Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: rich-joy
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 09:35 PM

What a GREAT Mudcat thread!!!
I'd not seen it before.
Kudos to all involved!

R-J

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 06 Jul 20 - 07:38 PM

"an unusual choice for the segregated rural south" It was usual. Very roughly half of old-time "hillbilly" musicians had a sincere interest in Southern black music. (And basically the other half sometimes picked up black numbers they didn't happen to know were black numbers.) I'm talking about independently of the national rise of interest in jazzy music, which also interested many "hillbilly" musicians later. Segregation was generally enforced and a Dock Boggs listened intently to a black musician playing for money on the street with little difficulty.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 14 Jan 17 - 12:11 AM

Floyd Canada, a black Texan cowboy who was about four years older than A.P., was singing these lines by 1915:
"But give me my shoes, and press my overalls"
"... train they call the Cannonball"
"... it takes a worried woman to sing a worry song"
"I'm worried now, but I won't be worried long"
"The train I ride is sixteen coaches long"

("Notes on Folk-Lore of Texas" by W. Prescott Webb, _The Journal of American Folklore_ Jul.-Sep. 1915)

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,Kenneth Mitchell
Date: 27 Aug 16 - 08:12 PM

I'd just like to know where there would like to get their song "The New Streamliner". There is absolutely no information anywhere about the song other than a recording of young June Carter Cash singing it. I found a CD and all it says is "trad." which I belive especially with the Carter family but still it intrigues me.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: open mike
Date: 13 Aug 16 - 03:07 AM

It may have already been posted but I believe the original one who penned the song often attributed to the Carters "Give Me the Roses While ILive" was Cornelius,possivly a Welsh miner, who later founded a music publishing house maybe he was R. J. Cornelius?

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 12 Aug 16 - 11:31 PM

All of the stanzas of "Oh, Take Me Back" "by" A.P. Carter were based on "K.C. Whistle" by Lester McFarland. A.P. didn't even bother to change whole chunks of exact wordings.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Lighter
Date: 06 Nov 13 - 08:09 AM

Richie knows what he's talking about.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Joe Offer
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 08:59 PM

Every time this thread gets refreshed, I am awed by what a piece of work it is. If you want to see more of Richie's work, take a look at his Website, http://bluegrassmessengers.com/

Mel Bay has published at least a couple of his books, and they're very good, too.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Lighter
Date: 05 Nov 13 - 08:00 PM

Concerning "The Faded Coat of Blue."

No one seems to have mentioned that the Civil War song is unquestionably about the death of a POW in a Southern prison camp like Andersonville.

That explains the phrase "among the famished brave" as well as the requests for "a little water and just a little crumb" as well as the "nameless grave" and the complete absence of any reference to fighting.

Other Civil War prisons, North and South, were almost equally atrocious, but Andersonville, set up in 1864, became the most notorious.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Sep 12 - 06:58 AM

what is the origins of keep on the sunny side

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,Moira
Date: 27 Sep 12 - 05:28 PM

We are recording a CD and looking to get licensing permission and pay proper royalties for "It is Better Farther On". I have gone to Peers music to look for it and Harry Fox. Where does the Carter family get their royalty payments?

Thanks

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Artful Codger
Date: 14 Aug 12 - 07:26 PM

I don't see how they could have come into the public domain in the UK, since there copyrights are measured from death dates-- AP Carter (in whose sole name all the Carter Family copyrights were registered) lived until 1960--add 70 years till expiration?

Furthermore, I think the international conventions extend copyrights to the later of the date per one's national laws and the date per the laws of the original nation of copyright, so any continuing copyright in the US would affect the UK as well (just as in-effect UK copyrights begun prior to 1923 prevent free usage in the US.)

But that's just copyrights on the songs. The terms for recording copyrights are quite different (though as the songs themselves--in the Carter arrangements--would still be copyrighted, wouldn't one have to wrestle with both types of copyright in order to reproduce a recording?)

As for the tunes, many of the "Carter Family" songs were not in fact by the Carter family, as this and Ritchie's other Carter thread amply demonstrate, so you may record and use those tunes with impugnity, with no credit due to the Carters whatsoever, provided you can work from earlier sources (frequently cited in these threads).

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Aug 12 - 06:39 PM

In general in the U.S., the cutoff date for public domain is 1923 - material from 1923 and earlier is quite surely in the public domain. Everything after that was affected by the Sonny Bono copyright extension of 1998, so mostly you're out of luck with recordings made after 1923 - the first Carter Family recordings were 1927.
It's different in the UK - I think some Carter recordings have come into the public domain there.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,Creep
Date: 14 Aug 12 - 06:12 PM

To any of your knowledge, are there any carter family recordings that are in the public domain? I'm a filmmaker and would love to use some the original carter family tunes.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: GUEST,William
Date: 10 Aug 11 - 11:49 AM

In Dec 08, Richie asked about the actual origins/author of the Carter Family song, "I'll Be Home Someday". I did not see any response. The song was not written or composed by The Carter Family. I was looking up the music of this song and as it turns out, the song title and author ARE known and available. The factual info on the song is as follows:
"If You See My Savior, Tell Him You Saw Me", written and composed by Thomas Dorsey in approximately 1929 (published in approximately 1932).
Many are of the impression Anne Murray, Mahalia Jackson (and others) wrote the song. This is in error. Anne Murray rearranged the lyrics and sang the song, but she did not write and compose it.
Have a blessed day, from another bluegrass fan...
William

Subject: Lyr Add: KEEP ON THE FIRING LINE
From: Richie
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 06:53 AM

Original lyrics: Keep on the Firing Line

If you're in the battle for the Lord and right,
Keep on the firing line;
If you win, my brother, surely you must fight,
Keep on the firing line;
There are many dangers that we all must face,
If we die still fighting it is no disgrace;
Cowards in the service will not find a place,
So keep on the firing line.

Refrain: Oh, you must fight, be brave against all evil,
Never run, nor even lag behind;
If you would win for God and the right,
Just keep on the firing line.

God will only use the soldier He can trust,
Keep on the firing line;
If you'll wear a crown then bear the cross you must,
Keep on the firing line.
Life is but to labor for the Master dear,
Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer;
Great you'll be rewarded for your service here,
So keep on the firing line.

