine o'clock
   Great Titanic began to reel and rock
   Children screamin' and cryin', "Guess I'm going to die!"
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?

   REFRAIN: Sad when that great ship went down
   Sad when that great ship went down
   Husbands and wives, children lost their lives
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?

   When that ship left England, makin' for the shore
   The rich had declared, would not ride with the poor
   Put the poor below, well, first they had to go
   Wasn't that sad when that?

   REFRAIN: Sad when that great ship went down
   Sad when that great ship went down
   Husbands and wives, children lost their lives
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?

   When that ship left England, makin' for the shore
   The rich had declared, would not ride with the poor
   Put the poor below, well, first they had to go
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?

   REFRAIN: Sad when that great ship went down
   Sad when that great ship went down
   Husbands and wives, children lost their lives
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?

   People on that ship, long ways from home
   Their friends all around, they know their time had come
   Death come a-riding by, sixteen hundred had to die
   Wasn't that sad when that?

   REFRAIN: Sad when that great ship went down
   Sad when that great ship went down
   Husbands and wives, children lost their lives
   Wasn't that sad when that?

   People on that ship, long ways from home
   Their friends all around, they know their time had come
   Death come a-riding by, sixteen hundred had to die
   Wasn't that sad when that?

   REFRAIN: Sad when that
   Sad when that great
   Husbands and wives, children lost their lives
   Wasn't that sad when that?

   While they was building, prisoners there, too
   Now they would build a ship the water can't come through
   Oh God, now
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down


Edited 3/20 to pick up corrections from Rivers

All best,
Johnm

   





   
   
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on March 16, 2012, 04:39:56 PM
Hi all,
I was just wondering if anyone had heard anything with clarity to fill those missing spaces in the transcription of William and Versey Smith's "When That Great Ship Went Down" (in the previous post in this thread).  Any help is appreciated.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Rivers on March 16, 2012, 05:48:35 PM
I had to dig out the headphones, Versey cuts loose with the harmony vocal over the top which makes it hard to hear.

Under the headphones I first thought 'presidents' but that being less likely than 'prisoners' went with the latter, as in:

 While they was building, [prisoners] there, too

What I think I hear is a 3 syllable word starting with 'pr..', with a sibilant 's' in the middle, and an 's' on the end.

I had not heard prison labor was employed when building Titanic but maybe. Could be wrong though.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on March 16, 2012, 06:28:19 PM
Thanks for giving it a listen, Mark.  I will re-listen with what you heard in mind.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Mr.OMuck on March 16, 2012, 07:33:05 PM
Quote
On a Monday mornin', just about nine o'clock
   Great Titanic began to reel and rock
   People were [sleepin'] and cryin', "Guess I'm going to die!"
   Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?

Purely from memory , 'cause I haven't heard it in a while and with the possibility of pollution from other versions here is what I remember:
"People were screaming' an' cryin' at just one thought of dyin'"
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Rivers on March 16, 2012, 08:50:34 PM
Whoops, missed the phrase in verse one that's in doubt. I think I hear:

 Children screamin' and cryin', "Guess I'm going to die!"
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Lyle Lofgren on March 17, 2012, 05:27:47 AM
I can't be of any help with the words beyond what you already have (although I thought he said, "Lawd, Lawd" at the end), but I think the busted last verse was because they'd been told that, when the  light came on, they had to wrap the song up. They took that statement to heart, although I think the artist had a significant amount of time (30 seconds?) to finish. They ran overtime because of the repeated verses. I wonder if William did that because he couldn't remember the rest of the song? They were supposedly street singers, and under those circumstances, no one would care if you're repeating -- there's no warning light out on the street.

Lyle
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Rivers on March 17, 2012, 06:21:31 AM
Sounds like a good explanation for the hurried ending. The whole thing runs 2:57, how many seconds from time did the red light tend to go on?

