Camp Cachalot Alumni Association Forums

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 12:56 am Post subject: Campfire songs

I don't know why we didn't start this sooner but what about your favorite campfire songs? I enjoyed the classics like "Dummy Line", "Johny Verbeck" or "Seven Old Ladies". I liked when someone brought in a song like "Gary Owen" or "Whiskey in the Jar", it felt like it lent gravity to the campfire to have a song like that. Anyone know what I mean?
What songs, if any, are still sung at camp? Is there a song that has been sung continually at camp, one that every camper knows? I would guess that the "Cachalot Hymn" has come and gone.

"And they didn't laugh, And they didn't cry, all they did was go like this, And a right....." - Name that tune..

rockfall13 · Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 10:35 am Post subject:

Yup, there's a few that are still around. You're right about the Cachalot hymn, it comes and goes. One of the favorite campfire enders lately has been "Night Rider's Lament," this one always makes my skin crawl and my eyes blur.

I haven't been to a campfire in a couple of years because of work schedule, but I know "The Birdie Song" and "Rise and Shine" are breakfast favorites. To me, there are a few of the more recent ones that are a little less appealing, but the staff and campers seems to enjoy them. They still do the "Welcome to Cachalot" and "Father Abraham" and "American Railroad."

One I miss is "Green Grow The Rushes." I haven't heard that in quite a while. I also haven't heard anyone do "Gary Owen" in years.

"Quartermaster's Store," now there's one that needs to be back. As I think, there's more but let's see what else comes up.

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 10:27 pm Post subject: It was sad, so sad..

Has the Titantic song come back, or is it still considered un PC?

I should mention "The Cat Came Back" that I attribute to Lee Guertin (formly Leo). I don't know why I didn't just let that song fade away when he left.

Don't forget Kurt Guba's wonderful renditions of "The Bloody Red Baron" and "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavor...." Not traditional, but wonderful none the less.

I have to ask, does any one want to join me in the "Eskimo song (aka I zigga zumba)"?

Dennis Wilkinson · Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 10:49 pm Post subject: Re: It was sad, so sad..

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2004 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: It was sad, so sad..

Tom Whelan · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 2:27 pm Post subject: TV Songs

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale....

I enjoyed keeping the songs at the dining hall fresh and current like when we introduced the singing of television theme songs like Gilligan's Island.

I thought it was a stroke of genius when Peter had us open the campfire with the Bugs Bunny theme song (Overture, curtain, lights! This is it, the night of nights...)

I don't ever remember missing television when I was at camp...even when I didn't have the Watchman with me.
_________________
Tom Whelan
Pack 96 Webelos Leader
Troop 10364 Girl Scout Brownie Leader

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2004 11:41 pm Post subject: I'm afraid to admit it..

Actually, I stole the Bugs Bunny theme song idea from an episode of "Eight is Enough". Of course, we borrowed a lot in those days. The campfire ending cheer "Molly, Molly, Hey" comes to mind, though maybe cheers should be its own thread. Did we ever use the "M-money is the root of all evil..." from Smee and Blogg of King Richard's Faire?

Dennis Wilkinson · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:54 am Post subject: Re: I'm afraid to admit it..

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:42 am Post subject: Oh yeah

"Hey you, complete and total stranger, with the scout axe...". Anyone else remember that bit?

mjoseph · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 3:15 pm Post subject: Re: Oh yeah

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2004 1:22 am Post subject: Re: Oh yeah

Dan Byrne - Uncle Danny · Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 3:11 pm Post subject: Titanic song - Top 10 for sure

Come on ya'll....when America flooded to the movie theaters to see the blockbuster movie Titanic, you know those of us Cachalot Vets were annoying our significant others by humming or outright singing the Titanic song during the movie, or at least on the way out...come on....admit it!! Wink

I remember having my rowing meritt badge students singing that song after the "swamping of the boats" class, while rowing their swamped boats back to shore.

I agree with Tom!! I cannot ever remember missing a TV while at camp and I miss those simple days very much now as I venture into middle age.

Now my Cachalot curse...

Often in my position I must attend several formal meetings, ceremonies or banquets, and when someone comes to the lectern and says "Just a few announcements...." I have to bite my tongue and smile as I have the awesome urge to SCREAM "Announcements, Announcements, Aaaaaannnnnnooooouuuuunnnnncccceeeemmmmeeeennnntttsss please!!! Laughing

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"There will be no more, like '84'!"

Dennis Wilkinson

Dan Byrne - Uncle Danny · Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2004 8:30 am Post subject:

Yep, been away from the North for awhile....and let me say for the record...

"May the South rise again!!!!"

(but go Red Sox & Patriots)
_________________
"There will be no more, like '84'!"

Peter Ashworth · Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2004 1:20 am Post subject:

Give me that good ole rebel yell...

Never mind, I'll be nice.