Most tragic/depressing songs

[cowtime]

Oh boy, have ya'll found a bunch of depressing tunes!
I may just have to open a vein...........

Here's a submission-

Culloden's Harvest
Chorus:
Cold winds on the moors blow.
Warm the enemy's fires glow.
Like the harvest of Culloden,
Pain and fear and death grow.

'Twas love of our prince drove us to Drumossie,
But in scarcely the time that it takes me to tell
The flower of our country lay scorched by an army
As ruthless and red as the embers of hell.

Chorus:

The Campbell and McFall did the work of the English.
McDonald in anger did no work at all.
'Twas musket and cannon against honour and courage.
Invading men stood while our clansmen did fall.

Chorus:

None other than children are left to the women,
With only the memory of father and son.
Turned out of their homes to make shelter for strangers,
The blackest of hours on this land has begun.

Chorus:

[cowtime]

And now for a depressing little old time tune-



I've Just Seen The Rock Of Ages



Oh, I was standing by the bedside
Where my fevered mother lay
When she called me close beside her
And I thought I heard her say

I've just seen the rock of ages
Jacob's ladder hanging down
I've just crossed the river of Jordan
Now, my son, I'm homeward bound

Oh, as we gathered by her bedside
Tears begin to fill our eyes
Then she called me close beside her
And whispered softly her good-byes

Pine trees blowing cross the mountain
Where forever she will lay
There she'll rest beside the fountain
There she'll sleep beneath the clay

Anyone who knows this song and has heard it sung properly knows how this one can bring you down.

[cowtime]

Uh oh, I thought of another old time tune-

Mother, Put My Little Shoes Away

Mother dear, come bathe my forehead
For I'm growing very weak
Let one drop of water, Mother
Fall upon my burning cheek
Tell my loving little playmates
That I never more will play
Give them all my toys, but Mother
Put my little shoes away

CHORUS:
You will do this, won't you Mother,
Put my little shoes away
Give them all my toys, but Mother
Put my little shoes away

VERSE 2
Santa Claus gave them to me
With a lot of other things
And I think he brought our baby
With a pair of golden wings
Soon our baby will be larger,
Then they'll fit his little feet
Won't he look so happy, Mother
When he walks down the street

VERSE 3
Mother, I will be an angel
By perhaps another day
So, remember what I tell you
Put my little shoes away
Mother, I am growing weaker,
Soon I'll say to you, good-day
But remember dearest, Mother
Put my little shoes away


And don't let's slight the modern tunes on the radio - I've quit listening since they almost ALL seem very dark and depressing to me, in subject matter and musical mood. Seems almost a comment on society today...

the following is definately on my short list of most depressing tunes(subject-addiction, and all too true) Lifehouse did it a few years ago.

Sick Cycle Carousel

If shame had a face
I think it would kind of look like mine
If it had a home
would it be my eyes?
would you believe me
If I said I'm tired of this?
well here we go now one more time

I tried to climb your steps
I tried to chase you down
I tried to see how low
I could get down to the ground
I tried to earn my way
I tried to change this mind
You better believe I tried to beat this

When will this end?
It goes on and on
And over and over and over again
Keep spinning around
I know that it won't stop
Till I step down from this for good

I never thought I'd end up here
I never thought I'd be standing where I am
I guess I kind of thought
It would be easier than this
I guess I was wrong
Now one more time

I tried to climb your steps
I tried to chase you down
I tried to see how low
I could get down to the ground
I tried to earn my way
I tried to change this mind
You better believe that I tried to beat this

When will this end?
It goes on and on
And over and over and over again
Keep spinning around
I know that it won't stop
Till I step down from this

Sick cycle carousel
This is a sick cycle, yeah
Sick cycle carousel
This is a sick cycle, yeah

When will this end?
It goes on and on
And over and over and over again
Keep spinning around
I know that it won't stop
Till i step down from this for good

When will this end?
It goes on and on
And over and over and over again
Keep spinning around
I know that it won't stop
Till i step down from this for good

OK, now I'm REALLY depressed.

