Songs of the Revolution

In 1776 New England was full of music. Songs with a driving beat helped speed the work in kitchens and workshops. Soldiers marched to lively fife-and-drum tunes, youths sang melodies of romantic passion, mothers crooned lullabyes, and churches rang with hymns. Music was an important weapon in the battle for hearts and minds, as both sides created songs to encourage either rebellion or loyalty to the crown. Ballads carried the news of the day, especially important to those who could not read, and when the sun went down there was nothing better than a 40-verse ballad full of bloody plot twists to while away the evening.

Singer and historian Diane Taraz presents the songs enjoyed by both sides during the American Revolution, exploring the fascinating world behind the lyrics. In colonial dress, she sings and accompanies herself on guitar and Appalachian lap dulcimer, transporting listeners back to the turbulent time of our country's birth. Her crystal-clear voice is the perfect vehicle for songs that were usually sung without instruments.

The songs include:

The Castle Island Song, penned by grumpy British soldiers exiled from Boston after the Massacre, in which they threaten to return and "make you poor pumpkins to sweat!"

An American Frigate, a broadside ballad of 1780 about Capt. John Paul Jones, who cried in the heat of battle, "I have not yet begun to fight!"

Young Ladies in Town, created in 1769 to encourage fashionable women to boycott British goods, going so far as to ask them to refuse marriage proposals from men who persisted in wearing London fabrics.

Come Here, Fellow Servant, a 1759 song from a London play whose popularity in the colonies shows how bold ideas about equality took root. The last verse foretells the love of freedom and mobility that became part of the American character.

Soldier, Will You Marry Me?, a funny song, but one based on the harsh reality of the poverty of the average soldier. American troops froze and starved for lack of uniforms and food, most famously at Valley Forge.

Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier, a heartbreaking lament with Irish roots, like many in the Colonies.

A Revolutionary Tea, an allegory written after the Boston Tea Party about an island queen (Britain) and her saucy daughter (America).

Free America, written in 1770 by the beloved patriot Dr. Joseph Warren, who was slain at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Chester, a 1778 anthem by William Billings meant to bolster the morale of a population facing the mightiest army on earth with few resources.

Diane is director of the Lexington Colonial Singers, who perform colonial-era songs at the Lexington Historical Society and other venues. She has performed at many historical organizations throughout Massachusetts.

References:
Mark Schmidt, Winslow House, Marshfield. 781-837-5753, mark.schmidt@winslowhouse.org
Diane presented Songs of the Revolution at Winslow House in Marshfield in August 2010.

Susan Bennett, Executive Director, Lexington Historical Society. 781-861-9568, susan.bennett10@verizon.net

Songs of the Revolution is a one-hour program. The fee is flexible and depends partly on travel time. To book this enjoyable and educational performance, call Diane at (781) 648-3719 or e-mail her at diane@dianetaraz.com.