Great Big Man tab - don mclean

Subject: CRD: m/don_mclean/great_big_man.crd
Date: Tue, 13 Feb 1996 14:14:34 +0100
From: Juergen Wuest (HiWi CEMP) 



Great Big Man - Don McLean
--------------------------

This is from McLean's live album `SOLO'.

When playing A, D and E chords, change between major and 6th chords,
i.e. actually play for instance A A6 A A6 A A6 etc. (blues style) 

In the chorus, the `great big man...' part is played like this:

    e -----------------------------------------------------
    B -----------------------------------------------------
    G -----------------------------------------------------   (*)
    D -----------------------------------------------------
    A --------------0--------------------------------0-----
    E --------------------3---2------------1-----0---------
         it takes a great big man to win a great big fight.


Intro: A A6 A A6 ...

A
Rust on your fingers, you got trouble at your feet.
                                                 A7
Keep the homefires burning, but look out for the heat
                 D
'cause there's a man at the window who knows just what you think,
              A
and there's a water boy behind you who won't give you a drink

               E
   Well it's a hard, hard time, no easy road in sight,
              (*)         
   it takes a great big man to win a great big fight.


And when it comes to dying, no matter what you tell,
They'll let you into a heaven 'cause you lived your life in hell.
But they've got no way to reward you but to let those breezes blow,
And you've got nothing left to do but to let your anger show.

   'Cause it's a hard, hard time, no easy road in sight,
   it takes a great big man to win a great big fight.

D                A7    D                A7
Think about your baby, think about your wife,
D                A7           B7                  E
Think about your banker who's trying to take your life.
D                A7
Think about this planet that's rolling through the night.
   B7                B7             E
Oh can you turn your back on such a great big fight?


You got the muscle, big man, you got the power,
but you're getting weaker with each passing hour.
Just like a flame in the rain, like a light in the night,
well if it's you that must stay, well then it's you that must fight!

                 E
   'Cause it's a hard, hard time, your future's not bright,
              (*)
   it takes a great big man to win a great big
              (*)
              great big man to win a great big fight.

