Maverick phrases

[Andrew DeMarco]

Hello. I have always noticed recurring lines or lyrics in songs (the first to strike me is "peaches in the summertime, apples in the fall...").

I have recently come to learn that these are called "maverick phrases" or "floating lyrics."

What are some others? Who originally recorded them? Are their origins known?

[Jim Broyles]

Going up the mountain, sow a little cane...
If I had a needle and thread, fine as I could sew...

[F5GRun]

Goin down the road feelin bad?

[minnedolin]

"If the river(sea) was whiskey and I was a duck, I'd swim down to the bottom, [i'd] never come back up...." I've heard that one countless times ala Tim O'brien, Chris Thile(How to Grow a Woman...) and Joy Kills Sorrow. As for who wrote those 'floating lyrics' that are incorporated in Shady Grove, your guess is as good as mine (probably better) Some old mountain fiddle tune, early 20th century maybe? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif