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A Marathon of Songlines

A marathon of Songlines, Radio Scotland's popular music programme. John Cavanagh has the stories behind iconic songs such as Let It Be, Over The Rainbow and La Mer. Tune in to hear The Beatles, Billie Holiday, Glen Campbell, Judy Garland and Doris Day, to name just a few!

5 hours, 30 minutes

Last on

Mon 21 Mar 2011 00:30

Chapters

  • Songlines: Brother, Can you Spare a Dime

    In America’s Great Depression this song became the anthem for the shattered dreams of that generation. Listen out for the great Tom Waits as we lift the lid on Brother, Can you Spare a Dime.

    Duration: 26:13

  • Songlines: Let It Be

    John Cavanagh is joined by guests including Richie Unterberger and Davie Scott to explain the significance of the beautiful ballad Let It Be.

    Duration: 26:18

  • Songlines: No Regrets

    John Cavanagh and guests unpick a song written by Charles Dumont in the 1950’s, a song which was to become the signature tune for the incredible Edith Piaf.

    Duration: 25:47

  • Songlines: Wichita’ Lineman

    John Cavanagh explores the stories behind Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" which became a hit for Glen Campbell in 1968.

    Duration: 25:53

  • Songlines: Big Rock Candy Mountain

    John Cavanagh and guests tell the story behind Big Rock Candy Mountain, a hobo’s impression of paradise.

    Duration: 26:02

  • Songlines: Strange Fruit

    Made famous by none other than the first lady of jazz herself, Miss Billie Holiday, John Cavanagh and guests get under the skin of Strange Fruit.

    Duration: 26:07

  • Songlines: Over the Rainbow

    John Cavanagh and guests head off to a land where happy little bluebirds fly and troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops…

    Duration: 26:11

  • Songlines: We Shall Overcome

    John Cavanagh explores the story behind the song which became 'THE' Anthem of the Civil Rights Movement in 1960's America, We Shall Overcome.

    Duration: 26:12

  • Songlines: Sentimental Journey

    John Cavanagh explores the story of a song that was a smash hit for the beautiful Doris Day and came to represent a particular moment in time for the servicemen returning home after fighting the war.

    Duration: 25:38

  • Songlines: La Mer

    John Cavanagh and guests tell the story behind the gorgeous La Mer.

    Duration: 26:15

  • Songlines: From a Distance

    John Cavanagh and guests lift the lid on this popular anthem.

    Duration: 26:00

  • Songlines: Danny Boy

    Often sung at the end of a good old Celtic family sing song, it’s surprising how many people have no idea what the lyrics to the song actually mean…

    Duration: 25:41

Broadcast

  • Mon 21 Mar 2011 00:30