Deep Red Bells
Last week, Pat asked why we keep pushing the murder ballad for meaning and truth, asking what we need to know that compels us to keep plumbing the depths of these songs? But sometimes, it’s not what we don’t know … Continue reading →
An inherent instability in meaning…
Note: This is Part 4 of a 4 part series – see also Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. My good friend and co-writer for this blog is visiting here this weekend, and he’s just gone off to bed, so … Continue reading →
Levon Helm Passes
The following message from Levon Helm’s official web page: “Levon Helm passed peacefully this afternoon. He was surrounded by family, friends and band mates and will be remembered by all he touched as a brilliant musician and a beautiful soul.” … Continue reading →
Why dois your brand sae drap wi bluid?
Note: This is Part 3 of a 4 part series – see also Part 1, Part 2, and Part 4 This week’s first post introduced us to the ballad “Edward” in Ireland and America. My second post this week introduced … Continue reading →
Levon Helm Battling Cancer
Sad news. Long-time Woodstock resident and Grammy-winning musician Levon Helm is dying of cancer, according to a message posted on www.levonhelm.com. The message reads: “Dear Friends, Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your … Continue reading →
It’s all about a little holly bush…
Note: This is Part 2 of a 4 part series – see also Part 1, Part 3, and Part 4 We saw in the introductory post for the week that in the murder ballad “Edward“, or Child 13, at least … Continue reading →
Edward / What Put the Blood? / The Blood on His Shirt Sleeve
Cain Leadeth Abel to Death – Chromolithograph book plate, James Tissot, 1904 Note: This is Part 1 of a 4 part series – see also Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 This week we’re back in to the Child Ballads. It’s been … Continue reading →
Singer-songwriter Larry Long makes Mother’s Day Card
Singer and songwriter Larry Long has partnered up with Robert Robinson (Long wrote the lyrics and Robinson doing vocals) to create musical Mother’s Day cards in memory of Long’s recently passed mother. All of the lyrics were inspired by Long’s … Continue reading →
I’ve got no more fight in me
As we’ve noted all along, our “mission” at Murder Ballad Monday is to explore both the interior and the periphery of the murder ballad. We discuss how music helps interpret intense, often violent and/or deadly experience. Having started out the … Continue reading →
Blessed be the tie that binds
Canadian Soldiers (date unknown) In the song, “Harris and the Mare,” our protagonist reminds Harris that he was a “conshie in the War.” In all the years I have listened to the song, I took that mention merely to be … Continue reading →