That Old Banjo (Original Song)

That Old Banjo - Original Song

The Volleyballjones Pickers (aka Bluegrass Bombers)
David Durham - upright bass,
David Evans - fiddle,
John Lee - banjo & vocals,
Steve Evans - guitar
John McGinty - sound recording

***

"That Old Banjo" by Steve Evans
Lyrics:
I got my first banjo in a far-away-land
It needed a cleanin' and dustin off the sand
That old banjo means a lot to me
I wouldn't trade it for the world
And bein a picker in a bluegrass band
That's all I want to be

I'm glad I had my upright bass, when the ship went down
I used it as a life boat - "So I wouldn't drown"
That old upright means a lot to me
I wouldn't trade it for the world
And bein a picker in a bluegrass band
That's all I want to be

I found an old French fiddle, at Oliver's Antiques
They said that it's haunted - "That don't bother me"
That old fiddle means a lot to me
I wouldn't trade it for the world
And bein a picker in a bluegrass band
That's all I want to be

That guitar in the attic, belonged to Uncle Stan
A sunburst L-7 "With parallelograms"
That old Gibson means a lot to me
I wouldn't trade it for the world
And bein a picker in a bluegrass band
That's all I want to be

***

Thanks to Dr. Schuller for her cameo appearance, and to Pat Riley and the Little Rock Athletic Club for the use of the sand volleyball court for the archeological dig. Special thanks to Sherry Oliver of Oliver's Antiques, and to Beverly Moore for assistance with laser pointers on the fiddle's eyes. Thanks to Michael Evans for help with the filming of the talking violin head.

Info about the fiddle: Made in France, circa 1860. I believe the man's head was carved in the likeness of Gaspar Duiffoprugcar (the inventor of the violin). An elaborate inlay is on the back of the violin with different colored woods inlayed to form a picture of a village scene. Latin words are inscribed around the sides of the violin which read "VIVA FVI - IVI SYLVIS DEO VI MORT VA - DVL CE." This translates to: "I used to be alive - I came from the woods - by the power of god I died sweetly." The inscription is probably referring to how the violin once was a living tree, but was cut down to make sweet music. Thanks to my Latin teacher friend, Allegra Derzon, for the translation.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Volleyballjones
• Pickers
• Bluegrass
• Bombers
• Volleyball
• Jones
• Bishline
• Banjo
• Aluminum
• Upright
• Bass
• Antique
• French
• Fiddle
• Violin
• 1944
• Gibson
• L-7
• Acoustic
• Arch Top
• Vintage
• Guitar
• Gaspar Duiffoprugcar
• Jacksonville
• Arkansas
• Original
• Song
• Bluegrass Music

[sweetfacesofautism]

I normally love John Lee's voice but he is lacking in this video. He sounds tired and bored. His face is showing enthusiasm but, unfortuantely, I don't hear it in his voice. Cute video though with nice graphics.

[volleyballjones]

@sweetfacesofautism The scenes for the video were thought-up and then I wrote the song to go with the video. I put it in a key easy for me (guitar player) to sing with, but turned out to be low for John. He didn't complain and went with it as written. If we had raised the key, you (and John) would have liked it better.

[stringdrum66]

Hi, I'm the banjo player for Raven Hill. Just want you guys to know I like the videos. They gotta be fun to make. Thanks for endorsing our new site. Good luck in all your future endeavors. J.J.

[volleyballjones]

@stringdrum66 Glad you like our videos. Yep, we really do have some fun making them.

I really like the sound your group is getting and your banjo pickin is top notch.

[xxxSunbeamxxx]

Ahh...another true 'volleyballjones' number!! Fun, creative video also. Great job everyone! Best wishes, Sunbeam :)

[volleyballjones]

@xxxSunbeamxxx

Sunbeam,

Great to hear from you! Thanks for the comment too.

Steve

[MichaelLydon]

Super! I love the song, the performance, the friendly spirit, and I like the little video extras. What at first glance is a down home video has got some sweet and funny sophisticated touches. Keep going, guys!!

[alexandraxxxxxx]

I love this guys....your videos are so cool...hope your all ...;0)

[Westerngitarre]

well done!

[1952banjo]

you guys are great! love it !!!

[MyMoppet52]

Great, great songs and videos! Love your sound. Wishing you guys all the best! Moppet (Barbara)

[JW95100]

this is sooo awesome :D

[monster399]

Love your videos! You put a lot of hard work into everything you do. Keep up the good work.

[TheMobileHomies]

You guys are fantastic!!! The song is great as are the vocals. The entertaing video made it all fun