When we get to heaven, brother, we'll be glad,
Keep on the firing line;
How we'll praise the Savior for the call we had,
Keep on the firing line;
When we see the souls that we have helped to win,
Leading them to Jesus, from the paths of sin,
With a shout of welcome, we will all march in,
So keep on the firing line.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE GIRL THAT PLAYED UPON MY KNEE
From: Richie
Date: 28 Dec 08 - 09:55 PM

Hi,

There was one song that was left of this thread, it's the
unknown (probably late 1800s) parlor song:

"Little Girl That Played On/Upon My Knee."

The Late 1800s Unknown (1937 by Carters)- Based on an unknown parlor song. In the repertoire of Jennie Devlin (1865-1952) as "The Litle Valley" which combines this song with a version of "Red River Valley."

Here's Devlin's version:
http://books.google.com/books?id=fVilv3ZcQEAC&pg=PA274&lpg=PA275&dq=%22played+upon+my+knee%22&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html


THE LITTLE GIRL THAT PLAYED UPON MY KNEE- Carter Family

Many years have passed away and gone
Since I left my old native home
Since I left the scenes of my childhood there
Where the dark days seem to roam

I left my aged father there
And my mother so dear unto me
I left a brother and a sister fair
And a little girl that played upon my knee

Don't Ginny remember, will she ever forget
Those many hours of pleasure to me
Does she sigh when she thinks of those many happy hours
When a little girl she played upon my knee

I am homeward bound with the thrills of joy
Of my wandering so far o'er the sea
I shall soon see my home, my old native home
And the little girl that played upon my knee

I am tired of life, I cannot live
In this dark world so weary unto me
Come bury me low by the one I love so well
By the little girl that played upon my knee

I started a thread on this a week ago but got no replies,

Richie

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 18 Dec 08 - 07:58 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 17 Dec 08 - 08:02 AM

Thanks Q,

I'd like to go back and look again at some of songs we didn't find a viable source. The lyrics should be found early in this thread. Here are the first four:

*Away Out on Saint Sabbath: 1872 Chorus, Verses unknown date- A rewrite of an unknown song based on "Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie" from a ballet (lyrics) set to music in 1934 by the Carter Family.

*Birds Were Singing of You: Unknown date; based on an unknown song by A.P. Carter. Carters-1930

*Blackie's Gunman: Unknown Date; Rewrite of an unknown song. Referenced to Wilgus. Carters-1940

*Broken Hearted Lover: 1800s- Arrangement of an unknown traditional song; Carters-1932 and 1935

Anyone?

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Dec 08 - 10:56 PM

"Let the Church Roll On" is in two collections of spirituals; age uncertain, possibly late 19th c.:
E. A. McIlhenny, "Befo' de War Spirituals, Words and Melodies," 1933.
Grissom, M. A., Negro Sings a New Heaven. Univ. North Carolina Press, 1930. Grissom calls it a favorite shout song.
It is well-known among whites in the southeast, and has spread to the Caribbean. Flatt and Scruggs, Stanley Brothers and Doc Watson have recorded it, and the Smithsonian recorded The Missionary Quartet singing it in the Bahamas.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 16 Dec 08 - 07:04 PM

Rather than clutter up this thread Joe Offer has started a Carter Family Songs: Summary of Sources thread which I am editing and organizing.

Please check sources and help correct any mistakes on that thread.

Thanks,

Richie

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 16 Dec 08 - 01:42 PM

Don't forget that the Carters also collected from white members who attended the various gospel services in their area. Although important to their collecting, I doubt that Riddle was the major contributor of the gospel tunes in their repertoire.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 16 Dec 08 - 12:17 AM

Hi Q,

Deciding if a Carter song is ultimately from an African-American source is difficult. We can surmise whether they learned the song from african-Americans at the time tehy learned the song.

Many songs came originally from white sources and were adopted and changed by blacks.

A.P. Carter was riding around collecting songs with a black man, Leslie Riddle in the rural south, not a common practice in 1920s. The songs A.P. got from Riddle, Pauline Gray, Brownie McGee, John Henry and Steve Tarter were from Blind Lemon Jefferson, Blind Willie Davis and many others that the Carters never knew.

It's important to note that both the Carters and Jimmie Rodgers arguably the two most popular early Country music stars both relied heavily on African-American music for their success.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 10:52 PM

"Happy in the Prison" has a strange mondegreen. The line should be "Pentecostal Rain is falling," not 'reign'. The subject of Latter Rain and the Latter Rain Movement and Latter Rain Covenant in the Pentecostal creeds was a subject of much discussion, ca. 1910. If the Holiness Quartet has 'reign,' they also are guilty.

It has to do with the prophet Joel, Old Testament, and the 'latter rain' outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the ends of time.
It may be that, latterly, the subject has been forgotten by current pentecostals. Googling will bring up the information on the meaning; I am not that interested in the peculiarities of the pentecostals.

I doubt that the Af-Am spiritual is the source for this piece of white gospel; laying down burdens or transferring them to Christ is a part of several creeds and it is in their hymns. See "Laying the Burden Down, (Romans and Matthew)," a Presbyterian talk- Laying the Burden Down

I have the same doubt about a couple of other songs that you link to Af-Am spirituals which more likely are based on white gospel. A difficult subject; there are many published white gospel collections, some privately published, locally, and in very small numbers- it takes a specialist which I am not.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 08:29 PM

please add:

In the Shadow of the Pines: 1895- Song by Hattie Lummis and G.O. Long

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 08:25 PM

Here is a summary of the Carter Family Songs titled G-K. Songs with an asterisk are either written by the Carters or the source of the song has not been found. If anyone has additional information or corrections please add them:

Gathering Flowers from the Hillside: 1909- Traditional song collected Belden; Arranged by The Carter Family.

Girl on the Greenbrier Shore; 1910- Traditional song collected Combs; Arranged by The Carter Family. Wolfe: based on an incident which occurred in 1896.

Give Him One More as He Goes: 1884 Word and Music Ike Brown "I'll Give You One More as You Go"

Give Me Roses While I Live; 1925 James Rowe lyrics, R. H. Cornelius music

Give Me Your Love and I'll Give You Mine; 1902 L. A. Davis- lyrics M. J. Fitzpatrick- music "You Give Me Your Love [And I'll Give You Mine]"

Glory to the Lamb: Circa 1900 Hymn Collection titled the "New Onward and Upward"

God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign; Early 1900s- Traditional African-American Spiritual

Gold Watch and Chain; 1879- Traditional chorus based on the Reuben's Train songs. The verses are from 1879 Westendorf song, "Is There No Kiss For Me Tonight, Love."

