Friday, October 17, 2008

Shanty Choir of Schleswig

We happened across this performance one Saturday afternoon, at a garden show of all places. A bunch of old sailors singing drinking songs! These guys were the real deal- weathered, rowdy and retired! Except for that young guy in the back row with his bushy blond beard- gotta love him! Most songs were in German but "Rum- fa-la-la, rum- fa-la-la!" transcends the language barrier! And they even sang "My bonnie lies over the ocean..." and the crowd really got into it! Some people, mostly those with white hairs, knew the words to every song and were joining right in. It was fantastic!
Later, Aaron and I discussed what folk songs we have in America that we could share with our German friends. It's been a long time since I learned those songs in elementary school, and I'm pretty sure they didn't teach us any drinking songs. I can remember "Yankee Doodle Dandy," but what is that about? "Oh, Susannah!" "Home on the Range"... we need help thinking of more! Because if there comes a time when we're called upon to sing, we want to be ready!

4 comments:

MOM said...

I think the German's might appreciate "99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall"! Easy lyrics! Simple tune!

600 Chelsea said...

We listen to tv radio quite often and just had a month worth of seasonal songs......october fest...all in German and all having that "drinking song" feel!!! The last song we all sang as a group of silly adults and kids too was row row row your boat...and of course we did it in rounds...Fun and easy!!! Try it!!!

ConchExPat said...

Hey there. I am really enjoying your adventures. Though I miss having you around for when the mood strikes me.

cortina said...

i can't wait to be "weathered, rowdy and retired". it looks like fun...at least in germany!...i second "99 bottles of bear on the wall".