Train Songs

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

A thing about trains

Johnny Cash sings this song about his son wanting to ride one. I am glad to say that I rode one with my son from Germiston to Johannesburg when he was little.

Wreck of number 9

I heard this song by Jim Reeves when I was a teenager, and it made me think of a story I heard. The station master in Bulawayo sent a locomotive to Botswana, and in the middle of the night he woke up realizing that there was one coming in on the same line from Botswana. I was told that his hair turned white overnight as he realized there was going to be a head on collision. We all make mistakes in life, but some are bigger than others, and some are fatal.

Wayward wind

This song is featured elsewhere, but it fits in with this subject.”I guess the sound of the outward bound, made me a slave to my wandering ways.” They say that at one point in history the station in Bulawayo was the longest in the world. I may be wrong, but I think it was Frank Ifield that gave the Beatles their big break by letting them appear on his show.

My love affair

This is one of my favorite love songs. It is also featured elsewhere, but again, it fits in with my feelings for the old steam machines.

Waiting for a train

I used to love singing this song. I had recordings of it by Jim Reeves and Charles Jacobie, but I can’t find their recordings on the internet. It became real to me when I was in Nashville, and only had a very little bit of money. The song says: “My pocket book is empty, my heart is full of pain.”

Blue Train of the heartbreak line

I just thought of this song that I have in another section. This one of the early songs I used to sing that got me into the business.

Life’s Railway

I used to love singing this song too. When I was a teenager a friend at school invited me to go on holiday with him to Botswana, and we rode the train there and back. It was very exciting. In fact we stayed with his uncle who had a store next to the train line in Mahalapye. I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Holiday Love Songs

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Summer Holiday

Some of the nicest memories are being by the beach in Margate, Natal, South Africa. Every couple of years our parents would take us to the sea. There was such a nice vacation feeling down there. I saw the Cliff Richard movie of ‘Summer Holiday’ on TV in Canada in about 1980 . It was fun.

Ag Pleez Deddy

This was a hit song when I was a kid. I particularly like the verse where it says: “Ag pleez Deddy won’t you take us off to Durban, it’s only eight hours in the Chevrolet. Spans of sea and sand and sun, and fish in the aquarium, it’s a lekker place for a holiday.” We lived in a land locked country, so to go to the sea was a very big thrill. Unfortunately I don’t approve of some of the words in the song. When I sing it, I change the words. Here is Jeremy Taylor sing a part of his song.

Love letters in the sand

I mentioned this one in Pat Boone’s page, but it fits in here too. It is still one of my favorite love songs. I often used to quote an English poet and say: “I long to go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky, and all I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by.” I have just found out that the poet’s name in John Masefield, and he says: “I must go down to the sea again.”

Surfing USA

I was working at a sign writing shop in about 1959 when I first heard this song. It seemed so fantastic. I had never heard of the Beach Boys before. This is one of the all time great songs.

Beyond the reef – Andy Williams

I heard Andy sing this song on the radio, and bought the record.

Hawaiian Beyond the reef

The pictures on this version are so beautiful. Such beautiful sea scenes. Anyway, you can click on many different singers doing this song.

Blue Hawaii by Elvis

I have the movie and a tape of this, and it is nice.

Blue Hawaii – Billy Vaughn

I like the pictures in Billy’s version. Nice music too.

Moonlight Bay

This song is on other sections too, but it reminds me of vacation time by the sea.

Every day’s a holiday

Go to Florida

Margate pictures

I mentioned earlier how our parents used to take us on vacation to Margate in South Africa, so I have put on a link here so that you can see some of the places where I have been. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Some of the songs that I listed on my sites have been taken off the net due to copyright problems or something. I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Jimmy Dean

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Jimmy Dean’s song To a sleeping beauty

I had a record of Jimmy doing this love song to his daughter. It really touched my heart. At the time I didn’t even have a daughter. Songs just affect me so much. He is singing to her while she is sleeping. Then at the end of the song he says: “Tonight I kissed a princess, and I feel like a king.” The pictures with this song are very nice. There are numerous versions on the net. It is so great to have computers and internet. These things were science fiction when I was a kid!

I.O.U.

I first heard Jimmy sing this song ‘live’ on TV in Vancouver back in 1976, and later bought a record of it. It is very touching. The pictures with this song hit very close to home for me. There are a number of versions with pictures. All are very nice.

Farmer

Actually the first song I heard Jimmy sing was about “Big John,” although at the time I didn’t know who the singer was. The next two songs I heard were, “The farmer and the Lord,” and “You’re not home yet.” So I associate him with those two songs.

I had a record of Jimmy Dean singing Stuart Hamblen’s song: “This old house,” but I can’t find it on the net.

You’re not home yet

This is one of my favorite songs, but I couldn’t find Jimmy’s version. I also had a record of Porter Wagoner singing the song. Someone said once that the song was based on a true story of a missionary who went to Africa, then on the way back, it was President Roosevelt who was on the ship and got all the praises as he disembarked. Apparently he had been to Africa on a hunting trip. In Jimmy Dean’s version it went something like this: “And as the old fellow walked down the gangplank, he cast his eyes to the sky and said: ‘God, did you forget.’ And it seemed like a little voice inside the old preacher said: ‘No son, I didn’t forget, but you must remember, that you’re not home yet.’” I think is more realistic than the sky opening up. The message is that our reward is not of an earthly nature, but of an eternal value.

I am sorry to find that he has passed away. Some of his songs have been taken off the net. I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Jerry Lee Lewis

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Great balls of fire

“Too much love, drives a man insane.” Words of wisdom from Jerry Lee Lewis! I remember as a kid hearing a piano song on the radio where a guy was singing “Great balls of fire,” but I didn’t know who the singer was, or what he was singing about. Many years later I heard a Jimmy Swaggart record where he was talking about his cousin. I was confused. I had a comic when I was a kid of Jerry Lewis, and I got the two mixed up. Later it became clear. Jerry Lee Lewis was Jimmy Swaggart’s cousin who had a lot of hit records in America. Jerry Lewis was an actor who teamed up with Dean Martin at one stage in their careers. Of course, years later the movie “Great balls of fire” came out which made everything clear.

I’ll sail my ship alone

Jerry Lee Lewis’ songs sold by the millions back in the fifties. I remember having this record in the 80′s. “I’ll sail my ship alone, and when it starts to sink then I’ll blame you.”

Jerry Lee Lewis – Gather round children

However, as is the case with many of the American singers, I first heard them singing gospel songs. I bought a record in Pretoria in about 1971 called “In loving memories.” It is a song about his mother’s funeral. “In loving memories we gather. In loving memories on this sad day, in loving memories forever, until we meet beyond the shining river.” The song I had linked to, got taken off the internet, so I have replaced it with him singing ‘Gather round children.’

Precious Memories

That was a fantastic record. It inspired me to want to play the piano in public. Before that I only played for myself, but with Jerry’s exuberant style, it did something to me, that got me playing in public. Just swing it old chap! One song particularly grabbed my fancy. “Let me tell you brother, that my God’s not dead.” I sang it two days ago in a church. There is another song that he sang with his sister, but I can’t remember the name. I wrote the words out and sang it for a few years, but I left all my song books in Africa, so it is gone from my memory. Another great song he sang was “He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.” That song is featured on the Dottie Rambos section because she wrote it. Those great songs on that record are not available on the internet, so I have put this one on that I found just now, where he is talking about his past. It really touched my old heart.

Too much to gain to lose

“Too much to gain to lose” was also on the record, but I found some other people’s version on the internet. Some words are a little bit different. I seem to remember Jerry singing: “Somewhere up ahead there’s cool clear water, and defeat is one word I’ll never use.”

 My God is real

Hey, I used to sing this song when I was young. I wish I could play piano like Jerry!

Will the circle be unbroken?

I am guessing that this video is of Johnny Cash’s memorial service. Very nicely done.

Jesus will be there

This song was on his record with his sister singing with him. It was a great blessing to me. “Now I’m waiting for the harvest of the seeds that I have sown, for I know that they will bring me to the right hand of God’s throne. I love those words.”

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Glen Campbell

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Try a little kindness

One of my favourite love songs I had on a Glen Campbell record called: “Try a little kindness.” What a great song. What the world needs now is more love and kindness, and less hatred and criticism.

Daughter Ashley – Dueling banjos

It is so nice to see father and daughter playing together.

Hey little one

This seems to be about his wife. It is so lonely being alone in this world.

Rhinestone Cowboy

This was a big hit for Glen Campbell.

Galveston

I have often heard this song on the radio.

