Beadle's Dime Song Book No. 5 by Various

(4 User reviews)   404
Various Various
English
Hey, you know how we sometimes talk about how music today just hits different? I just picked up this wild little book called 'Beadle's Dime Song Book No. 5.' It's not a novel—it's a collection of popular songs from the 1860s, when a dime could buy you a whole book! It's like a time capsule of what everyday people were humming, laughing about, and crying over during the Civil War era. The real story here isn't a plot; it's the tension in the air between sentimental ballads about home and rowdy drinking songs, all printed on cheap paper for the masses. It shows a nation trying to sing its way through one of its hardest times. Totally fascinating peek into the past.
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So what I doesn’t use myself--my old girl lights the fire with. CHORUS.--With my paste, &c. Sometimes I’m jobbing for the church with charitable sermons, And sometimes for the theatres, the English and the Germans; To me, of course, no odds it is, so long as I’m a winner-- Whether I sticks up for a saint, or hangs up for a sinner. CHORUS.--With my paste, &c. There’s Jenny Lind, I’m proud to say--sweet music’s great adorner, I’ve had the honor of posting her in every hole and corner; Alboni, too, so nice and plump, I’ve stuck her up that’s certain-- And I’ve plastered Mrs. Mowatt, right on top of Billy Burton. CHORUS.--With my paste, &c. Well now before I say good-bye, permit me to remind ye, That round about the city here, you’re always sure to find me; And if ever you shall have a job--to show how I deserve ye, About the town, through thick and thin, I’ll brush along to serve ye. CHORUS.--With my paste, &c. Roll on Silver Moon. As I strayed from my cot at the close of the day, About the beginning of June, ’Neath a jessamine shade I espied a fair maid, And she sadly complain’d to the moon. Roll on silver moon, guide the traveler’s way, When the nightingale’s song is in tune, But never, never more with my lover I’ll stray, By thy sweet silver light, bonny moon. Roll on, &c. As the hart on the mountain my lover was brave, So handsome, so manly, and clever; So kind and sincere, and he loved me so dear, Oh, Edwin, thy equal was never. But now he is dead, and gone to death’s bed, He’s cut down like a rose in full bloom; He’s fallen asleep, and poor Jane’s left to weep, By the sweet silver light of the moon. Roll on, &c. But his grave I’ll seek out until morning appears, And weep for my lover so brave, I’ll embrace the cold turf and wash with my tears The flowers that bloom o’er his grave; But never again shall my bosom know joy With my Edwin I hope to be soon; Lovers shall weep o’er the grave where we sleep, By thy sweet silver light, bonny moon. Mary of Argyle. I have heard the mavis singing, His love-song to the morn, I have seen the dew-drops clinging, To the rose just newly born; But a sweeter song has cheered me, At the evening’s gentle close, I have seen an eye still brighter, Than the dew-drops on the rose-- ’Twas thy voice, my gentle Mary, And thine artless, winning smile, That made this world an Eden, Bonny Mary of Argyle. Though thy voice may lose its sweetness, And thine eye its brightness too, Though thy step may lose its fleetness, And thy hair its sunny hue, Still to me shalt thou be dearer, Than all the world can own. I have loved thee for thy beauty, But not for that alone,-- I have watched thy heart, dear Mary, And its goodness was the wile, That has made thee mine forever, Bonny Mary of Argyle. Oft in the Stilly Night. Oft in the stilly night, Ere slumber’s chain has bound me, Fond mem’ry brings the light Of other days around me; The smiles, the tears of childhood’s years, The words of love then spoken, The eyes that shone, now dimm’d and gone, The cheerful hearts now broken! Thus in the stilly night, &c. When I remember all The friends so link’d together, I’ve seen around me fall, Like leaves in winter weather, I feel...

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Forget everything you know about modern songbooks. Beadle's Dime Song Book No. 5 is a direct line to the 1860s. Published during the American Civil War, this isn't a story with characters, but a collection of the era's popular music. You'll find sentimental parlor songs about lost love and distant homes right next to comic tunes and patriotic marches. It was mass-produced and sold for ten cents, making it the 'pop music' sheet music of its day, accessible to soldiers and families alike.

Why You Should Read It

Reading (or singing!) through this book is a unique experience. The lyrics are a raw, unfiltered look at everyday life and emotion during a turbulent period. One page might have a heartbreaking ballad about a soldier, and the next a silly song about a courtship mishap. It reminds you that even in dark times, people sought comfort, humor, and connection through music. The book itself, as a physical object meant to be affordable and disposable, tells its own story about culture and class.

Final Verdict

This is a gem for history lovers, American culture enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the 'soundtrack' of the past. It's not a page-turner in the traditional sense, but flipping through it feels like listening to a long-lost playlist from your great-great-grandparents' generation. Perfect for when you want a short, immersive trip to a different time.



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Aiden White
5 months ago

From a technical perspective, the examples used throughout the text are practical and relevant. This felt rewarding to read.

Christopher Hall
1 month ago

From a technical perspective, the clarity of the writing makes this accessible to a wide audience. Absolutely essential reading.

Kenneth Brown
3 months ago

This came highly recommended and the author clearly understands the subject matter in depth. A perfect companion for a quiet weekend.

Barbara Jones
4 months ago

I was searching for something reeliable and the storytelling feels authentic and emotionally grounded. This has earned a permanent place in my collection.

4
4 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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