The Ballad of Big John MacNeil

Just a fun, lively ode to a classic fiddle tune which is played at the end of each chorus. Only one of the fiddle tunes in the chorus is not an actual tune. If you want to know which one…. I’m not telling.

The Ballad of Big John MacNeil

The old man stares down at his wrinkled hands that hold the bow And wishes he could still remember tunes he used to know The jigs and reels these lines reveal The airs that make the man The sharps and flats of ninety years are written on these hands

He remembers all the times he played in little country halls The times he got a dollar, and played from dusk til dawn He remembers smiling faces As the dancers crossed the floor And how they’d call for one more tune til he could play no more

Chorus: He’d play the Road to Boston, and The Pigeon on the Gate The Irish Washer Woman, and if it wasn’t late He’d play the Mason’s Apron and the lovely Princess Reel But best of all, that one they call, Big John McNeil

Tune

Every tune he’s ever played are on these hands you see For every one remembered, he’s forgotten two or three His life has been these jigs and reels By times these sad laments His hands are getting tired now, his fingers worn and bent

Chorus: But he plays the Road to Boston, and The Pigeon on the Gate The Irish Washer Woman, and if it’s not too late He’ll play the Mason’s Apron and the lovely Princess Reel But best of all, that one they call, Big John McNeil

Tune

Some day they’ll lay him in a box With the fiddle in his hand And he’ll be playing somewhere Where the people love to dance

Tune