University of Virginia Library

Sing Along

No song with the magnitude of
"The Weight" emerges from this
collection. You listen to the songs
and you find yourself singing along
or whistling or tapping your foot.
"Music From Big Pink" never
succeeded in this area. Take side
one, song two, "Rag Mama Rag."
Shades of the Big Bopper and a
"long-necked goose" emerge
backed by a rollicking honky tonk
piano.

"We could be relaxing in my
sleeping bag

But all you wanna do for me
mama is

Rag Mama Rag."

"The Night They Drove Old
Dixie Down" is about exactly what
the title says. A whining harmonica
sets the mood of longed for
happiness and tearful nostalgia.
"When You Awake" is a piece of
joyous sentimentality.

The music is carefree: the lyrics
evoke a feeling of childlike innocence.

"Oh, they told me, I'm a fool

So I walked on down the
road a mile

Went to the house that brings
a smile

Sat upon my grandpa's knee

And what do you think he
said to me"

"Up On Cripple Creek," a bayou
blues bit lauds the ever faithful
lover. The funky beat makes this
song a prime example of how a
tune can infect you until you are
continually humming or singing it.