I don't know why I've waited this long to post this, one of my many favorites. I heard Uncle Dave Macon's version first, but a version I like equally as well is by Cathy Barton and Dave Para. Both are worth having, though Uncle Dave's will be difficult to find. It was issued on Wait Till the Clouds Roll By, Historical HLP-8006 in the 60s, which is long out of print. Dave and Cathy's ~~ well, that is easy, just check with Sandy at Folk-Legacy! On a Day Like Today, Folk Legacy FSI-107, 1986, available only on cassette nowadays, I think, so make that C-107.
The song was written in 1881, and was a big hit of the day, inspiring a reply by the same authors, and a parody entitled Put Me Some Jam-Roll By, Jenny, by Harry Hunter. Sheet music for all three songs are available at Levy, and I know that the original is at the Library of Congress site as well. I will start with the 1881 original, then the version by Dave and Cathy, followed by the Wood/Fulmer answer.
Wait Till The Clouds Roll By
words by J T Wood, music by H J Fulmer, 1881
Jenny, my own true loved one,
I'm going far from thee,
Out on the bounding billows,
Out on the dark blue sea!
How I will miss you, my darling,
There when the storm is raging high,
Jenny, my own true loved one,
Wait till the clouds roll by.
Chorus
Wait till the clouds roll by, Jenny,
Wait till the clouds roll by
Jenny, my own true loved one,
Wait till the clouds roll by
Jenny, when far from thee, love,
I'm on the ocean deep,
Will you then dream of me, love,
Will you your promise keep?
And will I come to you darling?
Take courage dear, and never sigh
Gladness will follow sorrow,
Wait till the clouds roll by.
Chorus
Jenny, I'll keep your image
Within my heart so true,
Each thought of mine forever
Still love, shall be of you,
Dry then your teardrops, my darling,
Soon will the night of sorrow fly,
Cheer up and don't be lonely,
Wait till the clouds roll by
Chorus
Comment from the notes by Dave Para: Knowing only Uncle Dave's version until recently, we asked Bob Coltman to write us a third verse. Drawing from his expertise and his affection for old-time music, Bob offered us the gem we sing here.
Uncle Dave sings basically the same version as the first two verses by Cathy and Dave, with only a couple of minor variations. He sings There's where the storm is raging high , and sings then I will come to you, rather than I will come for you. Note his invention of the word bound'ring, which replaces bounding as written by Wood, and his lyric changes, some of which are at least as good as the original.
Wait Till The Clouds Roll By
as sung by Cathy Barton and Dave Para, based on Uncle Dave Macon's version, with additional lyrics by Bob Coltman
from On a Day Like Today, Folk Legacy FSI-107, 1986
Jenny, my own true loved one,
I'm going far away,
Out on the bound'ring billows,
Out on the dark blue sea.
How I will miss you, my darling,
There where the storm's raging high.
Cheer up and don't be lonely;
Wait till the clouds roll by.
Chorus
Wait till the clouds roll by, Jenny;
Wait till the clouds roll by.
Jenny, my own true loved one,
Wait till the clouds roll by.
And, Jenny, when far from thee, love,
I'm on the ocean deep,
Each thought of thee forever,
Loving, sweet vigil keep.
Then I will come for you, my darling.
Take courage, dear, never cry.
Cheer up and don't be lonely;
Wait till the clouds roll by.
Chorus
Jenny, a star up above you
Shines in your lone window;
Sparkles to say I love you,
Afar where the billows blow.
My arms enfold you, my darling;
Never you pine or cry.
Cheer up and don't be lonely;
Wait till the clouds roll by.
Chorus
I'll Wait Till The Clouds Roll By
words by J T Wood, music by H J Fulmer, 1887? (can't quite make out the year)
Willie, tho' sad our parting,
I'll still be true to thee,
Fondly my heart will follow
over the stormy sea!
Tho' I shall miss thee, my darling,
Tho' I shall sorrow and sigh,
Yet thy dear words I'll heed, love,
I'll wait 'till the clouds roll by!
Chorus
I'll wait 'till the clouds roll by, Willie,
I'll wait 'till the clouds roll by,
Soon will the dawn be breaking,
I'll wait 'till the clouds roll by!
Willie, the days are weary,
But long I'll not repine,
Darkly the skies are frowning,
'Neath them the star-rays shine!
Deep in my heart I will treasure
Tho' I shall sorrow and sigh,
Soon will the sun be shining,
I'll wait 'till the clouds roll by!
Chorus
Willie, tho' far you're sailing,
I know again we'll meet,
Brightly the future's dawning,
Tranquil, and fair, and sweet!
Love in the heart lives forever!
Tho' we may sorrow and sigh,
True to my love, my dearest,
I'll wait 'till the clouds roll by!
Chorus
sj