[Darwin]

I'd also say that, for the most part, love songs don't really qualify (for me at least): I mean, sure, love songs are sad and all, but we all experience heartbreak, and then move on. To me, the really tragic topics are the one's dealing with issues that are much more difficult, or impossible to overcome, issues that not everyone will face in their lifetime. (Sure, everyone faces death and dying, but not all will suffer in particularly cruel ways, as an example)

Then there are the love songs that include death. There are so many versions of Barbara Allen that I couldn't even pick one.

Let Us Be Lovers Again

Jack and May, sweethearts were they
They were engaged to be wed
Many a promise Jack made her
Many a love word was said

But they quarreled one night, as most true lovers do
And she bid him not to come any more
She gave to him his hat; Jack started to go
But he lingered to say at the door

"Tie up these broken cords and let us be lovers again
Darling you know I love you, to part would cause me pain
So let's forget the past, make up and kiss
Make up and be lovers again"

Years rolled by; neither one was wed
And one morning Jack was found dead

She cannot tell you why, the tears roll from her eye
And she goes to his grave every day

Lonesome and sad, her sweetheart is not here
But his words they still ring in her ear:

"Tie up these broken cords and let us be lovers again
Darling you know I love you, to part would cause me pain
So let's forget the past, make up and kiss
Make up and be lovers again"


Lord Thomas And Fair Ellender

"Father, oh father, come riddle it done,
Come riddle three hearts as one,
Oh shall I marry Fair Ellender, say,
Or bring the brown girl home?"

"The brown girl, she has house and land,
Fair Ellender, she has none."
"My son, I charge you with my blessing
To bring me the brown girl home."

He got on his horse and he rode and he rode,
He rode 'til he came to her home,
And no one so ready as Fair Ellender herself
To arise and bid him come in.

"What news have you brought, Lord Thomas", she cried
What news have you brought unto me?"
"I've come to invite you to my wedding,
A sorrowful wedding to be."

"Oh mother, oh mother, would you go or stay?"
"My child, do as you please,
But I'm afraid if you go you will never return
To see your dear mother any more. "

Fair Elender, she went dressed in white
Her maids all dressed in green,
And every town that they rode through
They took her to be some queen.

They rode and they rode 'til they came to the hall,
She pulled at the bell and it rang
And no one so ready as Lord Thomas himself
To arise and welcome her in.

He's taken her by her lily white hand
And led her through the hall
Saying fifty gay ladies are here today
But here is the flower of all

The brown girl she was standing by,
Her knife ground keen and sharp,
Between the long ribs and the short,
She pierced Fair Ellender's heart.

"Oh, what is the matter?" Lord Thomas he said
"You look so pale and wan
You used to have as fair a color
As ever the sun shone on."

"Oh, are you blind, Lord Thomas?" she cried
"Or is it you cannot see?
And what is this but my own heart's blood
Run a-trickling down to my knee?"

Lord Thomas he drew his sword from his side
It's blade both long and small
He cut the brown girl's head from her shoulders
And kicked it against the wall

Then he placed the handle against the wall,
The point against his breast,
Saying, "This is the ending of three true lovers,
God sends us all to rest.

Oh father, oh father, go dig my grave,
Go dig it wide and deep,
And place Fair Ellender in my arms
And the brown girl at my feet.

[Darwin]

Speaking of death:

(These both sound pretty good on the whistle.)

Sweet Sunny South

Take me back to the place while I first saw the light
To the sweet sunny South, take me home
Where the mockingbirds sang me to rest in the night
Oh, why was I tempted to roam?

I think with regret of the dear home I left
Of the warm hearts that sheltered me there
Of wife and of dear ones of whom I'm bereft
For the old place again do I sigh

Take me back to the place where the orange trees grow
To my plot in the evergreen shade
Where flowers from river's green margin did grow
And spread their sweet scent thru the glade

The path to our cottage they say has grown green
And the place is quite lonely around
And I know that the forms and the smiles I have seen
Now lie 'neath the cold mossy ground

Take me back, let me see what is left that I knew
Can it be that the old house is gone?
Dear friends of my childhood indeed must be few
And I must face death all alone

But yet I'll return to the place of my birth
Where the children have played 'round the door
Where they gathered wild blossoms that grew 'long the path
That will echo our footsteps no more

Take me back to the place where my little ones sleep
Poor Massa lies buried close by
O'er the graves of my loved ones I long for to weep
And among them to rest when I die


I Have No Mother Now

I hear the soft wind sighing,
Through every bush and tree.
Where now her form is lying
Away from love and me.

