The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A POLISH SONG: STEEL TIPPED DANCE SHOES, FLASH AND SPARKLE

STEEL_TIPPED DANCE SHOES, FLASH AND SPARKLE
FOR THIS GIRL'S A WORTHY PARTNER
BE SHE WORTHY OR NOT WORTHY
STEEL_TIPPED DANCE SHOES FLASH AND SPARKLE.
POLISH TEXT AND MUSIC NOT KEYPUNCHED.

Submitter comment:

THE FIRST VERSE IS TRANSLATED BY HARRIET PAWLAWSKA AND MUSIC IS
TRANSCRIBED BY GRACE ENGEL. FOR THE SECOND VERSE I HAVE NO MUSIC
TRANSCRIBED SO I JUST PRESENT THE WORDS AS I KNOW THEM.

Data entry tech comment:

THE INFORMANT STATES THAT THERE IS A SECOND VERSE BUT IT IS NOT
LOCATED ON THE FILE CARD.

Updated by TRD

Scanning of music card in progress

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): DANCE ; ETHNIC ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; VERSE

Date learned: 00-00-1967

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EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE
ALL AROUND THE TOWN,
THE TOTS SANG "RING A ROSIE",
"LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN."
BOYS AND GIRLS TOGETHER,
ME AND MAMIE O,ROURKE,
TRIPPED THE LIGHT FANTASTIC,
ON THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW YORK.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHILDREN ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE

Date learned: 00-00-1965

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SPRING

THE AIR IS WARM AND THE SKY IS BLUE
THE LEAVES ARE GREEN_YELLOW
BECAUSE THEY ARE NEW.
THE FEET GO SKIPPING
THE BIRDS ALL SING,
THE WHOLE WORLD IS HAPPY
BECAUSE IT IS SPRING.

Submitter comment:

INFORMANT SINGS THIS WITH HER FRIENDS IN SCHOOL.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; SAINT CLAIR SHORES

Keyword(s): CHILDREN ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SEASONAL SONG ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE

Date learned: 08-11-1964

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ST. JOHN'S EVE

ON A PLEASANT ST. JOHN,S EVE
IN THE QUIET OF A PRETTY HILLSIDE
A MOTHER SAT, WHILE AT HER KNEE
A FAINTING DAUGHTER FELL.


O MOTHER, MOTHER, MY HEART ACHES
BECAUSE LEON MAY NOT RETURN,
MAYBE HIS HORSE WILL THROW HIM FROM THE SADDLE
OR AN EVIL PERSON WILL KILL HIM.
(TWICE)
O CAROLINE, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
WHERE ARE ALL YOUR PROMISES?
YOU WROTE, "OH, COME, COME."
NOW YOU ARE IN THE ARMS OF ANOTHER.

MY HORSE, MY HORSE, LET US RETURN HOME.
THEY HAVE NO BREAD FOR US HERE.
THERE IN THE VALLEY WHERE THE STREAM FLOWS,
THERE IS OUR BELOVED HOME.
(TWICE)

POLISH VERSION:

Wieczor Pogodny

Wieczor pogodny Swietego Jana
Ucich pieknego pagorka,
Siedziala matka, na jej kolana

Upada zemdlona corka.

O Mamo, mamo, serce mnie boli,
Bo moze Leon nie wroci,

Moze go konik ze siodia rzuczi,
Albozly czlowiek ubile.

O Karolino, cozes zrobiloa
gdzie twoje wszystkie zaklencia,
Tys mi pisala, ach przyjedz, przyjedz, przyjedz
Teraz zes w innych objenciach.

Koniu muj koniu, wrocmy do domu.
Tu dla nas nie maja chleda.
Tam na dolinie, gdzie strumyk plynie,
Tam nasza chata kochana.

Submitter comment:

MY MOTHER USED TO SING THIS SONG TO ME WHEN I WAS A CHILD. SHE TOLD
ME SHE LEARNED IT FROM A LADY WITH WHOM SHE WORKED DURING 1926-1929,
IN VARIOUS DOWNTOWN BUILDINGS--WASHINGTON BLVD. BLDG., INDUSTRIAL
BANK BLDG., AND EATON TOWER (NOW BRODERICK TOWER).
THE LADY, SADIE MANDULAK, BROUGHT THE SONG FROM THE UKRAINE.
ON THE NOTE ON WHICH THIS SONG WAS WRITTEN, MY MOTHER WROTE:
"TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE." I TAKE THIS TO MEAN THAT THIS IS
THE WAY THE SONG IS REMEMBERED BY HER.
MY MOTHER USED TO SING THIS, IN ITS POLISH VERSION, TO ME WHEN
I WAS JUST A LITTLE GIRL. I REMEMBER SHE USED TO ROCK ME AND
OFTEN I WOULD FALL ASLEEP TO THE SONG. LATER (13 TO 15 YEARS LATER.
IN FACT.) SHE SANG THE VERY SAME SONG TO MY SISTER, AS SHE PUT
HER TO SLEEP.
 

