I have a son called Henry, so this week, its time to look at
the top ten Henry songs. Some of these I already knew about, but some were new
discoveries for me. We have to give two honourable mentions - the Wiggles for “Henry the Octopus” a bit of children’s
entertainment right there; and also the New Riders of Purple Sage for their
track “Henry”, which I discovered was listed in Toby Creswell’s “1001 Songs”,
so I looked up online. It very nearly made the list. Given the subject matter
of some of the songs, not necessarily sure that this list should be a tribute
to my son, but anyway…
10 - There’s a Hole
in the Bucket – Harry Belafonte
Poor Henry, all he was trying to do was fix his bucket. It
turns out, you need a bucket to fix a bucket! What a dilemma. Others may say
poor Liza though, having to put up with Henry’s endless questions.
9 - The Legend of
John Henry’s Hammer – Johnny Cash
An American folk legend, John Henry took on a machine and
beat it, although the machine had the last laugh as Henry’s amazing feat took
its toll. This song tells the story.
8 - Henry’s Men – the
Bushwackers
Next up, some Australian folk and a tribute to the
characters of Henry Lawson’s works.
7 - Save the Bones
for Henry Jones – Nat King Cole
I couldn’t make room for this in my Jones songs, or my dog
songs, so finally I am able to include it on a list. Great stuff.
6 - I’m Henry the
Eighth, I am – Herman’s Hermits
A silly but enjoyable song from Herman’s Hermits about a man
who is the eighth husband (the previous seven were also called Henry) of the
woman next door. My favourite part is still where they sing that the second
verse is same as the first!
5 - Hey Henry – Etta
James
A new discovery for this list. Etta James is best known for her
stunning track “At Last” but this is a swinging little number.
4 - Please, Mrs Henry
– Bob Dylan and the Band
Onto the Basement Tapes albums, and this track. Not really
sure what is going on here, are they too drunk to move and requesting
assistance from Mrs Henry? Are they propositioning Mrs Henry? Or is it all of
the above?
3 - Papa Won’t Leave
You Henry – Nick Cave
Surely Nick should get extra marks for having a “Henry” song
on a “Henry” album – namely “Henry’s Dream”. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before
You Die describes this track as “chilling, cataclysmic”, which is probably a
fair description. It builds in intensity and almost takes on epic proportions.
2 - Don’t Ya Tell
Henry – Bob Dylan and the Band
Bob and the Band are back with the Basement Tapes album. The
album has a bit of an anything goes feel to it, and this is quite a catchy
song.
1 - Henry Lee – Nick
Cave
So, a shootout between Bob Dylan and the Band, and Nick Cave
for the top four spots sees them taking two each, but Nick gets number one for
Henry Lee. Adapted from a traditional song, and with PJ Harvey lending a hand
on the vocals, it’s a stunning track about a murder, which is no real surprise
considering it comes from the “Murder Ballads” album.
Can't argue with your Number One. My first thought for this list however was The Wallflower (Dance With Me, Henry), also by Etta James, as featured in the Back To The Future soundtrack.
ReplyDeleteOther suggestions...
The Civil Wars - Oh Henry
Drive-By Truckers - The Day John Henry Died
John Mellencamp - Theo and Weird Henry
Ray LaMontagne - Henry Nearly Killed Me
Todd Snider - The Ballad of Cape Henry
Thanks Rol, I will check some of them out. Must get myself a Todd Snider album too at some stage, have heard a few of his tracks and they are pretty good.
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