The Calliope
The calliope (not to be confused with the carousel organ) in the form we know it today is an American invention, (in 1855) and the original and those made for the next half-century use live steam to blow the whistles. Live steam presents many hazards and problems which encouraged the development in the early 1900's of the safer and easily-portable air calliope for use by circus sideshows and sometimes with the circus bands, carnival midways, or by anyone wanting to promote an event or advertise a product by attracting attention.
The most successful builder of air calliopes was a colorful and controversial character named Norman Baker, who named his 43-note instrument the "Calliaphone" and produced them under the company name "Tangley." Authorities 'guesstimate' that between 1914 and the early 1930's one and two thousand of them were built in his factory in Muscatine, Iowa. Most models could be played by special 10-tune player piano paper music rolls, the same variety that were used in the many nickel-in-the-slot saloon pianos of the era, thus eliminating the need for a musician at the keyboard.
A Ringling sideshow probably was the first operator of this one after it left the factory in the late 1920's; images of both the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey logo and their famed clown Lou Jacob are etched into the sides of the metal case. It had at least four owners before re Marion and Harvey Roehl acquired it in 1982 for their collection of automatic music machines, and by that time it was a wreck that required total restoration.
Steam Calliope Lore
Who among us old enough to have seen a circus parade down the main street of our own home town will ever forget the belching black smoke and the fireman shoveling coal as fast as he could to maintain a hot fire to keep up the steam pressure in the boiler, the steam blasting forth from all those big brass whistles as the artist at the keyboard did his best to drench our ears with the colorful music of the circus? And all of this on a heavy and colorful horse drawn wagon adorned with magnificent wood carvings depicting mythological figures such as musically-inclined cupids and fire breathing dragons!
The calliope could be heard all over town, and the wagon was always the last in the parade - to make certain that the kids of all ages in town would follow it to the big tent on the circus ground. In the waning years of the 20th Century there can be fond memories of this kind of traveling entertainment, but real steam calliopes remain as museum pieces played on special occasions, cared for by circus buffs who can never hear enough of their joyful sounds.
Circus folk pronounce it "kally-ope" and others say "cal-eye-opee." River boat people, for example. Calliopes were ideal for the paddle-wheel steamers that plied America's inland waterways bringing entertainment to the towns along the rivers, for steam was right at hand from the same boilers that made it for the vessel's powerful engines. It was a simple matter for the entertainment companies on these vessels to let the folks in the next town hear them coming - just let the keyboard maestro loose and his musical talents would be heard for miles ahead.
The steam calliope is uniquely American both in origin and use. Jo Joshua Stoddard of Worcester, Massachusetts, patented his "Steam Piano" in 1855 and since then the country has never been quiet!
Cheer Up
Bob and Cathy Gibbons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cheer up my momma too, lord
Cheer up my father, let me say
I know it won't be long
That change has got to come
That change has got to come
And I know that it won't be long
If we unite then we will be free (we will be free)
So strong, so strong, come I want you to
Cheer up my (brothers) my sisters
(Cheer up my sisters) let me say
Cheer up my my my momma too, lord
Cheer up my father
Let me say, we've been down in captivity (captivity)
So long, so long
We unite we will be free (we will be free)
So strong, so strong
Cheer up my my my my my my brother
(Cheer up my sister) cheer up my sisters
(Cheer up my momma) my momma too lord
(Cheer up my) my father
And I, I, I
The lyrics of Bob and Cathy Gibbons's song "Cheer Up" convey a message of hope, encouragement, and unity. The repeated calls to cheer up various family members - brothers, sisters, momma, and father - suggest a sense of solidarity and support within a community facing adversity. The singer acknowledges the challenges and struggles they have been enduring for a long time, possibly referencing societal oppression or personal hardships. Despite this, there is a firm belief that change is inevitable and on the horizon. The repetition of "That change has got to come" emphasizes the expectation and certainty of positive transformation.
