After time in the Army Reserves, Paxton moved to New York City where he frequented the city's Greenwich Village coffeehouse circuit. His early success in Greenwich Village coffeehouses led to an ever-increasing circle of work. He made his professional debut at the Gaslight, the renowned folk haunt that also issued the singer's first album. In 1962 Gaslight Records would press 2,000 copies of his debut album, I'm The Man Who Built The Bridges.
Paxton also auditioned to join the Chad Mitchell Trio, but although he failed, the group enjoyed a 1963 hit with "The Marvelous Toy," one of Paxton's early songs. Paxton performed at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival, a performance that would be recorded-and released-by Vanguard Records. Paxton would go on to record a second album with Vanguard-at the Newport Folk Festival the following year - but his association with that record company lapsed, and it would not be until the year 2000 that Vanguard once again released a Tom Paxton album, Tom Paxton: Best of the Vanguard Years. In 1964 Paxton was signed to Elektra Records for whom he recorded his best-known work. Then in 1965 he made his first tour of the United Kingdom - the beginning of a still-thriving professional relationship that has included at least one tour in each of the succeeding years.
He and his wife Midge have been married since 1963 and have two daughters, Jennifer and Kate. All three women have served as inspiration for many of Paxton's songs. He now has three grandsons, Christopher, Sean, and Peter.
In addition to songwriting, Tom Paxton has written many critically acclaimed children's books, some of which were inspired by his songs for children.
He has performed thousands of concerts around the world in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Scandinavia, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, England, Scotland, Ireland and Canada. Paxton enjoys a strong relationship with fans throughout the world. His songs have experienced enduring appeal, including modern standards such as "The Last Thing on My Mind" (perhaps Paxton's best-known song, it has been recorded by dozens of artists, including Judy Collins, Sandy Denny, Dolly Parton, and Porter Wagoner), "Ramblin' Boy", "Bottle of Wine", "Whose Garden Was This", "The Marvelous Toy", and "The Hostage" (which recounts the 1971 uprising at Attica State Prison).
In February 2002, Tom Paxton was honored with the ASCAP Lifetime Achievement Award in Folk Music. A few days later, he received three Wammies (Washington, DC, Area Music Awards); as Best Male Vocalist in the "traditional folk" and "children's music" categories, and for Best Traditional Folk Recording of the Year for Under American Skies (the duo album he made with Anne Hills in 2001). This was the first Paxton album to receive an award of any kind.
Paxton has been nominated four times for Grammy Awards in his career, all since 2002.
In 2004, the Martin Guitar Company introduced the HD-40LSH Tom Paxton Signature Edition acoustic guitar in his honor.
In 2005, Paxton received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at BBC Radio 2's Folk Awards at London's Brewery Arts Centre.
In 2006, Paxton received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance.
On January 22, 2007, Paxton was honored with an official UK Parliamentary tribute at the British House of Commons at the start of his 2007 United Kingdom tour.
On May 3, 2008, Paxton was honored with a special lifetime tribute from the World Folk Music Association, and a concert was held at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center at Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria Campus, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Ain't That News
Tom Paxton Lyrics
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About troubles that are falling behind
About people that used to be blind
Till they opened up their eyes to see
It's news, when they begin to ask why
They're poor until the day that they die
They're tired of the pie in the sky
And they want some security
And that's news, news, ain't that news?
Ain't that something to see?
News, news, you talk about your news
It's mighty good news to me
I've got news about some ordinary men
They heard it preached time and again
To be patient and grateful, amen
And "Don't agitate around here"
They argued and they talked it around
And they woke up and here's what they found
Their voices made a mighty big sound
Till they didn't know the meaning of fear
And that's news, news, ain't that news?
Ain't that something to see?
News, news, you talk about your news
It's mighty good news to me
In a hazard they're meeting at night
Organizing, and doing it right
And planning for a hell of a fight
And they sure don't aim to lose
In New York the tenants said no
The slumlord ain't getting our dough
They're fed up and I want you to know
That's the very best kind of news
And that's news, news, ain't that news?
Ain't that something to see?
News, news, you talk about your news
It's mighty good news to me
That's news, news, ain't that news?
Ain't that something to see?
News, news, you talk about your news
It's mighty good news to me
The lyrics of Tom Paxton's song "Ain't That News" speak of the power of people coming together and fighting against systemic issues. The opening line of the first verse sets the tone for the song, as the singer shares the news of the best kind - one about people overcoming their struggles. With the mentions of people who were once blind who have now opened their eyes, the message that people can empower themselves is reiterated. The second half of the verse talks about people who were tired of being poor and wanting security.
The second verse talks about ordinary men who were always told to be patient and grateful. However, they started questioning and realized that continuing to endure injustice is not the answer. They eventually banded together to fight for change, protesting until they no longer felt fear. The final verse talks about how people planned and organized to fight through hardships, such as tenants in New York who refused to give their money to slumlords.
Overall, the lyrics in "Ain't That News" showcase the power of people when they unite against systemic issues. It highlights the importance of standing up for what is right and how change can happen when people are supportive of each other.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got news of the very best kind
I have information that is exceptional and remarkable.
About troubles that are falling behind
The issues that have been troubling us are finally disappearing.
About people that used to be blind
Individuals who were previously uninformed are now beginning to understand.
Till they opened up their eyes to see
Until they became aware and enlightened.
It's news when they begin to ask why
The moment they start questioning why things are the way they are, is significant news.
They're poor until the day that they die
People living in poverty their entire lives.
They're tired of the pie in the sky
Individuals are becoming frustrated with unrealistic or improbable promises.
And they want some security
They desire stability and assurance.
And that's news, news, ain't that news?
That is indeed news -- very significant news.
Ain't that something to see?
It's quite impressive to witness.
News, news, you talk about your news
This is newsworthy information that is worth discussing.
It's mighty good news to me
This is excellent news to me personally.
I've got news about some ordinary men
I have information about some regular individuals.
They heard it preached time and again
They were repeatedly told to be patient and grateful.
To be patient and grateful, amen
To wait quietly and show gratitude, as the preacher would say.
And "Don't agitate around here"
They were instructed not to cause problems or stir up trouble.
They argued and they talked it around
They discussed and debated the matter amongst themselves.
And they woke up and here's what they found
They suddenly realized something they had previously been unaware of.
Their voices made a mighty big sound
Their spoken words were powerful and influential.
Till they didn't know the meaning of fear
They became so brave that they stopped understanding what it meant to be afraid.
In a hazard they're meeting at night
They are gathering clandestinely in dangerous and risky situations.
Organizing, and doing it right
They are making arrangements and taking appropriate steps to achieve their goals.
And planning for a hell of a fight
They are preparing for a substantial and arduous battle.
And they sure don't aim to lose
They are determined to win and will not settle for defeat.
In New York the tenants said no
In New York, the renters refused to comply with their landlord's demands.
The slumlord ain't getting our dough
The landlord who owns a run-down building will not receive their rent money.
They're fed up and I want you to know
They are entirely frustrated, and I want to stress that fact.
That's the very best kind of news
This is the most favorable sort of information.
Contributed by Adalyn D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.