Thomas S. Allen was a songwriter and composer known for creating popular music in the early 1900s. He was born in 1876 and had a talent for writing catchy tunes that people loved to sing and dance to.
He is best known for his song Low Bridge, Everybody Down, which talks about life on the Erie Canal. This song became a favorite folk tune in the United States.
Thomas S. Allen’s music captured everyday life and made it fun through simple, joyful lyrics.
About the Song
Low Bridge tells the story of workers on the Erie Canal, focusing on the hard work and challenges faced by boatmen and mule drivers.
The song emphasizes the teamwork needed to navigate the canal and transport goods. It highlights the tough, yet important, life of those who worked on the canal, making it a symbol of perseverance.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1905 |
| Writer | Thomas S. Allen |
Complete Lyrics of Low Bridge
I’ve got an old mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She’s a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We’ve hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo
Chorus
Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we’re coming to a town
And you’ll always know your neighbor
And you’ll always know your pal
If you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal
We’d better look ’round for a job old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
‘Cause you bet your life I’d never part with Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Git up there mule, here comes a lock
We’ll make Rome ’bout six o’clock
One more trip and back we’ll go
Right back home to Buffalo
Chorus
Oh, where would I be if I lost my pal?
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
Oh, I’d like to see a mule as good as Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
A friend of mine once got her sore
Now he’s got a busted jaw,
‘Cause she let fly with her iron toe,
And kicked him in to Buffalo.
Chorus
Don’t have to call when I want my Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She trots from her stall like a good old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
I eat my meals with Sal each day
I eat beef and she eats hay
And she ain’t so slow if you want to know
She put the “Buff” in Buffalo
Chorus
Origins & History of Low Bridge
Low Bridge, also known as the Erie Canal Song, was written by Thomas S. Allen in 1905.
It was inspired by the lives of workers who operated the Erie Canal, a waterway used for transporting goods across New York.
The song became popular during the early 20th century, as it reflected the everyday struggles of canal workers.
It quickly became a part of American folk music and was passed down through generations.
Significance of the Song
The song holds a special place in American history. It represents the hardworking spirit of those who worked on the Erie Canal.
Today, it is considered a symbol of American folk music, celebrating the importance of the canal in trade and transportation.
Similar Songs Like Erie Canal
Here are some other songs that share a similar folk style and tell stories of American life and history:
- The Wabash Cannonball: Song about a famous train traveling across the American Midwest.
- The Ballad of John Henry: Traditional American folk song about the legendary figure John Henry and his battle with a steam-powered hammer.
- Clementine: Catchy folk song telling the story of a miner’s daughter named Clementine.
- This Land Is Your Land: Patriotic song by Woody Guthrie celebrating the vast beauty of America.
Similar Artist to Thomas S. Allen
These artists, like Thomas S. Allen, have made significant contributions to folk music and storytelling:
- Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
Genre: Folk, Cowboy Songs
Top Albums: Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, South Coast - Odetta
Genre: Folk, Blues, Spirituals
Top Albums: Odetta Sings Folk Songs, At the Gate of Horn - Phil Ochs
Genre: Folk, Protest Songs
Top Albums: I Ain’t Marching Anymore, Pleasures of the Harbor - Tom Paxton
Genre: Folk, Protest Songs
Top Albums: Ramblin’ Boy, The Best of Tom Paxton
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired Thomas S. Allen to Write Low Bridge?
He was inspired by the hardworking people who worked on the Erie Canal.
Is Low Bridge Still Popular Today?
Yes, it is still recognized as a classic American folk song.
Is Low Bridge the Only Song About the Erie Canal?
No, there are other songs about the Erie Canal, but this one is the most famous.
