Digital Tradition Mirror

This notation is pretty simple; dark circles mean covered holes; empty circles mean uncovered holes; a '+' below means to blow harder to get the upper octave; a '#' below means this note is too low for the whistle chosen and you'll have to fake it :) The author of this program always plays accidentals by closing holes, so you'll never see half-covered holes.

When I was starting, I found notation like this to be very helpful, and I know plenty of people who have trouble reading music who find this notation easier. Good luck!

Motherless Children

(E whistle)

(This score available as ABC, SongWright, PostScript, PNG, or PMW, or a MIDI file)
(Choose a whistle key: A B C D E F G Ab Bb Cb Db Eb Fb Gb A# B# C# D# E# F# G#)
Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Motherless Children

Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone
     Wanderin' 'round from door to door
     They don't have no place to go
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone.

Some people say, "Sister will do when your mother is gone." (2x)
     Some people say "Your sister will do"
     Soon as she marries, turn her back on you.
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone.

Your wife or your husband may be good to you when your mother is gone.(2x)
     Wife or your husband may be good to you,
     Nobody treat you like your mother do.
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone.

Some people say, "Your auntie will do when your mother is gone." (2x)
     Some people say "Your auntie will do"
     Make a start, and then prove untrue.
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone.

Jesus will be a Father to you when your mother is gone. (2x)
     Jesus will be a Father to you
     In pain and sorrow He will lead you through.
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone.

recorded by Gary Davis, Blind Willie Johnson
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!