Tears from my eyes are starting
And sorrow shades my brow.
Long time has she been sleeping.
I have no mother now.

I see that pale moon shining
On the white headstone.
The roses round it twining
Is here like me, alone.

And just like me is weeping
Those dew drops on the bough.
Oh, weary was our parting.
I have no mother now.

My heart is ever weary.
My life is drear and sad.
T'was her dear presence only.
That made my spirit glad.

From morning until even.
Care rests upon my brow.
She's gone from me to heaven.
I have no mother now.

[izzarina]

I don't think I can take many more of these. It's hard to read when you are crying over the lyrics! These are truly some of the saddest songs I have ever read

[suejnnhe]

Didn't read all the posts. Forgive me if this has already been posted.

Tears In Heaven Lyrics- Eric Clapton


Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?


I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.


Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven?


I'll find my way
Through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven.


Time can bring you down,
Time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart,
Have you begging please, begging please.


Beyond the door,
There's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more
Tears in heaven.


Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
If I saw you in heaven?


I must be strong
And carry on,
'Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven.

[izzarina]

Didn't read all the posts. Forgive me if this has already been posted.

Tears In Heaven Lyrics- Eric Clapton

What makes this one even more sad is that he wrote it for his (I think) 3 year old son, who had died. It's just one of those that reduces me to tears whenever I hear it, because I know WHY he's singing it.

[suejnnhe]

Didn't read all the posts. Forgive me if this has already been posted.

Tears In Heaven Lyrics- Eric Clapton

What makes this one even more sad is that he wrote it for his (I think) 3 year old son, who had died. It's just one of those that reduces me to tears whenever I hear it, because I know WHY he's singing it.

Me too!

[Darwin]

I don't think I can take many more of these. It's hard to read when you are crying over the lyrics! These are truly some of the saddest songs I have ever read

I often have to stop singing because I choke up on songs like this true story:

Omie Wise

Oh, listen to my story, I'll tell you no lies,
How John Lewis did murder poor little Omie Wise.

He told her to meet him at Adams's Springs.
He promised her money and other fine things.

So, fool-like she met him at Adams's Springs.
No money he brought her nor other fine things.

"Go with me, little Omie, and away we will go.
We'll go and get married and no one will know."

She climbed up behind him and away they did go,
But off to the river where deep waters flow.

"John Lewis, John Lewis, will you tell me your mind?
Do you intend to marry me or leave me behind?"

"Little Omie, little Omie, I'll tell you my mind.
My mind is to drown you and leave you behind."

"Have mercy on my baby and spare me my life,
I'll go home as a beggar and never be your wife."

He kissed her and hugged her and turned her around,
Then pushed her in deep waters where he knew that she would drown.

He got on his pony and away he did ride,
As the screams of little Omie went down by his side.

T'was on a Thursday morning, the rain was pouring down,
When the people searched for Omie but she could not be found.

Two boys went a-fishin' one fine summer day,
And saw little Omie's body go floating away.

They threw their net around her and drew her to the bank.
Her clothes all wet and muddy, they laid her on a plank.

Then sent for John Lewis to come to that place --
And brought her out before him so that he might see her face.

He made no confession but they carried him to jail,
No friends or relations would go on his bail.


From Lomax Folk Songs of North America (1960):

Jonathan Lewis was born in the late 18th century near Centre meeting house on Polecat Creek in Guilford County, North Carolina, and belonged to a proud and pugnacious tribe. He courted lovely Naomi Wise, an orphan who worked as a servant and field hand for Mr. Adams. Lewis compromised Naomi, then engaged to marry her; but when his ambitious mother found a better match for him, he resolved to do away with poor Naomi. She agreed to elope with him, and at the appointed hour took her water-pail to the trysting place at Adams's Spring. This spring is said to be still flowing, but no one will drink the water and the ground around is hallowed. Old settlers once could point to the stump upon which Naomi stood to mount behind John Lewis that fatal evening.

