FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Dusty, that is way way too funny. ‘Ought to be illegal. Gotta use that idea, thank you kindly.
Forum Activity for @terry-wilson
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Dusty, that is way way too funny. ‘Ought to be illegal. Gotta use that idea, thank you kindly.
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My take on WaterBound, is about a sailor on a ship during WWll. I wants to be home so much. But he also remembers how hard he had to work on their farm. A little torn. I begin with this story.
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Are funny songs the same as singalongs, with most everyone smiling and singing? If so, then I must add a few of mind:
Boil Them Cabbage
If you’re happy and you know it.
Old Joe Clark
WaterBound
I created my own lyrics to WaterBound, just for laughs and storytelling. For instance, one verse:
“The outhouse needs moving, I don’t wanna go home. But I sure miss my brothers, I do wanna go home. Watermelons are ripe I sure want me one, down in North Carolina.”
In the middle of the verse, I stop, and tell a watermelon story, about 30 sec long, then pick the song right back up. Always fun with head nodding and head scratching, but always smiles.
“If you’re happy and you know it”, is kinda like my theme song. It’s fun, and removes the big elephant out of the room. I don’t care what crowd, this song is loved, fun, and loosens everyone up. Fun fun fun.
Today has been sad. I was supposed to perform for the first time this morning, for an assisted living home, outside in the garden area.
Not to be. They had 4 new cases of Covid19, yesterday. The activities director gave me the call around 8:00 this morning. Sad sad sad.
Anyways, just thought I would share my thoughts a little.
Y’all stay healthy and well, please.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Well, not to belabor a point, my whole post was to help us as a group, to remember and not forget Strumelia’s blog from 10 years ago. On a personal level, what she wrote meant so much to me. And I’m sure to others. I’ll leave it at that.
Cheers to you Lisa.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I agree, Robin. And you are one of them. I have enjoyed your videos for many years. And am sure others would say the same.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
IRENE:
this site puts life into perspective and brings a great laugh....thanks Terry....not tupid......just engaged in listening. hummmmmmmm, gotta look up that song Antioch Church Choir.
aloha, irene
From the looks of your instruments snd photos, Irene, you don’t need much encouragement. That’s a beautiful dulcimer you are holding.
You and your hubby appear to be a perfect match. Congratulations & Cheers.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Earl and I have a lot in common. (Cartoon “Pickles”)
While fishing yesterday, I also did another stupid, but I won’t even go there. However, it was understandably stupid. Today has been better. So far so good. Only 5 hrs til bed time. Might turn in early just to be sure.
Lisa, I explicitly remember about 8 yrs ago, sitting on my stool, on my porch, watching you teach us how to play “Go Tell Aunt Rhodie.” I hollered to my wife, “Gail! Gail! Come out here and listen to me play. I can do it!” She actually remembers this moment too.
Rudimentary, yes. But an amazing moment.
My career spanned approximately just a few days.
😊 Thank you.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Three singers come to mind, whose voices are questionable, but have made millions.
Bob Dylan; Neil Young; and Tom Waits. Gotta love all three. I bet when their careers first began, neither would have passed mustard on America’s Got Talent.
I’ve just recently got acquainted with Tom Waits. His voice makes no sense at all. My wife would cringe, same as with Mr. Young. But now, as we shelter in place, all three have helped us to pass the time away with easy listening.
If you have ever considered yourself stupid, take heart, I am the stupidest.
Yesterday, while “cutting grass “ on my riding mower, I was wearing my ear buds listening to Neil Young. I kept noticing that the mower wasn’t cutting very well, figured it needed a new blade. Then it got worse. Then I realized that I had “cut” 3/4 of my back yard without engaging the blade. Talk about feeling stupid. The blame lies with Me Young.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
And I love you too, Lisa. If it wasn’t for this forum, things could have turned out much different for me and my journey. The folks here have been just so encouraging.
Getting back to your blog. When I first started playing dulcimer, I attended 3 dulcimer jams in a city 100 mi away. About 25 people. They played as fast as they could and all in the key of D. I knew I loved the dulcimer, but not jams. Heck, I needed them to slow down, and play in C or Bb. I wanted to sing.
So, what you wrote of rang so true.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I think singing is like this: Great voice, poor voice,
good voice, mediocre voice, etc. Doesn’t matter. Confidence in your own voice will get you through.
Well, confidence, practice, and picking the right songs.
I love playing and singing “Stand by Me.” But it stays in my man cave and on my porch. Nadda my song. About 3 years ago I attempted to perform it at a Valentines banquet at a church. 75 people there.
I quit in the middle of the song, laughed at myself hilariously, they laughed at me, did a little comedy routine, degrading myself, and it was a hoot. Big applause. That was a big lesson. Don’t experiment with a song in front of people. Love the song, just not my song.
I hope that all makes sense.
“Heck, I’ve always been short and ugly. Born short. Mama told the doctor someone switched babies.
I got into freak shows for free. At 13, I was so short I broke my leg getting off the toilet. You could see my legs on my driver’s license.”
See.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
You are welcome, Lisa. I actually learned to play Aunt Rhodie by watching you, 8 years ago.
