The Erie Canal
written by Thomas S. Allen (allegedly)
I've got a mule her name is Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
We'd haul some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
We know... every inch of the way
From Albany to Buffalo
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge, cuz we're coming to a town
You'll always know your neighbor
You'll always know your pal
If ya ever navigated on the Erie Canal
We'd better look around for a job, old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
You can bet your life I'll never part with Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Get up mule, here comes a lock
We'll make Rome about six o'clock
One more trip and back we'll go
Right back home to Buffalo
© Richard Coffey - All Rights Reserved
(where applicable)
About the Song:
The Erie Canal song (a.k.a. "Low Bridge, Everybody Down") is a folk song credited to Thomas S. Allen (although its origin and authorship remain in question). It was first recorded in 1912. The song laments the change from mule power to engine power after the construction of the New York State Barge Canal which would soon replace the historic Erie Canal.
Of course - whem growing up in upstate New York, this song was ingrained in our heads from an early age. No kid from the area could have avoided the knowledge of the Erie Canal and the vital importance the Mohawk River had in opening up the West. This tune was sung constantly in music class and often at home with the family!
As originally copyrighted in 1912 and 1913, “Low Bridge! – Everybody Down” has five verses and five choruses - my arrangement is much shorter!. 