Coda: A

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Video Great Big Man

UB40 Don't Break My Heart 1985
UB40's Lead Singer Releases Solo Album Running Free, the new album from UB40's frontman Ali Campbell, is a reggae-soul-pop tour de force. It features The World's Greatest Rhythm Section, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, collaborations with some legendary singers and musicians, several sublime cover versions, and the unique voice and songwriting excellence of Mr Red Red Wine himself. With so many famous names on the record, and so many great songs, both originals and covers, Running Free, only Ali's second solo album (the follow-up to 1995's Big Love), is bound to dominate the airwaves on its release. There will even be a duet concert next year at the Royal Albert Hall guest-starring the various singers who appeared on the album, while every one of the artists has been filmed for a special 'Making Of' documentary for TV broadcast later this year. Talking of Red Red Wine, Running Free is the natural successor to UB40's best-loved album, the appropriately titled Labour Of Love, on which Birmingham's finest covered songs by their musical idols in their own inimitable style. On Running Free, Ali goes one better by inviting his musical idols to sing with him. "They were a joy to work with," says Ali of his team-ups with soul icon Smokey Robinson and reggae giants Aston "Family Man" Barrett and Ernest Ranglin. It's not surprising that Ali is so enthused: "This is a classic party record with great people on it," he says. "And it's a bunch of great songs." True enough, every track on Running Free has something to offer, whether it's partnerships with some of music's all-time greats or collaborations with no less talented though relative newcomers from all areas of the contemporary music scene such as Mick Hucknall, Bitty McLean, Beverley Knight, Lemar and Katie Melua. And each track, recorded at Jamaica's Anchor studio and Eden in West London, is filled with melodic delights. There's the version of Johnny Nash's 1968 Top 5 hit, Hold Me Tight, whose infectious skank has already been wowing audiences across Europe. I'll Be Standing By, a cover of the Al Green song, features guest vocals from Lemar and is another superb example of lilting Lovers Rock, the contrast between the sweet vocals and tuff beats, plus the solid rhythms and crystalline production, making this one of many contenders for single release on Running Free. The title track, a faster-paced original composition, is a duet with UK soul diva Beverley Knight, and the male/female vocals work superbly well together. There are other boy-girl duets on Running Free: Cold Around My Heart is an original tune with a swooping, elegant melody. Don't Try This At Home, another original song, this one featuring Katie Melua, could also easily be lifted off the album for single release, with its infectious rhythm and pretty chord sequence. Then the men get a chance to shine. On Would I Lie To You, Bitty McLean, a former tape op at UB40's Dep International studios, helps turn the Charles & Eddie song, one of the most-admired latterday soul tunes, into a beautiful slice of lilting reggae. Hallelujah Time, the Bob Marley song, is no less than a Motown summit meeting, featuring as it does vocal contributions from Smokey Robinson and awaiting a vocal addition from Stevie Wonder . Don't Go, a version of the Drifters song that he's always wanted to cover, features Ali solo he even does the basso profundo "don't go's"! It's another great party tune. I Want One Of Those is another original composition, and shows Ali soaring gracefully over the melody. There's a version of Smokey's 1981 Number 1 smash, Being With You, this time with Mick Hucknall on the mic. Brave are the men who tackle Stevie's vintage Village Ghetto Land ¬ step forward, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Ernest Ranglin and Don Yute, with extra toasting from the studio engineer's kids as Ali's social conscience shines through. Finally, Ali's brother Robin joins him for a poignant rendition of the Campbell boys' childhood favourite, Devoted To You by the Everly Brothers. "There was no compromise," says Ali of Running Free and the sense of freedom he enjoyed during recording. "I was in control. I was as happy as a pig in shit, working with my heroes. In fact, I haven't been this excited about a record since Labour Of Love." Ali Campbell Running Free - album release October 1st Hold Me Tight -- single release September 24th Running Free Track Listing 1. Hold Me Tight 2. I'll Be Standing By feat. Lemar 3. Running Free feat. Beverley Knight 4. Cold Around My Heart 5. Don't Try This At Home feat. Katie Melua 6. Would I Lie To You feat. Bitty McLean 7. Hallelujah Time feat. Smokey Robinson & Stevie Wonder 8. Don't Go 9. I Want One Of Those 10. Being With You feat. Mick Hucknall 11. Village Ghetto Land feat. Aston Barrett, Ernest Ranglin & Don Yute 12. Devoted To You feat. Robin Campbell http://www.alicampbell.net/

