By the mid 1860's, the 'Billiard Craze' was sweeping the nation, with new State Championships and Champions being born every year. European All-Stars like Vignaux were actively touring the country, showing the Americans what they had been missing out on. And just like today, when something became popular, people wrote songs about it.
Below are two billiard-themed pieces of music that were originally published in 1869, long before records, tapes and radio, so it's very likely that no human alive today has ever heard these songs performed. Until now...
Brought back to life over 150 years later:
"The Brunswick Polka"
Written for and dedicated to company founder J.M. Brunswick.
Click here to listen (mp3)
"Billiards on the Brain"
This is a re-published version from 1875. Sing along with the lyrics below!
Click here to listen (mp3)
The song starts with the chorus (typed below), then the 'slow' part is where the individual verse goes, then it ends with the chorus. (or repeats with the next verse)
For a good laugh, check out the ladies version.
Chorus:
The balls go rolling round the table in this little game,
It matters not which ball you hit, the count is still the same.
We take our cues and chalk them up, and carom on the red,
But very oft we make a scratch and hit the white instead.
Performed and recorded by Stephanie Coates. Thank You Stephanie!
Below are two billiard-themed pieces of music that were originally published in 1869, long before records, tapes and radio, so it's very likely that no human alive today has ever heard these songs performed. Until now...
Brought back to life over 150 years later:
"The Brunswick Polka"
Written for and dedicated to company founder J.M. Brunswick.
Click here to listen (mp3)
"Billiards on the Brain"
This is a re-published version from 1875. Sing along with the lyrics below!
Click here to listen (mp3)
The song starts with the chorus (typed below), then the 'slow' part is where the individual verse goes, then it ends with the chorus. (or repeats with the next verse)
For a good laugh, check out the ladies version.
Chorus:
The balls go rolling round the table in this little game,
It matters not which ball you hit, the count is still the same.
We take our cues and chalk them up, and carom on the red,
But very oft we make a scratch and hit the white instead.
Performed and recorded by Stephanie Coates. Thank You Stephanie!
