Consider for example Rod Stewart's Maggie May. Its the classic story of an older woman and a (much) younger man, but just how much younger? According to Rod, the encounter that inspired the song took place when he was 16, which could get that adult party arrested these days.
Of course its an old folk tradition to make heroes of outlaws, like Pretty Boy Floyd and Jesse James. Here's a little classic I remember from my very early youth.
The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde--Georgie Fame
and the Blue Flames
A friend suggested this song, which was a big hit when I was in high school. There is certainly a lot of lawbreaking going on:
The Night Chicago Died--Paper Lace
Then there are the guys who are already doing jail time, of which there are a lot. I had a hard time deciding between this and Jail House Rock, but couldn't resist the fact that this one was recorded on site?
Johnny Cash--Folsom Prison Blues
And of course some guys never get back from jail. When I was a kid I just loved this song.
Green Green Grass of Home--Johnny Cash
So that's it for this week. To check out other songs in the Mix Tape click here.
This is a sublime list for me. The Night Chicago Died is on my iPod and it's always been a favorite. "...and the door burst open wide...and my Daddy stepped inside...and he kissed my Mama's FACE..." haha I love me some Johnny Cash - always and Green Green Grass of Home is a tune I played on my guitar a lot as a kid - right out of the Big 70s Songbook. And Rod - that's a good one Meggie May. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd I read that Rod Named Maggie Mayafter an old Liverpool song about a hooker that I nelieve the Beatles covered, which makes the song even squirmier when you think about it. I used to try to play Green Green Grass of Home on the guitar too.
DeleteI know other folks recorded it too, but Johnny always sounds like he's doing HARD time.
Ah Folson Prison Blues.... such an awesome one. Shot a man in Reno, yup, that'll do it! Thanks so much for playing this week! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteWe did have a great Thanksgiving Jen, thank you. The fact he is performing it at Folsom Prison just amps it up a bit more.
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