“Music Police.” That topic really hit home with me. When I first took up ukulele, I started a uke club. We had 5 members, all beginners except one. The music police, a story:
During our 5th meeting, she bluntly said to me: “With your sense of Rhythm and timing, you will never be able to play very well with others. Alone, perhaps, but you won’t sound right with others.”
It hurt me so bad. I quit the club and the club never had another meeting. Fast forward 6 years later. Out of the 5, I’m the only one who actively plays anymore. A year or so later, the “Music Policewoman “ called me to see if I needed help playing at an assisted living home. She had heard from another member that I had begun playing there. I said, I’m so many words, “Thanks but no thanks, I prefer to play alone.”
Now I think she actually did me a favor. Her hurtful words, in front of the others, motivated me to become a better musician.
Great discussion there, Lisa.
Whatever happened to singing?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
“Whatever happened to singing? “
”I have no musical talent at all.”
Lisa, while surfing, I accidentally discovered these two blogs you wrote about 10 years ago. That’s about when I got started learning to play.
Finding this brought huge smiles to my face. Everything you wrote is just so very true. And. Loved the comments that others wrote.
The truth is, I don’t even know how I stumbled across this treasure.
Thanks for making my day, once again.
Terry
You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when playing makes you cry. Lately, I notice this happening with me, when playing soft gospel songs. The dulcimer got me through my wife’s cancer 6 years ago. My mother’s death 2 years ago. And now this.
Some people pray so eloquently. Me, not so much, always difficult. For me, singing and playing gospel music is like praying, except with flats and sharps, and the prettiest words. I love the ukulele very much, but I just can’t seem to find these good old feelings, only with my lap dulcimer.
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I have several things I want to work on, but one in particular. Learn more songs with the dulcimer and harmonica played together. The good folks seem to love this combo, but I’ve been lazy and neglectful. Also, finally take the time to memorize all the verses on Wildwood Flower. What a beautiful song it is, High time I add some words with it.
updated by @terry-wilson: 03/14/20 08:18:42PM
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Playing outside is fun, like a Farmer’s Market. That’s where a Roland Mobile Cube amp comes in real handy. Operates on batteries as well as plug-in, and can plug in mic and instrument
Opening day our FM cancelled. Little league games canceled too. Try explaining this bit of news to a 10 yr old. Church services for at least a month.
People are swarming to buy up toilet paper. Whoa...when I was a boy, long as we had a Sears catalog we were fine. Bottled water selling like crazy. I fine our well water to be as wet as the bottled stuff.
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
UserNo4:
I don’t reckon I’d ever do that. But thanks for the info. Now I know.
"Live streaming" is the same idea as live television broadcast, except it usually means using the internet rather than the airwaves to transmit the signal. It also includes watching on a computer or smartphone rather than a TV with rabbit ears.
If you're interested in performing in front of a group, it would be a way for you to to that ... except you'd be performing in front of a camera, not (for lack of a better term) a studio audience.
Eh. I suppose it might be better than nothing. But I suspect it would be less satisfying. Then again, people record themselves while playing and then upload the video to YouTube, FOTMD, Facebook, and so forth.
updated by @terry-wilson: 03/13/20 09:34:48PM
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Susie:
I play at an Assisted Living Facility. I cancelled before I got word from them, because I just don't think any of us outsiders should be coming in there at this time. I have heard one the the Assisted Living Facilities in town isn't allowing visitors, I'm sure the one I play at and the others will follow suit.
Be smart. Stay healthy.
Susie. You definitely were smart. And you stay healthy, too. I wish good health for everyone.
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Lois Sprengnether Keel:
Hi Terry,
I just reached out to a library where I'm scheduled for a program later this month. The program I do is 100% public domain -- the joys of historical programs. I suspect material you are using is also public domain. They offered to either postpone the program or live stream it. I'm not sure how many of us have that option, I know I would need them handling it, but it's becoming a method for all manner of meetings and performances. I confess that techies would need to help me if I tried to do it on my own.
Just heard that Hong Kong is finding that survivors of the virus have 20-30% reduced lung capacity. Stay well & use it as you said, with new material work.
I might even find time to go back through the timeline here as I've had to be off it with rehearsals and performances.
Lois, the 20-30% is pretty significant. Stay away from my door, pretty please.
Sounds like you are pretty busy. Good on you.
I don’t know anything about the term, “Live streaming.” I guess I am still in the dark ages. Public Domain. Never give it a thought. I never record myself anymore. Probably quit playing if i did. But I am having the time of my life pretending to be an entertainer.
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Rain Dog:
He's such a great lyricist. I've tried to learn Downtown Train on the guitar. Really need to revisit his catalog with the dulcimer in mind. Those are both good songs. Come on up to the house sounds like a gospel song to me, although some might question Tom's spirituality.
He's such a great lyricist. I've tried to learn Downtown Train on the guitar. Really need to revisit his catalog with the dulcimer in mind. Those are both good songs. Come on up to the house sounds like a gospel song to me, although some might question Tom's spirituality.
I like my baritone ukulele with the two songs I mentioned.
