Yet another great entry! I have always thought that Hills of Mexico (or Mexican Cowboy) was VERY similar to John Johanna in theme if not melody and lyric.
When I was in old Fort Worth in eighteen and eighty-three
Saw a Mexican Cowboy come steppin' up to me
Sayin', "How are you, young fella, yeah, would you like to go
For to spend another season with me in Mexico"
Oh, I had no employment, back to him did say
Said, "It's according to your wages, according to your pay"
Said, "I'll pay to you good wages, often to you home
If you spend another season with me in Mexico"
Spent his wages on that old steamboat and back to home did go
How the bells, they did ring, the whistles they did blow
How the bells, they did ring, the whistles they did blow
In the godforsaken forests on hills of Mexico
I love the tune John Johanna. One of my favorites off the Anthology. Really appreciate your Substack.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m new to this type of writing and the feedback as invaluable.
I see what you mean about similarities with ‘Hills of Mexico’, though I’m not familiar with the song.
I’m fascinated with the way ideas and themes will pop up here and there, and transform into something different, and how these ballads spawn variations and rewrites.
Yet another great entry! I have always thought that Hills of Mexico (or Mexican Cowboy) was VERY similar to John Johanna in theme if not melody and lyric.
When I was in old Fort Worth in eighteen and eighty-three
Saw a Mexican Cowboy come steppin' up to me
Sayin', "How are you, young fella, yeah, would you like to go
For to spend another season with me in Mexico"
Oh, I had no employment, back to him did say
Said, "It's according to your wages, according to your pay"
Said, "I'll pay to you good wages, often to you home
If you spend another season with me in Mexico"
Spent his wages on that old steamboat and back to home did go
How the bells, they did ring, the whistles they did blow
How the bells, they did ring, the whistles they did blow
In the godforsaken forests on hills of Mexico
I love the tune John Johanna. One of my favorites off the Anthology. Really appreciate your Substack.
Farewell, you old swamp rabbits!
Kai
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m new to this type of writing and the feedback as invaluable.
I see what you mean about similarities with ‘Hills of Mexico’, though I’m not familiar with the song.
I’m fascinated with the way ideas and themes will pop up here and there, and transform into something different, and how these ballads spawn variations and rewrites.