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): BABY ; CHILDREN ; LULLABY ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 05-00-1965

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DOWN IN THE VALLEY, THE VALLEY SO LOW,
HANG YOUR HEAD OVER, HEAR THE WIND BLOW.
HEAR THE WIND BLOW, DEAR, HEAR THE WIND BLOW.
HANG YOUR HEAD OVER, HEAR THE WIND BLOW.

ROSES LOVE SUNSHINE, VIOLETS LOVE DEW,
ANGELS IN HEAVEN KNOW I LOVE YOU.
KNOW I LOVE YOU, DEAR, KNOW I LOVE YOU,
ANGELS IN HEAVEN KNOW I LOVE YOU.

WRITE ME A LETTER CONTAINING THREE LINES,
ANSWER THIS QUESTION. WILL YOU BE MINE? ETC.

BUILD ME A CASTLE FORTY FEET HIGH,
SO I CAN SEE HER AS SHE RIDES BY, ETC.

Submitter comment:

MISS DAMIN HEARD THIS IN TOKYO IN 1956 FROM A DUTCH WOMAN,
MISS RUTH AMSLER. MISS AMSLER CLAIMED THAT IT CAME FROM A
TRUE STORY OF EARLY AMERICA. THE STORY WAS THAT TWO LOVERS QUARRELED
OVER THE SAME GIRL. ONE WOUNDS THE OTHER WIH A KNIFE AND FOR THIS
IS LOCKED IN A TOWER. AS HE LOOKS OUT HE SEES HIS RIVAL AND HIS LOVE
RIDING OFF WITH THEIR WEDDING PARTY, SO HE SINGS THIS SONG.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): LOVERS QUARRELS ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE

Date learned: 12-00-1963

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IRISH SONG

ERIN THE TEAR AND THE SMILE IN THINE EYES,
BLEND LIKE THE RAINBOW'S LIGHT THAT SHINES IN THE SKIES.
SHINING THROUGH SORROWS STREAMS,
GLADDENING THROUGH PLEASURE BEAMS,
THY SUNS WITH DOUBTFUL GLEAM WEEP WHILE THEY RISE.

ERIN THY SILENT TEAR, NEVER SHALL CEASE,
ERIN, THY LANGUID SMILE NE'ER SHALL INCREASE,
TILL LIKE THE RAINBOW,S LIGHTS,
THY VARIOUS TINTS UNITE
AND FORM IN HEAVEN,S SIGHT ONE ARCH OF PEACE.

Submitter comment:

MRS. MC CLOSKEY HEARD THIS IN BELFAST, IRELAND IN 1916.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): ETHNIC ; Gaelic ; IRELAND ; Irish ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE

Date learned: 01-13-1964

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MING TOY LOVED A BOY, HAPPY LITTLE JAPANESE;
OOO LONG WAS HIS NAME, SET HER HEART AFLAME;
ONE DAY HE SAY SOON I GOTTA GO AWAY,
WHEN HE LEAVE MING TOY GRIEVE; EVERYBODY HEARD HER SAY_HAY_HAY;
SO LONG, OOO ONG, HOW LONG YOU GONNA BE GONE;
SO DON,T BE TOO LONG, OOO LONG, HURRY BACK HOME;
OH YOU LITTLE JAPANESE. I'LL BE WAITING UNDERNEATH THE BAMBOO TREE;
PLEASE DON,T BE TOO LONG, OOO LONG, HURRY BACK HOME.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALLEN PARK

Keyword(s): ; Asian ; Chinese ; ETHNIC ; HUMOROUS INTERNAL RHYME ; Japanese ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 02-02-1972

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POLISH SONG: WHY DEAR MAIDEN

WHY DO YOU, DEAR MAIDEN
BY THE OAK STAND LONELY?
IS IT FROM RAIN, MAIDEN,
OR THE HOT SUN ONLY?

CHORUS

NO, IT,S NOT THE HOT SUN,
NOR EVEN A SHOWER,
BUT A VERY DEAR ONE,
I WAIT IN THIS BOWER}

CHORUS
HOP CIUK, CIUK, TRA LA LA LA LA,
HOP CIUK, CIUK, TRA LA LA LA LA,
HOP CIUK, CIUK, TRA LA LA LA LA,
HOP CIUK, CIUK, BEC.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): ETHNIC ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; SONG ; VERSE

Date learned: 10-18-1971

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HOW SWIFTLY THE TIME FLIES

HOW SWIFTLY THE MOMENTS FLEE
HOW QUICKLY THE TIME PASSES
IN A YEAR, A DAY, A MOMENT
WE MAY NOT BE TOGETHER.

