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The Tramp
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'...I received a letter that contained my destiny...' A haunting historical ballad about Charlie Chaplin.
the beatles bob dylan john lennon harry chapin peter simon and garfunkle stills and nash paul and mary the lovin spoonful and br
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Simon & Garfunkle, Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Harry Chapin, Al Stewart, Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson, Beatles, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and
(to hear all our songs click on GoToTheMusicPage then on Hi-Fi) Dan (front) and David (standing) perform thoughtful original songs in an acoustic and bass guitar format with harmony vocals. This page has songs written by Dan, who played 12 and 6 string guitar, banjo, and keyboard. David played bass guitar and drum machine. Dan sang lead vocals, both shared the harmony, and David produced/engineered. Original lyrics are on the Music page (or click the "full" links). Songs are all copyright C by Dan Raymer. For some excellent songs written by David, check out Silvertown.
Song Info
Genre
Acoustic • Acoustic Folk
Charts
Peak #84
Peak in subgenre #19
Author
Daniel P. Raymer
Rights
2005
Uploaded
November 25, 2006
Track Files
MP3
MP3 4.4 MB • 128 kbps • 4:48
Story behind the song
The Charlie Chaplin behind the beloved little Tramp of countless films grew up in a hard world of hunger and loss. He used comedy to escape and to bring laughter to millions. This song was written methodically for a songwriting workshop at UCLA taught by Grammy-winning songwriter Buddy Kaye. It was done with historical research and an outline before attempting the lyrics. Then the music was done in my usual bumbling "that sounds OK" approach.
Lyrics
Chorus: A gentleman, a poet and a dreamer Adventurer and shy romantic schemer A small moustache declares that he's a dandy He'll tip his hat and rob a child of candy The Tramp I was born an April morn' in 1889 Mother's skill and lack of money made the theater mine Five's the age I took the stage To make them laugh and cry Mother's voice was failing I could not wonder why To the Lambeth workhouse we did go Soon I left to join a traveling show While I became Karno's protegee Mother's mind slipped away Chorus: I received a letter that contained my destiny Making me an offer with the Keystone Comedy In LA, Mack Sennet said we need a gag or two Put some makeup on for laughs - anything will do Baggy pants and big shoes, coat too tight Mustache to age the neophyte Character came as the cloths were worn When I walked on stage he was fully born (Chorus melody:) He enters left and trips across a lady He turns and tips his hat to make apology Behind the camera comes laughter's outroar He trips and tips his hat towards a cuspidor The gathering crowd now laughing loud before him Messengers of millions who'll adore him The Tramp Copyright C 2005 by D. Raymer. All Rights Reserved
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