The Coffee Song Contest
This is the coolest thing I have ever run into. A couple blogs ago I posted the ‘Coffee Song.’ I came up with some words and a melody, then posted the lyrics.
The next thing I know a fellow blogger, a Paramedic who goes by MM, sent me his version of it. I was shocked how close his interpretation was to what I had in my head.
I thought it would be fun to see what other versions people might come up with. I have this intellectual property rights lawyer cat who deals with all this so I can just have fun, and the song is BMI registered, though under my songwriter pen name. MM recognized all that in his e-mail; like me he’s just having a bunch of fun with life, and asked if he could send in his version. I dug it.
Along the way I have had a few tunes recorded by professional bluegrass bands. So with all that is mind I think I’ll open my first contest, and do so in honor of MM. Send in your version and if anyone records it, I’ll make sure the person who inspires them to record the tune gets mentioned in the liner notes on the CD.
You might think all this is far fetched, but I know a bunch of these bands on a first name basis. And, the fact is there are already two food outfits who sponsor touring bluegrass bands. The oldest tradition is with Martha White Flour, which first sponsored Flatt and Scruggs, and now Rhonda Vincent. The newest one is Mayberry Foods, which sponsors the Grascals. (Lead singer Terry Eldridge endorses Viagra, but that is another story. My wife says Seldom Scene needs to go for Cialis; Ben Eldridge does a fine version of ‘Lay Down Sally.’)
I’ve got some age on me, and I’m more of the Folger’s vintage these days, so who knows? Maybe someone will record the ‘Coffee Song’ and tour around the country in the Folger’s or Maxwell House bus.
By the way, what is it with paramedics and music? I played with one this weekend who could saw the fire out of a fiddle. I think they are like old Docs and music helps them deal with the tragedy they see on a regular basis.
Anyway, you can hear his version by clicking on his comment. His is the first one up, so this post is in honor of MM. Very cool.
Send in your version. Maybe it will be good for a few minutes of fame on some bluegrass CD liner notes or a ride to a concert on the corporate bus one day.
Dr. B
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
February 16, 2009 at 10:41 pm
http://medicmarch.multiply.com/music/item/1/Coffee_Song
February 17, 2009 at 12:22 am
MM,
I got in up and running, and it is very cool. If you come up with a video post it too.
Dr. B
February 17, 2009 at 9:24 am
I jumped through all the hoops to get registered and kosher for this, but still flunked out after about 15 minutes of fiddling with it! I’ll try again later!
February 17, 2009 at 9:37 am
Parson,
Well you’ll always be my bluegrass Parson; whether the tune hits you or not is immaterial.
Dr. B
February 17, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Dr B, I found a better host: Fandalism. No sign up required for this one, it seems!
http://www.fandalism.com/index.cfm?songid=227670
(ps – the “mello joy” I mention in the song is my favorite brand of coffee down here in Louisiana. if you’re into coffee both Mello Joy and Community are worth checking out. My uncle had Community shipped to himself in California and Hawaii when he’s away from home)
-MM
February 17, 2009 at 3:26 pm
MM,
If I ever get my book published and make the tour, I have to put Louisiana on my list.
Maybe some day we’ll sit on the Folger’s (or Mello Joy) bus and play the Coffee Song.
It might not happen, but as much as we see in our work, a man has to have his dreams…
Dr. B
February 17, 2009 at 4:47 pm
medicmarch’s site is much more better. Even a truck driver can listen to it with one hand on the wheel
http://www.fandalism.com/index.cfm?songid=227670
February 17, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Billy,
MM has it going on. Louisiana coffee must have inspired that man.
Dr. B
February 17, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Yea! What a super, toe-tapping, gotta-get-up-and-dance tune. I loved it, and having the words in front of me made it even more fun. I found myself smiling all the way through it! So let’s hear it for fandalism as well as MM & Doc!
February 17, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Parson,
Yeah MM did good huh? One of these days maybe a bluegrass band will record it and ride around on the Folger’s bus.
Dr. B
February 18, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Wow, I enjoyed the version of the song. Now what do you think a good name for a band might be. The Folger Boys or how about Dr. B and the Creamer Three. Good to see you having fun.
February 18, 2009 at 11:06 pm
Smitty,
Yeah I like the Folger Mountain boys.
Hmn, maybe Fresh Ground or if a female band, the Java Mamas.
This could go on and on!
Dr. B
February 20, 2009 at 4:39 am
http://bluegrasshighway.podomatic.com
my friends hour week long bluegrass podcast
February 20, 2009 at 6:59 am
MM,
Man, Louisiana is now on my have to tour list for sure.
Dr. B