Grand Canal Ballads: History of the Erie Canal

The Golden Eagle String Band presents stories about the Erie Canal through song. Opening in 1825 and linking Lake Erie to New York City by way of the Hudson River, the Erie Canal was a major force in the commercial life of New York State, creating many jobs as well as rich folklore. The album includes perhaps the best known and best loved canal song, “Low Bridge, Everybody Down.”

The Golden Eagle String Band is composed of 16 musicians (plus four children), who, in addition to singing, perform on 12 different folk instruments. For another Smithsonian Folkways recording of New York State songs performed by the Golden Eagle String Band, see Body, Boots and Britches: Folk Songs of New York State (FW32317).

Liner notes detail the history of the canal (including historic photos) and provide the background and lyrics for each song.

Track Listing

101	Oh! Dat Low Bridge	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	02:54
102	Paddy on the Canal	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	04:00
103	Dark-Eyed Canaller	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	01:47
104	I'm Afloat on the Erie Canal	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	02:09
105	Ballad of the Erie Canal	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	02:44
106	Boating on a Bull-Head	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	03:48
107	Meeting on the Waters of the Hudson and Erie	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	02:33
201	The Er-i-e	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	03:30
202	A Trip on the Erie	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	01:18
203	That Long Canal	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	03:57
204	Canawler, Canawler, Hoggee on the Towpath	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	01:54
205	The Raging Canal	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	05:33
206	The Aged Pilot Man	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	03:19
207	Low Bridge, Everybody Down	William Hullfish, Golden Eagle String Band	03:11