The reference to being "down in captivity so long" could symbolize a feeling of being restrained or constrained by external forces, whether it be political, social, or personal circumstances. The call for unity among the community members echoes the idea that collective strength and collaboration are necessary to overcome obstacles and achieve freedom. The repeated declaration that when united, "we will be free, so strong" implies a strong sense of empowerment and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The urgency in the lyrics, with the insistence that change is imminent and the repeated calls to cheer up, suggest a sense of urgency and determination. The repetition of phrases such as "Cheer up my my my, my brother," "Cheer up my sisters," and "Cheer up my momma" further emphasizes the importance of supporting and uplifting one another during trying times. The familial imagery used throughout the song adds a personal touch to the message of hope and resilience, reminding listeners of the importance of family and community bonds in times of struggle.
Overall, "Cheer Up" by Bob and Cathy Gibbons is a song that serves as a rallying cry for resilience, unity, and hope. It encourages listeners to stay positive, to support one another, and to believe in the inevitability of positive change. The lyrics serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for hope and a brighter future, particularly when people come together in solidarity.
Line by Line Meaning
Cheer up my brothers, cheer up my sisters
Encouraging and offering support to fellow individuals, promoting unity and solidarity.
Cheer up my momma too, lord
Providing comfort and reassurance to a loved one, acknowledging the challenges they may be facing.
Cheer up my father, let me say
Expressing empathy and understanding towards a paternal figure, offering words of encouragement.
I know it won't be long
Believing in the inevitability of positive change, staying hopeful for a better future.
That change has got to come
Affirming the necessity of transformation and progress, recognizing the need for improvement.
And I know that it won't be long
Maintaining faith and optimism in the face of adversity, anticipating swift and positive developments.
We've been down in captivity (captivity) so long, so long
Acknowledging a prolonged period of confinement or restriction, highlighting the enduring struggle for freedom.
If we unite then we will be free (we will be free)
Emphasizing the power of solidarity and collaboration in overcoming challenges, leading to liberation and empowerment.
So strong, so strong, come I want you to
Encouraging resilience and determination, urging others to display strength and fortitude in the face of difficulties.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Bob Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
KLinnC
It’s so hard, but I think it’s great that you are educating your child about 9/11.
My daughter’s birthday is on 9/11. That morning I was finishing up the details of my daughter’s 10th birthday party that was the coming Saturday, while watching a live news broadcast like I did every morning. As I was watching tv I saw the planes hit the towers in real time. When I saw the first one hit I, like everyone else thought it was a tragic accident, but when I saw the next plane come into view knowing it was going to purposely hit the second tower something came over me. I don’t really know how to describe it. I felt like I was in a fog. Everything I needed to do for that party left me. I just sat on my couch for hours watching the coverage and feeling like what was happening wasn’t real even though I knew it was.
That night my family and I didn’t even eat dinner. None of us were hungry. We all felt sick to our stomachs. We just sat in front of the tv, crying and trying to make sense of what we were witnessing.
The next day she came to us and said she decided to cancel her party because she didn’t feel right having a party when so many people were suffering.
I hope my little story of that day helps give your child a bit more perspective on the emotional and physical toll that attack had on us all.
😊
Jake Allonar
Hey everybody, the original uploader of this clip has posted the full 60-minute copy of this entire broadcast as it happens. Right below this link where you can view it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h1wDjMwkOA
Brett Daniel Roberts
Unlike everybody else I don't recognize 9/11 Like everybody else does because I just see it as another day, I don't see it as a bad day or a good day I just see it as another day goes by nothing new about it
gittravolta
Why is that brettdanielroberts4432?
Ah Jodie
Thank you.
otterpoet
Hearing the audience's shock and fear really brings it back. Regis' professionalism was remarkable.
M SC
You could have crashed a plane into him and he would have continued
Walter Fields
Well said 👏🏾
Scott Plumer
I always thought of him as kind of a goofball, but you're right.
FLo
@M SC
Don't know how to take your comment!!? Was it meant to be "negative" about Regis?? If so, I think he was just shocked.
Nothing Else.
lacountess
I was frustrated with him constantly trying to go back to the show while Kelly wouldn’t let him. Good thing she didn’t because talking about child inventors and comedy skits would have been totally bonkers in that situation.