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Rain Dog:
@terry-wilson "I have decided I like Tom Waits." Tom Waits is great! Actually where I took my user name from.
@terry-wilson "I have decided I like Tom Waits." Tom Waits is great! Actually where I took my user name from.
That’s cool as can be. There are 2 songs i really really love. “I hope that I don’t fall in love with you.”
And. “Come on up to my house.”
The 2nd one ca be construed as a gospel song.
Idle time. What to do.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Well, after a few years of performing at senior homes two-three times weekly, I’ve been locked out until further notice. Coronavirus.
Others having this experience? I wholeheartedly agree with their decisions. But it’s kind of a loose feeling. Missing the experience, but most of all the residents. After awhile, it’s like having a bunch of mothers. Even though I am older than some.
Gonna take this down time to learn some new songs, dulcimer and ukulele. Already working on this. I have decided I like Tom Waits. Write some new jokes. How many times can you tell the same old jokes before they figure you out.
Time to also work on some new devotions. With the reality of this virus and it’s potential outcome, I suspect it might be high time to delve into this a little deeper. Perhaps I need to have a gut check.
”Just rambling a bit with a sincere mine.”
updated by @terry-wilson: 03/13/20 10:05:51PM
Lucy Wise - Walking Out
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Robin Thompson:
I understand! I have different problems with my hands. Other than pulling up my pants and brushing my teeth, mountain dulcimer is the big consideration when something happens with my hands. :)
My dad once told me, “Son, if you keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, you’re have trouble getting your pants up.”
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Welcome, Patrick. You will find FOTMD to be a wonderful place to visit. You can make many new friends who will be most happy to give you advice and encouragement.
Happy New Year!🎆
Wind Instruments????
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Welcome Gary.
I too have 3 HS flutes and a Stellar flute. My favorite is the HS pocket flute in A.
Terry
Giving Thanks
OFF TOPIC discussions
Thank you, Lisa.
May you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
And happy Thanksgiving to all.
Beginners dulcimer book
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Sal- monella
In answer to your question about a good dulcimer learning book.
Beyond the Basics, by Linda W Collins, of Cabin Hill Music.
www.cabinhillmusic.com
A great great learning tool by video, are Strumelia’s old videos. She has posted many learning videos that are very valuable to beginners. Were to me, 8 years ago, anyway.
Good luck in your hopefully amazing journey.
Terry
updated by @terry-wilson: 11/25/19 09:06:50AM
Your Three Favorite Songs
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Lamp lighting in the Valley
Wildwood Flower
River (take me along); By Bill Staines
“My selections were easy. The words and the message of each song are phenomenal.”
Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
You folks are ha ha 😄 funny.
updated by @terry-wilson: 11/14/19 08:36:03AM
Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
😀👍☀️.
Lisa, I say this often. “If God is watching us, the least we can do, is be entertaining.”
Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Hi Lisa,
Thank you.
Good time to be us, huh? This is the first time in my life I’ve been 73. A little pain was expected, but so much fun was totally unexpected.
Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
The uke is alive and fun. While I mostly play a baritone uke, for Halloween I pulled out my $25 plastic little bitty blue soprano uke. Donned my Elvis mask, sang Blue S Shoes, and shook my body. Four times I did this routine and the crowds went wild. Well, as wild as 80 - 98 yr olds can be.
I tell you this to restate what I wrote over a year ago. The ukulele is a sing along, very very fun instrument. Instant smiles all around.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Welcome Patty, from Beavercreek, Oregon. Sounds like a great place to live.
Good luck with your new challenge, learning to play the mountain dulcimer.
Hey, don’ t forget about the simple bar stool. Something about a bar stool that draws people together.
Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.
OFF TOPIC discussions
Lisa, a question begs to he answered. 'Tick bites a side, can a person have way, way, too much fun?"
Me thinks you qualify. Life is good for you, and that's a wonderful & healthy life to live. "It's a wonderful life."
Kantele
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Hi Cynthia
I love your kantele....sounds wonderful. Good to know you are still challenging yourself learning new instruments.
When I think of you, I always think of , "The old church yard."
Still one of my favorite songs. I quit playing music with the song. Now I "talk/sing" the beautiful song.
Thanks a million times over.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Welcome back. You are not alone with hand problems. I wish you the best in your return journey with the dulcimer.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Lisa, welcome to fotmd.com. You will meet many new friends here, who will help you in your journey with this wonderful instrument, called a dulcimer.
Often, I use a NAF in my assisted living home ministry. There are others too.
Good luck to ya.
Currently, I own five dulcimers, and another one on the way. Only two have got my attention in the past couple of years.
If I could choose only one, it would be my 4 string McSpadden hourglass, that I purchased five years ago. I've bought and sold at least a dozen dulcimers in the last 6 years, but this McSpadden was never for sale
The built in pickup failed me after 2 years. McSpadden repaired it free of charge. I can tune it from aea to Dad and the string tension remains perfecr. Never tried going higher than dad.
McSpadden got it right with this dulcimer.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hi Jamie. Welcome to the wonderful world of FOTMD. If you stick around a while, you will make many new friends here.
updated by @terry-wilson: 12/13/18 12:47:40PM