Many years ago I had the LP and tab/lyric book of John Burke's "Fancy Picking and Plain Singing". My favourite song was "They Just Made One" which should be much better known, and I can remember only half of the words.
If anyone remembers them, please let me know! Thanks in anticipation.
Edited by - Blackpete on 09/08/2024 01:48:40
Sorry I don't know the lyrics, Blackpete, but you might try mudcat.org.
If you have the book, the lyrics are in it. If not PM me.
quote:
Originally posted by Tim JumperSorry I don't know the lyrics, Blackpete, but you might try mudcat.org.
Thanks for the tip, that looks like a useful site, but no joy there so far.
I have the record but not the book. I forgot the labels are reversed on the record.
quote:
Originally posted by restreetI have the record but not the book. I forgot the labels are reversed on the record.
If it's not TOO illegal, you could play the record near your phone or computer, and send Mr. Blackpete a sound file, and he could write down the words.
Edited by - mike gregory on 09/10/2024 07:16:46
That would be great. I'm surprised that this tune is unknown on this site and YouTube. It's catchy and fun.
They Just Made One – John Burke
(Transcribed from record)
Chorus*:
Oh … you won’t find a fool as big as me
grow’n on every sucker tree
There ain’t but one but he’s just one
that’s dumb enough to stay
You’ll never find another
not a sister, not a brother
They just made one
.. when they’s done,
they threw the mold away
I say I don’t care about you
say that I can live without you
pack my things to travel
but I never reach the street
Cause when I hear your sweet voice call,
I turn and run down back the hall
I know that I should leave you
but I can’t control my feet
*
Now I believe the lies you tell me,
buy the nonsense that you sell me
never question anything you tell me
though I know that you’re untrue
And even though I know you play
around with other guys I stay
and hope some day you’ll love me
the way that I love you
*
Your cheat’n ways are just too much
you tarnish everything you touch
I know that you don’t care about me
but you won’t let go
*
I suffer all this aggravation
insults and humiliation
Maybe I’m just stupid
but there’s one thing that I know …
*
That is brilliant! You're a legend, my friend.
I thought that song was long gone. Thank you. Thank you.
I recently picked up his book off eBay but no record inside. I saw somewhere that he lives in Oregon? Is he still alive and if so, where in Oregon?
EDIT
And a quick google search yieded this off the "Glory beaming banjo" forum:
AnonymousMay 13, 2022 at 2:23?PM
I am in touch with John sporadically. Oddly, or perhaps not if you know the man, he currently is the mayor of a small village in Latvia, where he raises exotic show rabbits and teaches youth classes in clawhammer kokle, the national instrument.
AnonymousMarch 12, 2024 at 10:12?PM
I saw John today at my violin shop. He is looking good. He was telling me about what will happen to me when I reach the ripe old age of 80. So yep, he's alive and kicking.
Edited by - jwold on 09/13/2024 09:39:12
