On 2002-12-03 12:41, Wombat wrote:
Cottage isn’t perfect but it does suggest a humble abode. Try fitting ‘mud brick shack’ into that space though, or ‘wattle and daub shanty’. They’d be the real thing.
In Western Oklahoma, where sod dwellings were the abode of the humble, Little Log Cabin in the Lane was sung “Little Old Sod Shanty in the Lane.” It is somewhat customary to change minor details like that, in this sort of music.
On 2002-12-04 01:21, Walden wrote:
On 2002-12-03 12:41, Wombat wrote:
Cottage isn’t perfect but it does suggest a humble abode. Try fitting ‘mud brick shack’ into that space though, or ‘wattle and daub shanty’. They’d be the real thing.In Western Oklahoma, where sod dwellings were the abode of the humble, Little Log Cabin in the Lane was sung “Little Old Sod Shanty in the Lane.” It is somewhat customary to change minor details like that, in this sort of music.
Thanks Walden. If that’s OK in Western Oklahoma, why not in Australia? One important thing is that the song be universal in theme and sentiment which ‘Hard Times’ obviously is, rather than deeply rooted in time and place. I also think it’s a shame to lose poetic charm. To my eyes and ears, ‘little old sod shanty’ sounds just fine, but Emmy Lou’s changes to ‘Hard Times’ detract from Foster’s sad/beautiful imagery.