music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

Harriet Tubman was born into slavery. Her original name was Araminta, but she was
called Minty. In this song, she talks about freedom in answer to her mother's fatalistic
view that there was nothing that could be done to alter their situation.

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http://suziejean.com/music/Minty.html
LYRICS

    Mother's part

    What ya doin' Minty,
    Sittin' in the corner,
    Get yourself goin',
    There's work to be done.

    The missus don't like
    No lazy slave girl ,
    There aint no rest here,
    Never fun.

    Up now Minty,
    Get ya-self movin'
    Life don't change
    oh can't ya' see,
    Plantations for us is sure not free,
    And won't never be.

    Minty's Part

    It aint no fair mama,
    Workin' like a cart horse
    Livin' for the big house
    Night and day.

    I needs to be free,
    Be my own master,
    For me, it's the only way.
    I know in my heart
    I'm headin' for freedom
    Ain't just a dream, it's on my mind

    May not be today's or tomorrow's plan,
    But it's freedom for me
    that's what I'll find.

     

 


Songs relating to American History: What Ya Doin' Minty

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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http://suziejean.com/music/planets.html
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    Lyrics

    We're on a learning trip, now we've begun.
    To study the planets that go round the sun,
    There are eight big planets and dwarf planets too,
    They're orbiting our solar system, that's what they do.

    Let's name them, there's Mercury, it's planet one.
    And Mercury is closest to our big sun.
    Well, then comes Venus, it's one we sometimes see.
    And our own home Earth, is planet number three.

    And next comes Mars it is number four,
    But don't stop counting, there 're several more.
    There's Jupiter the biggest it's the next to be found.
    Then Saturn the planet with rings going round.

    Uranus and Neptune we must not forget,
    and a few dwarf planets, the smallest ones yet.
    Well, one is Pluto, there're four others too,
    Just look through a telescope, see what's in view.

     


Songs for Children relating to Science: The Planets, instrumental

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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Lyrics

     

    Last night I had a silly dream,
    About a kangaroo.
    This kangaroo lived in the zoo,
    Such funny things she would do...
    She stood on her head for a minute or two.
    This nutty kangaroo.

    A peacock bird, a peacock bird
    Was in the dream too.
    He also lived in the zoo,
    He had a tail green and blue.
    The peacock sneezed achoo, achoo,
    In my strange dream of the zoo.

    And in the dream, the kangaroo,
    This kangaroo in the zoo,
    She hopped over the peacock,
    The peacock green and blue.

    Then morning came, the morning came,
    My sleeping time was through.
    And so was my dream of the kangaroo
    And the peacock bird, green and blue.
    It's time to each breakfast, the day is new.
    Perhaps for real, I'll visit the zoo.



Silly Songs for Young Children: The Peacock and the Kangaroo, instrumental

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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Silly Songs for Young Children: The Peacock and the Kangaroo

The Old Glory March: Improvisation by Bernie Katzman

Based on the song: If There's a Monster in Your Dreams

The Monstrosity Rag: Improvisation by Bernie Katzman

Richard Rodgers Medley-improvisations by Bernie Katzman

Quack Quack Duck Instrumental

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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A Song for Children about Christmas: The Christmas Tree, instrumental

Squirrels Vocal (1)

Squirrels Piano (1)

Squirrels Improv

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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A Song for Children about English Language Usage:Homophones, instrumental, slow tempo

A Song for Children about English Language Usage:Homophones, instrumental

Harriet Tubman was born Araminta, and was called Minty. In this song, she is about to escape from the plantation where she is an enslaved person. Her father, or another wise older person is giving his support and advice when she leaves.

Lyrics:

Follow the North Star, to where it will lead.
Steal away quickly, We wish you God speed.
And look in your heart Cause it can’t steer you wrong.
Your spirit supports building courage that’s strong.

Some good folks will help you to go on your way,
Getting closer to freedom, as each night follows day.
Look deep in your heart, Your faith is there…
Keep moving dear Minty, with dreams and a prayer.

Always have hope, don’t be afraid,
Move forward on your journey,
A plan along ago made.
The Lord will go with you, you won’t be alone.
A new life is waiting, the best that you’ve known.

So then follow the north star, that shines in the sky.
Guiding you onward as we bid you good-bye.
And look in your heart, it won’t steer you wrong.
Your spirit will help you build courage that’s strong.

Your life will be better, much better by far…
If you look in your heart, And follow the star.
I 

Follow the North Star, instrumental: click the title to read the lyrics and explanation

This is one song in a musical based on the life of Harriet Tubman. The plan is to make the musical historically factual with some historical fiction as part of the story.

