Thirty-nine songs which accompanied the shaping of the country as it evolved from thirteen struggling colonies into a nation.     Companion Book To CD Collection.   "...a fine collection of Colonial and  Revolutionary songs... The narration is especially notable, since it so briefly, yet skillfully outlines the significant aspects of Colonial and Revolutionary development." --- Choice   Part One: Colonial America 17th Century The Puritan psalm-singer, the ill-treated sailor, the proud Pennsylvania-German farmer, the frustrated indentured servant and the angry English convict each expressed through folksong his or her experience in 17th century Colonial America. Traditional ballads from the Old Country and new ones written in America served as entertainment, preserved the superstitions, described the Indians and poked fun at nearly everyone. The narrative dialogue and songs effectively capture the flavor of the period.  The Songs: The Girl I Left Behind Me Jennie Jenkins The Golden Vanity The Trappan'd Maiden We Gather Together When I First Came To This Land Old Hundredth The Sheepstealer The Willow Tree Soldier, Soldier Will You Marry Me The Great Silkie Of Shule Skerry Part Two: Colonial America 18th Century As immigrants arrived in the 18th century, Irish fiddle tunes, African drums and Scots Highland bagpipes set the patterns for America's music. The songs highlight the cultural heritage of the immigrants and the changes during the period which affected American attitudes and way of life. The songs also tell of the shift from White indentured servant to Black slave, the expansion of New England shipping, and the French defeat at Quebec during the French and Indian Wars.  The Songs: Devil's Dream The Mist Covered Mountain Red-Haired Boy Mouth Music Whiskey In The Jar The Hoosier Michael Row the Boat Ashore The Greenland Whale Fishery Jubal The Death Of General Wolfe Part Three: The American Revolution The American Revolution inspired both British and American citizens and soldiers to write songs about their differences. The words of the songs were printed in newspapers, periodicals and broadsheets sold on the streets of Boston, Philadelphia and other major American cities. You will hear songs which express stirring pride, angry threats, biting satire and ridicule. They tell of rising political tensions, the Boston Massacre, the tea parties, the weaknesses of the enemy and the virtues of patriotism.  The Songs: The British Grenadiers The Battle Of The Kegs Free America Chester Castle Island Song Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier The Rich Lady Over The Sea The World Turned Upside Down Yankee Doodle Hail Columbia Part Four: The War of 1812 While the Canadians sing of retribution, the Americans sing of jubilation over the defeat of the British ship Guerriere by Old Ironsides, the preparation of defenses at Philadelphia and the victory at New Orleans (fifteen days after the peace treaty was signed). These songs effectively illustrate the strong feelings of nationalism during the War of 1812.  The Songs: The Eighth of January The Constitution and the Guerriere Sinclair's Defeat To Anacreon In Heaven Parliament Of England Patriotic Diggers The Noble Lads Of Canada The Hunters of Kentucky Recommended Song Sources Picture Credits Index Order CD's and Song Books Back to: Back to: