Luang Prabang (song)

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"Luang Prabang" is a song written by Dave Van Ronk, originally recorded by Patrick Sky for his album Songs That Made America Famous (finally released in 1973). Van Ronk recorded a version himself for Going Back To Brooklyn in 1985. It is named for the city Luang Prabang in Laos. It is one of the few songs Van Ronk wrote himself. [1] Patrick Sky discussed at a concert how Van Ronk was supposed to appear on the album but for some reason did not. [2] At this concert in 1973, Sky and Van Ronk performed the song together.

The song is based on the tune "Byker Hill", but with lyrics about the Vietnam War, and a refrain at the end of each verse of the song "now I'm a fuckin' hero".

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References

  1. "FAME Review: Dave van Ronk - Going Back to Brooklyn". Acousticmusic.com.
  2. WBAI Free Music Store New York concert, 4-21-73