American Play Parties

To evade the religious prohibition against dancing in certain American communities, young people in the 19th century devised an ingenious solution—they adapted children’s games, which were permitted. The result was so-called play parties. Participants sang creative songs to cue movements, and the events were great “mixers.” The only element lacking was instrumental music.

On this recording, Pete Seeger and his young daughter Mika are joined by Rev. Larry Eisenberg in the singing of traditional play party songs. The songs come primarily from the collections of Lynn and Katherine Rohrbough. In accordance with traditional practice, the play parties are sung without accompaniment, save for handclapping.

The liner notes, written by Pete Seeger, outline the history, development, and characteristics of play parties, and provide the lyrics.

Track Listing

101	Mazoo, Mazoo	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:56
102	Skip to My Lou	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:24
103	Shake Them 'Simmons Down	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:33
104	Alabama Gal	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	03:39
105	Sally Down the Alley	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:23
106	Turn the Glasses Over	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:16
107	Goodbye Liza Jane	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	01:54
201	Git Along Home	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	01:36
202	Paw Paw Patch	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	03:29
203	Betty Larkin	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:59
204	Jolly is the Miller	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	03:53
205	Pig in the Parlor	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	01:26
206	Great Big House in New Orleans	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	01:50
207	Sent My Brown Jug Downtown	Pete Seeger, Mika Seeger, and Rev. Larry Eisenberg	02:04