The printed lyrics to these songs (available here) may vary from the recorded versions; and what I sing in any particular performance may be different again. What works on the printed page doesn’t always work in performance; and what works in performance (especially to an audience familiar with the song) doesn’t always work on the printed page. Some songs have evolved over time, either because I have found improvements through performance or because I am reflecting contemporary events. Since the recordings were all made performance-style from memory, usually without any written words in front of me (and usually just with one take), there may be “errors” in what I sang on that particular occasion that are now regrettably preserved as if they were definitive.
Basically, there is no absolutely definitive version of any of these songs. However, I write with care, and nearly every single word is there for a purpose. I would merely ask anyone who wishes to copy or adapt any song to reflect upon the structure and choice of words, and not change them at random without having a genuine reason for so doing. Such genuine reason can include gender changes to suit the singer, or to reflect similar personal experiences the singer may have had. In common with most song-writers, I am generally delighted if anyone wants to pay me the ultimate compliment of wanting to perform one of my songs. All I would ask is that you give proper authorial credit at any public performance; and certainly let me know if you intend to record a version (which I may well then request to appear on one of my subsequent CDs). Note for Accompanists / Musicians: The chords I have indicated are chord-shapes, rather than the actual key the song is performed in. Like most guitarists, I use a capo for most songs; and it doesn’t always go in the same place. Any fiddle or melodeon player will soon notice that many songs I may have indicated as starting in C are actually played in D; because I will have a capo at the second fret (or third, or fourth).
John Waller
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