Submit songs for VOlume 2 through Jan. 31, 2022
|
The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is excited to announce the second annual Songs of the Susquehanna project as we collect new original songs inspired by the Susquehanna River and/or its tributaries through Jan. 31, 2022.
Songs must be original pieces by local musicians and be suitable for audiences of all ages. Songs that were submitted for last year's initiative but weren't included on the Volume 1 album are eligible for this year's program. We are requesting no more than two songs per artist/musical group. We are adding a student category this year -- young people under the age of 18 will be considered separately from the other submissions, with at least two making the final Volume 2 album. We encourage school music departments to get involved with this project. All songs collected will be shared online via the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association website throughout the month of February 2022, where people can provide feedback on the songs that impacted them the most. That feedback is factored into the final 20 pieces that make the album. We will also be collecting donations through Feb. 28, 2022, specifically toward this project. Those donations will be used to cover the cost of the project and the rest will be spread out among the musicians who make the Volume 2 album. To submit a song, email an mp3 file to midsusriver@gmail.com Also, in the body of the email, or in a separate document, include the full lyrics of the song if there are lyrics (instrumentals are welcome to be submitted, as well). We don't want to limit the creativity of the pieces submitted -- or the diversity of river-based topics they cover -- but songs where the river, one of its tributaries or resources connected immediately to the aquatic ecosystem will the most interest. It also helps to make sure that lyrics are easy to hear/comprehend throughout the piece. There is no specific genre that is better than another -- we encourage a wide diversity of different types of music. If you have any questions about this program, contact Riverkeeper John Zaktansky immediately at midsusriver@gmail.com or 570-768-6300. |
“The sense of community surrounding this project is warm and embracing, so it is a safe place to allow your talents to unfold. You never know what residual benefits you may experience by just taking the leap.” Donations made below in this platform will be used specifically for our Songs of the Susquehanna 2022 project. Once expenses are covered, we will be donating remaining funds directly back to the musicians who are selected for our final 2022 album. For questions, email Riverkeeper John Zaktansky directly at midsusriver@gmail.com
|
Songs of the Susquehanna: Volume 1
A total of 36 musicians/musical groups submitted 46 original songs inspired by the Susquehanna River and its tributaries for the 2021 Songs of the Susquehanna project. The concept was to give musicians a new platform to share their skills and connect with audiences after a year of lost gigs and missed opportunities. This also allowed the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association an opportunity to engage with new people throughout the 11,000-square-mile watershed about the environmental, recreational and therapeutic aspects of the river and its tributaries.
Nearly 200 people responded by providing feedback, casting 1,152 votes on which of the 46 songs should make the final playlist for this year's program. Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association board members debated the final list and came up with the 20-song playlist below.
Please note that the cutoff doesn't represent whether a song was "good" or "bad." There were many variables factored into the selections, from how each song enhanced the diversity of what was on the album to how important the river was to the song itself to how well the song represented our river-based resources. Additional factors included how well the lyrics could be heard, the processing/recording of the song, etc.
Nearly 200 people responded by providing feedback, casting 1,152 votes on which of the 46 songs should make the final playlist for this year's program. Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association board members debated the final list and came up with the 20-song playlist below.
Please note that the cutoff doesn't represent whether a song was "good" or "bad." There were many variables factored into the selections, from how each song enhanced the diversity of what was on the album to how important the river was to the song itself to how well the song represented our river-based resources. Additional factors included how well the lyrics could be heard, the processing/recording of the song, etc.
Songs of the Susquehanna Volume 1 CD
$15.00
Check out 20 of the 46 original river-inspired songs submitted into our inaugural Songs of the Susquehanna project. This collection includes a great variety of genres, stories and information that helps engage the listener with the environmental, recreational, therapeutic and historical elements of our river and its tributaries. CDs are available for pickup at 112 Market Street, Sunbury, or can be sent to you in the mail.
