The beautiful tune from 1866, lyrics by Canadian school teacher George Johnson,, music by his American friend James Butterfield. I’m playing my Martin D-15S.
https://youtu.be/mPAjj6RWBQY?si=E-her2Xh-B-M_qnp
Edited by - chuckv97 on 05/12/2025 15:43:41
One of the first songs I worked on to make my own break. Love to sing and play!
Nice,Chuck!
I often use that tune to warm up on banjo, when I pick it up. Nice guitar!
Does the Banjo Hangout know that you are hanging out over here?
Texasbanjo
Thanks, Sherry
imapicker2
Thanks. Shh,, they must’nt know I’m two-timing!
I just posted a finger-style version of this on my Facebook page. Maggie and I have been a couple for 44 years and were married 41 years ago on Monday.
This is the first song that we did together at an open mic in 1986. I played clawhammer banjo and Maggie played guitar and sang.
AS you stated, it was written as a poem by George Johnson for his wife, Maggie. Unfortunately, Maggie died of consumption before James Butterfield put it to music, so she never got to hear it as a song. Of course, George and Maggie didn't get to grow old together either.
There is an Ontario historical plaque in Mount Hope, Ontario (now a part of Hamilton)
Jim Yates Congratulations, Jim, on your wedding anniversary. I was just in Mt. Hope last month , but at the airport. Wish I’d seen the historical sign.
Here's the video that I posted on Facebook yesterday. I recorded it about 4 years ago.
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