Digital Tradition Mirror

Pass the Music on

Pass the Music on
(Si Kahn & Tom Chapin)

 I did not learn this music
 At my grandma's knee,
 But from some old musicians
 I never got to see.
 I know them by their records,
 Their voices and their songs
 And I'm blessed to be with you tonight
 To pass the music on.

 (Chorus)
 For the good times and the high times,
 Through the suffering and pain;
 It's the song of generations singing in my veins.
 I still hear that old-time music
 Of good friends now long gone.
 I am here tonight to pass the music on.

 You know I'm not traditional
 And I've never claimed to be.
 But I come from a tradition
 That others made for me.
 They're still alive inside my heart
 Although they're now long gone,
 I like to think they trusted me
 To pass the music on.

 Chorus

 And most of the songs I've got tonight
 I must admit I wrote,
 Others I've learned heart to heart
 Instead of note by note.
 And now as I grow older
 And New Folk come along
 I'll help you out the best I can
 To pass the music on.

 Chorus

 I've sung these songs with some old friends
 I never will forget.
 And I've sung 'em with an audience
 Of folks I've hardly met.
 So here we are together
 To celebrate the song,
 We'll sing and play our part tonight
 To pass the music on.

 Chorus
 For the good times and the high times,
 Through the suffering and pain;
 It's the song of generations singing in my veins.
 I still hear that old-time music
 Of good friends now long gone.
 I am here tonight to pass the music on.
 I am here tonight to pass the music on.
 We are here tonight to pass the music on.

 Let's not forget the music,

This is from Tom's "So Nice to Come Home" recording
BBC
apr00

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!