The whole of the last verse I hear as this. Italicized two minor differences:

While they was building, [prisoners] there, too
Now they would build a ship, the water can't come through
Lawd, [Molly? my way?]
Wasn't that sad when that great ship went down?
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on March 17, 2012, 07:56:01 AM
I think there is much in what you say, Lyle.  It must have been tricky giving blind musicians (which I believe William Smith was) the "hi" sign, indicating that time was running out.  I've often wondered how that was handled in such instances.  Maybe in this instance a visual cue was given to Versey, who then tapped William on the shoulder, or some such method.  However it was done, I can imagine it being very difficult to keep the music flowing smoothly through the receipt and assimilation of that information.  It goes a long way towards explaining a lot of the odd endings that recorded performances had, especially for musicians who ended up having only one day, ever, in the studio, like the Smiths.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on March 20, 2012, 03:43:06 PM
I finally got a chance to re-listen to this, Rivers, and adopted pretty much everything you heard, as well as catching a few places earlier in the song where William cut off the tail ends of lines.  Thanks so much for the help, and I suspect this is as close as we're going to get it.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Rivers on April 13, 2012, 06:28:10 PM
Tomorrow being the centennial, and much as it goes against the grain to quote from this particular source, this article (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304444604577337923643095442.html) is well worth reading.

I doubt we'll ever turn up a country blues song about the Titanic with a narrative based on the failure of sensible government regulation. That's about as likely as, oh, finding such an article on the WSJ  :P

Read it quick before Rupert gets wind of it.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Mr.OMuck on April 13, 2012, 08:50:00 PM
Interesting article, and while it shifts corporate responsibility to another culprit (government) as one would assume it would ,the article does raise a very valid point about regulation maintenance and oversight.

My all time favorite Titanic song:

http://research.culturalequity.org/get-audio-detailed-recording.do?recordingId=9985 (http://research.culturalequity.org/get-audio-detailed-recording.do?recordingId=9985)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Stuart on April 13, 2012, 10:30:57 PM
But wait! There's more!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/science/a-new-look-at-natures-role-in-the-titanics-sinking.html?_r=1&ref=science (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/science/a-new-look-at-natures-role-in-the-titanics-sinking.html?_r=1&ref=science)

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/science/beating-the-odds-to-survive-the-titanics-sinking.html?ref=science (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/science/beating-the-odds-to-survive-the-titanics-sinking.html?ref=science)

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/science/seeking-guidelines-to-protect-fragile-titanic-from-visitors.html?ref=science (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/10/science/seeking-guidelines-to-protect-fragile-titanic-from-visitors.html?ref=science)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Batson on April 14, 2012, 04:08:15 AM
I came across this uncommon version by Bobby Buford from Virginia, set to a Salty Dog type tune:
http://dla.acaweb.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Ferrum43&CISOPTR=3179&CISOBOX=1&REC=6 (http://dla.acaweb.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/Ferrum43&CISOPTR=3179&CISOBOX=1&REC=6)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Mr.OMuck on April 14, 2012, 08:52:48 AM
http://youtu.be/jvwAcHIjPNo (http://youtu.be/jvwAcHIjPNo)

http://youtu.be/6lq-cqHXJnw (http://youtu.be/6lq-cqHXJnw)

http://youtu.be/aYSvFW-WN8M (http://youtu.be/aYSvFW-WN8M)

http://youtu.be/F_3BkouFIIM (http://youtu.be/F_3BkouFIIM)

http://youtu.be/S5ulu8bnIBk (http://youtu.be/S5ulu8bnIBk)

http://youtu.be/skSUX7pNmSU (http://youtu.be/skSUX7pNmSU)

http://youtu.be/rb6b0EKI_yE (http://youtu.be/rb6b0EKI_yE)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Pan on April 14, 2012, 12:08:18 PM
Thanks for these (and for the great idea) Mr. O'Muck!

Let's see if we can come up with some more:

Down with the Old Canoe (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USxTunf3-tk#)

Mance Lipscomb - The Titanic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=So4cgRBjVoY#ws)

'Titanic Blues' CHARLEY JORDAN & HENRY BROWN (1932) Blues Guitar Legend (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0b7pSYIKzU#)

Frank Hutchison - The Last Scene Of The Titanic - 1927 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG67Toa7ZRk#)

Any more to be found?

