Roger McGuinn's Folk Den

mp3: Daddy Roll Em – Click To Play I first heard this song at the Gate of Horn in Chicago. Bob Gibson and Bob Camp were an amazing duo on the level of the Beatles! “Daddy Roll ‘Em” has been covered by numerous folk groups, each claiming a copyright on their arrangement. The Brother Four … Continue reading "Daddy Roll Em"

mp3: Black Eyed Susie – Click To Play Origin of “Black Eyed Susie” in Bluegrass “Black Eyed Susie” is believed to have originated in Great Britain, with roots tracing back to a melody called “Rosasolis,” set by Giles Farnaby around 1560-1600. The song made its way to America, where it evolved into a popular tune … Continue reading "Black Eyed Susie"

mp3: Sally Ann – Click To Play “Sally Ann” is a traditional song from the 1800s. It’s been used as a dance tune. I tried to pin down where Sandy Land is but got mixed results. Some say it represents the southeastern shore of Maryland and other say it’s in Texas. In both casees there … Continue reading "Sally Ann"

mp3: Early Christmas Morn – Click To Play I wrote this with Mike Settle in 1961. We shared an apartment in Greenwich Village at the time. This was the first song I ever wrote. The original melody and chords were a bit different but the lyrics are the same. Merry Christmas! EARLY CHRISTMAS MORN [Em] … Continue reading "Early Christmas Morn"

mp3: Marching Through Georgia – Click To Play This marks the 30th anniversary of the Folk Den. My maternal grandfather was born in the late 1800s. He used to sing this song to me when I was a child. I received this recording from a talented multi-instrumentalist named L.J. Slavin who gave me his CD … Continue reading "Marching Through Georgia"

mp3: Fentanyl Fold – Click To Play I noticed people bending over in San Francisco on the TV news. After a little research I discovered the reason. It’s referred to as “The fentanyl fold” It’s a specific posture that individuals may assume when under the influence of fentanyl, characterized by a drooping head and slumped … Continue reading "Fentanyl Fold"

mp3: Sing Hallelujah – Click To Play I wrote this to the tune of a 19th century folk song “Skillet Good and Greasy” I loved the melody but I thought these lyrics were more uplifting . [C] Well I’m headed up to Heaven Gonna see all my friends [Em] Sing [Am] Hallelujah [Em] Where time … Continue reading "Sing Hallelujah"

m4a: Pastures of Plenty – Click To Play Woody Guthrie wrote this song in 1941 to celebrate the migrant workers described in John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath.” The tune is taken from the Appalachian murder ballad “Pretty Poly.” A home recording of Woody Guthrie singing this and other compositions of his was discovered recently … Continue reading "Pastures of Plenty —— Lyrics By Woody Guthrie"