Ok...Dawg actually wrote this song...but he is angling for a good Christmas so he insisted I cowrite it with him. Who am I to argue with the master?? LOL Hope you enjoy it...comments appreciated.

The Books
© 2002 Gallup 'N Dawg ASCAP/BMI

Mama lived by the Good Book,
She'd read it every day.
She'd study Jesus' message,
Didn't hesitate to pray.

Daddy had his own text
To keep his life on track.
He consulted daily
With his Farmer's Almanac.

(Chorus)
I've got kin folks in the city, relatives across the sea.
It don't matter where you are, there's two books you still need.
If you're searching for Life's answers, and you want to find the facts;
Get yourself a Bible and a Farmer's Almanac

Before encyclopedias
Long before the internet
The universal reference was
The Farmers Almanac.

Bible's there when you're christened
And at weddings it is read.
If you follow Jesus' teachings,
It can raise you from the dead.

Mama treated hers so gentle,
Handled it with utmost care.
Daddy stuffed his in his pocket
And he took it everywhere.

The advice it gives is practical,
Just one thing that it lacks...
A man can't get to heaven
On the Farmer's Almanac.

(Chorus)
I've got kin folks in the city, relatives across the sea.
It don't matter where you are, there's two books you still need.
If you're searching for Life's answers, and you want to find the facts
Get yourself a Bible and a Farmer's Almanac


[This message has been edited by Bobbie Gallup (edited 12-11-2002).]

I really feel privelidged to have been here as this went to the board! Another "I can relate to" theme and a "like I like" singalongable song! My Love to both of you and remember that ol' almanac may not get you to heaven BUT it might help ya' get enough to get there on!
Ya'll take care!
kc

Howdy KC,

Thanks so much, my friend, for dropping in to check this one out and for your most kind comments on it. Glad it is the kind of song you enjoy best. I think it ended up with that down home feel I like too. Hope others will relate also.

Bobbie

Hi guys,
It's nice to see you both working on a collab again-been awhile huh?!
Like what you have here, cute story. My only nit is I think singing Jesus' message and Jesus' teachings will be hard to sing,least it is for me but hey what do I know.I was thinking maybe to replace the Jesus' with his? Thanks for posting and I look forward to reading more soon!

Bobbie and Dawg,

Nicely done, this! It does have a down to earth quality to it that makes it quite charming. My father has always had a Farmer's Almanac AND his bible, so this hit close to home for me.

The onliest nit I have is in the chorus, which I love. In line three, for meter's sake, at least as I try to sing it, I think you could use an extra syllable. I suggest:

"If you're searching for LIFE'S answers,..."

But that's just a minor consideration. This was a pleasure to read!

Greg

"KUDOS" You Two for a FINE, Fun Read!

Naturally I had to Mess with a TAG for this's'....keep-or-sweep:

BOTH Books take you FORWARDS...
(Just ONE Book Takes You BACK)...
So Git yourself a Bible..&...
A Farmer's Almanac!

Wonderful Song, Lotta TRUTH to this one!
Big Hugs,
Stan

Howdy Mz Pam,

You are probably right about the way that sings...perhaps we can squeeze in "the good Lord" there instead of Jesus. (ie...She studied the good Lord's message...) Might be less of a mouthful. Will see what Dawg thinks. Yeah, it has been awhile since we worked on anything together. A collab was probably long overdue. Thanks for the looksee and suggestions. Much appreciated!

Bobbie

Howdy Greg...

Thanks so much for checking this one out and for the insights. You definitely hit the nail on the head with that line. I had posted a different version of this on another board with that line changed (it did need more syllables). Went and edited that change in here now also. Hope it fixes that spot up. Am also considering a brief bridge for this.

Bobbie

Howdy Tampa,

Thanks for taking time to check this out and for the tag suggestion. Am giving some consideration to adding a brief bridge in here and your thoughts may head us in that direction. Will see what shakes out here. Appreciate the insights as always.

Bobbie

Howdy stranger,

Last verse:

Mama's book was what it took
To make up for the lack
Thanks to her, he'd get to Heaven
Even on the Almanac.

<chuckle,chuckle>

TT

Hey Guys
I commented on this elsewhere and ya know what it's good everywhere you want to settle in and read it.....