Goodbye to the Plains: Early 1900s- Traditional Western song "The Dying Cowboy of Rim Rock Ranch" arranged by Carter Family. Tune is "The Mule Song," a parody, Edward Harrigan and Dave Braham, pub. 1882

Gospel Ship: Circa 1900- Traditional gospel song arranged by Carter Family

Grave on the Green Hillside: 1875- Gospel song by Aldine Kieffer.

Happiest Days of All; 1875- Will Thompson song "Gathering Shells From the Seashore."

Happy in the Prison; Early 1900s- Traditional African-American Spiritual also known as "When I Lay my Burdens Down" arranged by Carter Family

Happy or Lonesome; 1913 Dick Burnett songster- Traditional song "Are You Happy or Lonesome" arranged by Carter Family

He Never Came Back; 1891- Words and music by William Jerome.

He Took a White Rose from Her Hair; Early 1900s- Traditional song "The (Little) White Rose" arranged by Carter Family

Heart That Was Broken for Me: 1914- Southern gospel song by Judson W. Van DeVenter (1855-1939)

*Heaven's Radio: 1930s- Gospel song, no source known, arranged by Carter Family

Hello Central, Give Me Heaven: 1901- Gospel song by Charles K. Harris

*Hello Stranger: 1937 Traditional blues arranged by Carter Family

Hold Fast to the Right: 1906- Gospel song by James Vaughan

*Home by the Sea; 1800s- Possible rewrite of "Dear Old Home Beyond the Sea" by A. Hamilton Sims and William A. Keller written in 1887.

Home in Tennessee: circa 1925- Song by Carson Robison titled "My Little Home in Tennessee"

Homestead on the Farm; 1909- "I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home" by Lambert and Vandersloot.

Honey in the Rock: 1895- Gospel song by Frederick A. Graves.

I Ain't Goin' to Work Tomorrow: Early 1900s- Traditional song arranged by The Carter Family.

I Cannot Be Your Sweetheart: 1899 song written by Abbie Ford titled "Under the Pale Moonlight"

I Found You Among the Roses: 1913 song by George Pitman

I Have an Aged Mother; 1882 Broadside by I.M. Williams titled "Ten Thousand Miles Away" "On The Banks of A Lonely River"

I Have No One to Love Me (But the Sailor on the Deep Blue Sea): 1839 British Ballad "Sweet William." Also known as "Captain Tell me True" and first recorded in 1924 by Gid Tanner as "Sailor Boy."

I Loved You Better Than You Knew: 1893 song by Johnny Carroll.

I Never Loved But One: 1865 song by Armand titled "Those Dark Eyes"

I Never Will Marry: 1864 song "Oh, My Love's Gone" 1906 Belden. Other names are "The Shells of the Ocean" and "Down by the Sea Shore."

I Wouldn't Mind Dying; 1800s Traditional African-American gospel song arranged by The Carter Family.

I'll Be All Smiles Tonight: 1879 song by T.B. Ranson

*I'll Be Home Someday: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family 1934

*I'll Never Forsake You: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family 1940

I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes: 1800s- Traditional song arranged by The Carter Family.

I'm Working on a Building: Traditional African-American gospel song from Leslie Riddle/Pauline Gray arranged by The Carter Family

If One Won't Another One Will: 1800s; Collected by Belden in 1904- Traditional song "Lonesome (Stormy) Scenes of Winter, The" [Laws H12].

In a Little Village Churchyard: 1918 "In That Dear Old Village Churchyard" from Primitive Baptist Hymn Book and Tune Book compiled by Elder John Daily. Needs confirmation.

*In the Shadow of Clinch Mountain: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family 1934

In the Shadow of the Pines:

*In the Valley of the Shenandoah: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family 1934

It Is Better Farther On: 1836 one verse; (1877) Trad. Arranged by L. Thompson (1911) Traditional gospel song arranged by The Carter Family

It'll Aggravate Your Soul: 1934 song by A.P. Carter based on traditional lyrics.

It's a Long Long Road to Travel Alone: 1931 words and music by BAD [pseud of Mrs. WH Do France]. Arranged by Maybelle Carter. Needs confirmation.

Jealous Hearted Me: 1924 Based on traditional blues lyrics by Lovie Austin, "Jealous Hearted Blues" recorded by Ma Rainey. Arranged by The Carter Family from Leslie Roddle.

Jim Blake's Message: Circa 1909, 1910 issue of "Railroad Man's Magazine" Rewritten by Carson Robison with Peter Condon- lyrics in 1927

Jimmie Brown, the Newsboy: 1875 song by William Shakespeare Hays "Jimmie Brown (The Paper Boy)".

*Jimmie Rodgers Visits the Carter Family: 1931- Song-and-spoken-word skit by The Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers

John Hardy Was a Desperate Little Man: Late 1800s- Traditional song arranged by the Carter Family.

Just a Few More Days: 1922- Traditional hymn from Hymns of Praise: For the Church and Sunday School by F. G. Kingsbury -Hymns, English page 15. Needs confirmation.

Just Another Broken Heart: 1899s- Carter's arrangement of the folk song usually known as "Only Flirting," "Only a Broken Heart" or "She was Only Flirting."

Keep on the Firing Line: 1915 Southern gospel song by Bessie F. Hatcher.

Keep on the Sunny Side: 1899 Gosple song by Ada Blenkhorn and J. Howard Entwisle.

*Kissing Is a Crime: 1800s- Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. It resembles the Scottish song "Some Say that Kissing's a Sin" published in 1829.

Kitty Waltz: 1872 music; lyrics 1926 Al Hopkins- arranged by the Carter Family

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family son
From: Artful Codger
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 04:15 PM

Q: The Charles Wolfe book is In the Shadow of Clinch Mountain, part of the Bear Family 10-CD collection of the same name.

Richie: I should have remembered from Wolfe's book that A.P. played fiddle. As to whether he was a "good bass", I gotta question your criteria. A good bass doesn't just drone chord roots--and muff those as often as he did. He also had a habit of coming in late on the choruses--sometimes he didn't even bother to show up for the sessions!


