This is a special song for my mom and I. Both of us are farmer's daughters, and this song just captures a certain feeling from our upbringings--the feeling of warm connection we have with our fathers who are so warmly connected to us, their land and their home. My grandfather is dead now, but before he died, mom sang this for him in his carehome bedroom. I'm glad she got to--grandpa understood how powerfully mom loved him through this song.
Your post is very old, so you might not see mine, but, have you ever considered writing about your family's experience with farming. I can see from the short paragraph here that you could approach the material both as memoir and as fiction.
I believe that line, "Put another season's promise in the ground" is the most beautiful, descriptive line I've ever heard about what a farmer does. He really had a way with words.
I sang that song in church over 30 years ago! A farmer had gotten run over by his tractor in the rain, he slipped and died. One of the family members requested that I sing it. 😢 Sad day. I just found the lyrics while cleaning out old boxes. Looked up to see if I could locate the music and tada, here I am listening to it. Thank you so much for posting it! It has so much meaning, I was a farmer's wife once upon a time. 💖
Saskatchewan farmer myself, 3rd generation. Putting seed in the ground and listening to this in the tractor. My dad and grandpa both worked all their lives on this farm. I hope to pass it to my son when he is older.
@devinodulchaoinitigh5467 thank you. It’s tough times right now between the drought and the idiots running this country, but I’ll soldier on as we always have.
"Emmett Pierce the other day took a heart attack and died at 42. You could see it coming on cause he worked as hard as you." Brilliant and chilling lyrics.
This song evokes so many memories growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont. I had a magical childhood that I wouldn't change for all the gold in Trump Tower...
Musicians are very special people who have been blessed to endure the many hours of practice and failure. Never giving up for the love. Stan is with God.
A great song, by a creative force in the folk song era. This song is a fine example. I can't think of a deeper song writer, who had a stunning sense of melody. His humanity reveals a deep sense of justice, insight into the human condition, and earthy humor and love for his fellow humanity. I love this man's music. Yes, he died too soon.
i was lucky to have been a child of the late 60s -early 70s and attended many folk festivals in the Delaware valley area of Pennsylvania thru out those years and have many fond memories of seeing Stan and Garnet and Jim live ...i remember how shocked and saddened (like many others were) upon hearing of this great troubadour's death ...such a tragic loss . Stan fortunately left a fine legacy with his music for future generations to enjoy and find wisdom in
i was coming east out of High River Ab last night on Hwy 23 going over to coaldale to load back for NS,and there was this rain squall heading for me,and i watched it for 1/2 an hour before it got to me,and the air got cooler and the wind blew harder and the ghost of Stan was with me again..so i started singing this but i got the verses mixed up..thanks to you i got them straitened out and thanks to the Alberta farmers and thanks to Stan.....
My father once told me that a farmer's life is grand, because when he goes home he has the satisfaction of measuring with his eye how much he has accomplished that day, and how much acreage is left for tomorrow. You can look back and take visual pleasure at how much you have achieved. Working in an office, he said, you switch off your computer and you're tired, but you cannot measure with your eye what you have done. Even though you might feel good about your day, there will seldom be the same sense of accomplished satisfaction as when you've worked the ground. He taught me to plough when I was just a kid. The old McCormick tractor boiled after a while and my dad said we've just decreased the remaining life of the engine, but we got the work done all the same. The smell of diesel fumes, and the satisfaction of seeing the task complete made it one of those grand jobs that I will never forget. We don't realize how short short the good times until they're over. Now I switch a computer off and go home when I'm done. He never said anything about this as he watched me work, but I knew he knew I was thinking about his words often. I think of them even more every time I listen to this beautiful song that paints that old picture in my mind all over again.
From what I understand in cold climates farmers spent their time making music or carving things, making leather harnesses, platting whips, servicing engines, and doing things you could do indoors. They probably also sat staring through their windows at the snow, and annoying their wives. In our case, winter was our busiest time in South Africa. Crops are harvested around May/June. MY father was a professional hunter, so he was usually on safari in winter. Around April/May we used to spend a month making fire breaks across our land, in case of runaway fires. There were always lots of chores. August was an ugly, dry, windy month, but by September the rains would come and it would be time to plant. From December on you could take it more easy. Most farmers I knew worked hard enough, but never like slaves. When it was time to work it was intense. Most of the time, however, we had something unique. We actually had tome to LIVE. Time to come home for lunch. Time to come home for tea or coffee. Time to sit and think, throw a ball for the dog, and actually enjoy life. You couldn't sleep late, but you could come home early. My father always said his job beats having to work for a living.