Great to read this one. I like the content very much and yes, those are two staples of philosophic literature and spirituality.

Bobbie I'm so amazed....I didn't know Dawg could read, he's the Almanac guy......isn't he??
I did know he could write...can't fool me.....

Seriously, this was a delight to read the first thing this morning............My nits are so minor that they're not even worth mentioning.


Regards

Eric

Bobbie n Dawg...there's a Randy Travis song called Family Bible and Farmer's Almanac that covers the same ground..

yeah. I got my almanac still and it is a good stuff too. even got a good recipie for hush puppies in it.
This reds along fine Guys. Good fun stuff. I don't know the one Rob pointed out i just don't listen to radio at all and mainstream country hardly ever.
Seems to be the go these days. I got the Shania lyric Bobbie and am sure I am quite safe with it. her title is I'm Gonna getcha Good which is a bit of a streatch to mine. here theme is way differant.
Bummer thing is when i sang it I adlibed the last line out and it ended up I'm gonna getcha good. Then I went found Shania's one. Bummer I will maybe have to change that bit.
Regards.
Graham


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http://www.songramp.com/homepage.ez?Who=grahamhenderson

Hey gallup n dawg, this is a real commercial piece of writing...too bad Couch's posting limits its saleability.. but what the hay, fun to write (i"m sure), and fun to read.

Here's my little teehee contribution

It may not drive you to heaven
But it'll sure help grease the axle
All the wisdom of the world
's in that farmer's tabernacle

Good mornin' Tall one,

Man, from the number of songwriters I have read lately ya'll really have an active songwriting community in Vancouver...active and talented!

Thanks for the read and the offering. I will get with Mz Bobbie on it when she makes her grand appearance.<g>

dawg

Mornin'Eric..

read and rite...hell, I can't even color in the lines.<g>

Thanks for the read and the kind words.

dawg

Thanks, Rob...

I am not familiar with his song, but I sure don't doubt you. Since they changed the format at cdnow you can't just go and check titles anymore. But I would have been surprised had a theme such as this not been written into a song at some point.

dawg

Bobbie and Dawg....it's nice to see you're still able to write, rite or right lyrics together yet, or still...LOL
Liked the read...one nit....seems you jump back and forth with your subjects too much.....it would seem(to me) a better transition from singing about Mama and Papa's preference for literature to go into the chorus with "We've got..." "It don't matter where 'we' are...." Also "If any are searching for life...." leave out the you in need to find the facts...last line could be like this "just pick up the Bible and a Farmer's Almanac."

Then you jump back general information with the next two verses and then bring Mama and Papa back in......maybe you meant those two intervening verses as a bridge?????since they have no real personal pronouns or nouns in them....
Actually, first read over, I felt that there were two songs going in there....then after rereading it, it was just lengthy in getting all the info in...but the jumping from nouns and pronouns really does give it the feel of two songs here.... Best wishes

Hi Bobbie& Dawg,
This is the 1st time I've seen a post of the 2 of you,together.It is really good.Ilove it.

Bobbie,I want to thank you for the advice,you've given me on my songs.I truly appreciate it.

God bless
ClaireJeanne
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/claireandrick.htm

Hey Bobbie n Dawg

People in the office here must think I'm weird (weirder than usual anyway). Reading this I had a big grin on my face and laughed out loud more than once. REALLY enjoyed it. Had a couple of little tidbits, but others covered 'em. Great job! --jeff

Afternoon Graham,

and thanks for taking a looksee. They are handy and useful. High tide,low tide, when the fish are biting and when the snow is coming.

Thanks, Cobber...

dawg

Hello Burleyman,

I'm not sure that would really hurt it. His was an album cut and not a single release from his "Man is not made of stone album."

Thanks for the read and the nice thoughts.

dawg

Well, this lyric certainly made coming back from MIA more fun! I loved the contrasts and imagery... very cool idea, you two! Congrats!

You guys make such sweet music
And I love to listen.
Cheers Trudi

Howdy Sharon,

Sure is good to have you back keeping us all in line here!! You have been missed!