When Silver Threads are Gold Again: The original poem, "Growing Old" was written by Rexford (Eben Eugene Rexford, 1848-1916) when he was eighteen (c.1866). He revised the poem when Danks (Hart Pease Danks, 1834-1903) requested words for a song. WSTAGA was copyrighted in 1873 (not 1875). The song is now better known either as "Silver Threads Among the Gold" or "Darling, I Am Growing Old".

Where We'll Never Grow Old: Per Charles Wolfe, James Cleveland Moore was from Paulding County, and he published the song in 1914.

Will You Miss Me: I'm sure they must be singing something else at the end of the fourth line. I've always heard this sung as "flowery-xxx retreat", with "xxx" being "boughed", "bowered" or "bound". To be laid to rest in a tree not only violates rhyme but sense (and possibly gravity).

In another thread here, someone transcribes the Carters as singing "my heart shall cease to be", which at least rhymes with their "flowery boundary tree", even if sense is strained further. Do hearts vaporize upon death, and is the dead body in the boundary tree supposed to be a warning to trespassers?

Jim Dixon found the original song at The Library of Congress American Memory Collection, and kindly transcribed the lyrics into another thread; search for "Will You Miss Me (Cooper, Pratt; 1872)".

The Winding Stream: Per Wolfe, a fan in British Columbia sent them the words with a title like "Flower in My Canoe". A.P. rearranged the words and the trio worked up a melody. Peer changed the title.

Worried Man Blues: Per Wolfe, they learned the song orally, but couldn't remember from whom. It was originally a prison song.

You Are My Flower: Not by A.P. at all. Per Wolfe, Maybelle said she took a Mexican tune and grafted onto it verses of an old printed poem called "The Grave Is Just as Green".

You Denied Your Love: New words grafted onto the melody of "The Wabash Blues".


I've only supplied Wolfe's notes for those songs that most interested me, and my notes of his notes are not necessarily everything he wrote. So there's a lot more that can be added about origins from his book.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 15 Dec 08 - 01:13 PM

We've now gone through all the original Carter Family songs. Here is our list from A-F with changes. I'll put an asterisk by the songs that they wrote or have a unique arrangement.



Amber Tresses: 1874 "Amber Tresses Tied in Blue," Words Samuel M. Mitchell, Music H. P. Danks.

Anchored in Love: 1911 "Anchored in Love Divine" James Rowe & James Vaughan

*Answer to Weeping Willow: a rewrite of "Bury Me Beneath The Willow"

Are You Lonesome Tonight?: 1926 Lyrics Roy Turk, music Lou Hindman.

Are You Tired of Me, My Darling?: 1877 by Cook and Roland

*Away Out on Saint Sabbath: a rewrite of Bury Me on the Lone Prairie

*Bear Creek Blues; from Leslie Riddle, traditional blues verses from Blind Lemon others

Beautiful Home: 1898 by J. Howard Entwisle and Johnson Oatman

Beautiful Isle O'er the Sea: based on an earlier song, maybe Stoneman's.

Behind Those Stone Walls: based on an earlier song.

*Birds Were Singing of You: A.P. Carter as far as we know.

Black Jack David: traditional; arrangement taken from Cliff Carlisle whic hwas based on David Myrick's earlier version

*Blackie's Gunman: rewrite of an unknown song

Bonnie Blue Eyes: arrangement of a traditional song

Bring Back My Blue Eyed Boy: arrangement of a traditional song

Bring Back My Boy: same song as above- arrangement of a traditional song

Broken Down Tramp: rewrite of an earlier song

Broken Hearted Lover; arrangement of a traditional song

*Buddies in the Saddle: 1940 attributed to Maybelle Carter

Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow: 1909 traditional folk song

*By the Touch of Her Hand: attributed to A.P. Carter

Can the Circle Be Unbroken (By and By): 1907 Ada Habershon, Music: Charles Gabriel.

Can't Feel at Home: 1919 as far as we know, traditional folk hymn and spiritual

Cannonball (Blues): from Leslie Riddle based on earlier song

Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in Texas; skit

*Carter's Blues; 1929 based on another song; title would need to be changed to avoid copyright issues.

Charlie and Nellie: traditional- based on earlier recordings
Chewing Gum: 1925 traditional song

Church in the Wildwood; 1857 James Rowe- words, William P. Pitts- music

Coal Miner's Blues: arranged collected by Leslie Riddle; traditional lyrics from coal camp.

Cowboy Jack: 1928 traditional based on an earlier song

Cowboy's Wild Song to His Herd: Based on a poems in Rhymes from the Rangeland. Beggs may be considered the original author of the text of this song.

*Cuban Soldier: based on an unknown song

*Cyclone of Rye Cove: based on a poem sent to AP.

Dark and Stormy Weather: based on traditional lyrics

Dark Haired True Lover; 1918 text is in Robert Gordon Collection #1536

Darling Daisies: 1882 "Down by the Garden Wall" by Max Vernor.

Darling Little Joe: 1866 by V. E. Marsten.

*Darling Nellie Across the Sea: based on an unknown song. Per Charles Wolfe, Sara wrote much of the song herself (implying an antecedent).


Diamonds in the Rough; 1897 CW Byron words and LL Pickett

Distant Land to Roam; LM Bandy's 1902 song "Leaving Home"

Don't Forget Me Little Darling; 1874. C.W. Vance- Words and RS Crandall

Don't Forget This Song: 1910 based on "Bad Companions" or "Young Companions"

Dying Mother: 1881 Nona Lawson- words and C. M. Tate

*Dying Soldier: based on an unknown song; the title may be used

East Virginia Blues: Traditional Arranged by Carters

East Virginia Blues No. 2; Traditional arranged by Carters

Engine 143; 1915 traditional ballad

*Evening Bells Are Ringing: 1934 based on an unknown song by A.P Carter

Faded Coat of Blue; 1865 Civil War song by J.H. McNaughton

Faded Flowers: 1851 song by James Powers and JH Brown

*Fate of Dewey Lee: based on a poem by A.P. Carter

*Farewell Nellie: reworking of traditional material by Sara Carter

Fifty Miles of Elbow Room: written by Herbert Buffum 1879-1939

Foggy Mountain Top: traditional, based on earlier song

Fond Affection: traditional arranged by Carters

Forsaken Love: traditional arranged by Carters

Funny When You Feel That Way: 1873 "It's Funny when you Feel that Way" by George Harris. Per Wolfe, 19th c. versions credit G.W. Hunt.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 11:33 PM

Hi,

We've looked briefly at the 292 original Carter Family songs. There are about 12 songs that we might be able to figure out by looking at them again and getting more people and info involved. I'm not sure of the next step.

