Introduction – The MTA Song and its Origins
This episode primarily deals with “The MTA Song,” also known as “Charlie on the MTA.” It describes the story of a man who rides the Boston subway system forever because he can’t afford the exit fare. The song is one of the latest variants of a song that has existed since the mid-19th century. The previous versions of the song also deal with modes of transportation. During the course of the episode, we’ll talk about the political intricacies of Charlie’s plight and the origins of popular country music.
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Musical Excerpts
Barleycorn
“Charlie on the M.T.A”
https://youtu.be/aKKZkXi934M?si=CsQTHTz67Oo_1Pkf
The Kingston Trio
“M.T.A.”
https://youtu.be/S7Jw_v3F_Q0?si=kli_gZgigjBUydPd
The Almanac Singers
“Which Side Are You On”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J_CMKnrLWQ
Propellerheads feat. Shirley Bassey
“History Repeating”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nC2pgcagyRk
Tracy Newman
“M.T.A”
https://youtu.be/FdEWO5cK1jU?si=_5BysuvpEaisKIZ8
Johnny Cash
“Wreck of the Old 97”
https://youtu.be/BOeksMXBN8s?si=8SmOPPz1KzXtYMt3
Hank Snow
“Wreck of the Old 97”
https://youtu.be/u2OlrtYB-Zc?si=1KWuYH7bCcCw1yZT
Henry Whitter
“Wreck of the Old 97”
https://youtu.be/5b8fUJT_ZNA?si=mYXS4DLhdnL-BSNO
Vernon Dalhart
“Wreck of the Old 97”
https://youtu.be/hpskSAM89H0?si=TPqsDy7_Lh7o4KqL
Asa Martin & James Roberts
“The Ship that Never Returned”
https://youtu.be/cm7MZ9hb__o?si=DYIpFUP5c-Db7KvZ
The Edison Quartet
“Grandfather’s Clock”
https://youtu.be/EwR-BIu9MEk?si=mwUVc-QeEnOQ34rX
Joan Morris and the Camerata Chorus of Washington
“Poor Kitty Popcorn”
https://youtu.be/UwH_mvsDJro?si=bCxoTsn4ffknBbJq
Chestnut Brass Company and Friends
“Who Shall Rule this American Nation?”
https://youtu.be/xbqRbYAg2N4?si=Y6-ZZrWE6mTYYmcn
Reginald Mobley, Doug Balliett, and Brandon Acker
“The Ship that Never Returned”
https://youtu.be/pdNjmSzSo1g?si=ZKp3M_vIgpYSWf51