Song lyrics to Morningtown Ride, by Malvina Reynolds

Malvina Reynolds: Song Lyrics and Poems

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Morningtown Ride

Notes: words and music by Malvina Reynolds; copyright 1957, assigned to Amadeo Music 1963, renewed 1991. a.k.a. "Morning Town Ride." “Once in a while I have something in particular to say [to children]--well, let’s take a song like 'Morningtown Ride.' I remember how it was when I was little. I know youngsters hate to go to bed at night because it seems like, as far as they’re concerned, it is the end of the world. Going to sleep means you are going to be cut off from everything, and I wanted to help them understand that they were heading somewhere, when they got into bed, that they were heading for morning. And strangely enough, this song became a grown-up hit all over the world. It really amazed me...” (A quote from Malvina taken from a radio interview given at the 1977 Pied Piper Music Festival. The entire interview and workshop notes appear in Patty Zeitlin’s book A Song Is a Rainbow: Music, Movement and Rhythm Instruments in the Nursery School and Kindergarten: Scott, Foresman, 1982).

Train whistle blowing, makes a sleepy noise,
Underneath their blankets go all the girls and boys.
Heading from the station, out along the bay,
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away.

Sarah's at the engine, Tony rings the bell,
John swings the lantern to show that all is well.
Rocking, rolling, riding, out along the bay,
All bound for Morningtown, many miles away.

Maybe it is raining where our train will ride,
But all the little travelers are snug and warm inside.
Somewhere there is sunshine, somewhere there is day,
Somewhere there is Morningtown, many miles away.

Malvina Reynolds songbook(s) in which the music to this song appears:
---- Little Boxes and Other Handmade Songs
---- The Malvina Reynolds Songbook
---- There's Music in the Air: Songs for the Middle-Young

Other place(s) where the music to this song appears:
---- ABC for Kids Bumper Songbook: 100 Songs (London: Wise Publications, 2004)
---- Peter and Annie Blood-Patterson: Winds of the People [lyrics & guitar chords only] (Sing Out, 1980?)
---- Peter Blood-Patterson: Rise Up Singing: The Group-Singing Song Book [lyrics & guitar chords only] (Bethlehem, PA: Sing Out Corp., 1988), p. 134
---- Nancy Cassidy: The Book of Kids Songs: a Holler-along Handbook (Palo Alto, CA : Klutz Press, 1986)
---- Peter Davey: Abracadabra Violin Book 1 (London: A. & C. Black, 1985)
---- Beatrice Harrop et al.: Apusskidu: Songs for Children (London: A & C Black, 1996)
---- Mark Mumford: Music About Transport: a Topical Songbook With Musical Activities (Woodford Green: International Music Publications, 1995)
---- Raffi: Baby Beluga Book (Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1983)
---- Raffi: The 2nd Raffi Songbook (New York: Crown Publishers, 1987)
---- The Seekers: 5 of the Best (Woolloomooloo, N.S.W. : Warner/Chappell Music, 1990)
---- Sing Out!, Volume 45(1) (Spring 2001), p. 116

Malvina Reynolds recording(s) on which this song is performed:
---- Artichokes, Griddle Cakes, and Other Good Things
---- Malvina Reynolds
---- Magical Songs
---- Malvina Reynolds (2007)