POLISH VERSION:

Tak szybko miaja chuile
jak szybo peynie czas
za rok za dzien za chirle
Nie razem bedzie nas.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): Folk Song ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; VERSE

Date learned: 08-00-1964

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HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN

THERE IS A HOUSE IN NEW ORLEANS
THEY CALL THE RISING SUN
AND ITS BEEN THE RUIN OF
MANY A POOR BOY (GIRL) AND
GOD, I KNOW I,M ONE.

MY MOTHER WAS A TAILOR
SOLD MY BRAND NEW JEANS
MY FATHER WAS A GAMBLING
MAN WAY DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS.

(CHORUS)

NOW THE ONLY THING WITH
GAMBLING IS YOU GET AWFULLY DRY.
AND THE ONLY TIME HE IS SATISFIED
IS WHEN HE,S ROARING DRUNK


(CHORUS)
OL MOTHER, TELL YOUR CHILDREN (DAUGHTERS)
NOT TO DO WHAT I HAVE DONE.
SPEND YOUR LIFE IN SIN
AND MISERY, IN THE HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN.

(CHORUS)

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT ; DETROIT ; CAMPUS

Keyword(s): Band ; Classic Rock ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; PROSTITUTION ; The Animals

Date learned: 10-18-1967

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MOUNTAIN DEW

CHORUS: THEY CALL IT THAT GOOD OLD MOUNTAIN DEW, DEW, DEW,
AND THEN MEN THAT REFUSE IT ARE FEW, MIGHTY FEW,
I,LL SHUT UP MY MUG, IF YOU,LL FILL UP MY JUG WITH THAT
GOOD OL, MOUNTAIN DEW. MM
MY UNCLE BILL HAS A STILL ON THE HILL AND ROLLS OUT A BARREL OR TWO
THE BUZZARDS IS THE SKY GET SO DRUNK THAT THEY CANNOT FLY,
JUST FROM SMELLIN' THAT GOOD OL' MOUNTAIN DEW}

MY UNCLE WILL LIVES ON THE HILL
MARRIED TO MY AUNTIE LOU
HE,LL GET UP AND RUN IF YOU,LL GIVE HIM A GUN
AND SOME OF THAT GOOD OL, MOUNTAIN DEW.
MY COUSIN MORT WAS SAWED OFF IN SHORT,
MEASURES ABOUT FIVE FOOT TWO.
HE,LL ACT LIKE A GIANT IF YOU,LL GIVE HIM A PINT
OF THAT GOOD OL, MOUNTAIN DEW.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): ALCOHOLIC DRINK ; DRINKING SONG ; Entertainment ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 04-00-1968

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WHITE CORAL BELLS UPON A SLENDER STALK,
LILLIES OF THE VALLEY DECK MY GARDEN WALK.
OH, DON'T YOU WISH THAT YOU COULD HEAR THEM RING?
THAT WILL HAPPEN ONLY WHEN THE FAIRIES SING.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; RESIDENCE ; DETROIT

Keyword(s): FLOWERS ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: NOT RECORDED BY COLLECTOR

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BACK OF THE BREAD

BACK OF THE BREAD IS THE FLOUR
AND BACK OF THE FLOWER IS THE MILL
AND BACK OF THE MILL IS THE SUN AND THE RAIN
AND THE FATHER'S WILL.

Submitter comment:

LEARNED IN GIRL SCOUTS, ST. THERESA GRADE SCHOOL, DET., MI.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): CHAIN SONG ; GIRL SCOUTS ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 10-15-1967

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1,2,3,4, WHO ARE WE FOR,
BUS DRIVER, BUS DRIVER, RAH, RAH, RAH.
5,6,7,8, WHO DO WE THINK IS GREAT,
BUS DRIVER, BUS DRIVER, RAH, RAH, RAH
9,10,11,12, WHO DO WE THINK IS SWELL,
BUS DRIVER, BUS DRIVER, RAH, RAH, RAH.

Submitter comment:

KIDS SING THIS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR BUS DRIVER TO GO FAST SO THEY
WILL BE AT CAMP FIRST.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: CAMP

Keyword(s): CHILDREN ; l Chant ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 00-00-1960

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A POLISH SONG: WAY OVER THERE, NEAR THE WOODS

WAY OVER THERE NEAR THE WOODS
SOMETHING FLASHES FROM AFAR.
A BAND OF GYPSIES
BUM STAREE RAREE (ETC., THREE TIMES)

A GYPSY DOESN'T SOW
A GYPSY DOESN'T PLOW
ARE STARTING A FIRE.
WHERE E'ER HE LOOKS
THERE HE WILL SETTLE

(REFRAIN)

A GYPSY IS WITHOUT WATER.
A GYPSY IS WITHOUT A COTTAGE,
A GYPSY IS HAPPY,
ALTHOUGH HE ISN'T RICH.

