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Lumbering Songs from the Ontario Shanties

Various Artists
Lumbering Songs from the Ontario Shanties

Canadian folk song authority Edith Fowke recorded men who decades earlier had ventured into the North Woods of Ontario to cut timber. Known as lumbermen, shanty boys, or lumberjacks, the men endured both cold and substantial danger. As many lumbermen lost their lives plying their trade, it is not surprising that a number of songs memorialize fallen comrades. Other songs relate everyday life in the lumber camps, the work, or leisure time in town. The songs in this collection are field recordings, many recorded in the lumbermen’s homes.

Liner notes describe the circumstances of Fowkes’ recording efforts, provide general background information, and discuss the origin of each song along with its lyrics.

Track Listing

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101
When the Shantyboy Comes Down Jim Doherty 01:25
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102
The Jam on Jerry's Rocks Tom Brandon 03:49
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103
How We Got Back to the Woods Last Year O. J. Abbott 01:43
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104
Johnny Doyle Joe Kelly 02:19
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105
Jimmy Whelan Emerson Woodcock 03:37
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106
Turner's Camp Leo Spencer 03:12
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107
Hogan's Lake O. J. Abbott 02:06
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108
Johnny Murphy John Leahy 03:38
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109
The Shantyboy's Alphabet Sam Campsall 02:48
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201
Jack Haggerty John Leahy 02:47
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202
Bill Dunbar Emerson Woodcock 04:45
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203
The Basketong O. J. Abbott 02:09
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204
Johnny Stiles Tom Brandon 03:15
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205
The Backwoodsman Emerson Woodcock 02:43
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206
Harry Dunn Martin Sullivan 03:02
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207
The Falling of the Pine Martin McManus 00:57
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208
The Chapeau Boys O. J. Abbott 03:02
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209
Save Your Money While You're Young Jim Doherty 02:25