#gallis pole

[lordy-lou]

Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter -- "The Gallows Pole"

Lead Belly's take on a traditional ballad titled "The Maid Freed From The Gallows." generally the chorus goes something like this:

"Hangman, hangman, hangman / slack your rope awhile.

I think I see my father / ridin’ many a mile.

Father, did you bring any silver? / father, did you bring any gold,

Or did you come to see me / hangin’ from the gallows pole?"

"No, I didn’t bring any silver, / no I didn’t bring any gold.

I just come to see you / hangin’ from the gallows pole."

it's a fun family song!  but don't worry--generally the hang-ee is saved by his/her intended/lover.  there are plenty of versions out there, but i like Lead Belly's the best because hot damn that's some sexy 12-string guitar playing.

more information about the song itself found here.

[thatsungonnashine-blog]

And here's my current favorite Leadbelly tune, "Gallis Pole" / "Gallows Pole". I've probably listened to it 100 times this week.

[zachguitar-blog-blog]

This is some of the most incredible guitar playing I’ve ever heard. And a great song. 

One of the things that first drew me to the guitar was the sense of sonic possibilities. I love coaxing noises out of my guitar, I love the feeling that I can conjure up any sound that I hear in my head. 

I hear some songs and know that someone else was working with that same passion, trying to bring to life, attempting to share with others that rhythm and feeling and those notes that they heard. 

This is some truly inspired playing.