***** Same with welding. You know it has been a good day when you lift the helmet and it looks like you have black eyeliner on from the fumes and the dirt. You can measure what you have done by the pieces of rod or wire on the floor, and by the sweat on your brow.
Soo Line I would agree. If you think about it, civilization was welded together one inch at a time. Without welding we would have had no tall buildings, no massive ships, much fever tools, no cars or planes worth mentioning, and in general - a much lower standard of civilization. It must be satisfying to join steel together and to know you are stitching advanced civilization together and creating something new out of nothing.
***** It is very satisfying. Sure, my feet may hurt from standing on uneven ground or hard concrete for most of the day, and my hair has caught on fire several times from overhead welding, but there is the pride in seeing something come together by my hands, whether it is a building, a freight car, or a simple piece of yard art. I may ache at the end of the day, but it is the ache that you get from putting in an honest day of work.
I’m a 3rd generation Saskatchewan farmer. My ancestors came here with nothing. I’m not a large farmer by any means and don’t have a lot left over after the bills are paid, but I’ll soldier on. If I could live any other lifestyle, I wouldn’t trade it in a million years. Stan might not have been a farmer, or a buccaneer, or an explorer, but he had the heart of them. He describes being a prairie farmer perfectly.
I saw him at one of the last Mariposa Folk Festivals held on the Toronto Islands. Then at the after party he jammed with Graham Townshend (Canadian Fiddle Champion at the time) and a French-Canadian button accordian player whose name escapes me now. They played until 5 or 6 am. They just wouldn't stop. He was the real thing.
My dad used to play this song when I was a little kid. took me forever to find it. Every time I hear this it reminds me of the place I'm from. Stan Rogers is incredible.
Herman Labuschagne, you are a writer, a weaver of the heart and soul. What a moving story you have shared about your Dad, the old McCormick, the farm and what is significant in this life. I shall think of your words often. Thank you, Sir.
My mum was a Saskatchewan Stubblejumper of farming stock, and this song always makes me think fondly of my farming uncles out there. Mum left the farm at 19 for Toronto, and only went back for visits, but she "got" this song, and loved it. Thanks for sharing it.
I'm from Nova Scotia farming stock, and as much as I love Stan's songs from the sea, this song touches me the deepest. Hard times some years but by God I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Here in Owen Sound the Summerfolk stage is dedicated to Stan with his likeness carved in polished granite. He was a regular performer here and was loved by all.
That's awesome. I do a monthly meetup in the states at a bar to sing sea shanties and we usually do older stuff to avoid copyright stuff for the owner but make exceptions for Stan because we all know he would hate the idea of nickle and diming a guy celebrating his music.
I am celebrating my 65th this weekend. Our daughter had a Celtic band here in the 'Peg a while back. House band at a local Celtic pub. She sang this song and while she never lived on a farm, as I did in Sask, she sang the song like she had! She asked if she could resurrect the group for my party, and I instantly agreed. So I will hear their version of this tune on Saturday!! Along with Carrick Fergus, Henry Martin and others. I can't wait!
Can anyone come up with something like this now that he's gone? Its been 35 years after all, and we haven't hear it yet --- shows how great he was that you live half a life with no one on the Canadian folk scene coming close to this and all his other great songs. Amazing.
I am learning how to play the violin parts for this song by ear. I already have the opening solo memorized and i can play it better than a beginner even though playing the darned violin is kinda hard - i am a guitaist who happens to owns a violin, as well. Some new friends i've recently made, from Newfoundland, introduced me to Stan Rogers' NorthwestPassage. Soon after, i began poking around youtube for more of Stan's music I came across this beauty and fell in love with the violin runs.
It is incredibly inspiring, The Mary Ellen Carter. It even saved a man's life once. He was drowning, his boat having capsized. Exhausted, about to go down for the final time - he heard in his mind that song, and "rose again" singing out each time he hit the surface. Someone heard him and saved his life. (That song may have saved many a life, mine included. )
@@lindaelawson9415 I've read or heard that story here on youtube. Just searched for it unsuccessfully, so may have been removed. It's certainly a powerful message.
