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Apple Johnny (song)

from Crossing Paths with Johnny Appleseed by Jim Novak

/

lyrics

TRACK TWO, SONG: “APPLE JOHNNY”

APPLE JOHNNY Jim Novak, 2020

John Chapman, “He lived for others,”
That is carved upon his stone
But along the Ohio up to the Mid-West
He paddled and hiked alone…..
He was welcome in settlers’ cabins,
Knew the names of the wives and kids
Brought medicinal plants from the woods and meadows,
Brought ‘em news of what Jesus did.
Apple Johnny hey, Apple Johnny ho
Paddling his canoe on down the Ohio
Apple Johnny ho, Apple Johnny hey
A cloud of apple blossoms on a fine spring day

He had one job above all others
Planting apple trees from seeds
Establishing claims to wild land with nurseries,
Meeting the homesteaders’ needs…..
But John would not graft his apples
He’d plant root stock and move on
His apples were small and so sour you’d spit ‘em
But folks loved Apple John.
Apple Johnny hey, Apple Johnny ho
Paddling his canoe on down the Ohio
Apple Johnny ho, Apple Johnny hey
The scent of apple blossoms on a fine spring day

So the settlers would graft their Pippins,
Grimes & Rome, so delicious,
They’d make good hard cider, tip their hats and their hogsheads
To the frontier’s Dionysius.
Johnny Appleseed, Johnny Appleseed,
Jesus is The Great Provider, but Johnny brought ‘em good hard cider!
Plant more apple trees, Johnny Appleseed!
Apple Johnny hey, Apple Johnny ho
The most peculiar man along the Ohio
Apple Johnny ho, Apple Johnny hi
Apples fall to earth beneath the autumn sky
Johnny Appleseed, Johnny Appleseed,
All his apples gnarled and small but he’s a hero to them all
Such a hearty breed, Johnny Appleseed
John Chapman, “He lived for others,” (etc)

credits

from Crossing Paths with Johnny Appleseed, released April 20, 2021

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about

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Jim Novak Ann Arbor, Michigan

Now work-shopping these Appleseed songs and stories into a one-man show. Singer-songwriter from Ann Arbor. Host of “Songwriters Open Mic” for over 25 years. Producer and videographer of half-hour TV programs, “Songwriters Open Mic Ann Arbor,” broadcast weekly from1996 to present (recent episodes on youtube). Former college teacher, program advisor, instructional designer for adult learners. ... more

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