Marion Parsons’ Songbook
Welcome to my songbook! I am an amateur singer-songwriter with a collection of songs that are deeply influenced by traditional folk music. Many of my songs are based on true stories, with a special emphasis on Canadian history and women’s history.
Introduction
Lyrics, chords, MP3s, and background information for the original songs of Canadian folk songwriter Marion Parsons.
If you are new to this site or to my work, I suggest that you start with some of these. They are personal favourites and/or the ones that have gotten the most positive feedback from others.
If you’re looking for a specific song:
Click on Songs (alphabetical) for a list of titles; this page also has a brief synopsis of each song’s topic, in case you have a song in mind but don’t know the title.
If you want to browse for something new to you:
Click on Songs by topic to see the titles categorized by subject; you will also find the list of my most recommended songs.
Biography
I am originally from Perth, Ontario, and now live in Toronto. As a child I studied classical piano; I discovered traditional and newly composed folk music in the late 90’s, when I took up the acoustic guitar and fiddle. In 2002, songwriting became a major focus of my musical interests.
I am an active member of the Toronto Song Circle, and occasionally play out at other song circles and open mikes around Toronto. I am performing on an occasional basis right now, but have had the opportunity to perform at Black Creek Pioneer Village (Celtic and Christmas festivals), the Stewart Park Festival, a couple of Songwriters Unite showcases, and the Downhome Tuesdays series at the Silver Dollar. I have also played in recent years at many nursing homes around Toronto and on many street corners around North America.
Anne of Three Minutes is my first venture into the studio; my goal is to record a full length CD for general release in 2010 or 2011.
When not writing, playing, or listening to music, I work as a registered nurse in neonatal intensive care.
Photo information
Copyright/Royalty Information
I am making these songs available in the hopes that other singers will choose to include them in their repertoires. My songs can be performed in any public or private venue without fee or the need to seek permission, and I encourage you to do so. Lyrics and chords can be printed out and copied for personal use (i.e. to add to your notebook or share with your friends).
If you wish to include one of my songs in a commercial recording, or include the lyrics in a published document, please contact me regarding mechanical royalties.
All lyrics, original melodies, and studio recordings on this site are copyright and self-published. My performance rights are administered by SOCAN in Canada and ASCAP in the USA. Studio recordings have an assigned ISRC code and are registered with BDS to track airplay.
Except where I’ve noted otherwise, the photos on this site are images that have been put in the public domain by the photographers and indexed at “stock photo” websites.
Photo by Etienne P. Tache
Quotes
"Marion seems to be walking about with the geography and history of a continent sloshing about in her head in a fine bubbling brew, and what comes out is a delight. There’s a breadth of vision here which is quite different from your average recent song about a bit of history, probably because these songs are about people, not events." Greg Stephens, The Boat Band, England
"I am struck with how she can see into the hearts of regular folks in their extraordinary lives." Rex Rideout, Time Travel Music, Colorado
"Marion, apart from being a cheerful, and thoroughly agreeable person, has a rare gift for narrative verse--her lyrics are pointed and terse, but rich in meaning, and she never compromises her purpose, which is to tell a clear and compelling story--If you haven’t checked them out--you should." Ted Boucher, lyricist/composer/playwright, Maryland
Top Ten Songs