Danielle Todd sings Loving Angels for Kenny MacLean.wmv
I met Kenny very briefly at the Black Swan in Toronto Wednesday November 12th. I was playing the open mic night, and since i had never been there before I had no idea what to expect. So, I decided to jump up with my guitar and wing it. The entire bar was watching me, but one man really stood out. He walked from the back of the bar and plopped himself down directly infront of me. I knew right away that he was listening, and that he was a musician. I was a little intimidated at first but he gave me a big smile so I kept playing. At the end of my set I was getting my guitar ready to bring home when the organizers of the open mic night said "Oh, no, you were going to let us borrow your guitar." my reaction was "Sorry, I'm doing what now?" at first I was a little irritated because a) I had no idea WHO was borrowing my guitar and b) I am a little possesive when it comes to my guitar. Then a heard a voice behind me say "Danielle?" I turned around and sure enough it was the man sitting infront of me. he reached out his hand for me to shake, gave me a big smile and said "I'm Kenny. Nice to meet you, you have a beautiful voice. Would I be able to borrow your guitar for just one song?" Now really, how could I ever say no to that. I sat down infront of him and watched as he set up. The first chord rang and I let out a sigh of relief. He knew how to play, and he knew how to make my guitar sound beautiful. He shone like a star on that worn out stage. I sat there smiling as he sang a bunch of songs, "Ring of Fire" and "Wild World" and a few others. Between songs, over the mic, he said "what a beautiful young talented girl. I'm in love!" then asked me if I wrote my own material, and asked everyone in the bar to give me a round of applause. I was blushing. At the end of his set he talked to my dad and my dads girlfriend, Janice, and told him who he was. If I remember correctly Janice found it hard "not to do kart wheels" because they were so excited about who I ran into. Kenny really wanted me to call him right after his CD release on November 21st. He wanted to help me develop my sound, and further my career as a musician. I was so excited, I finally had someone, a very IMPORTANT someone wanting to help me and my music. As we left the bar Kenny was standing outside. He gave me his personal card and his business card and said "I'm very serious. I really want to help you." Then it was almost hard for ME not to do kart wheels. A man asked us for a pictures. So I stood beside Kenny with his arm around me, and my dad and Janice on either side of us and the man took our picture. Kenny said "I gotta run! I'll hear from you soon!" then jumped off the sidewalk onto the road and jogged to his car. As I watched him drive away the man said "Stick with Kenny, he is amazing. You will go far with him, he's a great guy." I was beaming as I got into the car to drive home. Since I expected to write many songs, perform them and record them with Kenny I forgot to ask that man for a copy of the picture. As we drove home I talked to my dad and Janice about the night. I remember saying "Wow, he must be a really great man. Why would someone so important, and so busy, want to help the little guys like me?" I waited like he asked to contact him after his CD release party. I discussed with Janice if I should write him a letter, or send him my promo pak or give him a call on Saturday. The day after his release party. The next day I came online and got an e-mail from my friend asking if it was the bass player of Platinum Blonde who was going to help me, because he had passed away, and she sent me a link to the news article. I clicked on the article saying out loud "Please don't be Kenny. Please don't be Kenny. Please don't be Kenny." I read the article a million times over because I couldn't believe it. I also couldn't believe how devastated I was. I only knew Kenny for an hour at most, but I was so touched by his presence, and his attitude and how much he really wanted to help me. I called my dad, my mom, Janice, my best friend, and told each of them. Everytime I told a new person I still couldn't believe what I was saying. I wanted to do something, but since I knew so little about him, I had no idea what to do. My dad recorded me playing this song, and Janice did the video taping. They pulled all nighters to get this together quickly to put it online for Kenny. I know that we didn't get a chance to get to know eachother better. But I knew that he was a great man, and I am honoured that I got to spend the little time that I did with him. I will never forget him. This is for you Kenny.

Test For Old Kids
This is an email forward that I received. It's a lot of fun. Here are the questions: 01. After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, who was that masked man? Invariably, someone would answer, I don't know, but he left this behind. What did he leave behind?________________. 02. When the Beatles first came to the U.S. In early 1964, we all watched them on The _______________ Show. 03. "Get your kicks, ___________________." 04. "The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed___________________." 05. "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ________________." 06. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we "danced" under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the "_____________." 07. "N_E_S_T_L_E_S", Nestle's makes the very best....... _______________." 08. Satchmo was America's "Ambassador of Goodwill." Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was _________________. 09. What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? _______________. 10. Red Skelton's hobo character was named __________________ and Red always ended his television show by saying, "Good Night, and "________ ________". 11. Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their______________. 12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW . What other names did it go by? ____________ & _______________. 13. In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, "the day the mus IC died."This was a tribute to ___________________. 14. We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called ________________ 15. One of the big fads of the late 50's and 60's was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the ________________. ANSWERS!!!! 01. The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet. 02. The Ed Sullivan Show 03. On Route 66 04. To protect the innocent. 05. The Lion Sleeps Tonight 06. The limbo 07. Chocolate 08. Louis Armstrong 09. The Timex watch 10. Freddy, The Freeloader, and "Good Night, and may God Bless." 11. Draft cards (Bras were also burned.) 12. Beetle or Bug 13. Buddy Holly 14. Sputnik 15. Hoola-hoop