In this part, a man and a woman, living on the Maryland plantation (both enslaved people) are ready to get married. During those times, thE enslaved people who worked in the fields usually did not have a legal/religious ceremony with a preacher.  The tradition, brought over from Africa, was to jump  over a broom. 

I have given them the names Jim and Sarah.. Jim and Sarah love each other, and despite their miserable condition, they find joy in their relationship. They vow to be together ‘forever.’ Tragedy will come to them, however, when Jim is sold, thus breaking up their life together.

The center section of the song is an instrumental for dance.  It is when the couple “jump the Broom.” Please note that because this portion is improvisation, it is somewhat different from the instrumental/dance section in the song as Bernie sings it. Actually, the song is mostly written for Sarah to sing though Jim joins in at the end.  This is the song version. Bernie sings it, but it is mostly for a woman's voice.


Lyrics:

Sarah’s part

My man is very special,
Ma’ darlin’ Jim.
That’s why today I gonna,
Jump the broom with him..

Ain’t got no doubts about it.
Our love is real.
You folks can see our carin’,
Done never been a whim.

The minutes passin,
Too slow for me.
Im so impatient, 
For me and Jim to be…
Together..

I thinks there’s somethin’
There’s somethin’ more..
Cause beyond to tobacco  pickin’
There’s love we’re livin’ for

INSTRUMENTAL DANCE  
 Jim’s part

Today no troubles,
Ain’t got no care.
We feel much better, cause
We’re a lovin’ pair.

Jim and Sarah, and chorus

The sun above is shinin’
The flowers’  in bloom.
We’re now  together  on this
Joyous afternoon
(short instrumental)
WE JUMPED THE BROOM.




Jump The Broom: Harriet Tubman Series,song,

Jump.the.broom.improv.use.thisDR001944.mp3

Breath Free Instrumental - 1

MindyInstrum.DR001837.mp3

Little By Little Vocal

Little By Little Piano

Little By Little Improv

Songs for Children about English Language Structure:Singulars and Plurals,instrumental

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

Moments- Instrumental

TASCAM DR-07 

jump.the.broom.improv.use.thisDR001944.mp3

Lantern Waltz

Goat Song

It's Time to Look for the Afikoman

music by Bernie Katzman, with additional music by Susan Maskin
lyrics by Susan Maskin

http://suziejean.com/music/afikoman.html

LYRICS

    It's time to look for the afikoman,
    It's not on our table, oh where has it gone.

    Let's look in the living room, where oh where,
    Is it under the sofa, behind the chair,

    Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,
    It's not in the living room,
    It's not here,

    Oh dear , oh dear, oh dear,
    We'll have to keep on looking ,
    Is it far or near.

    It's time to look for the afikoman,
    It's not on our table, oh where has it gone.

    Let's look in the kitchen,That's what we'll do
    On the stove, the sink, in the cabinets too.

    Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,
    It's not in the kitchen,
    It's not here,

    Oh dear , oh dear, oh dear,
    We'll have to keep on looking ,
    Is it far or near.

    Let's look in the bedrooms,
    That's what we'll do,
    Under the beds, in the closets too.

    And also the bookcase, behind every book,
    On the bedroom chairs, we'll look and look,

    Guess what , I've found it, on Aba's chair.
    Under the cushion it was there.

    Lets take it to Aba, we'll close our eyes,
    Then he will give us a Pesach's prize.

     

     



Songs for the Jewish Holidays: Passover #2-instrumental

At Purim Time

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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Songs for the Jewish Holidays: Purim #1, "At Purim Time"

Simcha Torah
music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

http://suziejean.com/music/Simcha.Torah.html

                  Lyrics

            We celebrate the torah on this very joyous holiday
            We take the torahs from the arc,
            We pray to hashem, and we say,
            Save us and our torah scrolls,
            Answer us when we call this day,
            Allow us to read our daily portions,
            As we have done our traditional way.

            We all join hands and dance in shul,
            While singing happy songs and then,
            The people come up one by one.
            The torah readings start again.
            The parashas are read with care,
            They guide our faithful prayer,

            We'll keep our dedication strong,
            And bless the torah all year long.




            We celebrate the torah on this very joyous holiday
            We take the torahs from the arc,
            We pray to hashem, and we say,
            Save us and our torah scrolls,
            Answer us when we call this day,
            Allow us to read our daily portions,
            As we have done our traditional way.

