Songs of Andi Otness

Andi L. Otness was a songwriter, guitarist, and comedienne. Between 1971 and 2002 she directed and wrote most of the material for
The Hallelujah Chorus (THC), a group that performed in Portland, Oregon. Most of that material can best be described as truly adult
humor (e.g., Waltz in G Major). In addition to her work for THC, she also composed serious songs.

Videotaped performances can now be seen on YouTube. Search for "The Hallelujah Chorus - THC"

Andi Otness performs Getting it Together, c. 1975

Her earliest surviving song, There is Silver, was innocent enough to be performed by a Junior High choir in Omaha. It shows a naive
optimism that never returns in her work--although a bittersweet consolation is found in such songs as Compromise on the Cusp. Her
themes included philosophy (What Matters), religion (A Simple Request), relationships (I Know it's Love), drugs (Liquor Store
Blues), and sex, although with a particularly feminist perspective (Drawer Full of Dildos). Her music was influenced by folk, pop,
and particularly country traditions, where conventional melodies formed a foil to her unconventional lyrics (Aging). She was a gifted
poet, as shown in a set of haikus dating from 1965 (Opus 17), and some of her songs appear to have been written simply for the joy
of wordplay (Arbuckle Flat). Others celebrate her comic view of the world (such as Herpe's Simplex--written several years before
herpes achieved the status of an epidemic). She also wrote songs that featured the performers of THC.

The Hallelujah Chorus performs No Moon Over Delaware

Although she chiefly worked alone, she sometimes collaborated with others--notably in series of songs with lyrics by John P. Lang
(including "I Wanna Spoon," "Yes I'm a Trucker," "Border of Psychosis," Country Quarrelin'," "Brand New Caruso," "Promiscuous
Kind," "Urbane Cowboy," "The Last Food Stamp," "Carnations and Cocaine," "Country Ain't what Country Used to Be," "Lying,
Cheating and Stealing," and "In the Sack") which she chose not to include on this site. One of her last songs, "Laughin'," was written
with the late Pat Murnin. It was performed at her memorial service.

The Hallelujah Chorus performs Laughin'

This site presents all known song lyrics, with music for half of them (see the YouTube site for more music). Among her more popular
and important songs are Another Five Minutes, Greyhound Bus, A Feather Floating in the Wind, Good Times, and One Step Closer
to God.

Andi Otness performs Sweet Time Tea

Hannah unearthed a rehearsal tape from c. 1975 (thanks to Paxton) that included the only known version of one of Andi's most
haunting songs, "Bittersweet Blues." Lyrics, plus a slightly different version of the melody reconstructed from memory, are available
from the list below.

Andi Otness performs Bittersweet Blues

An indication of the melodies (with piano playing the vocal line) is given in mp3 files. This material is copyright © 1965-2007 by
Andi L. Otness. However, it may be enjoyed, reproduced, or performed by anyone at no charge, provided that credit is given to
the songwriter. Where possible, please list this website as the source.

Click on a title below to see the lyrics; click on the associated "mp3" to hear the tune. Further information: RRMcCrae@gmail.com