Tenting Tonight -- mountain dulcimer Civil War song

Click on 'more info' for the history of Tenting Tonight.

I learned two versions of this for mountain dulcimer from tab, but I haven't looked at either in a few years. I think this is a combination of the two, plus my own mistakes. It's a nice harmonica song, too.

History and background:
This song was a sentimental favorite of Union and Confederate soldiers, both during and after the American Civil War. The war weariness and desire for peace expressed in the song were common amongst the soldiers by the time this song was published in 1864, the third year of the war. There were attempts by both armies to suppress this song because it was considered by some to be bad for morale; these efforts were not successful.

After the war "Tenting Tonight" became a musical staple at gatherings of veterans. Walter Kittredge (1834-1905) was a composer, lecturer, and singer who for a time performed with the famous Hutchinson Family singers.

The tune was first published in 1864. However, Kittredge wrote the words and music earlier as it was popular during much of the Civil War. The sheet music by Ditson (1864) notes that the sheet music was arranged and adapted by the Hutchinson Family. Kittredge spent part of his singing career as a member of the Hutchinson Family, so it is likely the tune was picked up through their singing and became popular before the sheet music was issued. Kittredge wrote the tune in 1863 in response to receiving his draft notice.

The tune was originally published as Tenting on the Old Camp Ground although it became popularly known as Tenting Tonight. It was popular with both civilians and soldiers on both sides.

A paper in my hometown of Mt. Clemens, Mich., carried this editorial:

This is a land of liberty, and a country where freedom of speech and a free expression of opinion are the bulwarks that guard our civil liberties. Such at least has been the proud boast of the American people during the last half-century. But there are some dark spots where a certain class of men yet endeavor to choke down such doctrines and place a gag upon such thoughts as conflict with their own[.] [S]outh of Mason and Dixon's line, down in Egypt, Illinois, and here in Mt. Clemens, do we occasionally hear of an attempt of this kind. The Hutchinson family of singers (a family whose reputation has gone before them), advertised a concert in this place for last Tuesday evening and secured the Court House for that purpose. But some of the unterrified Democracy having been told by one of their street oracles that they were the Hutchinson family that General McClellan ordered out of the Army of the Potomac, because the songs of freedom that they sung to the soldiers had a tendency to 'demoralize the army," - an effort was at once made on the part of the "constabulary force" to shut off the exhibition, and on Tuesday night the house was closed against the concert.

"Some men clothed with a little brief authority,
Play such fantastic tricks as make the devil blush."

The operation was repeated on Wednesday night - or attempted to be - but the house was finally opened and lighted. Then another difficulty - there was no corporation officer to be found to give the license, hence the concert was a free one, a collection being taken up to defray expenses, etc.
Now, what is the effect of all this, what impression is naturally created by such a display of backwoods verdancy and lack of cultivation? What do our officials think of accomplishing by descending to such petty political poltroonery as this last exhibition? Sensible people cannot but feel greatly disgusted, and wish for a change.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• tenting
• tonight
• mountain
• dulcimer
• civil
• war
• music
• Walter
• Kittrege
• hokd

[gavocrazy]

Tom, could you please put up a video tutorial of how you play this song. This song almost brought me to tears and I can't quit replaying it. I would really appreciate it and it would really make my day if I learned how to play this song your way!

[tjm3]

@gavocrazy Your comment made my day, thanks! I'll try and do that. It will be at least a week or 10 days. I might have something in writing already on my computer, too. Message me with an email address and I'll send anything I find.

[prsguitars100]

what thing? it looks like a cross bread between a guitar, a vilon and a boat padl, whatever that thing is you did awesome with it dude

[tjm3]

@prsguitars100 Thanks! I never thought of the paddle shape.

Its a mountain dulcimer, which is an original American instrument dating from the mid to late 1800's. (It almost died out, but enjoyed a revival in the 1960's, and is pretty common today). Mine is custom built, and a little smaller than most. They're easy to play, as stringed instruments go. No amp, just audio straight from my little digital camera with its crappy mic.

Thanks for watching, and for asking.

Tom

[ladyirish1860]

I can't find dulcimer tab for this song! Can you post yours? Or direct me to a good place to find it? Thanks. Your version is beautiful! As is your dulcimer!

[tjm3]

Thanks, and glad to help. None of these match my version, but here they are. Google for the links.

1. Songs of the Civil War by Maureen Sellers

2. Larry Conger teaches this in seminars and sells single copies of music

3. everythingdulcimer has one in the tab section, and

4. 'yet another digital tradition' search the title and follow links to two versions. Select AEA tuning, and don't worry that you are tuned DAD, just play the tab.

Hope this helps.

[guitmartiman]

Beautifully done! That's the way I'd want to play the dulcimer if I had one!

[oneofanceantproficy]

gonna buy one of these and use it in my music. i make alternative rock/heavy metal but this would be an amazing addition to the alternative rock side. btw not the shitty new alternative rock. 90's sounding stuff.

[wurly164]

Very nice, I have this song posted also and I hope you look at it, its played on a Wurlitzer band organ.

[nynascarkid]

i can play this on my guitar