UB40 Red Red Wine 1983
UB40's Lead Singer Releases Solo Album Running Free, the new album from UB40's frontman Ali Campbell, is a reggae-soul-pop tour de force. It features The World's Greatest Rhythm Section, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, collaborations with some legendary singers and musicians, several sublime cover versions, and the unique voice and songwriting excellence of Mr Red Red Wine himself. With so many famous names on the record, and so many great songs, both originals and covers, Running Free, only Ali's second solo album (the follow-up to 1995's Big Love), is bound to dominate the airwaves on its release. There will even be a duet concert next year at the Royal Albert Hall guest-starring the various singers who appeared on the album, while every one of the artists has been filmed for a special 'Making Of' documentary for TV broadcast later this year. Talking of Red Red Wine, Running Free is the natural successor to UB40's best-loved album, the appropriately titled Labour Of Love, on which Birmingham's finest covered songs by their musical idols in their own inimitable style. On Running Free, Ali goes one better by inviting his musical idols to sing with him. "They were a joy to work with," says Ali of his team-ups with soul icon Smokey Robinson and reggae giants Aston "Family Man" Barrett and Ernest Ranglin. It's not surprising that Ali is so enthused: "This is a classic party record with great people on it," he says. "And it's a bunch of great songs." True enough, every track on Running Free has something to offer, whether it's partnerships with some of music's all-time greats or collaborations with no less talented though relative newcomers from all areas of the contemporary music scene such as Mick Hucknall, Bitty McLean, Beverley Knight, Lemar and Katie Melua. And each track, recorded at Jamaica's Anchor studio and Eden in West London, is filled with melodic delights. There's the version of Johnny Nash's 1968 Top 5 hit, Hold Me Tight, whose infectious skank has already been wowing audiences across Europe. I'll Be Standing By, a cover of the Al Green song, features guest vocals from Lemar and is another superb example of lilting Lovers Rock, the contrast between the sweet vocals and tuff beats, plus the solid rhythms and crystalline production, making this one of many contenders for single release on Running Free. The title track, a faster-paced original composition, is a duet with UK soul diva Beverley Knight, and the male/female vocals work superbly well together. There are other boy-girl duets on Running Free: Cold Around My Heart is an original tune with a swooping, elegant melody. Don't Try This At Home, another original song, this one featuring Katie Melua, could also easily be lifted off the album for single release, with its infectious rhythm and pretty chord sequence. Then the men get a chance to shine. On Would I Lie To You, Bitty McLean, a former tape op at UB40's Dep International studios, helps turn the Charles & Eddie song, one of the most-admired latterday soul tunes, into a beautiful slice of lilting reggae. Hallelujah Time, the Bob Marley song, is no less than a Motown summit meeting, featuring as it does vocal contributions from Smokey Robinson and awaiting a vocal addition from Stevie Wonder . Don't Go, a version of the Drifters song that he's always wanted to cover, features Ali solo he even does the basso profundo "don't go's"! It's another great party tune. I Want One Of Those is another original composition, and shows Ali soaring gracefully over the melody. There's a version of Smokey's 1981 Number 1 smash, Being With You, this time with Mick Hucknall on the mic. Brave are the men who tackle Stevie's vintage Village Ghetto Land ¬ step forward, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Ernest Ranglin and Don Yute, with extra toasting from the studio engineer's kids as Ali's social conscience shines through. Finally, Ali's brother Robin joins him for a poignant rendition of the Campbell boys' childhood favourite, Devoted To You by the Everly Brothers. "There was no compromise," says Ali of Running Free and the sense of freedom he enjoyed during recording. "I was in control. I was as happy as a pig in shit, working with my heroes. In fact, I haven't been this excited about a record since Labour Of Love." Ali Campbell Running Free - album release October 1st Hold Me Tight -- single release September 24th Running Free Track Listing 1. Hold Me Tight 2. I'll Be Standing By feat. Lemar 3. Running Free feat. Beverley Knight 4. Cold Around My Heart 5. Don't Try This At Home feat. Katie Melua 6. Would I Lie To You feat. Bitty McLean 7. Hallelujah Time feat. Smokey Robinson & Stevie Wonder 8. Don't Go 9. I Want One Of Those 10. Being With You feat. Mick Hucknall 11. Village Ghetto Land feat. Aston Barrett, Ernest Ranglin & Don Yute 12. Devoted To You feat. Robin Campbell http://www.alicampbell.net/