@@lindaelawson9415 I never gave up looking for the story. Gentleman was Captain Robert Cusick, Chief Mate on the SS Marine Electric, one of only 3 survivors. He lived a long life and passed away in 2013, aged 90 years. His story is tucked away in my head so that if I'm ever in that situation, I'll know what to do - and I'll thank Stan Rogers for his song.
I was fortunate enough to have someone share this with me, I'm sentimental I suppose, but this song ALWAYS brings tears. I realize NOW how difficult it must be to farm in my home state, Minnesota, How much more difficult can it be in Canada?
Some years ago, I had a friend whose dad had farmed the arid Texas Panhandle for 60 years before his death. I cued this up on the tape player (shows how long ago it was), and told her to think of her dad and hit play. When I checked on her I saw tears quietly falling past her smile. Guess farmers are farmers, Canada or Texas. They plow the field, plant the seed, and they live and die by the rain.
As a kid i would sit on the wheel guard of the tractor as it pulled the plough and furrowed the field. I guess the fields in mid wales were somewhat smaller than the ares described here' I was alone harrowing a field and it poured. This songs takes me back I have all the Albums and made a p[lgramage to Stanfest and met Nathan and caught him on tour in London at the Herga Nathan is the guardian of his inheritance
To entice emigration from other countries, the government gave out good sized chunks of land. They were on their own, though. Only those hungry for land lasted.
I couldn't help noticing that among the songs he recorded, there were quite a few songs either about NL, or traditional NL songs. A gifted man who, as happens too often, was taken much too soon. RIP Stan. BTW, if you haven't heard it, check out "Safe In The Harbour", written by Eric Bogle for Stan after his passing. Eric's version, unfortunately, is no longer available here, but I think there is at least one cover, by Brian Cochrane.
What do farmers do in the wintertime? I can answer that. Rest for just a bit. Plan for the next season. Build and repair what they can. Return to community life which sometimes gets put on hold during planting and harvesting. They are also politicians, school board trustees, minor sports coaches and officials. Most farm families need multiple jobs to keep afloat therefor, they are also tradespeople, heavy equipment operators, private contractors.
@stairjump I learned it by holding the violin like a guitar and plucking out the notes on the strings like that, instead of bowing and making all kinds of noise. When i had the parts memorized, i tried bowing.
@lgcrooks Well, it went very well. Shannon (daughter) brought the house down with this song, as well as a spirited version of "Old Maui" and others. Some of the guests even caught me joining in on chorus'. Great night. An old-fashioned kitchen party!
@robbiedaug is there anychance you wrote it down? cause it would be super helpful if you sent me the violin parts. im learning the violin now and its so hard to find music for it. you have to play by ear the whole time it feels.
If you need the chords and lyrics they are here. I haven't checked to see if they are correct. tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/s/stan_rogers/field_behind_the_plow_crd.htm
I love this song but can anyone tell me what's meant by "the hoppers or is it harpers brought him down" I'm in England and don't understand the phrase - thanks Stu.
Hello Bryal - thank you very much for your quick response, now i understand, I would never have guessed that (we don't get many Locust in Newcastle !) I've been trying to learn the song but that bit didn't make sense - now it does. best wishes Stu.
@robbiedaug oh well. i might try writing it down, but im pretty new at violin and i cant hear a note and be like "oh thats a C natural" so it would take alot of fiddleing (lol) around. oh well. ill get it thanks for the reply =]
@stairjump Nope. sorry. S'all in my head and fingertips. I've stopped learning it, actually. I've only got the opening solo down anyway. I've never tried going beyond that. And i haven't even practiced it for months. Sorry. I always say, if you're going mark something down, write it down it note by note ONCE. After that, it's all done. Good luck.
What does he shout, off the mic, right before the instrumental out take? "Find that note?" When my wife was young she snuck on the performers bus to the Winnipeg FF. She tried to keep a low profile but when the man in the seat behind her spoke her eyes got big as saucers. She pulled it off, but yeah, it was the man with the 'voice you can swim in"
This is a special song for my mom and I. Both of us are farmer's daughters, and this song just captures a certain feeling from our upbringings--the feeling of warm connection we have with our fathers who are so warmly connected to us, their land and their home. My grandfather is dead now, but before he died, mom sang this for him in his carehome bedroom. I'm glad she got to--grandpa understood how powerfully mom loved him through this song.
Your post is very old, so you might not see mine, but, have you ever considered writing about your family's experience with farming. I can see from the short paragraph here that you could approach the material both as memoir and as fiction.
