Annotation:Rabbit in a Log

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RABBIT IN A LOG. Old-Time, Bluegrass; Breakdown & Song. G Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). The Monroe Brothers (Charlie and Bill) recorded the tune around 1935 under the title “Feast Here Tonight,” but probably learned it from the Prairie Ramblers who broadcast on the WLS program National Barn Dance and recorded the tune on a Bluebird 78 RPM. The Ramblers’ version was quite a bit slower. According to Peter Feldman, the tune is essentially the same as the Carter Family’s “Gospel Ship” (also recorded by the Monroe Brothers).

Rabbit in a log and I ain't got no dog
How will I get him, I know
Get me a briar and I'll twist it in his hair
That's how I'll get him, I know.

Source for notated version: The Stanley Brothers and the Clinch Mountain Boys [Grass Roots Harmony].

Printed sources: Grass Roots Harmony (Oak Publications), 1968; p. 32.

Recorded sources: Bluebird AXM2-5510, The Monroe Brothers – “Feast Here Tonight” (1975. Reissue appears as “Have a Feast Here Tonight”). Folkways FA2399, New Lost City Ramblers –“New Lost City Ramblers, vol. 4” (1962. Appears as “Have a Feast Here Tonight”). Marimac 9013, Ross County Farmers – “Farmer’s Frolic” (1987. Appears as “Feast Here Tonight”). Prestige International INT13038, Jeanie West – “Roamin’ the Blue Ridge” (appears as “Have a Feast Here Tonight”). RCA (Victor) LPM-2472, Walter Forbes – “Ballads and Bluegrass” (1962. Appears as “Feast Here Tonight”). Rebel SLP1495, The Stanley Brothers – “Legendary Stanley Brothers, vol. 2.” Union Grove SS-9, “Union Grove 50” (1974).

See also listing at:
Hear the Stanley Bros. play the song on youtube.com [1]

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