Category Archives: The Ballad Series

Each post is an epic discourse delving into the story, as I know it, of a single song. Lots of history and media throughout.

The Ballad of “Guitar Boogie Shuffle” (Remastered)

Ballad: A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas or verse. Prelude Many years ago, I bought a songbook: Classic Rock Instrumentals. I bought this book – published in 1992 by the Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation – because … Continue reading

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The Ballad of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Ballad: “A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas, or verses.” Prelude I can hear you. “Christmas is over!” However, according to the calendar of the festive Christian season known as Twelvetide, today is the Fourth Day of … Continue reading

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The Ballad of “Wayfaring Stranger”

Ballad: “A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas, or verses.” Verse 1 I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger, a traveling through this world of woe But there’s no sickness toil or danger in that bright land to … Continue reading

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The Ballad of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”

Verse 1 The melody came first. Published in Paris, in 1761. It was titled “Ah! Vous Dirai-Je, Maman.” (“Oh! Shall I Tell You, Mummy”) from a collection called Les Amusements dune Heure et Demy.  Verse 2 Then the words. From a … Continue reading

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The Ballad of “Eight Days A Week”

(Ballad: “A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas, or verses.”) Verse 1 Most likely it was in late September or on a day in very early October, 1964. Paul McCartney excitedly arrived at John Lennon’s house with … Continue reading

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