|
Return to Blue
By Johanna Kodlick On that day in May When my father passed away I heard the undertaker say There was an eagle who led the way. Well he soared along the Penns Creek Up through the clouds so high. He led his soul by the water and straight up to the sky. That creek leads to the river Where I found myself afloat Staring down through the water At the black rocks while my sister rowed. There he is, said Susanna. I looked up to meet that eagle’s eye. I knew full well, on the Susquehanna That our father was by our side. Still I’m holding out for the water to tell me how It’ll all be alright. My heart will be whole again somehow. Autumn arrived. I came to give thanks With my daughter on the riverbanks. I was restless. Leaves at my feet. Slipped in the mud and my heart skipped a beat. She said Mama! Find a rock and sit down. You can feel the beauty all around. She was right. As I sat next to her The river spoke without saying a word. Sometimes the days stand still. Now the Susquehanna is frozen as well. And in the spring when it shall flow So will the tears I continue to know. But when I see that eagle above I am reminded of my father’s love. So I look up, as I float In the river where the eagle goes. And when the floods come raining down, the river knows for sure what’s true. That even when the sky is grey, it will always return to blue. Oh when the floods come raining down, my heart will know for sure what’s true. That even when the sky is grey, it will always return to blue. Yes even when the sky is grey, it will always return to blue. A Happy River is a Clean River
By Don Shappelle Chorus: A happy river is a clean river, A clean river is a happy river The fish and the birds and the turtles too, are happy when the river is a clean river If you like to paddle or you like to row, there's always a place on the river to go and sing a song to the fish below and take a ride on the Hiawatha paddlewheel boat Chorus: A happy river is a clean river, A clean river is a happy river The fish and the birds and the turtles too, are happy when the river is a clean river The river it flows a mighty long way, from New York down to the Chesapeake Bay Thru towns and cities all along the way, the river keeps flowin' each and every day Chorus: A happy river is a clean river, A clean river is a happy river The fish and the birds and the turtles too, are happy when the river is a clean river Now what can we do to keep the river clean, do not litter in the tributary streams We've all got a job to do it seems, to keep the Susquehanna flowing clean Chorus: A happy river is a clean river, A clean river is a happy river The fish and the birds and the turtles too, are happy when the river is a clean river Repurpose and re-use your trash, Recycle cans, plastic and glass Tell other folks if they may ask, we're doin' our part to make nature last Chorus: A happy river is a clean river, A clean river is a happy river The fish and the birds and the turtles too, are happy when the river is a clean river The fish and the birds will all thank you, The river will be cleaner because of you. Susquehanna (The River Called Her Name)
By KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner She left her home right out of school She left behind her town She wanted more to life than just a faded wedding gown So California called her name, And she set off all alone … To make it writing music – or to be one more unknown Oh Susquehanna, the river called her name Susquehanna – life is not a game Susquehanna – like the river she would roam Near the Susquehanna River was her home The city ways were cruel to her, No comfort could she find Her music opened doors for her, then slammed them right behind And her tears flowed like the river, Though she tried with all her might So many with the same dream – without a job in sight Oh Susquehanna, the river called her name Susquehanna – life is not a game Susquehanna – like the river she would roam Near the Susquehanna River was her home Then her music sailed upon the charts She worked both night and day Her six-string was a friend to her and took her on her way But the Susquehanna Valley and its people stole her heart Could she write her songs back home now – or must she live apart? Oh Susquehanna, the river called her name Susquehanna – life is not a game Susquehanna – like the river she would roam Near the Susquehanna River was her home Now she sings of children And of those who work the land She sings out of a studio she’s built with her two hands And her music travels far and wide through XM radio And she sits along that riverbank to watch the waters flow Oh Susquehanna, the river called her name Susquehanna – life is not a game Susquehanna – like the river she would roam Near the Susquehanna River was her home Down to the Sea
By Steve Hulslander (chorus 1) Flow little riverlet Flow down to me Bring me your sweet waters And I’ll take them to the sea (verse 1) Starting from mountains as snowmelt Washing the winters cold hands Joining and growing and giving Lifes’ blood to the land (chorus 2) Flow little babbling brooks Flow down to me Bring me your sweet waters And I’ll take them to the sea (verse 2) White water cascades thru canyons Wild and wonder with grace Swiftly it moves thru the country Creating and carving the lands’ fates’ (chorus 3) Flow on you mighty streams Flow down to me Bring me your sweet waters And I’ll take them to the sea (verse 3) Voyagers have traveled your waters Loggers have used your highways To you our dear Susquehanna You’ve given life in the way (chorus 4) Flow majestic river flow Flow down to the sea Bring our sweet waters And take them to the sea Susquehanna Pirate
