When You and I Were Young Maggie

I use my 116 year old gut strung Washburn and what little is left of my voice for this one. It was written in the 1860s by a teacher, probably of Scottish descent, from Toronto Canada named George Washington Johnson. He fell in love with one of his students, Margaret "Maggie" Clark. They married in 1864 but she died of TB less than a year later.
The song was written in the form of a poem during one of her bouts with the disease, when Johnson visited one of their favorite spots. Later, his friend, J.C. Butterfield put the words to music and the song became a favorite all over the world.
Some of it seems to express Johnson`s hopes for a distant future with Maggie, while others his fears for what was more likely to occur.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• banjo
• oldtime
• music

[SEKIGUCHIMASUTERU]

I remember a businessman from siliconvalley, who played this song for my request with a banjo, at a smal bar in Tokyo over 30 years ago.

Now I am old and gray, .....

If possible, I wish to meet him and hear this song in his banjo again!

SEKIGUCHI, Masuteru

[Wishuey]

@SEKIGUCHIMASUTERU

Domo origato! (That`s just about the extent of my Japanese, picked from my daughter in law, born in Okinawa.)

As you can see, I am "old and gray" as well but am enjoying my nine grandchildren and annoying my neighbors with my banjo and bagpipes.  I haven`t the nerve to upload the latter to YouTube.

Cheers,

"Pete"

[SEKIGUCHIMASUTERU]

@Wishuey

Many thanks to your heart warming answer.

I envy you enjoying your many grandchildren and playing your banjo and bagpipes.

I have no grandchildren, but was attacked by an acute a-type aortic dissection 2 years ago.

Then my only avocation now is making my web-site and describe unforgettable episodes in my 70 year life.

"Maggie" is the first episode, experienced at the age of 18.

Your mail encouraged me to receive enexpected happy contacts from all over the world.

"Masuteru"

[Wishuey]

@SEKIGUCHIMASUTERU

Hello Masutero,

It is indeed wonderful how YouTube allows communication among people all around the world who would never have been able to do so otherwise.

My closest friend had an aortic dissection to correct three aneurisms this past November. He`s doing well but I can see it is a long process. I had four "stents" placed at about the same time, for a total of five after a minor heart "hiccup"; very minor compared to your situation.

Stay healthy!

Pete

[SamZorch]

Good job Wishuey.  One of my favorite songs. Keep 'em coming.

Jim

[Wishuey]

Many thanks!

[jo6pac2]

love that gut sound

reminds me of when i was in the Civil war!!

[Wishuey]

Many thanks!

[Wishuey]

Thanks!

[OnlyOneDavo]

Loved it!

[bjornfranzen]

I love the sound in your banjo!

'

What kind of banjo is it?

Bjorn