Cheers

Pan

Edited to add: a legal friction between YouTube and the german copyright organization GEMA actually prevents me from seeing some of the videos I posted here. If the content is not what it's supposed to be, or if it is duplicated, let me know, and I'll edit accordingly.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Mr.OMuck on April 14, 2012, 08:56:48 PM
This is great. When i heard that the movie Titanic was coming out in 97 I approached Randal Grass of Schanachie with the idea of putting every single Titanic song on a compilation. They weren't interested so this is a bit of wish fulfillment come true. Sure fire seller it woulda' been too if ya ask me. Thanks for the good additions Pan.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on April 15, 2012, 01:27:56 AM
Maybe in light of this anniversary there will be a spate of 'new' Titanic songs. Chris Smith's 1996 Titanic feature ends on this:

In 1985, the New Orleans singer and pianist Cousin Joe recorded his last album (Great Southern Records GS 11011, 'Relaxin' In New Orleans'). On it, no doubt in response to Bob Ballard's location of the wreck, he included what will probably be the last black song about the Titanic, 'What A Tragedy'. Fittingly, as the last of the line, it sums up the Shine and Traveling Man songs in a rewrite that - even in its title - has all the wit, irony, and multiple meanings of its predecessors. The Traveling Man takes his last bow:

Oh what a tragedy, when the Titanic ship went down (x2),
I used strategy during the tragedy, that's why I wasn't nowhere around.

Yeah, the women and the children, they was havin' fun (x2),
But when the ship started sinkin' that's when the trouble begun.

It was an awful thing, when that ship hit that big iceberg (x2),
Well I wasn't worried, I was the best swimmer in the world.

Now a rich man asked me to save his life,
He would give me half his wealth;
I said, 'I'm very sorry, mister,
But I've really got to save myself'

When I jumped in the water,
Everybody said, 'Look at that fool ;'
But when that Titanic ship hit the bottom,
I was in Harlem shootin' pool.

Oh what a tragedy, when the Titanic ship went down (x2),
I used strategy during the tragedy; that's why I was nowhere around.


Unfortunately I don't have the technology to convert LPs to mp3s.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: jharris on April 21, 2012, 10:03:48 AM
I'm playing a bunch of Titanic songs on this week's show including the Cousin Joe number. Here's a link to listen to the song:

http://sundayblues.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Cousin-Joe-What-A-Tragedy.mp3 (http://sundayblues.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Cousin-Joe-What-A-Tragedy.mp3)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on April 24, 2012, 11:20:16 AM
I thought this had been transcribed somewhere on the weenie site (here being a likely place), but apparently not. Hi Henry Brown and Charley Jordan recorded "Titanic Blues" on March 14, 1932, as a guitar duet out of E position. It's a great tune, and as JohnM mentioned earlier, one of the bluesier takes on the sinking of the Titanic. Sure beats C?line Dion. Not certain about the "bump" line in verse 2, other ears appreciated.

Titanic Blues - Hi Henry Brown

Early one mornin', just about four o'clock
It was early one mornin', just about four o'clock
When that old Titanic began to reel and rock

Smith took his glasses and walked out to the front
Captain Smith took his glass and he walked out to the front
And he spied the iceberg a-comin', gon' Lord, have to bump

Some was drinkin', some was playin' cards
And it's some was drinkin', some was playin' cards
Some was in their corner prayin' to their God

Little children cryin', "Mama, mama, what shall we do?"
Little children cryin', "Mama, mama, what shall we do?"
Captain Smith said, "Children, I'll take care of you"

'tanic sinkin' in the deep blue sea
Titanic sinkin' in the deep blue sea
And the band all playin' "Nearer My God To Thee"
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on April 24, 2012, 12:32:00 PM
I think "bump" is definitely correct, uncle bud.  The only difference I thought might have been that the parenthetic line might be describing Capt. Smith's thought process as "gon', Lord, have to bump."  Hi Henry wasn't too up on his nautical lingo, talking about going to the "front", was he?
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on April 25, 2012, 06:05:50 AM
Thanks, John, I agree, it's "gon', Lord".

Like Hi Henry, when it comes to nautical terms, I couldn't find my aft with a map.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: dj on April 25, 2012, 07:52:12 AM
Quote
Like Hi Henry, when it comes to nautical terms, I couldn't find my aft with a map.