Green green grass of home

Oh lonesome me

Gentle on my mind

Don’t think twice, it’s all right – with Anne Murray

Southern nights

Jesus and me “live”

I sang a song on my LP with the same title, but this is a different song. It is interesting the things he says here about his children.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

 

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Favourite Love Songs by Connie Francis

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

Everybody’s somebody’s fool – My favourite love song by Connie Francis

“Everybody’s somebody’s fool, everybody’s somebody’s baby, there are no exceptions to the rule, yes everybody’s somebody’s fool.” It feels like words of wisdom. I heard this song when I was a kid, and about ten years ago my wife bought me a three tape pack of Connie’s famous songs. I used to drive taxi on night shift, and always had her singing to me when I was coming in from a far away city. When I was alone in the car, I would turn up the volume, and it was as if I could feel the beating of her heart as she sang those heart rendering songs.

Jealous heart

One time in the taxi, I was driving a woman and her children to Niagara Falls, and I suspected she was leaving her husband. I was playing the tape of Connie singing this song, and she started crying, saying that the song was so true.

Heartaches by the number

I was very shocked when I read her book of how she was attacked in her motel room. It must have been a terrible ordeal. I used to think that the rich and famous people had it made, and lived such peaceful happy lives. I guess I was wrong. I was shocked when I read Debbie Reynold’s book of how she was robbed in her Hollywood home. She could have been killed, and the same with Connie Francis. So, none of us are immune to troubles.

I walk the line

When I was a kid hearing her sing this song, I had never even heard of Johnny Cash, who wrote the song and originally recorded it. In different parts of the world we hear and see things very differently from the people in America. I love the music backing on her recordings. When I read her book, it was her dad who arranged and paid for the band. When she wasn’t getting anywhere, she decided to quit, and arranged to get a steady job. Then she heard her song on the TV: “Who’s sorry now” and that changed everything. Even these now famous people have their times when they find it hard to be a success, and want to quit.

My Happiness

I found myself singing this song the other day while driving the car, and it is still one of my favourite love songs. Many singers have sung this song, but I love her harmony.

A LOT OF HER SONGS HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF THE NET. I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Family Love Songs

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

There are many family songs out there, and some are included in some of the other categories, like Bobby Bare “Singing in the kitchen,” but here are a few that are very dear to my heart.

I’ve lost my mummy

To me this song is so funny. I heard it on the radio in the 60’s when I lived in Bulawayo, and always associate it with the OK Bazaar store. Rolf Harris has so much personality and talent. I saw him once on TV in Vancouver where he painted a massive picture while he was singing.

Daddy sang bass

I loved this song that I heard by Johnny Cash, and have sung it many times. When we were kids, my parents took us to church quite often, and we would travel a lot in the car. My dad had a Morris van, and we would sit in the back and sing choruses all the time. The song was written by Carl Perkins, and when he was on the way to New York to promote his song “Blue Suede Shoes,” he had a car accident, and his brother died. I think of that in the song where he says: “Little brother has done gone on, but I’ll rejoin him in a song.”

Silver Haired Daddy of mine

I first heard that song by Jim Reeves. It is one of my favorite love songs about a dad. It was written by Gene Autry. I had a cowboy comic about Gene Autry when I was a kid. “If I could repay all the heartaches, dear old daddy I caused you to bear. If I could erase the lines from your face, and bring back the gold to your hair. If God would but grant me the power, to turn back the pages of time. I’d give all I own if I could but atone, to that silver haired daddy of mine.”

I. O. U.

I remember seeing Jimmy Dean sing this song on TV in Vancouver, about all the sacrifices a mother makes because of her love for her children. God bless the mothers.

Family song

I first heard this song: “The family who prays” on a Porter Wagoner record I had. When Pat Boone sang in South Africa, I noticed that he had an LP record of this song for sale. Here are the Louvin Brothers.

You’ve gotta have heart

I have heard a guy sing this song on the radio a couple of times recently, and it has a very positive message. Very different from a lot of the country songs, and I felt it was good for me. As I searched the net for it, I preferred these children’s version of the song, so here it is. Unfortunately there seem to be a few glitches in the song, but you will get the message.

To a sleeping beauty

I have a record of Jimmy Dean singing this song. There are some good words there.

Jambalaya by a 4 year old

I found this just now, and this guy Hunter Hayes at 4 years old is amazing.