I believe that line, "Put another season's promise in the ground" is the most beautiful, descriptive line I've ever heard about what a farmer does. He really had a way with words.
It's TRUE Leona ! My father WAS this man. It was sung at his funeral. Pure poetry.
@@gk7240-u3s What do you mean by 'My father WAS this man?'
I sang that song in church over 30 years ago! A farmer had gotten run over by his tractor in the rain, he slipped and died. One of the family members requested that I sing it. 😢 Sad day. I just found the lyrics while cleaning out old boxes. Looked up to see if I could locate the music and tada, here I am listening to it. Thank you so much for posting it! It has so much meaning, I was a farmer's wife once upon a time. 💖
Saskatchewan farmer myself, 3rd generation. Putting seed in the ground and listening to this in the tractor. My dad and grandpa both worked all their lives on this farm. I hope to pass it to my son when he is older.
Cheers to the working man dude; keeping this country a float
@devinodulchaoinitigh5467 thank you. It’s tough times right now between the drought and the idiots running this country, but I’ll soldier on as we always have.
"There's victory in every quarter mile." Truer words were never spoken. Stan had a real insight into the hearts of his fellow men.
I Love Stan Rogers singing. This was one of my late brother, Brian's favorite songs ...also gone too soon.
"Emmett Pierce the other day took a heart attack and died at 42. You could see it coming on cause he worked as hard as you." Brilliant and chilling lyrics.
This song evokes so many memories growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont. I had a magical childhood that I wouldn't change for all the gold in Trump Tower...
Musicians are very special people who have been blessed to endure the many hours of practice and failure. Never giving up for the love. Stan is with God.
A great song, by a creative force in the folk song era. This song is a fine example. I can't think of a deeper song writer, who had a stunning sense of melody. His humanity reveals a deep sense of justice, insight into the human condition, and earthy humor and love for his fellow humanity. I love this man's music. Yes, he died too soon.
Too many good musicians have.
i was lucky to have been a child of the late 60s -early 70s and attended many folk festivals in the Delaware valley area of Pennsylvania thru out those years and have many fond memories of seeing Stan and Garnet and Jim live ...i remember how shocked and saddened (like many others were) upon hearing of this great troubadour's death ...such a tragic loss . Stan fortunately left a fine legacy with his music for future generations to enjoy and find wisdom in
Nathan, his son, carries on.
i was coming east out of High River Ab last night on Hwy 23 going over to coaldale to load back for NS,and there was this rain squall heading for me,and i watched it for 1/2 an hour before it got to me,and the air got cooler and the wind blew harder and the ghost of Stan was with me again..so i started singing this but i got the verses mixed up..thanks to you i got them straitened out and thanks to the Alberta farmers and thanks to Stan.....
My grandpa was a farmer and this will always remind me of him. RIP 1922-2013
My dad WAS this farmer. It was sung at his funeral.
My father once told me that a farmer's life is grand, because when he goes home he has the satisfaction of measuring with his eye how much he has accomplished that day, and how much acreage is left for tomorrow. You can look back and take visual pleasure at how much you have achieved.
Working in an office, he said, you switch off your computer and you're tired, but you cannot measure with your eye what you have done. Even though you might feel good about your day, there will seldom be the same sense of accomplished satisfaction as when you've worked the ground.
He taught me to plough when I was just a kid. The old McCormick tractor boiled after a while and my dad said we've just decreased the remaining life of the engine, but we got the work done all the same. The smell of diesel fumes, and the satisfaction of seeing the task complete made it one of those grand jobs that I will never forget.
We don't realize how short short the good times until they're over. Now I switch a computer off and go home when I'm done. He never said anything about this as he watched me work, but I knew he knew I was thinking about his words often. I think of them even more every time I listen to this beautiful song that paints that old picture in my mind all over again.
I've always wondered what farmers did during the winter when they couldn't grow crops. So what did you do?
From what I understand in cold climates farmers spent their time making music or carving things, making leather harnesses, platting whips, servicing engines, and doing things you could do indoors. They probably also sat staring through their windows at the snow, and annoying their wives.
In our case, winter was our busiest time in South Africa. Crops are harvested around May/June. MY father was a professional hunter, so he was usually on safari in winter. Around April/May we used to spend a month making fire breaks across our land, in case of runaway fires. There were always lots of chores.