There's a really simple solution to your problem, uncle bud.  As soon as you get on the boat, face the front and tie a bottle of aged fortified Portuguese red wine to the rail on your left.  Then tie a bag of coffee to the rail on your right.  Now you'll always know which side is Port and which is...  ah...  Starbucks.        :-\
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: banjochris on April 25, 2012, 09:33:51 AM

There's a really simple solution to your problem, uncle bud.  As soon as you get on the boat, face the front and tie a bottle of aged fortified Portuguese red wine to the rail on your left.  Then tie a bag of coffee to the rail on your right.  Now you'll always know which side is Port and which is...  ah...  Starbucks.        :-\

 :)
The Price is Right losing horn (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A#)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Lyle Lofgren on April 25, 2012, 10:32:58 AM
Then hit a golf ball towards the front of the ship, and yell "fore." And tie an immature newt to the back -- it's an eft, so you might have to slightly mispronounce it.  It's important to distinguish fore from aft, because an aft iceberg is not nearly as dangerous to the ship.

As to Starbuck, be sure not to confuse him with Stubb, at least when writing an analysis of "Moby Dick" for a term paper in English Literature.

Lyle
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on April 25, 2012, 11:00:32 AM
Don't confuse him with the third mate, Flask, either.  He was really a hip guy.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Gumbo on April 25, 2012, 02:40:23 PM
Just be grateful the Titanic didn't have a poop deck ! :o
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on August 29, 2012, 09:06:24 AM
Hi all,
Ernest Stoneman accompanied himself on autoharp and harmonica on a rack for his version of "The Titanic", from 1924.  His version can be found here:  http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg69352#msg69352 (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg69352#msg69352) .  His time was very straight up-and-down, and his phrasing has some unusual emphases.  Lyrically, this might be the most influential of the early Hillbilly/Blues versions of "the Titanic" that were recorded.  Stoneman began and ended his rendition with full solos on the verse and chorus on his harmonica.

SOLO

It was on Monday morning, just about one o-clock
That the great Titanic began to reel and rock
Then the people began to cry, saying, "Lord, I'm a-going to die."
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they were building the Titanic, they said what they could do
They were going to build a ship that the water couldn't not go through
But God with his mighty hand showed to the world it could not stand
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they left England, they were making for the shore
The rich, they declared they wouldn't not ride with the poor
So they sent the poor below, they was the first that had to go
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

Then the people on the ship were a long ways from home
With friends all around them, didn't know their time had come
Lord, Death came riding by, sixteen hundred had to die
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

SOLO

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Vermonter on September 14, 2012, 02:27:04 PM
Should we add Bob Dylan's brand new 14 minute "Titanic" track?

Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on September 14, 2012, 07:17:30 PM
I was wondering if new Titanic songs would emerge during the centenary.

Welcome to WC, Vermonter.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: unezrider on September 14, 2012, 09:45:28 PM
hello friend,
according to bob,
"If you're a folk singer, blues singer, rock & roll singer, whatever, in that realm, you oughta write a song about the Titanic, because that's the bar you have to pass.
It's not unusual for me to write a song about the Titanic tragedy any more than it was for Leadbelly. It might be unusual to write such a long ballad about it, but not necessarily about the disaster itself."
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: frailer24 on September 23, 2012, 01:21:58 AM
In regards to the Carter Family version, it is on "The Acme Sessions, 1952-1956."
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Pan on October 02, 2012, 01:08:07 PM
I don't think we have this YouTube video of Bill Jackson's version linked as yet. Prof. Scratchy just unearthed it on facebook. For a transcription of the lyrics, see JohnM's post earlier on this thread.

Bill Jackson - Titanic Blues (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJyasFVcJcY#)

Cheers

Pan
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: frailer24 on October 02, 2012, 04:00:10 PM
The Stoneman record IIRC was the first recording of a Titanic song, as well as the first autoharp on record.
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on October 29, 2013, 02:56:20 PM
Hi all,
Here are the lyrics for the Carter Family's recording of "The Titanic", taken from their Acme recordings of the early 1950s, which featured, in addition to A.P. and Sara, their children, Joe and Janette.  The guitar on this one is played out of C position in standard tuning, sounding just a little flat of Bflat.  With Maybelle not included on the session, there are no guitar leads.  This version has an exceptionally beautiful melody and odd lyrics; in some places they sound almost as though they were literally translated from some other language.

The pale moon rose in its glory
She's drifting from golden West
She told a sad, sad story
Six hundred had gone to rest

The watchman was a-dreaming
Yes, dreaming a sad, sad dream
He dreamed the Titanic was sinking
Out on the deep blue sea

He rose and called the rich man
And told him to come to life
And try to save his baby
Also his darling wife

Captain Smith must have been drinking
Not knowing that he done wrong
By trying to win the record
He let the Titanic go on

The band was out a-playing
Yes, playing far out on the sea
They spied the Titanic was sinking
Played "Nearer My God To Thee"

The sad news reached the city
The Titanic had gone down
There's many poor widows and orphans
A-waltzing all over the town

The little children were crying
For mama, she's gone to stay
Oh, surely they'll invent something
To raise the Titanic some day

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: LucyStag on November 06, 2013, 12:10:51 AM
Same lyrics, but modern -- The Two Man Gentlemen Band off of their "Great Calamities" album:

The Two Man Gentlemen Band - The Titanic Diaster (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-Bj0LZYL74#)


Hi all,
Ernest Stoneman accompanied himself on autoharp and harmonica on a rack for his version of "The Titanic", from 1924.  His version can be found here:  http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg69352#msg69352 (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2101.msg69352#msg69352) .  His time was very straight up-and-down, and his phrasing has some unusual emphases.  Lyrically, this might be the most influential of the early Hillbilly/Blues versions of "the Titanic" that were recorded.  Stoneman began and ended his rendition with full solos on the verse and chorus on his harmonica.

SOLO

It was on Monday morning, just about one o-clock
That the great Titanic began to reel and rock
Then the people began to cry, saying, "Lord, I'm a-going to die."
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they were building the Titanic, they said what they could do
They were going to build a ship that the water couldn't not go through
But God with his mighty hand showed to the world it could not stand
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they left England, they were making for the shore
The rich, they declared they wouldn't not ride with the poor
So they sent the poor below, they was the first that had to go
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

Then the people on the ship were a long ways from home
With friends all around them, didn't know their time had come
Lord, Death came riding by, sixteen hundred had to die
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
Husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

SOLO

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on November 06, 2013, 02:04:46 PM
Hi all,
Hobart Smith did a really nice version he called "The Great Titanic" on his Folk Legacy album from the early '60s, "Hobart Smith of Saltville, Virginia-"America's Greatest Folk Instrumentalist"", FSA-17.  Hobart backed himself out of C position in standard tuning for his rendition, and took a nice thumb lead solo towards the end of his performance, a la Maybelle Carter.  Like Henry Thomas, Hobart Smith left the first fret of his first string open when playing an F chord in the key of C.

Spoken:  This is "The Great Titanic".

One one Sunday morning, just about one o'clock
This great Titanic boat begin to reel and rock
People on board begin to cry, saying, "My Lord, I'm bound to die."
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

REFRAIN:  Awful sad when the great boat went down
Husbands and wives, little chidern lost their lives
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

Ship was a-leaving England, a-pulling for the shore
Rich, they declared they would not ride with the poor
Put the poor below, they's the first ones had to go
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

REFRAIN:  Awful sad when the great boat went down
Husbands and wives, little chidern lost their lives
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

Builders kept building, declared what they would do
Gonna build a boat the waters couldn't break through
God had the power at His hand, showed to the world it would not stand
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

Ship was a-leaving England, a-pulling for the shore
Rich, they declared they would not ride with the poor
Put the poor below, they's the first ones had to go
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

REFRAIN:  Awful sad when the great boat went down
Husbands and wives, little chidern lost their lives
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

SOLO (partial)
Put the poor below, they's the first ones had to go
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

REFRAIN:  Awful sad when the great boat went down
Husbands and wives, little chidern lost their lives
Wasn't that sad when the great ship went down?