We can start a seperate thread or bring the songs back up here. If someone can check the work and compare it with Charles Wolfe's liner notes like the Artful Codger did that would help.

I'm sure that a few of the songs will never be identified especially the ones that members of ths group wrote based on lyrics that maybe a fan sent in or songs that are entirely original.

There are some interviews that Mike Seegar and others did with Maybelle and Sara in their later years that might shed some light.

Any suggestions how to proceed?

Richie

Subject: Lyr Add: YOUNG FREDA BOLT
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 04:39 PM

Young Freda Bolt is a song by Doc Shanks written in 1930 that the Carters recorded about the murder of Freeda Bolt Dec. 13,1929 in Floyd County, VA. The floyd County Ramblers released a version in 1930.

YOUNG FREDA BOLT arr. A. P. Carter 1938

Amid the Blue Ridge Mountains there lived a maiden fair,
Whose life was pure as heaven, whose heart was free from care.
She dreamed of love and romance, with heart so glad and free.
No gloom within the future young Freda Bolt could see.

Nearby lived Buren Harmon, a boy she loved so well,
And of these two young lovers a story I will tell.
'Twas late one Thursday evening, the stars were shining dim,
That Buren called his sweetheart to come and go with him.

He told her on tomorrow that they would surely wed,
But little was she thinking he'd take her life instead.
They motored to Bent Mountain, a place so dark and lone,
And there her form so helpless he placed beneath a stone,

Away from home and mother that Freda loved so well.
The bitter pain and anguish no mortal tongue can tell.
Through tears she pled for mercy, but heeding of her cry,
Young Harmon left his sweetheart in agony to die.

We think that God in heaven must surely heard her cry,
And sent a band of angels to linger very nigh,
And bear her spirit over to yonder's happy shore,
Where dying comes no never, and parting is no more.

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'VE GOT TO RIGHTEN THAT WRONG
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 04:31 PM

You've Got to Righten That Wrong is a gospel song from the Carters in 1940. This another hard one and seems like a Carter original. Anyone?

YOU'VE GOT TO RIGHTEN THAT WRONG- Carter Family 1940

CHORUS: You've got to righten that wrong someday
Years may pass but you cant get away
If you do wrong today the price you must pay
You've got to righten that wrong someday

Do not lie or gossip on the folks whom you know
But do good to all while you may
Did smile while their face and frown when they go
You've got to righten that wrong someday

You hear Jesus pleading to come to the fold
The time is flitting away
He will strengthen your spirit and sweeten your soul
Why not righten each wrongs today

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'RE GONNA BE SORRY YOU LET ME DOWN
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 04:08 PM

You're Gonna Be Sorry You Let Me Down is the very last song the Carters recorded in 1941. The JOAFL tried to trace this song and could n't find the source.

It certain could be a song by Maybelle. Anyone

YOU'RE GONNA BE SORRY YOU LET ME DOWN- Carter Family 1941

You told me once, dear, I was true and kind
You told me then, love, that you were mine
But now you tell me that you were blind
You like your parties and good times

I'm sorry, darling, 'cause you feel this way
Once you told me truthful, to my face
You've found another to take my place
All dressed in diamonds, pearls and lace

    I'm sorry, darling, 'cause you let me down
    A truer love now you think you've found
    But when I'm laid deep down in the ground
    You're gonna be sorry you let me down
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

So now I've lost you, but still have faith
That you will see the mistake you've made
And when you find, dear, that you were wrong
You'll ask forgiveness and come back home

I believed you, darling, when you said to me
That we'd be happy, we'd be free
But now I found, dear, a fault in thee
When we were wed, love, I could not see

    I'm sorry, darling, 'cause you let me down
    A truer love now you think you've found
    But when I'm laid deep down in the ground
    You're gonna be sorry you let me down

Subject: Lyr Add: YOUR MOTHER STILL PRAYS FOR YOU JACK
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 03:57 PM

Your Mother Still Prays (For You, Jack) is a song from F.M. Eliot in 1893.

Your Mother Still Prays For You Jack- Carter Family 1935

The night was dark and stormy
The wind was howling wild
As an aged mother gazed upon
The portrait of her child
As she gazed on the baby's features
That once filled her heart with joy
He's now in this wild world roaming
That mother's long lost boy

CHORUS: Your mother still prays for you, Jack
Your mother still prays for you
In a home far over the ocean
Your mother still prays for you

At last there came a letter
It was deeply edged in black
From a comrade long forgotten
Who still remembered Jack
"They have lain your dear old mother
In a grave so dark and cold
And she wants her boy who is roaming
To meet her on the streets of gold."

His stony heart was broken
As he thought of his mother dear
And in spite of his comrades laughing
He could not keep back his tears
In spite of the great tempolations
That once filled his heart with tears
So he started for Heaven that evening
As sweetly the people did sing

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'VE BEEN FOOLING ME BABY (Carter Famil
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 03:49 PM

You've Been Fooling Me, Baby is taken from the Allen Brothers "When You Leave You Leave Me Sad" recorded in 1930. The Carters version was recorded in 1934.

YOU'VE BEEN FOOLING ME, BABY
As recorded by the Carter Family, 1934. (Bluebird B-5771, Montgomery Ward M-4548)

I don’t want you, mean mama.
There ain’t no use you hangin’ around,
For I've found another mama,
And now I am Chicago bound.

CHORUS: You've been fooling me, baby.
You've been telling me your lies,
When I thought you were an angel
Just sent down from the skies.

Sing those parting blues to me, sweet Nell.
When you leave, you leave me sad,
‘Cause my daddy's gone and left me
I just wouldn't treat him right. CHORUS

I wouldn't give him much lovin’,
Wouldn't stay home at night.
Now I hear the train a-comin’.
He has gone out of sight. CHORUS

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'VE BEEN A FRIEND TO ME
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 03:44 PM

You've Been a Friend to Me is a song by Will Hays in 1868.

Here's the sheet music:http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=mussm&fileName=sm/sm1879/11900/11919/mussm11919.db&recNum=0&itemLink=D?mussm:1:./tem

YOU'VE BEEN A FRIEND TO ME- Carter family 1936

                   Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
                   Where ever you may be
                   If ever I have had a friend
                   You have been that friend to me

               My bark of life was tossing down
               The troubled stream of time
               When first I saw your smiling face
               And youth was in its prime

                   Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
                   Where ever you may be
                   If ever I have had a friend
                   You have been that friend to me
                   [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Misfortune nursed me as her child
               And loved me fondly, too
               I would have had a broken heart
               Had it not been for you

                   Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
                   Where ever you may be
                   If ever I have had a friend
                   You have been that friend to me
                   [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Now I look back upon the past
               Acrost life's troubled seas
               And smile to think of all I've seen
               You've been a friend to me

                   Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
                   Where ever you may be
                   If ever I have had a friend
                   You have been that friend to me

                   Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roam
                   Where ever you may be
                   If ever I have had a friend
                   You have been that friend to me

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'RE NOTHING MORE TO ME
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 03:36 PM

You're Nothing More to Me is titled "Thou Art Nothing More To Me" by Meade. It was collected and published in The Frank Brown NC folk songs by Belden in 1952. Anyone?

YOU'RE NOTHING MORE TO ME- Carter Family 1938

Tonight we part forever
You're nothing more to me
The chain that bound us is broken
Not a tear I'll shed for thee

    Go break the heart of another
    Just as you have broken mine
    Go tell her that you love her
    And call her fondly thine

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Here, take this ring that you gave me
Which was so dear to me
Go give it to another
It's nothing more to me

    When you gaze upon the engraving
    Will you think one time of me
    You've broken my heart forever
    Not a tear I'll shed for thee

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Goodnight, goodbye forever
You're nothing more to me
You've broken my heart forever
Not a tear I'll shed for thee

    I must say goodbye, my darling
    Nevermore to meet again
    I will ask of you a promise
    Will you meet me up in heaven
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: Lyr Add: THERE'S A LOVE KNOT IN MY LARIAT
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 03:24 PM

You Tied a Love Knot in My Heart is from the Carters final session in 1941. The only related lyrics seem to be a song recorded in the 1930s:

THERE'S A LOVE KNOT IN MY LARIAT
written and recorded by Wilf Carter aka Montana Slim

I'll be thinking of you pal at sunset time
Thinking of the happy days gone by
There beneath the dear old western sky
And I'll tell you just the reason why,

There's a love knot in my lariat,
And it's waiting for a blue eyed gal you bet,
While I'm riding the range all day
My old lasso seems to say, it twines around an ornery stray,
There's a love knot in my lariat
And it's waiting for my little prairie pet
When I swing my old lasso you'll hear my yodel ay ee hoo
There's a love knot in my lariat.

Probably the only related lyrics would the title. Perhaps that was enough to get Maybelle started.

YOU TIED A LOVE KNOT IN MY HEART- Maybelle Carter 1941

You tied a love knot in my heart, dear
When you said you'd be my bride
Oh, how well I remember
As we strolled side by side

Leaves were falling all around us
Roses withered on the ground
You tied a love knot in my heart, dear
That can never be unwound
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

The only thing that I have left now
Is this little string of down
With a little love knot in it
That she held tight in her hand

As I stood there by her bedside
As I look into your eyes
You tied a love knot in my heart, dear
That can never be untied
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

There's a heart tonight that's lonely
There's a heart tonight that's sad
For God has took you from me
Dearest pal I ever had

She's gone to sing up in heaven
God needed her there by his side
You tied a love knot in my heart, dear
That can never be untied

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU DENIED YOUR LOVE
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 02:56 PM

You Denied Your Love is a song by the Carters in 1938. For now I've not found a source. It certain looks like the type of song they would have written,

YOU DENIED YOUR LOVE- Carter family 1938

That was the day when you went away
You broke my heart in the month of May
That little ring I gave to you
Will show you, dear, my love was true

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Sweet are the flowers of our friendship
That has bloomed our whole life through
But ne'er forget, though you're far away
They're blooming in my heart today

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

You denied your love, but you proved it so
You came to see me when the sun was low
You broke my heart, but you were kind
When you said "Oh, dear, you could never be mine"

Oh, let me tell you what love will do
When you love a boy that don't love you
It'll break your heart, they'll leave you alone
They'll roam the west, so far from home

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU BETTER LET THAT LIAR ALONE
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 02:40 PM

You Better Let That Liar Alone known also as "Let That Liar Alone" is a spiritual found in the Joyful Meeting in Glory Song Book No 1 in 1919. The first recording is by Edward Clayton in 1927.

Other versions by country musicians include Emry Arthur 1928 and Frank Luther 1934.

YOU BETTER LET THAT LIAR ALONE- Carter Family 1937

Chorus: If you don't want to get in trouble
If you don't want to get in trouble
If you don't want to get in trouble
You better let that liar alone

Well let me tell you people what a liar will do
He's always coming with something new
He'll steal your heart with a false pretence
Make out like he's your bosom friend

When a liar takes the notion to bend the truth
He'll lay around his neighbors to get the news
And nearly every day when you look out
You can see that liar coming to your house

He'll tell you such a lie it'll surprise your mind
He'll mix a little truth for to make it shine
When he finds out you believe what he says
Then that liar's gonna have his way.

When everything's in perfect peace
Here comes that liar with his deceit
When he gets his business fixed just right
Then that liar's going to cause a fight

Bridge: He'll make out like he loves you so well
Everything you hear he must come and tell
Let me tell you sisters if you only knew
What a certain somebody says about you.
He studies up a lie he'll tell it so smooth
You'll think absolutely that it must be true
And he'll urge you out for to trace the tale
And if you don't mind you'll be put in jail
A hypocrite liar both kicks up a fuss
They're both very bad but a liar's the worse

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU ARE MY FLOWER
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 01:54 PM

You Are My Flower is a song attributed to a.P. Carter and it certainly seem like a song he wrote even if he had a few lines to get him started.

YOU ARE MY FLOWER Carter Family 1938

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

The grass is just as green
The sky is just as blue
The day is just as bright
The birds are singing, too

    You are my flower
    That's blooming in the mountain for me
    You are my flower
    That's blooming there for me
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

The air is just as pure
The sunlight just as free
And nature seems to say
It's all for you and me

    You are my flower
    That's blooming in the mountain for me
    You are my flower
    That's blooming there for me
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

So wear a happy smile
And life will be worthwhile
Forget your tears
And don't forget to smile

    You are my flower
    That's blooming in the mountain for me
    You are my flower
    That's blooming there for me
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

When summertime has passed
And snow begins to fall
Just sing this song
And say to one and all

    You are my flower
    That's blooming in the mountain for me
    You are my flower
    That's blooming there for me

Subject: Lyr Add: WORRIED MAN BLUES (Carter Family)
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 01:40 PM

Worried Man Blues is a traditional blues song arranged by the Carter Family who recorded the song in 1930 and again in 1935. The only earlier recording is by Sam Collins with a vocal John D. Fox in 1927 on Gnt 6352.

The song is made up of traditional verses arranged by the Carters probably from Leslie Riddle/Brownie McGee/Sam Lyons group.

Look at Charley Patton's "Down the Dirt Road Blues:"

I'm goin' away, to a world unknown
I'm goin' away, to a world unknown
I'm worried now, but I won't be worried long


WORRIED MAN BLUES
As recorded by the Carter Family, 1930.

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
I'm worried now, but I won't be worried long.

I went across the river; I lay down to sleep.
I went across the river; I lay down to sleep.
When I woke up, with the shackles on my feet.

Twenty-nine links of chain around my leg.
Twenty-nine links of chain around my leg.
And on each link an initial of my name.

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
I'm worried now, but I won't be worried long.

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I asked the judge, what might be my fine.
I asked the judge, what might be my fine.
Twenty-one years on the R. C. Mountain Line.

The train I ride, sixteen coaches long.
The train I ride, sixteen coaches long.
The girl I love is on that train and gone.

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
I'm worried now, but I won't be worried long.

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

If anyone asks you who composed this song.
If anyone asks you who composed this song.
Tell 'em 'twas I, and I sing it all day long.

It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
It takes a worried man to sing a worried song.
I'm worried now, but I won't be worried long.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WONDERFUL CITY
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 01:15 PM

Wonderful City is a song attributed to Jimmie Rodgers and was recorded with the Carter family in their joint 1931 session in Louisville KY. Rodgers usually appropriated material for his songs so the lyrics probably are based on another song. This is even more likely because this was the only gospel song Rodgers recorded.


THE WONDERFUL CITY- Jimmie Rodgers and Carter family 1931

I'm waiting watching and longing
That beautiful sight to behold
When I shall awake some bright morning
In that city with streets of pure gold

My savior has gone to prepare it
For all who accept his grace
And that's why I know I'll be welcome
To a home in that wonderful place
When I reach my home in that city
Shall I find you waiting up there
With the saints who have gone on before us
To that beautiful home so fair

My whole heart is set upon heaven
Where my savior's face I shall see
And live in the light of his glory
Throughout all eternity

[Yodel]

He bids us to work in His vineyard
To toil for Him early and late
What a glorious reward for our labor
To enter that beautiful gate

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 01:06 PM

Charles Wolfe wrote or edited (two by Talley) Tennessee Strings, A Good-Natured Riot, DeFord Bailey, Mahalia Jackson, The Life and Legend of Lead Belly, Everybody's Grandpa, In Close Harmony, Classic Country, Kentucky Country, Folk Songs from Middle Tennessee, and many papers.
Artful Codger, which one has the information on the Carter songs?

There are many "Little Darling" songs, some music only. Sara's seems unique.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE WINDING STREAM
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 12:57 PM

Winding Stream (The Winding Stream) is a song Meade calls a parlor song from the 1800s and calls the song, "Give To Me a Winding Stream."
Initial searches haven't turned up the song.

THE WINDING STREAM Carter family 1932

                   [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               O give to me a winding stream
               It must not be too wide
               Where waving leaves of maple trees
               Would meet from either side
               The water must be deep enough
               To float a small canoe
               With no one else but you


                   Do not disturb
                   My waking dream
                   The splendor of
                   That winding stream
                   Flower in my canoe
                   Her eyes they look me through
                   A maiden fair with golden hair
                   Looks very much like you
                   [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               The sparkling trout beneath the bank
               Doth leave his hiding place
               Kingfisher from the bough above
               So eager to give chase
               The spreading branches overhead
               The sunrise peeping through
               And looking, dear, at you


                   Do not disturb
                   My waking dream
                   The splendor of
                   That winding stream
                   Flower in my canoe
                   Her eyes they look me through
                   A maiden fair with golden hair
                   Looks very much like you

Subject: Lyr Add: WILL YOU MISS ME
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 12:42 PM

Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone? is by Rev. George Beebe and H.E. McAfee circa 1900. This song is now the name of the definitive biography about the Carters, Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone by Marc Mark Zwonitzer and Charles Hirshberg.

The Carters recorded the song twice- first in 1928 and again in 1935 after A.P. and Sara separated. The Carters kept recording and occasionally performing together until 1943 when Sara moved to California to live with her new husband Coy Bays. Without Maybelle and her family carrying on the Carter tradition in the 1940s the music of the Carters might have been largely forgotten. A.P. moved back to Poor Valley and ran a small grocery store in relative obscurity, he tried in vain to resurrect the group but Original Carter Family never recorded again. They left a wealth of musical treasures behind as their legacy. I never knew them, but I do miss them.

WILL YOU MISS ME- Carter Family 1928 and 1935

          When death shall close these eyelids
          And this heart shall cease to beat
          And they lay me down to rest
          In some flowery bowery tree
               
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me when I'm gone

          Perhaps you'll plant a flower
          On my poor, unworthy grave
          Come and sit along beside me
          When the roses nod and wave

               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me when I'm gone

          One sweet thought my soul shall cherish
          When this fleeting life has flown
          This sweet thought will cheer when dying
          Will you miss me when I'm gone

          When these lips shall never more
          Plant a kiss upon thy brow
          But lie cold and still in death
          Will you love me then as now

               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me (miss me when I'm gone)
               Will you miss me when I'm gone

Subject: Lyr Add: WILL THE ROSES BLOOM IN HEAVEN
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 12:34 PM

Will the Roses Bloom in Heaven is a song by Charles K. Harris in 1911. It was recorded twice before the Carters 1932 recording.