I think I understand most of the points you are raising in your note. In the first two verses, the singer sets up the song by talking about his parents and their two favorite books, then switches in the chorus to talking about the relevance to himself and everyone else. This was done deliberately to personalize the story to both the singer and the listener. While the song does use the universal "you" in many places, we felt that was important in this song, which is intended to demonstrate that the books cherished by the singer's Mom and Dad are still the two best reference books available today..and alludes to the fact that the Bible is the one with the most lasting impact. We will talk more about these issues, but I'm not sure I see the problem in the same light...sure worth pondering, however. I'm hoping most folks will understand the perspectives as they are laid out here. Doesn't have music yet so may be a moot point. I'm not quite sure what the "nouns" are that you are questioning, however.

Great to get your insights on this. You always make me think through my reasoning. Much appreciated!

Bobbie

Howdy Clairejeanne,

Thanks so much for the sweet comments. Dawg and I have actually written quite a few together but he just mentioned yesterday that it had been quite awhile since we had done one. He is much more prolific than I am and our styles are somewhat different (which is a good thing!)...but it is fun to work together on things sometimes too.

If any of my thoughts and suggestions are helpful...then I am very happy to offer them.

All the best,
Bobbie

Howdy Jeff,

Well, I wouldn't be TOO concerned...there are some folks in MY office who are a bit weird too, and I still love 'em ooops, that is Dawg in my office!! LOL So glad you enjoyed this. We will try to eliminate any of those niggling nits. Hate those!

Thanks for the kind thoughts on this.
Bobbie

Howdy Noel,

LOL there are lots of things I won't mention on the board, but there is a difference between being MY master and being THE master. No details are forthcoming, however. My Dad and Grandad swore by the Almanac too..so you are in good company. Glad you enjoyed this one.

Bobbie

Well..it sure makes sense to me...I've got the bible...I need to go out and get me a Farmer's Almanac...
Great job with this...fun reading
Joanne

Teri darlin'

it's the ol' quid pro quo...I give her co-write on one song and I get co-write on a hundred Christmas Cards...for just signing my name. Heck, mama didn't raise no handsomme boys; but she didn't raise no complete idiots, either.<g>

dawg

Howdy Trudi,

You are so sweet! Thanks so much. I thought what you were hearing was the squeeking of the porch swing..but maybe that is music too. Thanks for taking time to check this out.

Bobbie

Bobbie and dawg,
Awesome effort on this lyric...What a couple you two make!! It's a cohab collab!!
Tony

Hi Joanne,

Thanks so very much for your sweet comments on this. Dawg makes it easy to write with him. You will enjoy reading the Farmer's Almanac. It is a treasure trove of great info.

Bobbie

G'day Bobbie Gallup and Dawg. This is one real bonzer song! Congratulations to both of you. It sure looks like a chart topper to me. best wishes,Ray in Australia.

Howdy Tony,

Well, since you put it that way...I guess you are right. It is fun to write with Dawg. Once in awhile he even likes a word or two I come up with.

Bobbie

Howdy Ray,

Sorry I took so long to get back to you...I guess I thought this song was gone off the page by now. Thank you so much for your most kind comments on it. Glad you enjoyed it.

Bobbie

Hi Bobbie and Dawg....

I'm still lurking (LOL)....can't write worth a spit, but I'm getting real good at lurking. This has a great "homey" feel to it....really like it. I'm sorry to hear there's something similar from the past, but....happens to the best of us. Just one of those "great minds think alike" things. Real nice job with this!



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http://artists2.iuma.com/IUMA/Bands/Sharon_Longworth/

Howdy Mz Sunny,

Sure is good to see you back posting and commenting!! We were very worried about you!
Glad you enjoyed this one. We went and checked out a clip of the other song and we may be able to get by with this since the other one goes a different direction. Cookbeaux did music for this already...so when it is ready, we will post the link.

Thanks so much,
Bobbie

B & D,

Reads pretty smooth to me, and since ya got music for it, I`ll have a listen when you post it. When I was a kid, I wish someone had given me a dollar for every time I heard the phrase "Ya know what the almanac says bout that don`t ya..." (I`d have as many dollars as Luther had quarters!) Nice collab y`all. Dano.

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www.angelfire.com/music3/danolyrics

Howdy Dano,

Well, you are just too nice!! Thanks for the kind comments on this one. I think the earlier generation relied on the Almanac much like we have come to rely on the weather reports on TV...only the Almanac seemed able to predict things much further out than our TV gurus are willing to go. LOL

Bobbie