Submitter comment:

THIS SONG I KNOW FROM CHILDHOOD FROM MY PARENTS. THERE ARE MANY
SONGS AND TALES ABOUT GYPSIES IN POLISH FOLKLORE
AS THE GYPSY WAS, AND IS, A COMMON SIGHT IN POLAND.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): Folk Muysic ; Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 11-28-1967

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A POLISH SONG: YES WE ARE JUST SUCH BOYS

YES, WE ARE JUST SUCH BOYS
BOYS FROM CRACAW THAT IS
WITH A RED CAP
ONE INCH THICK HEELS ON BOOTS
AND A WHITE SHIRT

DANA MY DANA}
A NAVY BLUE COAT
WHICH I,VE WORN IN PARADES
LINED WITH SILK
AND STITCHED WITH FINE DESIGNING
COME AND DANCE AROUND US
MY DEAR ONE (REPEAT)
HEY, HA}

Submitter comment:

THIS SONG IS A KRAKOWIAK MELODY FROM THE REGION OF CRACOW. THE
MUSIC IS TRANSCRIBED BY SISIGMUND SLOKOWSKI WHILE THE WORDS AND
TRANSLATION ARE OF MY OWN AS I LEARNED THEM FROM MY PARENTS.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Scanning of music in progress

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; SONG ; Tune

Date learned: 11-28-1967

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A POLISH SONG: A HUNDRED YEARS

100 YEARS
100 YEARS
MAY HE LIVE
LIVE FOR US (REPEAT)

ONCE AGAIN
ONCE AGAIN
MAY HE LIVE
LIVE FOR US
MAY HE LIVE
FOR US. (SLOW AND LOUD)

Submitter comment:

THIS IS A SONG VERY WELL KNOWN BY ANY POLISH PERSON SINCE IT IS
SUNG TO HONOR SOMEONE. IT IS USED AT BIRTHDAYS OR WHEN TOASTING
A CELEBRITY'S HEALTH. THE MUSIC HAS BEEN TRANSCRIBED BY
MICHAEL WOZNY BUT THE WORDS AND TRANSLATION ARE AS I KNOW THEM,
AND MY FAMILY DOES TOO.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Scanning of original music in progress

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DEARBORN

Keyword(s): Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; SONG ; VERSE

Date learned: 11-28-1967

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A POLISH SONG: IN THE WOODLAND

HEY, IN THE WOODLND,
WHAT GLEAMS WITH WONDER?
A LEGIONNAIRE BAND SETS FIRES OF THUNDER. REFRAIN

FAITH IT EMBRACES
WITH FLAMES THAT CARRY,
RINGING THROUGH SPACES,

THEIR SONG SO MERRY. REFRAIN
RINGING THROUGH VAST PLAINS,
RINGING IN GREEN LANES,
OUR SONG POLANIE,
OUR SONG BELOVED. REFRAIN

REFRAIN:
RAM TAI RAJ,
RAM TAI RAJ,
RAM TAI RAJ,
U HA HA
RAM TAI RAJ. (THREE TIMES)
BEC.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT ; INFORMANTS HOME

Keyword(s): Lyrics ; MUSIC ; POLAND ; POLISH ; RHYME ; SONG ; VERSE

Date learned: 10-18-1971

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THE DAWNING OF THE DAY

ONE MORNING EARLY AS I WALKED FORTH
BY THE MARGIN OF LOUGH LIEN (LANE).
THE SUN SHONE BRIGHT THE TREES IN GREEN
AND SUMMER BLOOMED AGAIN.
I LEFT THE TOWN AND WANDERED ON
THROUGH THE FIELDS I WENT MY WAY
AND WHO DID I MEET BUT COLLEEN D HAS
BY THE DAWNING OF THE DAY.
NO SHOE NOR STOCKING CAP NOR CLOAK
DID THIS LOVELY MAIDEN WEAR
HER HAIR IN LOVELY RINGLETS RARE
DOWN TO THE GRASS IN GOLD.
A MILKING PAIL WAS IN HER HAND
SHE WAS LOVELY, YOUNG AND FAIR
SHE BARE THE PSALM OF VENUS BRIGHT
BY THE DAWNING OF THE DAY.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: DETROIT

Keyword(s): Lyric ; MUSIC ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE

Date learned: 11-18-1970

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HANG DOWN YOUR HEAD TOM DOOLEY
HANG DOWN YOUR HEAD AND CRY
HANG DOWN YOUR HEAD TOM DOOLEY
FOR TOMORROW YOU DIE.

Data entry tech comment:

Updated by TRD

Where learned: UNIVERSITY OF DETROIT

Keyword(s): Lyrics ; MUSIC ; RHYME ; SONG ; Tune ; VERSE

Date learned: 10-17-1967

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