Here's a link to the sheet music:
http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/sheetmusic/devincent.do?&id=LL-SDV-106058&q1=LL-SDV-106058&sid=3fdad41f7ea6c1580541b5dc8f4bcf83


WILL THE ROSES BLOOM IN HEAVEN Carter Family 1932

In a cold and cheerless garret
In a room so dim, so lone
In a frosty wintry silence
There was heard a little moan
And a little child is asking
At the break of the day
Will the roses bloom in heaven
Tell me, mama, tell me, pray

    Will the roses bloom in heaven
    Are there any gardens there
    Any violets and clover
    Way up with the angels fair
    Will the branches fill with blossoms
    And in winter fill with snow
    Will the roses bloom in heaven
    Tell me, mama, e'er I go
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Now the room grows light and lighter
Everything has caught a glow
Heaven seems to stretch about her
While dream faces come and go
Then she whispered, birds are singing
Psalms of melody
And I see the roses blooming
While the angels beckon me

Then mother whispered
In the land so bright and fair
Where the roses will be blooming
There will be no parting there
Goodbye, my little darling
For death is lingering near
And on the pale little face
There was not one trace of fear

    Will the roses bloom in heaven
    Are there any gardens there
    Any violets and clover
    Way up with the angels fair
    Will the branches fill with blossoms
    And in winter fill with snow
    Will the roses bloom in heaven
    Tell me, mama, e'er I go

Subject: Lyr Add: WILL MY MOTHER KNOW ME THERE
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 12:30 PM

Will My Mother Know Me There? is a song from Johnson Oatman and William Golden in 1906. It was included in Songs of the Kingdom: The Camp Meeting Specialý by Robert Emmet Winsett 1911, 200 pages. It was recorded twice before the Carters 1933 recording.

WILL MY MOTHER KNOW ME THERE
Carter Family- Original

When I reach my home eternal
Reach that city bright and fair
When I stand among the angels
Will my mother know me there

    Yes, I know that she will know me
    In those mansions bright and fair
    Mother's love can ne'er forget me
    And I'm sure she'll know me there

I have changed with the changing seasons
I am bent with toil and care
When I stand among the angels
Will my mother know me there

    Yes, I know that she will know me
    In those mansions bright and fair
    Mother's love can ne'er forget me
    And I'm sure she'll know me there
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

All for me my mother wrestled
When she used to kneel in prayer
Do you think she has forgotten
Will my mother know me there

    Yes, I know that she will know me
    In those mansions bright and fair
    Mother's love can ne'er forget me
    And I'm sure she'll know me there
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Mother's face has been a beacon
O'er the sea of deep despair
I shall look for her up yonder
Will my mother know me there

    Yes, I know that she will know me
    In those mansions bright and fair
    Mother's love can ne'er forget me
    And I'm sure she'll know me there

Subject: Lyr Add: WILDWOOD FLOWER
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 10:14 AM

Wildwood Flower is "I'll Twine Mid the Ringlets" by Maud Irving and JP Webster from 1860. This popular song by the Carters recorded in 1928 was probably attributed to them until fairly recently.

Even though their arrangemnt and melody are unique when the source of the song became known their copyright became invalid. Now teh song is free and considered PD even though the Carters arrangement is still used.

WILDWOOD FLOWER- Carter family


          Oh, I'll twine with my mangels and waving black hair
          With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
          And the myrtle so bright with the emerald dew
          The pale amanita and islip like blue

               [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          I will dance, I will sing, and my heart shall be gay
          I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
          When I woke from my dreaming my idol was clay
          All portion of love had all flown away

               [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Oh, he taught me to love him and promised to love
          And to cherish me over all others above
          How my heart is now wondering no misery can tell
          He's left me no warning, no words of farewell

               [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his flower
          That was blooming to cheer him through life's dreary hour
          Oh, I long to see him and regret the dark hour
          He won and neglected this pale wildwood flower

               [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: Lyr Add: WHY THERE'S A TEAR IN MY EYE
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 10:07 AM

"Why There's a Tear in My Eye" is a song by Carson Robison (An Old Man's Story) from 1928 that the Carters played with Jimmie Rodgers at their 1931 session in Louisville KY.

WHY THERE'S A TEAR IN MY EYE- Carter family 1931

               I once loved a beautiful maiden
               As fair as the blue skies above
               And each night as we wandered together
               The moon seemed to smile on our love

               We vowed to be true to each other
               That nothing could cause us to part
               But we never once dreamed that the future
               Held only a broken heart

               Then there came the night when we parted
               We quarreled as all sweethearts do
               And I learned what it was to be jealous
               When they told me her love was untrue

               She told me she had always been faithful
               She swore that her love could not die
               And then when I did not believe her
               She kissed me and told me goodbye

                   Oh-de-lay-ee-oh, de-lay-ee
                   Yo-de-lay-ee
                   [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]
                  
               I found I had falsely accused her
               And went back to make her my bride
               And there in the door stood her mother
               She told me my sweetheart had died

               I went in and knelt down beside her
               And there in the hush of that room
               I prayed that my maker would take me
               And send my soul down to its doom

               So now I have told you the reason
               There's always a tear in my eye
               Through long weary years I've repented
               But I'm longing to lay down and die

               I wonder if I'll be forgiven
               When I face the master someday
               And I wonder if I'll see my sweetheart
               On that beautiful shore far away

                   Oh-de-lay-ee-oh, de-lay-ee
                   Yo-de-lay-ee

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 14 Dec 08 - 09:55 AM

Thanks Artful Codger,

I don't have access to Charles Wolfe, the late great Country Music historian, liner notes.

A.P. actually played the fiddle. Here's an account of their first unofficial recording session:

The first opportunity to record came in 1926 when A.P and Sara arranged an audition for a Brunswick record scout in Kingsport, Tennessee. They sang "Anchored in Love" and A.P. played a fiddle solo. [According to Gladys Carter they sang "Little Log Cabin by The Sea" and "Poor Orphan Boy" before A.P. (Doc) sawed away on a few fiddle tunes.] When the record company scout (looking for another Fiddlin' John Carson) suggested to him that he should perform solo (they told the Carters that a musical group with a female lead singer would never sell) as Fiddlin' Doc and only record square dance fiddle songs, he flatly refused [Gladys said it was because A.P. promised his mother he wouldn't play jigs].

A.P. was also noted as a good bass singer. As lead singers- guitarists Sara and Maybelle surely wrote the chords and melodies to most of the songs where the Carters didn't know the melody.