Fire in the Glen I used to be a farmer and I made a living fine, I had a little stretch of land along the Lebanon line, But though I tried and tried, the money wasn't there, And bankers came and took my land and told me fair was fair. I looked for every kind of job, the answer always no! "Hire you now?" they always said. "We just let 20 go." The government, they promised me a measly little sum, But I got too much pride to end up just another bum. So I thought, who gives a darn if poverty draws near? I'm gonna be the Susquehanna's greatest buccaneer! CHORUS: And it's a heave-HO high-HO sail at early morn, Stealing ripe tobacco and silver queen white corn. And it's a ho-HEY way-HEY, farmers bar your doors When you see the Jolly Roger off the Susquehanna shores. Well, you'd think the local farmers would know that I'm at large, But just the other day I sank an unprotected barge. I snuck up right behind them and they were none the wiser, I rammed their ship and sank it, and I stole their fertilizer. A bridge outside of Columbia spans the mighty river, Farmers cross in so much fear their stomachs are a-quiver, 'Cause they know that Shoofly Jake is waiting for some fun -- I'll jump the bridge and steal their beans and leave 'em there with none. CHORUS The pirate life's appealing and it calls to seamen true, I hear the Conestoga's home to many a pirate crew, They sail their way through Intercourse, Gap and Bird-in-Hand, And you're bound to lose your chow-chow if you cross their merry band! A ship, a sword, a skull & bones and very little stress, We never pay our income tax, and screw the IRS! From Harrisburg to Havre de Grace I leave 'em high and dry, But, boys, I ain't no dummy, I steer clear of TMI! CHORUS The state police can't catch us, their boats are awful slow, And when the wind's against us, watch our Flyin' Dutchmen row! Last week they almost caught us when we came into the dock, So now we keep a lookout posted up on Chickies Rock. We never pay our hotel bill, we always steal the towels, At night we slip ashore, have a beer and tip some cows. But soon I hear the river call, it's time to sail once more, The tobacco fleet is moving, so let's hear each pirate ROAR! CHORUS Susquehanna River Song
By Don Shappelle Susquehanna River keeps flowing along Her waters will remain long after we’re gone Her name it shines like her water as it rolls off the tongue From high in New York to the bay in Maryland We’ve abused her, forgotten her, done more than our share Turned her crystal-clear waters into sewers without a care But remember this, my friend, that the world we leave behind Is a reflection of ourselves for all of human kind Chorus Susquehanna River keeps flowing along Her waters will remain long after we’re gone Her name shines like her water as it rolls off the tongue From high in New York to the bay in Maryland I heard the stories driftin’ down from the forest with the logs Sang the songs of the steamboats, I heard their whistle in the fog And I always do remember them when I look into your water And see the garbage of our people, it keeps flowing right on by Repeat chorus She can be angry, she can be strong Sent her waters trembling through our cities and our towns And like a child who must have her way Just like the people who came to her shores and realized they had to stay Susquehanna River keeps flowing along Her waters will remain long after we’re gone Her name shines like her water as it rolls off the tongue From high in New York to the bay in Maryland Susquehanna Suzy
By Janie Meneely 1. Susquehanna Suzy, she's my sweet patootie We go cruisin' and a'schmoozin' the whole night through Ain't no doubt about it, gonna empty out my wallet, And I'm going home with Susquehanna Sue CHORUS: There's a moon up in the sky Wild geese are on the fly Come on, honey, snuggle up with me Imagine that we've got a million dollar yacht 2. Meet me here at sundown, I'll give you all the lowdown Tell you just exactly what I'll do I'm gonna hoist the anchor, turn the engine on and crank 'er And I'm going home with Susquehanna Sue (CHORUS) [kazoo turn-around] 3. Susquehanna Suzy, she's making me all woozy I'm spinnin' and a'grinnin' a great big how-di-do Sun is gonna shine on the day I make her mine And I'm going home with Susquehanna Sue (CHORUS) 4. No ifs, ands or maybes, she's a crafty little lady Double planked and Bristol through and through She'll look so very sweet when I add her to the fleet And I'm going home with Susquehanna Sue (instrumental break/kazoo solo] (CHORUS) 5. It's happy after, a lot of love and laughter Slap me happy, foot-and-fancy free-dle-dee-dee I'm filling the Jacuzzi, I tell you she's a doozy My Susquehanna Suzy and me (CHORUS) Memory Bank