August was an ugly, dry, windy month, but by September the rains would come and it would be time to plant. From December on you could take it more easy.
Most farmers I knew worked hard enough, but never like slaves. When it was time to work it was intense. Most of the time, however, we had something unique. We actually had tome to LIVE. Time to come home for lunch. Time to come home for tea or coffee. Time to sit and think, throw a ball for the dog, and actually enjoy life. You couldn't sleep late, but you could come home early. My father always said his job beats having to work for a living.
***** Same with welding. You know it has been a good day when you lift the helmet and it looks like you have black eyeliner on from the fumes and the dirt. You can measure what you have done by the pieces of rod or wire on the floor, and by the sweat on your brow.
Soo Line I would agree. If you think about it, civilization was welded together one inch at a time. Without welding we would have had no tall buildings, no massive ships, much fever tools, no cars or planes worth mentioning, and in general - a much lower standard of civilization. It must be satisfying to join steel together and to know you are stitching advanced civilization together and creating something new out of nothing.
***** It is very satisfying. Sure, my feet may hurt from standing on uneven ground or hard concrete for most of the day, and my hair has caught on fire several times from overhead welding, but there is the pride in seeing something come together by my hands, whether it is a building, a freight car, or a simple piece of yard art. I may ache at the end of the day, but it is the ache that you get from putting in an honest day of work.
How does this golden-voiced man encapsulate so perfectly the life of a prairie farmer? I am in in amazement as would be my father and grandfather.
Especially because he never once worked on a farm.
@@EEYore-py1bf he surely did nail what a farming family goes through though.
Same with fishing.
@@Caperhere and working in the oil patch
I’m a 3rd generation Saskatchewan farmer. My ancestors came here with nothing. I’m not a large farmer by any means and don’t have a lot left over after the bills are paid, but I’ll soldier on. If I could live any other lifestyle, I wouldn’t trade it in a million years.
Stan might not have been a farmer, or a buccaneer, or an explorer, but he had the heart of them. He describes being a prairie farmer perfectly.
I saw him at one of the last Mariposa Folk Festivals held on the Toronto Islands. Then at the after party he jammed with Graham Townshend (Canadian Fiddle Champion at the time) and a French-Canadian button accordian player whose name escapes me now. They played until 5 or 6 am. They just wouldn't stop. He was the real thing.
My dad used to play this song when I was a little kid. took me forever to find it. Every time I hear this it reminds me of the place I'm from. Stan Rogers is incredible.
Herman Labuschagne, you are a writer, a weaver of the heart and soul. What a moving story you have shared about your Dad, the old McCormick, the farm and what is significant in this life. I shall think of your words often. Thank you, Sir.
The sweet pain of hard work and the uncertainy that reward is coming.Hope and faith and the green thumb of life.
Man that's a GGRReat song ! Thank you from a farm in KY USA
I have an old picture of my dad plowing on his Farmall in Vernon, Vermont and this song epitomizes the feeling of the words.
My mum was a Saskatchewan Stubblejumper of farming stock, and this song always makes me think fondly of my farming uncles out there. Mum left the farm at 19 for Toronto, and only went back for visits, but she "got" this song, and loved it. Thanks for sharing it.
This has kept me grounded. Thank you for this. Love you Stan. Wish you were still here.
I'm from Nova Scotia farming stock, and as much as I love Stan's songs from the sea, this song touches me the deepest. Hard times some years but by God I wouldn't trade them for anything.
Here in Owen Sound the Summerfolk stage is dedicated to Stan with his likeness carved in polished granite. He was a regular performer here and was loved by all.
That's awesome. I do a monthly meetup in the states at a bar to sing sea shanties and we usually do older stuff to avoid copyright stuff for the owner but make exceptions for Stan because we all know he would hate the idea of nickle and diming a guy celebrating his music.
The pride of Hamilton, Ontario!!!!!! Hell of a singer/ songwriter, such a talent to have lost!
I am celebrating my 65th this weekend. Our daughter had a Celtic band here in the 'Peg a while back. House band at a local Celtic pub. She sang this song and while she never lived on a farm, as I did in Sask, she sang the song like she had! She asked if she could resurrect the group for my party, and I instantly agreed. So I will hear their version of this tune on Saturday!! Along with Carrick Fergus, Henry Martin and others. I can't wait!