UB40 Higher Ground 1993
UB40's Lead Singer Releases Solo Album Running Free, the new album from UB40's frontman Ali Campbell, is a reggae-soul-pop tour de force. It features The World's Greatest Rhythm Section, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, collaborations with some legendary singers and musicians, several sublime cover versions, and the unique voice and songwriting excellence of Mr Red Red Wine himself. With so many famous names on the record, and so many great songs, both originals and covers, Running Free, only Ali's second solo album (the follow-up to 1995's Big Love), is bound to dominate the airwaves on its release. There will even be a duet concert next year at the Royal Albert Hall guest-starring the various singers who appeared on the album, while every one of the artists has been filmed for a special 'Making Of' documentary for TV broadcast later this year. Talking of Red Red Wine, Running Free is the natural successor to UB40's best-loved album, the appropriately titled Labour Of Love, on which Birmingham's finest covered songs by their musical idols in their own inimitable style. On Running Free, Ali goes one better by inviting his musical idols to sing with him. "They were a joy to work with," says Ali of his team-ups with soul icon Smokey Robinson and reggae giants Aston "Family Man" Barrett and Ernest Ranglin. It's not surprising that Ali is so enthused: "This is a classic party record with great people on it," he says. "And it's a bunch of great songs." True enough, every track on Running Free has something to offer, whether it's partnerships with some of music's all-time greats or collaborations with no less talented though relative newcomers from all areas of the contemporary music scene such as Mick Hucknall, Bitty McLean, Beverley Knight, Lemar and Katie Melua. And each track, recorded at Jamaica's Anchor studio and Eden in West London, is filled with melodic delights. There's the version of Johnny Nash's 1968 Top 5 hit, Hold Me Tight, whose infectious skank has already been wowing audiences across Europe. I'll Be Standing By, a cover of the Al Green song, features guest vocals from Lemar and is another superb example of lilting Lovers Rock, the contrast between the sweet vocals and tuff beats, plus the solid rhythms and crystalline production, making this one of many contenders for single release on Running Free. The title track, a faster-paced original composition, is a duet with UK soul diva Beverley Knight, and the male/female vocals work superbly well together. There are other boy-girl duets on Running Free: Cold Around My Heart is an original tune with a swooping, elegant melody. Don't Try This At Home, another original song, this one featuring Katie Melua, could also easily be lifted off the album for single release, with its infectious rhythm and pretty chord sequence. Then the men get a chance to shine. On Would I Lie To You, Bitty McLean, a former tape op at UB40's Dep International studios, helps turn the Charles & Eddie song, one of the most-admired latterday soul tunes, into a beautiful slice of lilting reggae. Hallelujah Time, the Bob Marley song, is no less than a Motown summit meeting, featuring as it does vocal contributions from Smokey Robinson and awaiting a vocal addition from Stevie Wonder . Don't Go, a version of the Drifters song that he's always wanted to cover, features Ali solo he even does the basso profundo "don't go's"! It's another great party tune. I Want One Of Those is another original composition, and shows Ali soaring gracefully over the melody. There's a version of Smokey's 1981 Number 1 smash, Being With You, this time with Mick Hucknall on the mic. Brave are the men who tackle Stevie's vintage Village Ghetto Land ¬ step forward, Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Ernest Ranglin and Don Yute, with extra toasting from the studio engineer's kids as Ali's social conscience shines through. Finally, Ali's brother Robin joins him for a poignant rendition of the Campbell boys' childhood favourite, Devoted To You by the Everly Brothers. "There was no compromise," says Ali of Running Free and the sense of freedom he enjoyed during recording. "I was in control. I was as happy as a pig in shit, working with my heroes. In fact, I haven't been this excited about a record since Labour Of Love." Ali Campbell Running Free - album release October 1st Hold Me Tight -- single release September 24th Running Free Track Listing 1. Hold Me Tight 2. I'll Be Standing By feat. Lemar 3. Running Free feat. Beverley Knight 4. Cold Around My Heart 5. Don't Try This At Home feat. Katie Melua 6. Would I Lie To You feat. Bitty McLean 7. Hallelujah Time feat. Smokey Robinson & Stevie Wonder 8. Don't Go 9. I Want One Of Those 10. Being With You feat. Mick Hucknall 11. Village Ghetto Land feat. Aston Barrett, Ernest Ranglin & Don Yute 12. Devoted To You feat. Robin Campbell http://www.alicampbell.net/