These songs are on other areas, but I feel I must keep all the family songs together:

Dad song – Do what you do do well boy

Mom song – Walk tall

Kitchen song – Singing in the kitchen

I dreamed about mama last night

I heard this song on a record that Eldon King had in Arkansas. I really loved it. So many points are so true to life. Hank was a tremendous songwriter. I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Friend Songs

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

A stranger’s just a friend

This is one of my favorite love songs. Jim Reeves sang it so beautifully. This clip is from the movie: “Kimberley Jim.” “A warm smile can bring you true love, a warm heart can make it grow.” He said that he had a slogan that “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet.” So that is why he liked it.

Two little boys

I heard this song on the radio in Rhodesia back in the 60′s. Rolf Harris, from Australia, had some interesting songs. This one really touched my heart when I first heard it. The comradeship between two guys. In the heat of the battle, the one risks his life to help his buddy. In my mind I see Greendale, Salisbury, where I grew up, playing with a guy by the name of Richard Dady.

One guy across the street from us was the exact same age as me, both born on the exact same day. He became a pilot, and his plane was shot down. His name was Christopher Barry Weimann.

He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother

I have often thought of that line, and the love of an older brother towards a younger weaker one.

You’ve got a friend

I have heard this song on the radio, and managed to find it on the web. The words in this song are very good.

Let me be a little kinder

The correct title of this song is: “Less of me.”

Let me be there

As I was re-posting Olivia Newton-John’s page, I feel this song fits on this page too. The words go like this: “Whenever you feel, you need a friend to lean on, here I am.”

Be kind to each other.

That song helped me so much in my marriage. It taught me to be kind to my wife. “Be kind to each other, so many are sad. Be kind to each other and make the world glad. Be a friend, be a brother, with a smile all aglow. Be kind to each other, where ever you go.” I couldn’t find it on the you tube, but I found it was written by John W. Peterson, if you want to try and find it. I had a record of a girl group from America singing it. I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Favourite love songs by Guy and Ralna

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

I saw Guy and Ralna singing favourite love songs on the Lawrence Welk show in Canada in the 90′s. They were probably on TV in Rhodesia in the 50′s, but we didn’t have TV back then, so I can’t remember seeing them there. The first time I saw them singing together I thought it was so beautiful. Some songs I have heard them sing I have not found on the you tube. Ralna English reminds me of someone I knew when I was young, so that is another reason I am so fond of them. I’ve heard Ralna on the TV say that she now travels around singing gospel, so maybe you can book her for your church.

1. Let me be there

This favourite love song is so beautiful.

2. I can’t stop loving you – one of my favourite love songs by Guy and Ralna 

3. True love

The way Ralna looks at Guy is so fantastic. Such a look of love. True love. I first heard this favourite love song on a movie with Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly.

4. Let it be me

I heard this song when I was young by the Everly Brothers, but these folks sing so nice.

5. Footprints in the sand

That poem means a lot to me. I read it in a Billy Graham book when I was going through a hard time in my life. In fact I wrote my own song based on that idea, and it has been a tremendous blessing to me when it feels like all hope is gone. I have also read the book by the lady who wrote the poem. Now as I look on the internet I see that three people claim to have written it. The book I read was by Margaret.

6. The Orange Blossom Special

I first heard this song by Johnny Cash, but they do it good too!

7. Dream a little dream of me

I went to bed last night singing: “Sweet dreams ’til sunbeams find you.”

8. When I’m 64

The family were laughing at me last night when I was singing this song. I think this is one of the Beatles’ favourite love songs.

9. I saw the light

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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Bobby Bare

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Admin

500 miles

This was a big hit for Bobby Bare. The first song I had listed was Detroit City, but it got taken off the net.

Bobby Bare on the Streets of Baltimore

Here is another love song that is very touching and true to life. When two people marry, each have their own ideas and plans for their lives, which don’t always work out in harmony with each other.

Chicken every Sunday

In the later 60′s I bought an LP called “This I believe” and it was a tremendous blessing to me. So many good songs. This is one of them, and when I went out Gospel singing in 1970 I sang this song a lot.

Less of me

This song was also on the LP, and I saw this song change some people’s lives.

Singing in the kitchen

When we were in Canada the first time we had an LP record of ‘Singing in the kitchen.’ It was such a nice family feeling. My wife used to love the song on the record about ‘The Giving Tree.’

God bless America again

Here is a patriotic song, with some pictures of the Twin Towers at 9-11.

Just a closer walk with Thee

This is the very first song I ever sang in front of people. I was so nervous that I forgot most of the words.

I also have a Gospel web site. If you want to check it out, go to:  http://countrygospelandbible.com/

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