This song gives me goose bumps every time i hear it. Thank you and RIP Stan Rodgers your music lives for you
Thanks so much. I love this song. I've bought it muliple times but left it with my family. So glad to listen to it with my daughter.
Can anyone come up with something like this now that he's gone? Its been 35 years after all, and we haven't hear it yet --- shows how great he was that you live half a life with no one on the Canadian folk scene coming close to this and all his other great songs. Amazing.
Joseph Vaters, what's your take on Gordon Lightfoot? He certainly did his best.
I am learning how to play the violin parts for this song by ear. I already have the opening solo memorized and i can play it better than a beginner even though playing the darned violin is kinda hard - i am a guitaist who happens to owns a violin, as well. Some new friends i've recently made, from Newfoundland, introduced me to Stan Rogers' NorthwestPassage. Soon after, i began poking around youtube for more of Stan's music I came across this beauty and fell in love with the violin runs.
We heard him, the next morning he was gone. we were at Kerville Tx. They planted a Tree in the seating area. So sad there was such loss in his death.
Damn, I've only dreamed of what it must of been like to see the legend in person.
:-( Such a loss.
You are a fortunate soul to have shared in his life and music!!
As someone who grew up in rural Canada, this song really hits me.
I adore this song. But I can't listen to it at work because it makes me tear up.
Great song... many thanks for uploading this.
the Mary Ellen Carter by Stan Rogers is possibly the most inspiring song but I've lived My Life by
It is incredibly inspiring, The Mary Ellen Carter. It even saved a man's life once. He was drowning, his boat having capsized. Exhausted, about to go down for the final time - he heard in his mind that song, and "rose again" singing out each time he hit the surface. Someone heard him and saved his life. (That song may have saved many a life, mine included. )
@@lindaelawson9415 I've read or heard that story here on youtube. Just searched for it unsuccessfully, so may have been removed. It's certainly a powerful message.
@@lindaelawson9415 I never gave up looking for the story. Gentleman was Captain Robert Cusick, Chief Mate on the SS Marine Electric, one of only 3 survivors. He lived a long life and passed away in 2013, aged 90 years. His story is tucked away in my head so that if I'm ever in that situation, I'll know what to do - and I'll thank Stan Rogers for his song.
Thank you so much for sharing this song. I never heard Stan Rogers live, but his voice and his songs live on in his recordings.
I was fortunate enough to have someone share this with me, I'm sentimental I suppose, but this song ALWAYS brings tears. I realize NOW how difficult it must be to farm in my home state, Minnesota, How much more difficult can it be in Canada?
So beautiful and amazing song adore so much thank you Stan
What an incredibly courageous song!
Some years ago, I had a friend whose dad had farmed the arid Texas Panhandle for 60 years before his death. I cued this up on the tape player (shows how long ago it was), and told her to think of her dad and hit play. When I checked on her I saw tears quietly falling past her smile. Guess farmers are farmers, Canada or Texas. They plow the field, plant the seed, and they live and die by the rain.
Gorgeous song, thanks for posting!
Yep. I'm crying now.
As a kid i would sit on the wheel guard of the tractor as it pulled the plough and furrowed the field. I guess the fields in mid wales were somewhat smaller than the ares described here' I was alone harrowing a field and it poured.
This songs takes me back
I have all the Albums and made a p[lgramage to Stanfest and met Nathan and caught him on tour in London at the Herga
Nathan is the guardian of his inheritance
To entice emigration from other countries, the government gave out good sized chunks of land. They were on their own, though. Only those hungry for land lasted.
thank you for putting this on very nice song
If there was ever a ballad for the life of a farmer, this is it.
We heard him, the next morning he was gone. we
Great song...great man !
Hey, thanks a million. I have to sing a bit of this is a show, and have been going on all the other poor quality live videos. Awesometown.
Another seasons promise!..Go Stan!
Aw Stan, you were a sailor dammit. Why'd you have to go on an airplane? :(
thanks for posting this. Enjoyed it very much. Maybe someday you'll perform in Tucson
Sorry to break it to you mate, but Stan Rogers has been dead for years.
Oh, well, in that case I shouldn't expect to see him in Tucson.
+Jim Beattie hahahahahaha hahahaha +10
The song was released in 1981 on his album "Northwest Passage"
Thanks, He Man!
Small farmer's anthem.
Such a poet!!
Magnificent!