All best,
Johnm
 
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on December 04, 2013, 03:49:48 PM
Hi all,
For Pink Anderson's version of "Titanic", he backed himself out of G position in standard tuning.  He plays it with his characteristic snappy touch and draws out his words in a droll way, saying "vessel" with such relish.  It's always interesting to hear Pink do songs that a lot of people do because he always seemed to have some verses no one else did.  His version of the song utilizes a refrain.  It can be heard at:  http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2498.msg70218#msg70218 (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2498.msg70218#msg70218) .

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Husbands and their wives, children lost their life
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

When that ship first left England, New York it tried to come
Iceberg struck the vessel, it could not make the run
Jacobud Asker [sic] he went down, sixteen hundred of them was drowned
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Husbands and their wives, children lost their life
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

When Captain Workfield was a-building, he said what he would do
He would build a ship, water couldn't break through
God with power in his hand showed the world it could not stand
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Husbands and their wives, children lost their life
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

When old Paul was out a-sailin', had mens all around
God spoke and told him, not a one should be drowned
"If you trust me and obey, I will save yo all the way
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Husbands and their wives, children lost their life
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

When that ship was leaving England, making for the shore
The rich had declared they wouldn't ride with the poor
So they put the poor below, they was first had to go
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

REFRAIN: Children, wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?
Husbands and their wives, children lost their life
Wasn't it sad when the great ship went down?

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on December 24, 2013, 03:45:38 PM
Hi all,
Leadbellys version of "The Titanic", for which he accompanied himself out of C position in standard tuning, is unusual among versions of the song we've heard in that it has an irresistibly happy melody.  The melody coincides nicely with the verses pertaining to Jack Johnson.  Leadbelly had a fairly long spoken intro to this version which I chose not to transcribe.  Leadbelly's version can be heard at:  http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2498.msg70218#msg70218 (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=2498.msg70218#msg70218) .

It was a midnight on the sea, the band is playin'
"Nearer My God To Thee"
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well
It was a midnight on the sea, the band was playin'
"Nearer My God to Thee"
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

Titanic, when it got its load
Captain, he hollered, "All aboard."
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well
Titanic, when it got its load
Captain, he hollered, "All aboard."
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

Titanic was comin' around the curve
When they run into that great iceberg [Spoken: couldn't turn]
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well [Spoken: He didn't see it]
Titanic was comin' around the curve
When they run into that great iceberg
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

Titanic was sinkin' down
They had them life boats around
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well
When the Titanic was sinkin' down
They had them life boats around
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

They had them life boats around
Savin' the women and children and lettin' the men go down
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well
They had them life boats around
Savin' the women and children and lettin' the men go down
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

SOLO:  Spoken: Yeah. Uh-huh

Jack Johnson wanted to get on board
Captain, he says, "I ain't haulin' no coal."
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well
Jack Johnson wanted to get on board
The captain, he says, "I ain't haulin' no coal."
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

SOLO:  Spoken: Talk about it now.  Jack Johnson so glad he didn't get on there.

When he heard about that mighty shock
Mighta seen the man doin' the Eagle Rock
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well
When he heard about that mighty shock
Mighta seen the man doin' the Eagle Rock
Fare thee, Titanic, fare thee well

SOLO:  Spoken: One more time.  Yeah, that's "Fare thee, Titanic"

All best,
Johnm



Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on December 31, 2013, 12:01:27 PM
Hi all,
Lesley Riddle's version of "Titanic" can be found on his Rounder album.  He accompanied himself with a slide, playing in Vestapol, and his version is otherwise notable for not being influenced, melodically or instrumentally, by Blind Willie Johnsons's "God Moves On The Water".  Lesley Riddle doesn't tread any new territory, lyrically, apart from the opening line of his third verse.  His tone and time have a nice relaxed flow to them.
Lesley Riddle is an interesting figure.  Born in Burnsville, North Carolina, according to Wikipedia, he was raised in Kingsport, Tennessee by his grandparents.  He met A. P. Carter around 1928 and began to accompany Carter on song-collecting jaunts, with Carter recording lyrics to songs they found and Riddle remembering the melodies.  His way of playing the guitar influenced Maybelle Carter's picking, too, by all accounts.  One interesting item on his Rounder album is his version of "Red River Blues", which is very, very close, instrumentally, to Frank Hutchison's "Miner's Blues".  It would be interesting to know which of them came up with it first (or whether someone altogether different came up with it).

SOLO

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Well, husbands and wives and little children lost their lives
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

When they was buildin' a ship, they said what they could do
They would build a ship that water couldn't break through
God, with the power in his hand, showed the world it could not stand
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Well, husbands and wives and little children lost their lives
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

Well, the ship had just left England, it was making for the shore
Rich had declared they wouldn't ride with the poor
They put the poor below, they was the first ones had to go
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Well, husbands and wives and little children lost their lives
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

You know it must've been awful with those people in the sea
Said they were singin', "Nearer My God, To Thee"
They were homeward bound, fifteen hundred had to drown
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

REFRAIN: Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?
Well, husbands and wives and little children lost their lives
Wasn't it sad when that great ship went down?

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: uncle bud on April 20, 2014, 10:26:56 AM
The Cofer Brothers do a Titanic song called "Great Ship Went Down", though it is not the song done by Versey and Smith and others. Much more old-time. Hard not to like these fellars.

http://youtu.be/VpF6LlVif30 (http://youtu.be/VpF6LlVif30)

FIDDLE INTRO SOLO

Titanic was a ship, she was on a moderate trip
To sail across the Atlantic Ocean wide
Oh, it was a pleasure trip, millionaires on board the ship
But none never lived to reach the other side

REFRAIN: Titanic was her name, Atlantic was her fame
She sank about five hundred miles from shore
Sixteen hundred were at sea, went down with angry waves
Went down with angry waves to rise no more

FIDDLE SOLO

Oh, it was a fearful scene, just like an awful dream
To see so many perish beneath the waves
Children, husbands and their wives, were pleading for their lives
But they all went down beneath the angry waves

REFRAIN: Titanic was her name, Atlantic was her fame
She sank about five hundred miles from shore
Sixteen hundred were at sea, went down with angry waves
Went down with angry waves to rise no more

FIDDLE SOLO

Was a dark and moonless night, and not a rim of light
To let them see the horrors of the sea
Oh, it was a solemn sound, the ship was going down
To hear the band play "Nearer My God To Thee"

REFRAIN: Titanic was her name, Atlantic was her fame
She sank about five hundred miles from shore
Sixteen hundred were at sea, went down with angry waves
Went down with angry waves to rise no more

FIDDLE SOLO



Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: wreid75 on May 06, 2014, 12:12:19 PM
I gave a lecture years ago on this song in prewar music and how this event was repackaged as a form of social protest.  The students couldn't rap their brain around what was being done and the imagery used in so many of these songs.  I did burn off a bunch of these songs onto a cd to hand out to the students.  Hopefully a few of them really listened later on and liked what the heard. 
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on October 30, 2014, 10:44:57 PM
Hi all,
Vernon Dalhart recorded a version of "The Sinking of the Titanic" in 1927.  His version sounds to be influenced very much by Ernest Stoneman's 1924 version. 

Vernon Dalhart-The Sinking Of The Titanic (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_zJKOwN008#)

It was on one Monday morning, just about one o'clock
When the great Titanic began to reel and rock
Then the people began to cry, saying, "Lord, we're gonna die."
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they built the great Titanic, they said what would they do
They said they'd build a ship that water could not go through
But God, with His mighty hand, showed the world that it could not stand
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

Harmonica solo

When they heard the signal ring, they were headed for the shore
The rich folks, they declared, they wouldn't ride with the poor
So they sent the poor below, they was the first, then, had to go
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When the people in the ship were a long ways from home
With the people all around the, didn't know their time had come
But Death came riding by, sixteen hundred had to die
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Pan on April 18, 2016, 07:01:58 PM
Hi all,

I came across this fascinating animation on the sinking of Titanic. It's in real time, so it lasts 2 hrs 40 mins (!). Beneath the video, on the video's description, you'll find a list of main points to jump to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs9w5bgtJC8

For a soundtrack, why not listen to all the songs mentioned in this thread, that could be found on YouTube, on a songlist I compiled.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNEJV1lNKyyVC8vJsrm_sm7pIdPlFNAMZ

