Miss Mary Mack / Children's Song / Hand Clapping Game / Bottleneck Slide Blues Guitar

[BillJonesBlues]

very very beautiful keni!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@BillJonesBlues Thank you for your comment. This video was a lot of fun to make. We also found the real meaning behind the song quite interesting, considering it is a popular children's game song (about a war machine!) Enjoy.

[Azizip17]

Also while the theory that there's a connection to the game song "Ring Around The Rosies" & the plague continues to live on, that theory has been pretty much debunked. by the Opies & many other children's rhymes researchers. Googie Origins: Ring around the Rosy / Rosey "Mudcat". Also Google Cocojams Handclap, Jump Rope, and Elastics Rhymes for Talley's The Elephant rhyme & other versions of the handclap Mary Mack. Videos of the Scottish song Mary Mac is on YouTube.

-an African American sista

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@Azizip17 Thank you for your comment. I appreciate that you shared your research. Honestly, I must admit I did not do any extensive research on this song's meaning. I remember it as a child, hearing girls sing it while playing the hand clapping game on the playground. I also heard the lyrics contained in a Rolling Stones song. I certainly can image that over time and geography this song may have morphed into many incarnations. Regardless, very interesting stuff. Enjoy.

[Azizip17]

There are other theories about the meaning of the Miss Mary Mack handclapping song. A number of sources assert that this rhyme started as an English riddle for "coffin", Thomas W. Talley included a song titled "The Elephant" in his 1922 book of African American folk rhymes. That rhyme has alot of the handclapping lines, but no mention of the name Mary Mack. Going to see the elephant was a common phrese meaning seeing something great. Also there's a trad. Scottish song Mary Mack. Connection?

[blackkinu23]

Thanks!! I always thought this song didn't make since and now it does. What a great history lesson.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@blackkinu23 Thank you for your comment. Yes, it is quite interesting the meaning behind these popular children songs. This one certainly is not as macabre as Ring Around the Rosie. Enjoy.

[msnolchapman]

I knew that song didn't really make since in school but I as a small girl would play the game any way. That totally makes since now I hope ya'll make a lot more songs like this so I can educate my son about it.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

@msnolchapman Thank you for your comment. Yes, it is interesting the meaning behind these old children playground game tunes. There is also Ring Around the Rosie that is actually about the bubonic plague. The rosy rash, cremation of the bodies, posies (bunches) of herbs in the pockets for protection. Not what you would expect for a child's song. Enjoy.

[Delaypat]

I totally didn't know this, thank you! My girlfriend and I were talking about the school yard song!! THANK YOU!!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, it is quite interesting the back story of these popular early American children's songs. Fortunately, this song is not as scary as Ring Around the Rosie (Black Plaque). Enjoy.

[barrottceaver]

This is absolutely fascinating. I wasn't aware of the historical significance of this song we skipped rope to as kids. It translates into a great punk version as well when you increase the tempo and shout the lyrics. (not your style but it's fun!)

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, I didn't know either until I started researching the song online. Kind of like the sad story behind Ring around the Rosie too. Enjoy.

[barrottceaver]

I've read a variety of possible origins to Ring Around the Rosie, one associated with the Plague if that's what you're referencing. It's very old! I think that alone makes it interesting - the lasting ability of a simple rhyme.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Yes, the Plague. I remember reading an article awhile back, that talked about how culture was passed along through children songs. Interesting.

[manstrone]

Don't know if you remember but I commented on one of your videos saying that you should work on your singing. This song really suits your voice and your singing got better in meantime. I'm glad for you Keni Lee :)

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Certainly, I've spent more time learning to play guitar than learning to sing. It really has only been about five years that I started treating singing more seriously. I think as my ear for hearing has improved it has improved my ability to produce correct tones. I'm going into the studio next week to record Fishin' Blues. I definately feel more confident than a few years ago. Enjoy.

[blindboyblue]

lol nice reworking guys. Good fun

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. I think of Leadbelly when I hear songs like this one. He did a whole album of children songs, like Skip to My Lou, and work songs like Pick a Bale of Cotton. Enjoy

[Accou25]

That IS groovy one) The slide solo in the end would be super awesome.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. Yes. The great thing about a song like this is that you can keep adding different instruments playing different parts. One big poly-rhythm. Harmonica and washboard would be good too. Enjoy.

[Galacticplane]

KeniLeeBurgess, You are Awsome!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for the kind words. Enjoy.

[finn869]

Thank You Kenny, I never knew where the this song came from.

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. It is quite interesting. Enjoy.

[franky58j]

excellent .... EXCELLENT!!!!

thank you !

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you for your comment. Enjoy.

[davensonya]

Very Nice Indeed!

[KeniLeeBurgess]

Thank you. All that is missing is two little girls playing the clapping game. Enjoy.