Having found no printed record of this song anywhere, and not being a historian, I can only make a guess as to its place in history. In August 1795, after much fighting and bloodshed between the americans and the northwest indians the Treaty of Greenville was signed, in which the indians were forced to sign away the rights to what is now Ohio and Indiana. This seems a likely time for the song to have taken place.
It begins with a group of either soldiers or civilians on some kind of recreational outing. They come ashore, curious to see how the indians live and confident that they are safe in doing so. The alcohol makes it's rounds and then things go terribly wrong. They have either walked into a trap, made some kind of social blunder, or naively stumbled into a nest of seething resentment. The indians were most likely not in the mood for tourism at the time.
I learned this song from a recording of Kate Tony from the Chapel collection. There's no record of where the song came from and the last few lines are missing. But even so, it's a great song, it's imagery is vivid and its melody is unique.
credits
from Green Are The Woods,
released June 13, 1999
Learned from Kate Tony, L. W. Chappell Collection 1939
supported by 6 fans who also own “On the Ohio River”
Great playing and choice of tunes. No apologies needed for your interpretations of the tunes as far as I'm concerned.
I'm a player and not an ethnomusicologist or historian.
I probably re-interpret every tune I learn to make it mine.
I have no problem with anyone else doing the same.
We wouldn't have regional styles if it this personalizing were't part of the folk process from the getgo. Paul Gitlitz
supported by 6 fans who also own “On the Ohio River”
Great choice of music, expertly played and sung. Nicely produced. I hope to see The Onlies live, asap. This is an album I listen to over and over. Karamogo
supported by 6 fans who also own “On the Ohio River”
This album is an education in the power of choosing the perfect amount subtle drone. So calming. So easy to listen over and over again. I hope there will be a Vol. 2! Cyndy
The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024
More contemplative folk from the Minnesota singer-songwriter, sustained by raw full-band arrangements and philosophical lyrics. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024