Cheers

Pan
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Bunker Hill on April 18, 2016, 10:15:49 PM
Some folk hereabouts might like to know that Chris Smith wrote an extremely interesting and detailed examination of the topic in "When That Great Ship Went Down: Black Songs About the 'Titanic'." Talking Blues no. 9/10 (1979, p 24-31, 43) which, of course, took on board all the 'travellin' man' elements and narrative 'toasts'. He updated this for talk he gave at a black music seminar in 1991, "The Titanic, a Case Study of Religious and Secular Attitudes in African-American Song". This was published in the 1996 as a chapter in the book Saints And Sinners (ed. R. Sacre). It's 15 pages long but should anybody require a OCR scan, PM me with an email address and I'll set about doing it.
I still have the scan of Sacre's Titanic feature mentioned in the Weenie discussion of July 2006. Unlikely that there's much interest after all this time but if there is....just do what it suggests in the bold typeface.  ;)
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Pan on May 09, 2016, 04:11:39 PM
Hi all

After reading the Chris Smith article, Bunker Hill mentions, I noticed that we haven't included Ma Rainey's "Titanic Man Blues", takes 1 & 2, in this thread. She uses Titanic more metaphorically than literally, I believe, but anyway, here are the two takes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Fjya_jQRY&index=18&list=PLNEJV1lNKyyVC8vJsrm_sm7pIdPlFNAMZ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GYMwk-J-cc&index=19&list=PLNEJV1lNKyyVC8vJsrm_sm7pIdPlFNAMZ

Cheers

Pan
Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on May 09, 2020, 09:54:46 AM
Hi all,
It has been a while since this topic was posted to, but I recently found this version by George Reneau, "The Blind Musician of the Smoky Mountains", recorded in New York on October 14, 1925.  Reneau accompanied himself on harmonica on a rack and backed himself out of D position in standard tuning.  Here is his performance of "The Sinking of the Titanic":

https://youtu.be/tu5yULOaCUE

INTRO

It was on one Monday morning, just about one o'clock
When the great Titanic began to reel and rock
The people all began to cry, saying "Lord, we're going to die."
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they built the great Titanic, they said what should they do
They said they'd build a ship that water could not go through
But God, with his mighty hand showed the world it could not stand
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

When they heard the signal ring, they were headed for the shore
The rich folks declared, they wouldn't ride with the poor
So they sent the poor below, they were cursed and had to go
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

Well the people on the ship were a long ways from home
Well the people all around them didn't know their time had come
But Death came riding by, sixteen hundred had to die
It was sad when that great ship went down

REFRAIN: It was sad when that great ship went down
It was sad when that great ship went down
There were husbands and wives, little children lost their lives
It was sad when that great ship went down

OUTRO

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: The Titanic
Post by: Johnm on May 09, 2020, 10:24:00 AM
Hi all,
Banjochris alluded to Darby & Tarlton's version, "After the Sinking of the Titanic", earlier in this thread.  I'd never heard it, and thought to see if it had been put up on youtube.  I apologize if this video is not viewable by non-U. S. weenies.  It is very similar melodically to the Carter Family's version, as Chris noted.  Here is "After the Sinking of the Titanic":

https://youtu.be/6zDsCVpF4t4

INTRO

When the moon rose in its glory
And it drifted to the golden West
It told a sad new story
Sixteen hundred had gone to rest

Captain Smith surely must have been a-drinking
Not knowing that he was doing wrong
He tried to erase the record
And let the Titanic go down

GUITAR INTERLUDE

Well, the porter had retired and was sleeping
He was dreaming of some sad dream
He dreamed the Titanic was sinking
Way out on the bottom of the sea

GUITAR SOLO

Mr. Smith, he says to the rich man,
"Oh, try and come to life.
Try and save your baby,
Also your little loving wife."

GUITAR SOLO

Mrs. Smith heard her husband was a-drowning
Way out on the deep blue sea
She cried out, "Oh Lord, have mercy,
Oh Lord, send him back to me!"

When the sad new reached the city
And the Titanic had gone down
Many widows and poor little orphans
Was walking all around the town

All best,
Johnm

 
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