Saturday, March 23, 2013

At The Races

We have a small horsetrack not far from us. I've never been there, but I'd like to go at least once. I have read almost every book Dick Francis wrote. My vicarious adventures with him and my past as a little girl who wanted (and never got) a pony make me race-curious. Here are songs about a variety of races:

This video has some footage from the very first horse race movie, done in 1878. There are several verses I don't remember hearing before. Doo-da, doo-da!
Stephen Collins Foster; Camptown Races

Probably one of the sweetest songs about racing evah.
Dan Fogelberg: Run for the Roses

Now for something a little more rowdy. This song carries images of car and horse racing, and how it can be an odd escape for things you don't want to face.
Cake: He's Going the Distance

And now for something completely. . . .different. The weird genius that is Spike Jones. I especially love the puns!
Spike Jones: Spike Jones' William Tell Overture. . .and Feeeeeetlebaum.


My father always loved this song. He was a country boy, and I don't know if he ever was involved in drag racing, but I know he wanted to be. If he was, it would have been especially interesting because he lived in the mountains, and would have been racing down hairpin turns.
The Playmates: The Little Nash Rambler (BEEP! BEEP!)

If you find yourself having to rush around today, try to have at least as much fun as the fun in these songs. Tell me how you like the music choices in the comments!

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