            We all join hands and dance in shul,
            While singing happy songs and then,
            The people come up one by one.
            The torah readings start again.
            The parashas are read with care,
            They guide our faithful prayer,

            We'll keep our dedication strong,
            And bless the torah all year long.



Songs for the Jewish Holidays: Simcha Torah, instrumental

a song about William Henry Harrison
music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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http://suziejean.com/music/Tip.Ty.html

Lyrics

            Oh,William Henry Harrison , what a president..
            You were tops, in a bunch of ways.
            You might have done a lot more for America.
            Alas ya' lasted only 32 days.

            Oh President Harrison, Ol' Tippecanoe,
            Your days in the White House were so few.
            Oh Tippecanoe, Oh Tippecanoe,
            You didn't wear a coat, so we had to bury you.

            It was 1840 when you were elected,
            You kept that ball a'rollin' along.
            OK, OK --I've got that wrong;
            Keep the ball rollin' was Van Buren's song.

            But Tippecanoe and Tyler too,
            You won the election, notoriety grew.
            We've always been pleased,
            ' cause out of the blue,
            Log cabin Booz was brewed for you.

            Oh President Harrison, our point of view
            Is that praise which is heaped is homage due
            Though all that we sing is kinda' true,
            We 've run out of rhymes,
             so our song is through.


Historical Satire: Tippecanoe and Tyler Too, Instrumental

Full Title: The Midnight Ride of Dawes, Revere, and Prescott
music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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http://suziejean.com/music/Dawes.html

Lyrics

Oh, listen my children and hear without pause,
The midnight ride of William Dawes.
In April of 1775,
A bit of history I'll revive.

Well, Billy Dawes, his intentions grand.
Prevent oppression in our land.
For him so very much to do...
And Paul Revere would help out too.

"We'll tell the people of our cause,"
Exclaimed Revere and Billy Dawes.
"Enlist another in our plan...
Choose Samuel Prescott, he's our man."

Tough luck for Paul within the hour,
His zealous mission went quite sour.
The Redcoats caught him, took him in.
Admonished Paul for his evil sin.

Released him then without his horse.
He could not keep on hero's course.
For Dawes and Prescott, not the same.
They weren't forced to abandon their aim.

They fled from capture, that they did,
And with their horses safely hid.
When the road became more clear.
They mounted up and rode...no fear.

When Billy Dawes and Sam, his friend,
Proceeded forth-- Paul's ride.. the END.
Yet who remembers Billy Dawes,
Or Samuel Prescott with applause?

Well very few, I 'm sad to say.
Revere's remembered to this day.
How can that be?
Why is it so?
A poet wrote so long ago....

    Listen my children and you shall hear,
    Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere....

This poet then descrbed those times..
Chose Paul Revere because
..............he rhymes!!!!

The poet Longfellow could not say,
Nor can we sing in the following way...

    Listen my children and you shall hear
    Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,
    And Samuel Prescott and Billy Dawes
    Who side by side rode through the night...

....... These final lyrics don't sound right.

In fact I sense a bit of intrigue,
To saddle us with ear fatigue.




Historical Satire: The Midnight Ride :A Song about the American Revolution Era, instrumental

Thanksgiving Songs: Native American Prayer, improvisation, by Bernie Katzman

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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http://suziejean.com/music/music.im.thankful.html

Lyrics

    Oh, T is for the turkey that we eat Thanksgiving day.
    And T is for terrific it tastes good in every way.
    Oh T is for my tummy that loves sweet potatoes too,
    And T is for the table where there's food the whole year through

    Oh I'm thankful, I am thankful for the
    good things that I've got.
    I'm thankful yes I'm thankful, I am blessed to have a lot.

    Well T is for the time we spend a loving family.
    And T is for together talking very happily.
    Oh T is for tomorrows we'll share many moments more,
    I'm thankful for so many joys that there is still in store.

    That's why I'm thankful, I'm thankful,
    for all the things I've got..
    I'm thankful, I'm thankful, I'm blessed to have a lot.

    I'm thankful, I am thankful,I am thankful, I am thankful,
    I am very, very thankful ...cause I'm blessed to have a lot.


Thanksgiving Songs for Children: I'm Thankful, instrumental

"It's Raining"

music and lyrics by Susan Maskin; arranged and performed by Bernie Katzman

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Songs for Children about seasons and weather: It's Raining, instrumental

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

My pianist, Bernie Katzman, has a fabulous new website..check it out http://berniekatzman.com
For downloads  ($.99) you can request just about anything musical.. He does it all..check it out!
Bernie has played everything on this soundcloud link.


Susan Maskin

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