Recordings by other artists on which this song is performed:
---- A.B.C.'s and Other Kindergarten Favorites (Distribution Madacy KC-605, 1992)
---- The Amazing Harmonatras: Songs We Love to Sing (Hanger Out, 2002)
---- The Amazing Harmonatras: Workin' on the Railroad (Enharmonik Studios, 2002)
---- Mike Anderson: Morning Town Ride (Music Works MW 10887, 1987)
---- Jim Anger: Rainbow in the Sky (Cabin in the Woods, 2003)
---- Rick Barron: A Sock Full of Songs (Re-Bop Records Re-Bop 105, 1993)
---- Marcia Berman: Sings Malvina Reynolds' Rabbits Dance and Other Songs for Children (B/B Records B/B 112, 1985)
---- Bert & Ernie Sing-along (CTW Sesame Street CTW 22068, 1975)
---- Bid's Accordion Band: Accordion Party (SMI 1-139 HU, 1988)
---- Karen Billings: Blanket Bay, Vol. II (1985)
---- Blueberry Hill and Sheila G. White: Over 100 Best Singalongs (Range Records PLATCD 4927)
---- Bev Bos with Michael Leeman: Thumbprints (Turn-the-Page Press, 1985)
---- Bev Bos and Michael Leeman: Thumbprints and Thumbprints Too (Turn-the-Page Press, n.d.)
---- Lindsay Butler: The Guitar Man (LBS 008CD)
---- Pat Carfra: Lullabies & Laughter, With the Lullaby Lady (Joy Production Co., 1982)
---- Nancy Cassidy: Kidssongs (Klutz, 1999/1986)
---- Celtic Colors: Red is the Rose (1996)
---- Children's Favourites (CYP Productions, 2005)
---- Max Cryer and the Children: Replay (Kiwi Pacific Records SLC-249)
---- Jack Davidson and the Little Singers of Mt. Roskill: You Can't Make a Turtle Come Out (45 r.p.m. e.p., Kiwi Records EA-113)
---- Jack Davidson and the Little Singers of Mt. Roskill: Morningtown Ride (45 r.p.m. single, Cassandra Records CS-11, 1968)
---- Charlotte Diamond: Diamonds & Daydreams (Hug Bug Records CDC 324, 1996)
---- Judith Durham: listen to youtube.com video
---- Neva Eder: Morningtown Ride & Other Children's Songs (TRD 135, n.d.)
---- Neva Eder: Puff the Magic Dragon, 26 Kiddies Favourites
---- Neva Eder and Ailene Goodman: Come and Find Me (Gateway Records GSLP-4806, 1977)
---- Mike Fenton: Kangaroos & Pussycats Fun Songs for Children (Heritage Records HRC 1219, 1990)
---- Mike Fenton: Move Over With Mike (Heritage Records HRC-C-1275, 1991)
---- Fivepenny Piece: Hit Kaleidoscope (EMI Note NTS 101, 1976)
---- Fivepenny Piece: 57 Fivepenny Favourites (Sound Waves SOW525, 1996)
---- Foster & Allen: 100 Golden Love Songs (1996)
---- Foster & Allen: Favourites (Firefly Entertainment TVE1092, 2000) [VHS]
---- Foster & Allen: After All These Years (DemonVision DEMONDVD006, 2005) [DVD]
---- The Garioch Blend: The Early Blend Volume 1 (Donside DR CD 2201, 2002)
---- Brendan Grace: "Morningtown Ride" (45 r.p.m. single, 1985)
---- Brendan Grace: Something Old Something New Something Borrowed Nothing Blue (1996)
---- Brendan Grace: Another Three of a Kind (Beaumex)
---- Anne Hamilton: Children's Choice (Mr. Humpty HUM 04, 1991)
---- Cathie Harrop: Cathie Sings Childrens Favourites From Her T.V. Show (Pye ARBS 181, 1974)
---- Peter Horan: Shades of Country (2000)
---- Irish Rovers: "Morning Town Ride/Step It Out Mary" (45 r.p.m. single, Lion 156, 1972)
---- Irish Rovers: Live (Attic Records LAT 1028, 1972)
---- Irish Rovers: Special (K-tel International NC 420, 1972)
---- Irish Rovers: Children of the Unicorn (NU 9210; K-tel International NU 9210, 1976)
---- Irish Rovers: The Irish Rovers 15th Anniversary (Video Memories VM 100, 1980)
---- Irish Rovers: Twentieth Anniversary Celebration (Reader's Digest/Potato Records, 1984)
---- Dave Jackson: Singing Folk Style Music--Morning Town Ride (Valerie VR 7000)
---- Jollity Farm (Big Blue Dog Records BBD 100004, 2001)
---- Ian Johnstone: Dear Mr. Johnstone (Ensemble Productions EPN 7248, 1980)
---- Katy's Kidsongs: Just Kiddin' Around (Katy's Kidsongs, 2002)
---- Pat Kelleher and Dan O'Sullivan: Take the High Road Together (2001)
---- Kiddleydivey: Kiddleydivey Kids (Rosseau Records)
---- Ed Kilbourne: The Good News (Martin 7-7736, 1965)
---- Kokatahi Band: On Tour (Kiwi Pacific Records SLC-97, 1970?)
---- Let's Sing Together; The Wonderful World of Children's Song (Kiwi SLC-111, 1973)
---- The Limeliters: Through Children's Eyes (RCA Victor LSP 2512, 1962)
---- The Limeliters: Pure Gold (RCA Victor ANL1-2336, 1977)
---- Living Guitars: Dedicated to the One I Love (RCA CAL 2156, 1967)
---- Jheena Lodwick: All My Loving (JVC XRCD24-1007SA, 2004)
---- Bob McGrath: Bob's Favorite Street Songs (A & M Records 75021 0414 2, 1991)
---- Music for Homemade Instruments: The Pick of the Litter (HD 4843, 1999)
---- Declan Nerney: 3 Way Love Affair (Hooley Records HRCD9902, 2000)
---- Declan Nerney: Lucky I Guess (2005) [DVD]
---- The Olga Symphony: The Wreck of the Olga Symphony (1998)