By Larry Lawson Down to the Susquehanna with the fishin’ poles-- Got a girl and a boy and a can o’ worms. Sittin’ on the bank while the rods bend double-- Two little kids into catfish trouble! I put another memory in the Memory Bank, In the Memory Bank. Savin’ up ‘til I come back To the Memory Bank. All day paddle and the muscles are sore-- Marshmallow campfire, makin’ some-mores. Chocolate smeared onto everything-- Brown-ringed grins ready to sing. I put another memory in the Memory Bank, In the Memory Bank. Savin’ up ‘til I come back To the Memory Bank. I don’t mind if have a little money, you see, But a soft, sweet voice sayin’ “Honey” to me Is worth much more than a bank account, ‘Specially if I hear it when the lights go out. Got no riches of the regular kind-- Just a river of memory in this heart of mine. Ain’t no forgettin’ while the river is flowin’-- I take a little swim just to keep me goin’. I put another memory in the Memory Bank, In the Memory Bank. Savin’ up ‘til I come back To the Memory Bank. Know someday I’m gonna thank-- My Memory Bank. |
If this River Had a Voice
By William Ryan If this river had a mind I’d find the time to stop and ask her how she’s been How it felt to flow so fine Her banks were lined with pines Before the town moved in How their shadows cooled you down Kept your shores from flowing brown till they cave in If this river had a mind I’d find the time to stop and ask her how she’s been If this river had a voice Would her ballad be too hard a tune to hear Would she sing her song by choice? Or the desperate need for help? Out of fear? Would we listen to her cries Or turn another blinded eye Knowing she’d never again be flowing clear If this river had a voice Would her ballad be too hard a tune to hear People often tell me that they love me But so few ever stop to lend their hand I wonder just how low In the summer I must flow Before they every truly start to understand? I worry I might stay this way forever I once was clear, now I’m brown and green Just how long has it been Since the children used to swim Have they gone too far to make my waters clean? Home to You
By Grace Kenny Early morning sun is rising Misty waters soft and light Herons waking, grasses swaying River starts to come to life And her waters care for nature Offering richness to our hearts Subtle ripples, steady rushes So she flows with graceful charm And through the years her soul has swept us along Strong and peaceful, her history carries on And like a friend, the river tells us what is true Susquehanna, I’m coming home to you Some years back the river flooded Mighty currents made us fear We held hands and walked together Hoped that we were in the clear So we waited and surrendered To the wild river’s tide And she kept us, never left us Took her time, then all was right And through the years her soul has swept us along Strong and peaceful, her history carries on And like a friend, the river tells us what is true Susquehanna, I’m coming home to you The River Run Down (Knox Mine Disaster)
By Gary Gyekis Chorus The river run down, it run straight down The river run down, straight down in a hole, In the deep, dark ground// Down, down, down, in the deep dark ground. In the winter of 59, I was only five years old My grandpa was a miner, or so I was told. Every day he went down deep in the cold cold ground Trying to make a living in the only game in town. I was born in the Wyoming Valley, I've got strong family ties. I'll never move from the banks of this river, I'll live here 'till I die. I've got the taste of pierogies and coal dust on my tongue, I still remember the sound of the church bells that Friday when they rung. Chorus Around here when a boy grew up, he went down in the mine. Some people say it's ugly, some people say it's fine. A great big church and a little bar on every street reside. Give me a shot and a beer, a little Jesus on the side. The hard coal shines in the light of day But underneath the river it was meant to stay. The coal company said they could dig a little more Though they knew they were getting close to the Susquehanna River floor. Chorus With a crack, and a rumble, and a terrible rush, The river poured through like a giant flush. A dozen honest working men were never seen again. My neighbor, my Grandpa and Johnny, his best old friend. You know two hundred train cars couldn't fill the hole That the river cut that day through the veins of coal. When the river run down, it carved a hole right through my soul, As black as the coal, way down in that deep, dark hole. Chorus Miss Susquehanna
Todd Cummins I go down there when the sun is setting To the banks at the end of the day Looking out at a lovely lady Rolling down to the Chesapeake Bay I’m thinking how she’s been mistreated Thinking ‘bout her destiny Wondrin’ how you ever make it From these mountains to the sea (chorus) Beautiful Lady Miss Susquehanna Has Mother Nature left you on your own Someday I fear that you’ll get angry Flood your banks and take away my home Winding down into Pennsylvania From up north in New York State ’72 was just a warning Of the damage that you can make Every morning I feel so lucky To see you flowing from my back door Though it sounds crazy I’d never blame you If you should rise to even up the score (chorus) Beautiful Lady Miss Susquehanna Has Mother Nature left you on your own Someday I fear that you’ll get angry Flood your banks and take away my home (bridge) Ain’t no tellin’ where we can take it Ain’t no reason why we forsake it Don’t forget your son and your daughter There ain’t no livin’ without the water Otzinachson