The story runs that Naomi began to complain when she realized they were riding in the wrong direction, and then John Lewis told her his real intentions. He tied her dress above her head, rode into the middle of Deep River, and held Naomi under the water with his foot. When he heard someone coming, he spurred his horse for home. His mother asked him (just as in the English The Ballad of the Bloody Miller from which this ballad derives) why he was so wet and pale.

Next day, in order to throw off suspicion, he went courting a girl named Martha Huzza, and the officers found him on the front porch with Martha on his lap. Confronted with Naomi's corpse, Lewis calmly stroked the dead girl's hair and denied the crime. The following day, a vast company attended Naomi's funeral, and the mood of Guilford County was to lynch John Lewis. Eleven soldiers were sworn in by the local judge to guard the jail, but, although they protected Lewis from the mob, they did not prevent his escape. With the aid of friends, he broke out of the 'shackley jail' and disappeared in the West.

These were the happenings of the year 1808. Time rolled on and Lewis would have been forgotten if it had not been for the ballad of Omie Wise, which was sung in every home. News came that Lewis was living on the Ohio River, and a party of Guilford men rode off to capture him and brought him bac for trial; but, as most of the witnesses to the crime were dead or gone west, he was acquitted. The folk of the North Carolina hills say that he confessed the crime on his death-bed. Meanwhile, the ballad spread to the West, and it is known to folk singers in every state between North Carolina and Texas.

[suejnnhe]

Aackk!

Just the kind of thing I need before I go to bed! Thanks a lot!

[cowtime]

Oh I just thought of another one- Metallica now- and really depressing and all too possible in this day and time-


One

I can’t remember anything
Can’t tell if this is true or dream
Deep down inside I feel to scream
This terrible silence stops me

Now that the war is through with me
I’m waking up I can not see
That there is not much left of me
Nothing is real but pain now

Hold my breath as I wish for death
Oh please god,wake me

Back in the womb it’s much too real
In pumps life that I must feel
But can’t look forward to reveal
Look to the time when I’ll live

Fed through the tube that sticks in me
Just like a wartime novelty
Tied to machines that make me be
Cut this life off from me

Hold my breath as I wish for death
Oh please god,wake me
Now the world is gone I’m just one
Oh god,help me hold my breath as I wish for death
Oh please God help me

Darkness imprisoning me
All that I see
Absolute horror
I cannot live
I cannot die
Trapped in myself
Body my holding cell

Landmine has taken my sight
Taken my speech
Taken my hearing
Taken my arms
Taken my legs
Taken my soul
Left me with life in hell

[Darwin]

Oh I just thought of another one- Metallica now- and really depressing and all too possible in this day and time-

More depressing than a simple murder ballad, for sure. It makes Knoxville Girl and Pretty Polly seem almost cheerful.

[Feadan]

Adding to the Sad Song Fest, B.Y.O.P. (Bring Your Own Prozac)


The Water-Lily

A lonely young wife, in her dreaming discerns,
A lily decked pool with a border of ferns.
And a beautiful child with butterfly wings
Trips down to the edge of the water and sings:
Come mamma! Come! Quick! Follow me! —
Step out on the leaves of the water lily!"

And the lonely young wife, her heart beating wild,
Cries: "Wait till I come, till I reach you, my child!"
But the beautiful child with butterfly wings
Steps out on the leaves of the lily and sings:
Come mamma! Come! Quick! Follow me! —
Step out on the leaves of the water lily!"

And the wife in her dreaming steps out on the stream,
But the lily leaves sink and she wakes from her dream."
Ah, the waking is sad, for the tears that it brings,
And she knows 'tis her dead baby's spirit that sings:
Come mamma! Come! Quick! Follow me! —
Step out on the leaves of the water lily!"

Priscilla Herdman (a queen of BYOP) does this song but I like Martyn Wyndham Read's rendering better.

Cheers,
David

[Loren]

Then there are the love songs that include death.

Really???

Loren