Back in the beginning of October I wrote a piece entitled “Music Doth Soothe the Savage Beast” in which I listed out some of the songs I sang to newborn Jack to calm him whenever he got a bit fussy. Two months later, I’m still singing to him. Margaret reads to him. I sing. I’ll read to him more in time, but for now… singing is what does the trick.
Tuesdays is Bluegrass Day!
What’s really nice about how Jack reacts to my singing over the past couple of months is that he has learned how to smile, and he does so often and with great glee. When he gets a little antsy, I work a song over him and the goofy grins and open-mouthed smiles come pouring out.
It’s an audience of one, usually, but that’s all I need.
Here are the latest additions to my repertoire:
“Cape Cod Girls” by various
A traditional sea shanty about sailors who are horrified to discover that people in Cape Cod use codfish for everything including combs, hair ribbons, and sleds. That, and the nor’east gales are strong enough to remove the tails from cats. The sailors are looking forward to leaving for Australia, a penal colony infested with many dangerous animals and insects. But hey, at least it’s not Cape Cod.
“Barrett’s Privateers” by Stan Rogers
Canadian sailors are conned by the British into believing that American shipping routes make for easy pickings. They learn this is not the case, much to their great regret.
“Let Him Go On, Mama” by John Hartford
A celebration of a man’s simple, but pleasant life working the river trade.
“Newry Highwayman” as performed by Solas
The story of the life, capture and execution of a roadside robber. I cover Jack’s ears when we get to the part about what the robber’s mother thinks of all this.
“The Frost Is All Over” by Planxty
Sounds like life in rural Ireland. Cats sitting on walls.
“Lukey’s Boat” by Great Big Sea
People in Newfoundland really love their boats. I mean really love them. Also, green is a very popular color for boats.
“Johnny Come Down to Hilo” as performed by Salty Dick
This is a very filthy sort of song, but it’s bouncy.
“I’ll Tell Me Ma” by various
Irish folk song about harassing a girl until she agrees to marry. We’ll have a talk with the boy about consent or remove the song from rotation once he can understand the words.
“Nil Na La” by Solas
??? I have no idea. It’s in Gaelic. I just kind of make up sounds that kinda sort of match what I think is being sung. My version is probably about mushrooms firing bananas at poplar trees or something.
“Wheels On the Bus” by various
Popular kids’ song. My version is much better.
Cheers!
–-John