By Barbara Duncan * Note: Otzinachson was the Susquehannock name for where the two branches of the Susquehanna meet at Shamokin, an ancient sacred site where tribes met peacefully. It means “Place of Spirits.” River of beauty Rolls through blue hills Otzinachson Rolling still Otzinachson, river of life (Otzinachson) Frozen flat in winter, Flooding fast in spring Fat with fish in summer Otzinachson sings Otzinachson, river of life (Otzinachson, flowing) Place of spirits Where rivers meet Peace among us Otzinachson speaks Otzinachson, river of life (Otzinachson, flowing) Otzinachson, river of life New Song for an Old River
By Van Wagner A new song for an old river A new song for an old river A new song for an old river This river’s gonna set me free. Some have learned to swim in this river Some have learned to float. Some just have an innertube The lucky ones have a boat. Then again we all are lucky Floating like a rubber ducky This river it might get muddy But that don’t bother us. Chorus Some have been baptized in this river Some just go to sin. Some just walk the river’s shore Others jump right in. The Baptists and the sinners too Have both tripped on the Sycamore root We all stumble a time or 2 Down on the river’s bank. Chorus If you carry thoughts around That weigh heavy on your soul. Take them too the river’s edge And let the baggage go. Come all you sons and daughters That old river’s got healing waters Comforts you like fathers and mothers Hey what a family Chorus Fanny in the Susquehanny
Tim Walker/Terry Wild Down along the banks of the Susquehanny They come by the thousands just to soak their fannys With their big round tubes and lots of good cheer To relax their souls for one more year Some like to paddle and some like to flale Some like to group and some like to sale Some like to float and gaze at the sky Some like to gaze at those shapes goin’ by So if your lookin’ for a really good time Just to rest that tired old mind Bring your tube down to the old bridge shanty And put your Fanny in the Susquehanny. Susquehanna Skies
By Averie Clark/Don Krech They said it looked so easy, You knew that we’d pull through It was just a little secret, between me and you I’ve counted all the reasons, we counted on each other If I play it any other way, wouldn’t even have to bother Still the moon shines on the river And the river softly sings Soon we’ll have each other Under Susquehanna skies I’ve waited for this moment, like a planned destiny I stare at your reflection, it was always part of me As the steam lifts from the water, late summer’s breeze cools the air I’m reaching for your hand, I know it’s always there And the moon shines on the river And the river softly sighs At last we’ll have each other Under Susquehanna skies Susquehanna & River
By Hannah Bingman There’s not a fish to find these days I clasp my hands, kneel down and pray My brother and I will live out our hungry days The Susquehanna filters out My mother named after that trout She caught inside a net before the chemicals and all Now we just wait for the mercury to fall Every time I close my eyes I swear I see a better life My brother, River, he don’t mind it now But I know some day he’s gonna find it out The rain, the rain, rain Keeps the river high I just wished it’d rain Over here sometimes Folks around here don’t mind the grind Get to work and leave on time But I don’t see my mama much no more She got that second job down at the dollar store Saving up for seeds to grow Anywhere the love will flow Cracks in the sidewalk, dirt in the yard When the snow melts and the ground ain’t hard The rain, the rain, rain Keeps the river high I just wished it’d rain Over here sometimes Most folks act like I’m not even here Sometimes I swear they wish I’d just disappear I ain’t wishing bad on folks with much I’m just wishing more for folks like us The rain, the rain, rain Keeps the river high I just wished it’d rain Over here sometimes Susquehanna Silent Night
By Bill Dann A solemn haven lies listless among winter's frigid grasp Undaunted by the elements, for soon this too will pass As leaves of autumn cycle fading early colors bright So is this fleeting moment of a Susquehanna Silent Night The big river glides lazily amid heaven's frozen mist Enrobing vegetation with her subtle icy kiss I stand agaze at Lockport, water shimmering in the night Adrenaline warms my soul for it's a Susquehanna Silent Night Snaking through the Endless Mountains in the Allegheny Plateau She graces Clinton County's banks as easterly she goes A symbol of our heritage, I marvel at her might And thank God for a peaceful Susquehanna Silent Night The most gracious host of summer takes a hard-earned water rest, And I wonder if we realize just how much we are blessed To live along her humble banks when everything is white Let us never take lightly our fortune of a Susquehanna Silent Night While the city is finally abuzz with the bustle of the season Bound for the Chesapeake, she flows on, no rhyme or reason On a mission unexplained, as a bird taking flight We're so glad to be part of a Susquehanna Silent Night For just one magic moment all is frozen here in time As a vapor in December her appearance is sublime She stands for all that's good at home in the clutch of winter's bite Oh how rare indeed to splendor in a Susquehanna Silent Night From Ostego Lake to Maryland, and all the points between Her majestic domain is unequalled as Pennsylvania's reigning queen This year we wish you love and all the visions in your sight But more than this, may God grant you a Susquehanna Silent Night |