WHEN FIRST I CAME TO CALEDONIA

I heard this song played and sung by a guitarist called Martin Simpson who I happended to think is one of the best performers going. The song is about coal mining in Caledonia, not in Scotland, but on the East Coast of Canada. It has some interesting references that when know help to understand the song in a better context. Number 3 refers to my number 3 and also with reference to scataree, this was a fishing area that over time became over fished and therefore it's a reference to never. The work brocken is a term for shoes, I would think something like brogues. As the song unfolds there is reference to 'A lass from Boulardrie Over', this was a very well to do area, so clearly the young lad became infactuated with a fantasy he just couldn't afford, she being well above his station and like most men turned to drink, when troubled with a women's love. I myself turn to a good cup of tea.... typically English.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• acoustic
• love
• song:
• Guitar
• :

[11gokey]

Great song Mike! I tend to watch your fingers when you play. Incredible work. I

think you're in standard tuning for this song. Is this correct? I'll give it a shot myself,

but I doubt I'll do it the justice that you do. Play on brotherman!

[ichingiching]

hi gokey thanks for your note.. it makes me smile because some times i have watched my fingers and wondered 'how am i doing that' lol.. this song is in standard and hope you have fun playing it.. play on for ever..

[biglegsrock]

are you talking of caledonia NY?

[ichingiching]

the story I read it was about coal mining in Canada..

[NJSatori]

Oh Mike! The synchronicity continues... I spent much of my young life living on a street named Caledonia... and tonight as I listen to your terrific rendition I am with my Mom, who is 90 years young and still living on Caledonia! :) Beautiful playing!! (as always!)

Bright blessings,

Phyllis

[ichingiching]

Hi Phyllis.. thats a wonderful connection. Its been a long time since I put thi ssong up on to you tube.. Its like re-visiting old friends.. I wonder if I would di it different eight months on..... Bright blessings returned..Mike

[ichingiching]

Many thanks for that. Cheers Mike

[SamCappo]

Brillinat stuff mate.

Beautiful is yet again an understated word.

Keep playing.

[ichingiching]

hi chris, thanks for those kind words, I listened to martin simpson play this in open tuning and just adopted it to my style.. its hard to explain what I'm doing.. I'll do a little mini 'how to' and post it to you when I get home

[kiwistopher]

That is one beautiful rendition of he song..really would like to play it like you, especially the lovely "roll" after each verse. Any clues as to the right hand pattern...?? You have a lovely camera attitude too!

Chris