Mark Twain: An American Life

We tell the life story of America’s great writer and speaker Mark Twain through excerpts from his writings, relevant songs of the time, and projected images. Excerpts from Twain’s autobiography, his letters, and his books. Tunes of the time and songs written and sung during Twain’s lifetime. Projected photos of the day, works of art, and lyrics of the choruses. The audience is invited to join in the singing. The songs and tunes include both well-known and unfamiliar gems. The themes are timeless: joy and sorrow, humor, courage and love. Each song and tune helps to tell Mark Twain’s story. The story is told in the words of the people of the day: the writers of the songs and Mark Twain himself. The audience is transported to Mark Twain’s America and learn the story of his life in a very personal, eye-witness experience.

Recordings are Copyright Judy Cook and free for your personal use.

Audio from WOBC

Higher resolution versions of all recordings are available for presentation. Contact Judy for permission and files.

17 Songs

Title	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Bayou Sara	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Blue Tail Fly	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Captain With His Whiskers, The	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Come Take a Trip in My Airship	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Come Write Me Down	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Cradle's Empty, Baby's Gone	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Days of 49	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Farmer's Curst Wife	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Glendy Burk	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Grandfather's Clock	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Hard Times Come Again No More	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Poverty Knock	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Shingling the Rum Sellers Roof	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Skedaddling Song	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot	Source	Lyrics	Recordings
The Boaster	Source	Lyrics
Zebra Dun	Source	Lyrics	Recordings