The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Camptown Races
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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Oh I'll go back home with my pocket full of tin oh doo-dah day
Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.
Well, the Camptown ladies sing this song doodah doodah
Ah the Camptown race track's five miles long oh doo-dah day
Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's version of Camptown Races is a joyful, upbeat rendition of Stephen Foster's classic song. The lyrics describe a day at the Camptown race track, where various characters are gambling on the horses. The singer came to the track with an empty hat, but is hoping to leave with a pocket full of winnings. The singer expresses confidence in his pick for the race, betting on the "bobtail nag" and daring others to bet against him.
Meanwhile, the Camptown ladies are singing their own tune about the races and the excitement of the day. The race track itself is described as five miles long, which adds to the impression of a long day of betting and tension. Despite the high stakes, the overall tone of the song remains light and playful.
Overall, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's take on Camptown Races is a toe-tapping tribute to the joys of gambling and competition. The lyrics are full of energy and humor, making it easy to see why the song has remained so popular for over a century.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I came down there with my hat caved in
I arrived in a state of exhaustion and defeat, as if my hat had been crumpled on my journey.
Oh I'll go back home with my pocket full of tin oh doo-dah day
However, I am confident that I will return home with a great sum of money in my pockets.
Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
I am prepared to run tirelessly throughout the day and night in this race.
I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.
I am confident in the abilities of my chosen horse, the bobtail nag, and I am willing to wager my money against someone else's bet on the bay horse.
Well, the Camptown ladies sing this song doodah doodah
The women of Camptown are known for singing this particular tune, the lyrics of which I now recall.
Ah the Camptown race track's five miles long oh doo-dah day
The race track in Camptown covers a distance of five miles, a considerable feat for any horse and rider.
Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
Once again, I reaffirm my commitment to running all day and night in the race.
I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.
As before, I stand by my confidence in the bobtail nag and am willing to bet against anyone who chooses to wager on the bay horse.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: STEPHEN FOSTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind