A song of immigration - Ode to Annie Moore

Romidon · August 14, 2019, 08:27:44 PM

From the thread topic: 'Posting frequency':

Quote from: 64Guitars...I'd recommend posting only one song at a time. Then wait a few days to give people a chance to listen and comment before you post another song.

...We don't mind the occasional blast from the past but please don't post your older work too often. We want to hear what you've recorded this week, not what you did in 1986.

I know these were written as suggestions and are not steadfast rules, but for THIS post (which I hope is not too soon after my first post) I'm going to kind of go against both of these statements. I'm NOT trying to blatantly ignore them and I hope the reasons I give are satisfactory to the admin.

I'm posting two versions of the same song in two separate posts; 'Ode to Annie Moore'.

This first one is from a recording that a friend made at his house back in 2003 with a Boss 12-Track recorder. I don't remember the number, but he said it was 'state of the art' at the time, and it had like a CD burner built into the machine. I think he edited down the files on his computer but whatever the case, I was very happy with the results at the time. (It was pretty cool.. He had one room with that egg crate foam padding all over the walls...

A little background history: (VERY little!

)

On January 1, 1892, when Ellis Island was opened as a processing center for foreigners entering the United States, the first person to be processed through was a 15 year old girl from Ireland named Annie Moore (April 24, 1874 – December 6, 1924). She had come to America with her two brothers in search of a better life.

Ode to Annie Moore

written & performed by romidon ©rmd.2000

On January 1st , 1892;
The S.S. Nevada with it's passengers and crew.
Out from the Cobb of Cork, bound for Amerikay.
Pulled into New York Harbour at the dawning of the day.
And the gates of Ellis Island opened for the first time then
To welcome weary immigrants into this strange, new land.

Oh yes, on January 1st , 1892;
Just as the new year dawned, it was her 15th birthday too.
This red-haired lass from Cork, with brothers both in tow,
She was breathless with excitement at the sight of their new home.
She felt a fearful sense of wonder, she had never felt before
As her shipmates raised a toast singing "Happy Birthday Annie Moore!" So:
To everyone who's crossed the ocean out of hopes to find
A dream that might lay hidden on some unseen distant shore.
To them we lift a glass now, wishing 'Auld Lang Syne'!
And 'Happy Birthday Annie Moore, Annie Moore. Happy Birthday Annie Moore.'

Well on January 1st , 1892,
As they lowered down the gangplank, people crowded to get through.
When all was said and done, by fate or grande design;
When the registration started, Annie was first in line.
As a crowd of people gathered from behind the barricade
A bright ten dollar gold piece into her palm was laid,
And as she gazed around in wonder, she was awed
A new year in a new world: She had made it after all! Yes:
To everyone who's crossed the ocean out of hopes to find
A dream that might lay hidden on some unseen distant shore.
To them we lift a glass now, wishing 'Auld Lang Syne'!
And 'Happy Birthday Annie Moore, Annie Moore. Happy Birthday Annie Moore.'

And though her shinning moment has faded through the years
By all respects this Irish lass just simply disappeared..
So this tribute to her name reminds us she was not alone: She joins
The ranks of those who took their dreams and faced the Great Unknown! Yes, here's:
To everyone who's crossed the ocean out of hopes to find
A dream that might lay hidden on some unseen distant shore.
To them we lift a glass now, wishing 'Auld Lang Syne'!
And 'Happy Birthday Annie Moore, Annie Moore. Happy Birthday Annie Moore.
Annie Moore, Annie Moore. Happy Birthday Annie Moore.'

fin.

Hopefully the companion post, a 'Live' version of this song, will be allowed so interested members can hear the differences between the two files.

Romidon.

Hook · August 15, 2019, 09:23:56 AM

I've known Romidon for quite a few years now and have heard him play this tune a few times. Great song, you have a knack for writing these great story songs and this one is wonderful.
Rock on brother!