I couldn't help noticing that among the songs he recorded, there were quite a few songs either about NL, or traditional NL songs. A gifted man who, as happens too often, was taken much too soon. RIP Stan. BTW, if you haven't heard it, check out "Safe In The Harbour", written by Eric Bogle for Stan after his passing. Eric's version, unfortunately, is no longer available here, but I think there is at least one cover, by Brian Cochrane.
He is hero to me
thank you
It absolutely does sound like Stan.
this song may be from northwest passage but this version is off the live album "Home in Halifax"
Never heard of him Joe, but he sings a nice gentle song
@robbiedaug The fiddle/violin parts are mostly Garnet, Stan's brother. You might keep your ears/eyes open for his solo stuff, it's amazing too.
Been working to learn this on the violin for a while now
Thank Air Canada for that one.
What do farmers do in the wintertime? I can answer that. Rest for just a bit. Plan for the next season. Build and repair what they can. Return to community life which sometimes gets put on hold during planting and harvesting. They are also politicians, school board trustees, minor sports coaches and officials. Most farm families need multiple jobs to keep afloat therefor, they are also tradespeople, heavy equipment operators, private contractors.
Only problem is I cry when I listen to it.
@stairjump I learned it by holding the violin like a guitar and plucking out the notes on the strings like that, instead of bowing and making all kinds of noise. When i had the parts memorized, i tried bowing.
Every time I listen to him I can only think one thing. Fuck music is absolutely empty of meaning nowadays.
We lost a great talent at such a young age. The ban on smoking on airplanes was put in place after he was killed. How the heck did that happen?
24 people have no soul! Poor Devils.
The Melodic Philosopher
One of my favorite albums ever
Hey bryal, could you please message me? I have some questions about this post. Thanks!
Nathan Rogers
@lgcrooks Well, it went very well. Shannon (daughter) brought the house down with this song, as well as a spirited version of "Old Maui" and others. Some of the guests even caught me joining in on chorus'. Great night. An old-fashioned kitchen party!
Good luck with the song!
Three people don't appreciate good music. :-/
Sorry, re my previous comment, it's Brian Corcoran, not Cochrane. Sorry, Brian!
It is spring afterall
@JAMESKARLMERRI
My pleasure.
@ryanedr I absolutely agree!
@robbiedaug is there anychance you wrote it down? cause it would be super helpful if you sent me the violin parts. im learning the violin now and its so hard to find music for it. you have to play by ear the whole time it feels.
Wish I had the music for this, I try to sing it? sigh miss Stan a lot
If you need the chords and lyrics they are here. I haven't checked to see if they are correct.
tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/s/stan_rogers/field_behind_the_plow_crd.htm
There used to be a Stan Rogers songbook or you can probably find this song online.
I love this song but can anyone tell me what's meant by "the hoppers or is it harpers brought him down" I'm in England and don't understand the phrase - thanks Stu.
"The heartache, hail and hoppers brought him down"
The "hoppers" he's referring too are locusts & grasshoppers.
Hello Bryal - thank you very much for your quick response, now i understand, I would never have guessed that (we don't get many Locust in Newcastle !) I've been trying to learn the song but that bit didn't make sense - now it does. best wishes Stu.
@robbiedaug oh well. i might try writing it down, but im pretty new at violin and i cant hear a note and be like "oh thats a C natural" so it would take alot of fiddleing (lol) around. oh well. ill get it
thanks for the reply =]
sweeeet
Year this came out?
How could you mention all of those and leave out the best of them ALL. Loreena McKennitt.
I believe the title is "The Farmer"
It's called "The Field Behind the Plow"
@stairjump
Nope. sorry. S'all in my head and fingertips.
I've stopped learning it, actually. I've only got the opening solo down anyway. I've never tried going beyond that. And i haven't even practiced it for months.
Sorry.
I always say, if you're going mark something down, write it down it note by note ONCE. After that, it's all done.
Good luck.
Leastways he went a hero.
Sounds like a country Cat Stevens
@robbiedaug ill try that. thanks
What does he shout, off the mic, right before the instrumental out take? "Find that note?" When my wife was young she snuck on the performers bus to the Winnipeg FF. She tried to keep a low profile but when the man in the seat behind her spoke her eyes got big as saucers. She pulled it off, but yeah, it was the man with the 'voice you can swim in"
I think he shouts "Try that now". I believe he's trying to get the audience to sing along.
Farming...
@HolyMotherofGrid Loreena McKinnett