Throughout most of human history, knowledge and traditions were passed from one generation to the next by the spoken word. Music was very important, as stories put to music were easier to remember. Songs were also used as a way to coordinate the efforts of a group of men.
Trail songs are a natural extension of both of these concepts. They serve to make the time go by as we walk down the trail (Going UP and singing is too hard for me and my 50 lb. pack). They also can remind us of the events that happened in the past. My first backpacking trip has inspired me to add a few verses to "The Erie Canal".
To the tune of "The Erie Canal"
I have a mule, she belongs to me,
I feed her oats and she pulls for free,
When she gets tired, I say "yoo-hoo,
Get along old gal or you'll be glue."
Then she gets up, goes a mile or two,
She knows I serious through and through.
Keep on moving, stay right on track,
Or I'll be walking right up your back.
REFRAIN:
No bridge, to get across the stream,
No bridge, gonna' run, jump and scream.
You follow silver markers, you're hiking with your mates,
If you've ever walked along The Trail Between The Lakes.
One day we're hauling from west to east,
The hot summer sun gets the best of my beast.
She says "My feet are tired I want to stop,
My legs are dead I'm a going to drop".
I say old gal that's no excuse,
We're not gonna' stop til' Syracuse.
So get up pal keep walking straight.
Up to the lock and through the gate.
Refrain:
I've got a ball and his name is Jack,
He sits up high, rides on top of my pack,
He swings back and forth, to and fro,
Scanning the trail, watching where we go.
He hypnotizes those behind me,
He'll get you to carry my pack for free.
When you're out on the trail, look out for Jack,
If you don’t, you'll be carryin' my pack.
Refrain:
(to the tune of "The Green Beret")../Backpacking/MapServices.wav
On the trail, how will you know,
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We're the guys from 204
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