---- Judy Pagter and Joe Boucher: Fifty Miles of Elbow Room (Webco Records WLPS-3311, 1987)
---- Annie Patterson and Peter Blood: Rise Up Singing, Disc 8: Home & Family; Lullabies (Sing Out Corp. SO1008, 2001)
---- Platte River Yacht Club: When We All Go Out to Play (Platte River Yacht Club, 2004)
---- Play School--Hip Hip Hooray (Australia Broadcasting Corporation, 2002)
---- Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Favourite Travelling Songs (CRS Records CRCD0409-2, 2005?)
---- Puff the Magic Dragon (Distribution Madacy, Inc. LXC-413, 1986)
---- Raffi: Baby Beluga (Shoreline SL-0210, 1980)
---- Ramblin' Four: The Ramblin' Four (Key, 1967)
---- Nancy Raven: Singing, Prancing & Dancing (Pacific Cascade Records LPL 7038, 1984)
---- Nancy Raven: Nancy Raven Sings Her Favorites (Lizard's Rock Music CD-001, 1999)
---- Kathy Reid-Naiman: Say Hello to the Morning (Merriweather Records M9901CD, 1999)
---- Carolyne Riley, Kate Munger and Nancy Stein: Lullaby Bay; Peaceful Songs for Bedtime (n.d.)
---- The Seekers: Hide & Seekers (World Record Club TP 443, 1964)¹
---- The Seekers: "Morningtown Ride/When The Stars Begin To Fall" (45 r.p.m. single, Columbia DB8060, 1966)²
---- The Seekers: Morningtown Ride (33 1/3 r.p.m. e.p., Columbia SEG8522, 1967)³
---- The Seekers: "Morningtown Ride/Walk With Me" (45 r.p.m. single, Capitol 5787, 1967)⁴
---- The Seekers: The Best of the Seekers (Capitol ST-2746, 1967)
---- The Seekers: The Seekers Live (Capitol ST-135, 1969)
---- The Seekers: The Very Best of the Seekers (Collectables COL 2719, 1998)
---- The Seekers: Morningtown Ride to Christmas (Sony Music Australia, 2001)⁵
---- The Seekers: Night of Nights Live (Sony Music Australia, 2002)
---- The Seekers: listen to youtube.com video
---- The Seekers: listen to youtube.com video
---- The Seekers: listen to youtube.com video
---- Shanneyganock: Christmas (Avondale Music, 2004)
---- Shepherds: "Morning Town Ride/Penny Serenade" (45 r.p.m. single, Columbia DB 8049, 1966)
---- Mindy Simmons: It's Music Time with Miss Mindy (Mindy Simmons, 2003)
---- John Simon: Together (Northern Roads NR-103, 1988)
---- Singing in the Rain (Big Blue Dog Records BBD 100005, 2001)
---- Songs for Kids (Legacy, 1998)
---- Songs for Kids (Mastertech CRG-190020, 2000)
---- Songs for Kids, Vol. 2 (Mastertech CRG-191030, 2001)
---- Songs for Rest Time (Classroom Materials Co., 1973)
---- Nicky Steel: 22 Golden Children's Songs
---- Anne-Louise Sterry: Black Sox (Simply Songs and Stories, 2004)
---- Suchy Family: The Suchys in Harmony (Suchy Family, 1988)
---- Ross Sutter: Songs by Heart (Heart Productions BHP 002, 1996)
---- Susie Tallman: Lullabies for Sleepy Eyes (Rock Me Baby Records RMBR91002-2, 2000)
---- Sakura Teng and The Quests: Sakura Goes Boom Boom (EMI, 1967/1996)
---- The Wayfarers: The Unicorn
---- The Wayfarers: Home Among the Gum Trees (Kiddidisc KID-CD-10, 1993)
---- Josh White Jr. and Ron Coden: My Favorite Toy (Coden White Enterprises, 1991)
---- The Wiggles: Wiggly, Wiggly World! (Koch Entertainment Koc-CD-8693, 2003) [with Jimmy Little on this track]
---- Doc Williams: Twinkle Twinkle (Beenie's Hoose)
---- Young Americans: While We're Young (ABC Records ABCS-586, 1967)
---- listen to youtube.com video
---- listen to youtube.com video
---- listen to youtube.com video
---- listen to youtube.com video
---- listen to youtube.com video
---- listen to youtube.com video

Additional notes
1. This lp was released in the U.K in 1965 as The Four & Only Seekers (EMI MFP 1301) and in the U.S. in 1965 as The New Seekers (Capitol ST-2319).
2. The most successfully charting of all releases of Reynolds material, this single remained in the British top five for seven weeks, peaking at number two for three weeks around Christmas 1966. Only the simultaneous success of Tom Jones' biggest hit ever in Britain, "The Green Green Grass of Home," which remained in the top spot for several weeks, prevented its hitting number one (and even then, some charts from the time had it nosing out "Grass..." for one week at the top position).
3. This e.p., which contained "Morningtown Ride" and three other Seekers songs, rose to number one on the British e.p. charts for a single week in March 1967.
4. The American release of the single fared less successfully than its British counterpart, in April 1967 reaching only as high as number 41 on the Cashbox weekly survey, and number 44 on Billboard.
5. This return to form by the Seekers features a slightly modified version of the song. The CD was a great success, certified platinum in Australia.

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