Stewball

A song that originated first in Ireland about a horse race sometime around 1790, this song is a classic folk and children's song, one that has been done by just about everyone from Woody Guthrie to Joan Baez and others.

According to music heritage references, this particular song was popular with African Americans in the Southern United States and used to be sung by the chain gangs.  It was recorded by Leadbelly, an African American musician who was popular in the early to mid 20th century and is similar to another song called "Run, Molly, Run; Old Tim Brooks; Tim Brooks; The Race Horse Song, a musical offering about the great California mare of the Kentucky horse race of 1878.

Children like songs about animals, and many children's songs are about them.  This song crosses generations, as it appeals to children and adults alike.   It is done here with accordion, guitar and vocals.

Wabash Cannonball

One of those old-time but good-time traditional songs is Wabash Cannonball.  Who hasn't stood up and clapped and tapped their feet?  And for those who haven't heard the song, the time is now.

This is one of those songs people can play easily with three chords.  It is done here with a uke banjo and accordion.

The song is about a fictional train of the 19th century.  It first was seen on sheet music in 1882 and called "The Great Rock Island Route," authored by J.A. Roff.  There are several different versions of the song with variations of the chorus.

Hard Times Come Again No More

bags for the homeless

Stephen Foster captured the times in which he lived, as he observed people struggling during the 19th century.  His music takes the events of those days and makes them real in the modern world, as the wish is that hard times be lifted from the shoulders of the poor.

Foster knew poverty himself.  He struggled with alcoholic demons.  He performed wherever he could, sometimes just for pennies.  Like the musicians of today, his talents were sometimes not recognized for the value they gave others, although some of his other songs like "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair" were popular favorites.  This hard times song is seldom heard by comparison to other Stephen Foster songs, but it demonstrates the perception and compassion of the writer, with the lyrics that talk about how difficult it was, and still is, to survive in a world where poverty virtually becomes a forever state for many people.

Hard Times Come Again No More is a statement from the past but a plea for the future, that the poor not be forgotten and that the pain and trouble that come with having little or nothing be understood by others and that compassionate response be made.

The song is done only with a harmonica here: