Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family son
From: pdq
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 07:28 PM

"Mid the Green Fields of Virginia" sounds like an older Heart Song, but the author Charles K. Harris was at the center of the Tin Pan Alley songwriters starting in the mid 1890s. He wrote such hits as "After the Ball Was Over".

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 06:18 PM

'Mid the Green Fields of Virginia is a song by Charles K. Harris in 1898. The sheet music is at the Levy collection which currently can not be linked. Just enter the title at Levy and you'll get the music.

Subject: Lyr Add: MEETING IN THE AIR
From: Richie
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 12:37 PM

Meeting in the Air appears to be A.P.'s rewrite of the Pentecostal Hymn by I.G. Martin. Here is a link to the music published in 1908:

http://books.google.com/books?id=AQMca_ptzbMC&pg=PA257&dq=%22Meeting+in+the+Air%22&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html


MEETING IN THE AIR- Carter Family

          You have heard of little Moses in the bulrush
          You have heard of fearless David and his sling
          You have heard the story told of dreaming Joseph
          And of Jonah and the whale you often sing
          There are many, many others through the Bible
          I should like to meet them all, I do declare
          By and by the Lord will surely let us meet them
          At that meeting in the air

               There is going to be a meeting in the air
               In the sweet, sweet by and by
               I am going to meet you, meet you over there
               In that home beyond the sky
               Such singing you will hear never heard by mortal ear
               'Twill be glorious, I do declare
               And God's own son will be the leading one
               At the meeting in the air
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Many things will there be missing in that meeting
          For the mourner's bench will have no place at all
          There will never be a sermon preached to sinners
          For the sinners had refused to heed the call
          There will be no mourning over wayward loved ones
          There will be no lonely nights of pleading prayer
          All our burdens and our anguish will be lifted
          At that meeting in the air

               There is going to be a meeting in the air
               In the sweet, sweet by and by
               I am going to meet you, meet you over there
               In that home beyond the sky
               Such singing you will hear never heard by mortal ear
               'Twill be glorious, I do declare
               And God's own Son will be the leading one
               At the meeting in the air

Subject: Lyr Add: MEET ME BY MOONLIGHT
From: Richie
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 12:18 PM

"Meet Me by the Moonlight Alone" is based on J. Augustine Wade song circa 1812. The Carters recorded their version in May 1928, almost 3 years after the similar huge hit song, "The Prisoner's Song" was recorded by Vernon Dalhart. Certainly both songs evolved through the folk process to become distinct songs 100 years later.

MEET ME BY MOONLIGHT (Mr. J. Augustine Wade)

Meet me by moonlight alone
And then I will tell you a tale.
Must be told by the moonlight alone
In the grove at the end of the vale.

You must promise to come, for I said
I would show the night flowers their Queen
Nay turn not away that sweet head-
'Tis the loveliest ever was seen.

Oh! meet me by moonlight alone
Meet me by moonlight alone.

Daylight may do for the gay-
The thoughtless, the heartless, the free-
But there's something about the moon's ray
That is sweeter to you and to me-

Oh! remember, be sure to be there,
For tho' dearly a moonlight I prize,
I care not for all in the air,
If I want the sweet light of your eyes.

So meet me by moonlight alone,
Met me by moonlight alone.

Here's the Carter's version of The Prisoner's Song which could be based on earlier versions by Whiter 1925 or Earl Johnson (In The Shadow of the Pines):

MEET ME BY THE MOONLIGHT- Carter Family Songs

1. I'm going to the new jail tomorrow
To leave the one that I love
To leave my friends and relations
And, oh, how lonely, my love.

CHORUS: Meet me by the moonlight, love, meet me
Meet me by the moonlight alone
For I have a sad story to tell you
To be told by the moonlight alone.

2. My parents, how cruel they treat me
They drive me away from their door
If I live 100 years longer
I'll never go back any more.

Chorus

3. If I had a ship on the ocean
All laden and lined with pure gold
Before my darling should suffer
I'd have that ship anchored and sold.

Chorus

4. If I had the wings of an angel
O'er land and sea I'd fly
I'd fly to the arms of my darling
Then I'd be willing to die

Chorus

There's a thread in the DT with other examples including a version collected in 1924 by Vance Randolph. You can also find posts on The Prisoner's song and discussion. No sense copying too much info here.

Subject: Lyr Add: MARCH WIND GONNA BLOW MY BLUES ALL AWAY
From: Richie
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 11:51 AM

March Winds Gonna Blow My Blues All Away is a rewrite of various blues including lyrics associated with "Trouble in Mind" and "I Know You Rider":

The sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
The sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
The wind's gonna rise and blow my blues away

You can listen here:
http://honkingduck.com/78s/listen.php?s=20268B

MARCH WIND GONNA BLOW MY BLUES ALL AWAY- Carter Family 1934


               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               March wind's gonna blow my blues all away
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Low down foreman, dirty engineer
          Low down foreman, dirty engineer
          Low down foreman, dirty engineer
          Stole my gal, left me standin' here
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               March wind's gonna blow my blues all away
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          My mama told me long years ago
          Never to marry no girl that I know
          Spend all your money, wear out your clothes
          What will become of you, God only knows
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               Sun's gonna shine in my back door some day
               March wind's gonna blow my blues all away

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 02:14 PM

We've gone through the letter L for the original Carter Family songs. The sources of several of the songs have not been found yet. The only significant find in the L titles was: "Last Move for Me" which was identified as a song by Herbert Buffum.

At some point we'll go back and list the unidentified songs which for now should just be attributed to A.P Carter or The Carter Family.

Here are the next songs titled M-N:

March Winds Gonna Blow My Blues All Away;
Meet Me by the Moonlight Alone;
Meeting in the Air;
'Mid the Green Fields of Virginia;
Motherless Children;
Mountains of Tennessee;
My Clinch Mountain Home;
My Dixie Darling;
My Heart's Tonight in Texas;
My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains;
My Home Among the Hills;
My Honey Lou;
My Little Home in Tennessee;
My Native Home;
My Old Cottage Home;
My Old Virginia Home;
My Texas Girl;
My Virginia Rose Is Blooming;
Never Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You;
No Depression in Heaven;
No More the Moon Shines on Lorena;
No Other's Bride I'll Be;
No Telephone in Heaven;

Anyone?

Subject: Lyr Add: LOVER'S RETURN
From: Richie
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 02:02 PM

Lover's Return is a tradtional folk song usually called "Too Late" or "Too Late You Have to Come Back to Me." It was recorded by the Carters in 1934 after ten previous recordings including one by Ernest Stoneman in 1928.

The song is known in ballad index as The Last Farewell (The Lover's Return):

"So at last you have come back Since time at last has set you free...." The singer recalls his old love for the other -- but concludes that it is all over now: "No, no, you must not take my hand; God never gives us back our youth...."

Refers to: Randolph 761, "The Last Farewell" (2 texts, 1 tune)
Randolph/Cohen, pp. 495,496 "The Last Farewell" (1 text, 1 tune -- Randolph's 761A)
MHenry-Appalachians, pp. 152-153, "And So You Have Come Back to Me" (1 text)
Spaeth-WeepMore, pp. 33-34, "Too Late" (1 text, 1 tune)

LOVER'S RETURN- Carter Family

And so you have come back to me
And say the old love's growing yet
You've tried through all these weary years
You've tried too vainly to forget.

CHORUS: No, no I cannot take your hand
God never gives us back our youth
The loving heart you slighted then
Was yours my friend in perfect truth

Farewell farewell now we must part
You never meant to do me wrong
God sent this anguish to my heart
To teach me to be brave and strong

Farewell I think I love you yet
As friend to friend God bless you dear
And guide you through these weary years
To where the skies are always clear

Subject: Lyr Add: LOVER'S LANE
From: Richie
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 01:31 PM

"Lover's Lane" was apparently the first title for the song "You're The Girl of My Dreams." The song could be a rewrite of "Down de Lover's Lane" by Will Marion Cook c 1900.


LOVER'S LANE
Carter Family- Original

I first met you down in lover's lane
You were just like an angel
With an angel's golden wings
We walked along, we sang a song
The birds were singing, too
It seems like heaven's here on earth
Just to be again with you

    You're just the girl of my dreams
    Though it seems that my dreams never come true
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

At night we'd sit out in the old porch swing
The stars were shining brightly
And softly you would sing
You'd sing of happy days gone by
It makes me happy, too
It'd be like heaven here on earth
If I could be with you

    You're just the girl of my dreams
    Though it seems that my dreams never come true
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I first met you down in lover's lane
You were just like an angel
My little brown-eyed Jane
We walked along, we hummed a song
The birds were singing, too
It seems like heaven's here on earth
Just to be again with you

    You're just the girl of my dreams
    Though it seems that my dreams never come true
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

    You're just the girl of my dreams
    Though it seems that my dreams never come true

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 12:52 PM

There are several early versions of "We Have Met and We Have Parted" part of the "Lover's Farewell" songs

Here's one from 1875:

http://books.google.com/books?id=50YAAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA80&dq=%22We+Have+Met+and+We+Have+Parted%22&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

Belden: We have met and we have parted,
And you scarcely spoke one word.
Like some guilty thing I started
When your well-known voice I heard.

Another version from the 1800s: http://books.google.com/books?id=EWpLAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA249&dq=%22We+Have+Met+and+We+Have+Parted%22&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

Subject: Lyr Add: LOVER'S FAREWELL
From: Richie
Date: 07 Dec 08 - 12:34 PM

The Carter's 1903 "Lover's Farewell" is based on the earlier song "We Have Met and We Have Parted" which is dated by Meade as circa 1870s. Several versions of "We Have Met and We Have Parted" were collected in the early 1930s (Melinger Henry; JOAFL) and the two recordings unfortunately (one in 1928) were never issued.

All the variants are based on "Thou Hast Learned to Love Another"
or "Farewell, farewell, Forever" by Charles Slade published in 1849.
Here's a link:

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=mussm&fileName=sm2/sm1849/451000/451430/mussm451430.db&recNum=0&itemLink=D?mussm:6:.

The song was popular and there were numerous broadsides and ballets printed as well as other printed versions. If anyone has "We Have Met and We Have Parted" versions it would be good to post one for comparison.

LOVER'S FAREWELL-Carter Family 1930

We have met and we have parted
We have spoke our last goodbye
You have proved to me false hearted
You may now forever go

You have wrecked the heart I've cherished
You have done me day by day
You are false but I'll forgive you
To forget you I cannot say

For I love you dear I love you
More than all this world I know
You have proved to me false-hearted
You may now forever go

On the river bank I'll loiter
Till I see your face once more
Then I'll plunge beneath the water
And I'll land on some far shore

Among the trees and bushes
Where the dark green willow sway
In the cold and silent rushes
There you'll find my lonely grave

O I wish I was white marble
Cold and white on some far shore
This poor heart would cease from troubling
And I'd feel the pain no more

Subject: Lyr Add: NO DISAPPOINTMENT IN HEAVEN
From: Richie
Date: 06 Dec 08 - 02:42 PM

Sorry for that last post, my computer is barely working;

Although the songs are different I thought it was a rewrite of:

NO DISAPPOINTMENT IN HEAVEN 1913

There's no disappointment in Heaven,
No weariness, sorrow or pain;
No hearts that are bleeding and broken,
No song with a minor refrain.
The clouds of our earthly horizon
Will never appear in the sky,
For all will be sunshine and gladness,
With never a sob or a sigh.

Refrain

I'm bound for that beautiful city,
My Lord has prepared for His own;
Where all the redeemed of all ages
Sing "Glory!" around the white throne;
Sometimes I grow homesick for Heaven,
And the glories I there shall behold;
What a joy that will be when my Savior I see,
In that beautiful city of gold.

I'll look into it more later,

Richie

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 06 Dec 08 - 02:35 PM

No Disappointment in Heaven

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family son
From: Escapee
Date: 06 Dec 08 - 12:33 AM

Does anyone know the origin of "No Depression In Heaven"? I love it dearly and have played it for years. Recently, I read in a CD box set liner notes that the Carter's version was a cover. It didn't say where they got it.
I learned this song from a New Lost City Ramblers album, and it led me into old-time and country music and introduced me to the Carter Family. Oddly enough, when I heard the Carter recording, I didn't care for it, but by then, I'd been a devotee for a long, long time.
Fair winds,
SKP

Subject: Lyr Add: LORD I'M IN YOUR CARE
From: Richie
Date: 06 Dec 08 - 12:17 AM

Lord, I'm in Your Care is another traditional spiritual and is sometimes titled "Oh Lord, I'm in your Care." It was recorded first by Edward Clayborn in 1927; then Rev. Jm Gates in 1934.

The Carters recorded their version in 1937. The Carters may have learned this through Riddle and his friend gospel singer Pauline Gary
or Peer (since it was recorded by Victor previously).

LORD I'M IN YOUR CARE- Carter Family

Oh, Lord, I'm in your care
Oh, Lord, I'm in your care
Your loving arms around me
Evil cannot harm me
Oh, Lord, I'm in your care

All day long I'm in your care
All day long I'm in your care
Your loving arms around me
Evil cannot harm me
Lord, I'm in your care

When I was sick, I was in your care
When I was sick, I was in your care
Your loving arms around me
Evil cannot harm me
Lord, I'm in your care

I'm a friendless child, but I'm in your care
I'm a friendless child, but I'm in your care
Your loving arms around me
Evil cannot harm me
Lord, I'm in your care

Subject: Lyr Add: LOOK HOW THIS WORLD HAS MADE A CHANGE
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 11:11 PM

Look How This World Has Made a Change is a traditional spiritual arranged by J.B Vaughan in 1912 and recorded by the famous Vaughan Quartet in 1928. The Vaughan Quartet arguably made the first Country Music recordings (Tony Russell) in 1921.

LOOK HOW THIS WORLD HAS MADE A CHANGE- Carter Family 1937

We see our friends are weeping with the badges on their door
We see their homes in mourning for the loved ones come no more
You can say just what you please, death rides on every breeze
Look how this world has made a change

    Just look how this world has made a change(made a change)
    Just look how this world has made a change(made a change)
    You can see every day how the people pass away
    Look how this world has made a change
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Our friends are passing over to some far distant shore
We seek them and we call them but they answer us no more
Their throbbing hearts today tomorrow pass away
Look how this world has made a change

    Just look how this world has made a change(made a change)
    Just look how this world has made a change(made a change)
    You can see every day how the people pass away
    Look how this world has made a change
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Dear sinner, o get ready, you must meet your god on high
For death is all around you and it will not pass you by
Death knocks at every door no matter where you go
Look how this world has made a change

    Just look how this world has made a change(made a change)
    Just look how this world has made a change(made a change)
    You can see every day how the people pass away
    Look how this world has made a change

Subject: Lyr Add: LOOK AWAY FROM THE CROSS
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 10:58 PM

Look Away from the Cross is based on "From the Cross To The Crown" by F.L. Eiland in 1895 (1901 by Meade). Professor FL Eiland, was a noted hymn writer whose "Hold to God's Unchanging Hands" became widely used in American churches. Here's a bio: http://www.therestorationmovement.com/eiland.htm

The Carters lyrics are identical to the original lyrics:

LOOK AWAY FROM THE CROSS- Carter Family 1940

Look away from the cross to that glittering crown
From your cares weary ones look away
There's a home for the soul where no sorrows can come
And there pleasure will never decay

Look away (weary ones look away) look away (from the cross to the crown)
From the cross to that glittering crown (glittering crown)
Look away (look away weary ones) look away (from the cross to the crown)
From the cross to that glittering crown

Though these burdens of life may be heavy to bear
And your crosses and trials severe
There's a beautiful hand that is beckoning come
And no heartache and sighings are there

Mid the conflicts of battles of struggles and strife
Bravely onward your journey pursue
Look away look away from the cross to that glittering crown
That's a waiting in heaven for you

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 10:29 PM

Having some computer prob- sorry. Had to post before my computer crashed.

"I'm Longing for Old Virginia and You" is by E. Clinton Keithley not Root who is the publisher

Here a better link:

http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/sheetmusic/devincent.do?&id=LL-SDV-233002&q1=LL-SDV-233002&sid=b44f347a88044020ea6f427033ac596a

Subject: Lyr Add: LONGING FOR OLD VIRGINIA
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:57 PM

Longing for Old Virginia was recorded by the Carters in 1934 and comes from Frank Root's 1915 song "I'm Longing for Old Virginia and You."

Here's a link:

http://books.google.com/books?id=AC05AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA13&dq=Longing+for+Old+Virginia&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

LONGING FOR OLD VIRGINIA- Carter Family


'Mid the green fields of Virginia, dear I met you
Where the roses red and white around us grew
When I held you in my arms and gently kissed you
The robins sang the sweetest song we knew

I'm longing for old Virginia, for old Virginia and you
And I'm hoping the soul within you is longing for me too
To Virginia, just like the ivy, my heart clings ever true
And I reckon in the spring I'll bring a little ring
To old Virginia and you

Though tonight I'm far from you and old Virginia
I still love you as I did that day in June
And when springtime comes again to old Virginia
I'll build a little cottage just for two

Subject: Lyr Add: LONESOME VALLEY
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:42 PM

Lonesome Valley, a spiritual from both white and black sources, was recorded by the Carters in 1930 and in 1935. The song was probably from Leslie Riddle but popular versions by both Dalhart and Jenkins had been circulating.

The earliest recording "That Lonesome Valley" was done in 1925 by the Jenkins Family. There's a blues version by Blind Willie McTell, "I Got to Cross the River of Jordan." Other names include:

You Got To Cross It Foh Yohself
Walk This Lonesome Valley
You've Got to Walk That Lonesome Valley
Hark of All
We Shall Walk Through the Valley
John the Baptist
You Got to Stand a Test

Certaintly the basic lyrics in different forms were part of the black culture before the Civil War. These lyrics are The Atlantic Monthly - 1864- Page 589:

Go down in de Lonesome Valley,
Go down in de Lonesome Valley, my Lord,
Go down in de Lonesome Valley,
To meet my Jesus dere !


LONESOME VALLEY- Carter Family

Everybody's got to walk this lonesome valley
We've got to walk it by ourselves
There's nobody here can walk it for us
We've got to walk it by ourselves

My father's got to walk this lonesome valley
He's got to walk it by himself
There's nobody here can walk it for him
He's got to walk it by himself

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

My mother's got to walk this lonesome valley
She's got to walk it by herself
There's nobody here can walk it for her
She's got to walk it by herself

All sinners got to walk this lonesome valley
They've got to walk it by themselves
There's nobody here can walk it for them
They've got to walk it by themselves

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Everybody's got to walk this lonesome valley
We've got to walk it by ourselves
There's nobody here can walk it for us
We've got to walk it by ourselves

Subject: Lyr Add: LONESOME PINE SPECIAL
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:05 PM

Lonesome Pine Special is a railroad song attributed to Sara Carter by
Janette Carter in a talk to a music class at Warren Wilson College. Janette is the daughter of Sara and A.P. Carter.

LONESOME PINE SPECIAL- Sara Carter

I was walking out this morning
With rambling on my mind
I am going to catch the special
That train called Lonesome Pine

You can hear the whistle blowin'
And she's coming down the line
That's the train I catch this morning
To ease my troubling mind

    Well, ah-le-ho, ah-le-ho-lay
    Well, ah-le-ho, ah-le-ho-lay
    Take me back to Texas
    Back to my old home

Oh, I'm weeping like a willow
And I'm mourning like a dove
There's a girl way out in Texas
That I know I really love

Oh, I'm going back to Texas
Where the lonesome coyotes whine
Where the longhorn cattle are roaming
'Round that cabin home of mine

    Well, ah-le-ho, ah-le-ho-lay
    Well, ah-le-ho, ah-le-ho-lay
    Take me back to Texas
    Back to my old home
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, give me back my rifle
Oh, give me back my gun
Give me back my home in Texas
And my rambling days are done

    Well, ah-le-ho, ah-le-ho-lay
    Well, ah-le-ho, ah-le-ho-lay
    Take me back to Texas
    Back to my old home

Subject: Lyr Add: LONESOME HOMESICK BLUES
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 08:26 PM

Lonesome Homesick Blues is one of the few songs written by Maybelle Carter. According to the Carters biography she wrote the song when she was missing Eck, her husband. She also used a blues lick learned from Leslie Riddle.

LONESOME HOMESICK BLUES- Maybelle Carter

I've got the lonesome homesick blues
I've got them bad, babe, down in my shoes
I love someone there that I might lose
That's why I've got these old homesick blues

It makes me homesick to hear your name
And hold you, dear, in my arms again
I'm a-gonna ride that lonesome train
To the one I left in Maces Springs

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

You told me once, dear, you loved me so
And it's on my mind everywhere I go
I'll soon be knowing if it is so
Or has your love for me grown cold

Oh, listen to that old lonesome train
It's a-gonna carry me back again
To the one that told me their love was true
I'll spend the rest of my days with you

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I've been away, babe, a long, long time
Now I'm riding down this old railroad line
And the one I love there I hope to find
To ease this lonesome blue heart of mine

Subject: Lyr Add: LONESOME FOR YOU DARLING
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 07:30 PM

"Lonesome for You Darling" was recorded in 1940 by the Carters. I haven't been able to find the source yet. Anyone?

LONESOME FOR YOU DARLING- Carter Family

I am lonesome for you darling
Though from me you're far away
In a lonely little cottage
I am waiting day by day

Though you went away and left me
Left me alone in this old world
How it hurt me little darling
To hear you say those parting words

I can see you in the moonlight
Strolling down lover's lane
I know it's you I love my darling
Wont you take me back again

Do you think we could be happy
Do you think we could be true
To the one that's always loved you
No one loves you like I do

Wont you take me back my darling
So I can prove my love to you
If you'll accept me little darling
We will start our lives anew

I will take you back my darling
If you promise to be true
Let me look my little darling
In your loving eyes of blue

We are happy now together
In the moonlight all alone
And we'll settle down forever
In our little cottage home

Subject: Lyr Add: LONESOME FOR YOU
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 06:33 PM

Lonesome for You is taken from the 1918 song "I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome" by Brockman and Vincent- words and Kendis- music.

LONESOME FOR YOU- Carter family

          Now I know what it means to be lonesome
          And I know what it means to be blue
          And I know what it means to be lonesome in dreams
          When there's someone missing you

          'Cause I've tried and I've tried since we've parted
          And there is no one know what I gone through
          I'd give all that I own just to have you back home
          'Cause I'm lonesome, lonesome for you

          My best friend left me this morning
          As the clock was striking four
          And the smiling face of my darling
          I may not see no more

          Now I know what it means to be worried
          To be all lonesome and blue
          For the one that I love so dearly
          Has turned her back on me

          Oh, my mind is full of sorrow
          And my hear is filled with pain
          And I feel so broken-hearted
          Won't you please come back again

          'Cause I've tried and I've tried since we've parted
          And there is no one know what I gone through
          I'd give all that I own just to have you back home
          'Cause I'm lonesome, lonesome for you

Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE POPLAR LOG HOUSE ON THE HILL
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 06:18 PM

Little Poplar Log House on the Hill is a song the Carters covered that was done by the Callahan Brothers on August 16, 1934. The Carter Family recorded their version 6 years later.

Somehow this song is still attributed to A.P.

LITTLE POPLAR LOG HOUSE ON THE HILL- Carter Family 1940

Now kind friends I want to tell you
Of a little country home
It is made of poplar logs upon the hill
That's where father died and left us
When we were very young
And our mother kept us settled on he hill

CHORUS: When our days work on the farm was done
She'd would gather us around
She would have us get down on our little knees
She would pray for God to keep us
Through the night until next
In our little old poplar log house on the hill

Our father died a good man
Which we all would like to do
And I'm going there to see him some old day
When I'm get through with my singing
Lay my guitar by my side
Lord I want to play in heaven when I die

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 05:59 PM

Thanks Q,

Here's the Randolph version of Little Moses online:

http://books.google.com/books?id=g3JtLNe3nroC&pg=PA97&dq=%22Little+Moses&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

Richie

Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE MOSES
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 04:15 PM

The Carter song "Little Moses" is a combination with songs other than "Moses in the Bulrushes." Belden says that the "Moses in the Bulrushes" he collected in 1905 covers only the first half of the song reported from Tennessee by George Pullen Jackson from Tennessee.
Recorded from the singing of Miss W. A. Drumgoole as she remembered it sung in 1890 by Mr. Tate, stage driver from Beersheba to Beersheba Springs on Cumberland Mountain. The full text from Mrs. Maggie Haun (called "defective" by Jackson).
The Jackson text:

The ladies were wending their way
As Pharo's daughter stepped down to the water
To bathe in the cool of the day.
Before it was dark she opened the ark
And found that the sweet infant was there.

She took him in pity and thought him so pretty,
That made little Moses so glad.
She called him her own, her beautiful son,
And sent for a nurse that was near.

By the side of the river so clear
They *earned that beautiful child *sic
To his own tender mother, his sister and brother,
Little Moses looked happy and smiled.

His mother so good done all that she could
To hear [rear?] him and teach him with care.
Then away by the sea that was red
Stood Moses the servant of God.

While in him confided the deed [dead sea?] was divided
While upward he lifted his rod.
The Jews safely crossed while Pharo's host
Was drounded in the water and lost.

Then away to the mountain so high
Stood Moses with trembling an' awe,
With lightning and thunder, great signs and wonders,
While God was giving the law.
He wrote it down on two tables of stone
Before he returned to the sky.

Then away on the mountain so high
Stood the last one he ever might see.
While Isreal victorious, his hope was most gloriest,
Would soon over Jordan bbe free.
His neighbors did cease, he departed in peace,
And rest-es in heaven above.

George Pullen Jackson, 1937, "Spiritual Folk-Songs of Early America. Augustin NY.

Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE MOSES
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 02:18 PM

LITTLE MOSES is gospel ballad about story of Moses harmonized by G.R. Street circa 1871. The lyrics are traditional.

Collected by Belden as "Moses in the Bulrushes" in 1905. Randolph 662, "Little Moses" has 1 text. "By the Side of a River" is another title. If anyone has the Belden lyrics please post for comparison.

LITTLE MOSES- Carter Family 1929

Away by the river so clear, the ladies were winding their way
And Pharaoh's little daughter stepped down in the water
To bathe in the cool of the day

    Before it was dark she opened the ark
    And found the sweet infant was there
    Before it was dark she opened the ark
    And found the sweet infant was there

And away by the river so blue, the infant was lonely and sad
She took him in pity and thought him so pretty
And it made little Moses so glad

    She called him her own, her beautiful son
    And sent for a nurse that was near
    She called him her own, her beautiful son
    And sent for a nurse that was near
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

And away by the river so clear, they carried the beautiful child
To his own tender mother, his sister and brother
Little Moses looked happy and smiled

    His mother so good done all that she could
    To rear him and teach him with care
    His mother so good done all that she could
    To rear him and teach him with care
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

And away by the sea that was red, little Moses, the servant of God
While in him confided the sea was divided
As upward he lifted his rod

    The Jews they could cross while Pharaoh's host
    Was drowned in the waters and lost
    The Jews they could cross while Pharaoh's host
    Was drowned in the waters and lost

And away on the mountain so high, the last one that ever might see
While in his victorious, his hope was most glorious
He'd soon o'er the Jordan be free

    When his labors did cease he parted in peace
    And rested in the heavens above
    When his labors did cease he parted in peace
    And rested in the heavens above

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LITTLE LOG HUT IN THE LANE
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 01:53 PM

Little Log Hut in the Lane is usally titled, "I'm Going From the Cottonfields" which is a song (Going From De Cottonfields) by Thomas Westendorf from 1879. It was recorded first by Frank Crummit then by Hugh Cross. The Carters or Peer surely changed the title to avoid copyright problems.

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?aasm:2:./temp/~ammem_8c06::@@@mdb=mcc,gottscho,detr,nfor,wpa,aap,cwar,bbpix,cowellbib,calb

Curiously the authors of the Carter biography Mark Zwonitzer and Charles Hirshberg got this wrong. They attribute the Carters "Little Log Hut in the Lane" to Hayes "Little Old log Cabin in the Lane," a different song. Oops!

THE LITTLE LOG HUT IN THE LANE- Carter Family

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Mama says she don't want me
Because I'm getting old
Scared that I might freeze to death
The weather is so cold

If I live till night
I think I will try
When the moon goes down tonight
I'm going to say goodbye

    I'm going from the cotton field
    I'm going from the cane
    I'm going from that little log hut
    That stands down in the lane
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Now I'm old and feeble
And I cannot see my way
Mama says I'm old and gray
And only in the way

I'm leaving the little log hut
The place I love to dwell
When the stars shine bright tonight
I'm going to bid farewell

    I'm going from the cotton field
    I'm going from the cane
    I'm going from that little log hut
    That stands down in the lane
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

    I'm going from the cotton field
    I'm going from the cane
    I'm going from that little log hut
    That stands down in the lane
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE LOG CABIN BY THE SEA
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 01:28 PM

Little Girl (I Ever Cared About)should be titled "The Only Girl (I Ever Cared About) and will be covered under Only Girl, The.

Little Joe was recorded by the Carters two times first as Darling Little Joe. The song is really the "Death of Little Joe" by Marsten in 1866. See info/lyrics above under Darling Little Joe.

Little Log Cabin by the Sea is based on "The Bible in the Cabin by the Sea" by W.C. Hapley in 1903. Hapley also wrote "We'll Meet Beyond the Grave." It was also recorded as "The Bible My Daddy Left to Me" by Whitey and Hogan.

Here's The Carter Family's "Little Old Log Cabin by the Sea" Vi 21074 which was recorded in Bristol, Tennessee, August 1, 1927. Reissued on The Carter Family 'Anchored in Love' Rounder CD 1064. Also reissued on Various Artists 'The Bristol Sessions' Country Music Foundation CD CMF-011-D.

LITTLE LOG CABIN BY THE SEA

There is a precious volume all finger-worn and holed
In that little log cabin by the sea
It is the old, old bible, more precious now than gold
'Tis the bible that my mother gave to me

'Tis the old, precious bible, blessed bible
That she read in the cabin by the sea (by the sea)
It's a precious, precious bible, a blessed, blessed bible
The bible that my mother gave to me

How often I have listened to the tempest howl and rave
Round that little log cabin by the sea
While mother read of Jesus who walked upon the wave
How Jesus calmed the storm in Galilee

'Tis the old, precious bible, blessed bible
That she read in the cabin by the sea (by the sea)
It's a precious, precious bible, a blessed, blessed bible
The bible that my mother gave to me

How often, oh how often she read the flowing word
Read the message from the precious word of God
They have told of faithful Daniel who trusted in the Lord
While she led me in the pathway that she trod

Tis the old, precious bible, blessed bible
That she read in the cabin by the sea (by the sea)
It's a precious, precious bible, a blessed, blessed bible
The bible that my mother gave to me

There is no other volume so precious as this book
It tells me how to live and how to die
It tells me of that city, oh wondrous, wondrous look
And that I'll meet the loved ones by and by

Tis the old, precious bible, blessed bible
That she read in the cabin by the sea (by the sea)
It's a precious, precious bible, a blessed, blessed bible
The bible that my mother gave to me

Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE DARLING PAL OF MINE
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 12:41 PM

Little Darlin' Pal of Mine was recorded by the Caters in 1928 in their 2nd session for Peer and Victor. The melody is the spiritual "When The World's On Fire." It's also titled "Little Sweetheart Pal Of Mine" or "My Little Girl."

Apparently this is the song Woody Guthrie used for the melody of "This Land Is Your Land." Jimmie Rodgers covered the song when he visited with the Carter Family and they recorded together in 1931.

According to Maybelle, A.P. wrote the song. Clearly it's based on traditional lyrics and A.P. probably came up with the "little darlin' pal of mine" line, which essential makes the song his.

LITTLE DARLING PAL OF MINE- Carter Family 1928

                   My little darling, oh, how I love you
                   How I love you none can tell
                   In your heart you love another
                   Little darling pal of mine
                     [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Many a night while you lay sleeping
               Dreaming of your rambler's life
               Lay a poor boy brokenhearted
               Listening to the wind outside

                   My little darling, oh, how I love you
                   How I love you none can tell
                   In your heart you love another
                   Little darling pal of mine
                     [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Many a day with you I've rambled
               Countless hours with you I've spent
               Thought I had your heart forever
               But I found it only lent

                   My little darling, oh, how I love you
                   How I love you none can tell
                   In your heart you love another
                   Little darling pal of mine
                     [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               There is just three things I wish for
               That's a casket, shroud, and grave
               When I'm dead, don't weep for me
               Just kiss those lips that you betrayed

                   My little darling, oh, how I love you
                   How I love you none can tell
                   In your heart you love another
                   Little darling pal of mine

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 10:56 AM

Subject: Lyr Add: LITTLE BLACK TRAIN
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 10:54 AM

Little Black Train is a tradition gospel song dating back to the late 1800s (Cohen) and was first recorded (4 times) in 1926 by the redoutable Rev. J.M. Gates and later by various hillbilly artists, including Henry and Emry Arthur in 1928. The Carters did not record it until 1935, and 2 copyrights (1935 and 1937) were taken out in the Carters' names!

The story of Hezekiah's bout with sickness, God's threat, Hezekiah's repentance, and Isaiah's promise of fifteen additional years of life is told in 2 Kings 20:1-11 (repeated almost verbatim inIsaiah 38) and briefly summarized in 2 Chronicles 32:24-26.

There are numerous versions in the DT so I'll just post the Carters and one by Dock Boggs that's not in the DT.

It was collected in 1922 by Brown. According to Dorothy Scarborough who printed a version in 1925:

"A more sinister aspect of train-arrival is in another Holy Roller song from Texas. The little black train here represents Death, and the passengers for whom seats are reserved appear not to be crowding eagerly about the ticket window. This train had no schedule, but, like other public carriers, is uncertain in its time arrival and departure. But a delay here brings forth no complaints against the management."

Other names include: "Gospel Train," "Gospel Train Is Coming"
"Death's Black Train Is Coming." "Little Black Train Is A-Comin'"

LITTLE BLACK TRAIN- Dock Boggs

God sent to Hezekiah
A message from on high,
"You better set your house in order,
For you must surely die."

He turned to the wall in weeping,
We see him there in tears,
He got his business fixed all right,
God spared him fifteen years.

There's a little black train a-coming,
Fix all your business right.
There's a little black train a-coming,
And it may be here tonight.

Go tell that ballroom lady
All dressed in the worldly pride
That death's dark train is coming,
Prepare to take a ride.

I see that train with engine
And one small baggage car.
Your idle thoughts and your wicked deeds
Will stop at the judgement bar.

There's a little black train a-coming,
Fix all your business right.
There's a little black train a-coming,
Prepare to take a ride.

That poor young man in darkness
Cared not for the gospel light
Till suddenly he heard the whistle blow
And the little black train in sight.

"Oh Lord, will you not spare me?
I see my wicked plight.
Have mercy, Lord, upon me,
Please come and set me right."

But death had fixed its shackles
Upon his soul so tight,
Before he got his business fixed
The little black train in sight.

There's a little black train a-coming,
Fix all your business right.
There's a little black train a-coming,
And it may be here tonight.


The Little Black Train- Carter Family

There's a little black train a comin'
Set your business right
There's a little black train a comin'
And it may be here tonight

Go tell that ball room lady
All dressed in the worldly pride
That death's dark train is coming
Prepare to take a ride

God said to Hezekiah
A message from on high
You better set your house in order
For you must surely die

He turned to the wall in weeping
We see him here in tears
He got his business fixed all right
God spared him fifteen years

We see that train with engine
And one small baggage car
Your idle thoughts and wicked deeds
Will stop at the judgment bar

That poor young man in darkness
Cares not for the gospel light
'Til suddenly he heard the whistle blow
And the little black train in sight

Have mercy on me lord
Please come and set me right
Before he got his business fixed
The train rolled in that night

Subject: Lyr Add: LET'S BE LOVERS AGAIN
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:51 AM

Let's Be Lovers Again is a song from Gussie Davis in 1893 titled, "Jack and May (Make Up and Be Lover's Again)".

It's been recorded as "Jack and May" as well as the "Let's be Sweet hearts/Lovers/Friends" titles. The Carters recorded their version in 1935.

LET'S BE LOVERS AGAIN- Carter Family

Jack and May
Sweethearts were they
They were engaged to be wed
Many a promise he made her
Many a love word he said
As most lovers do
They quarreled one night
She bid him not come anymore
She gave him his hat
Jack started away
But he lingered to stay at the door

Chorus: Tie up those broken cords
And lets be lovers again
Darling, you know I love you
To part would give me pain
Let us forget the past
And make up, my pet
Make up and be lovers again.

Years rolled by
Neither were wed
All of Jack's pleadings were vain
One quiet evening poor Jack was found dead
All through life in dismay
Two lives that have been wrecked
But she loves, oh, too late
She goes to his grave every day
She can't tell you why
But it seems to her cry
The wind seems to whisper and say

Subject: Lyr Add: LET THE CHURCH ROLL ON
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:30 AM

"Let the Church Roll On" is a spiritual that was popular in the 1920s was recorded first by the African-American group, the Norfolk Jubilee Quartet in 1926. It was recorded 5 times before the Carters 1931 Charlotte NC recording for Victor.

The Carters learned the song from Leslie Riddle and also through his friend gospel singer Pauline Gary from Kingsport.

LET THE CHURCH ROLL ON- Carter Family/Leslie Riddle

               Let the church roll on (My good Lord)
               Let the church roll on (Oh, my Lord)
               Turn him out (Turn him out)
               And let the church roll on

          There're gamblers in the church (My good Lord)
          And they won't do right (Oh, my Lord)
          What're you gonna do (Turn them out)
          And let the church roll on

                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Let the church roll on (My good Lord)
               Let the church roll on (Oh, my Lord)
               Turn him out (Turn him out)
               And let the church roll on

          There're drunkards in the church (My good Lord)
          And they won't do right (Oh, my Lord)
          What're you gonna do (Turn them out)
          And let the church roll on
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

               Let the church roll on (My good Lord)
               Let the church roll on (Oh, my Lord)
               Turn him out (Turn him out)
               And let the church roll on

          There're members in the church (My good Lord)
          And they won't do right (Oh, my Lord)
          What're you gonna do (Take some new ones that could)
          And let the church roll on

               Let the church roll on (My good Lord)
               Let the church roll on (Oh, my Lord)
               Turn him out (Turn him out)
               And let the church roll on

Subject: Lyr Add: LAY MY HEAD BENEATH THE ROSE
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 09:12 AM

"Lay My Head Beneath the Rose" is a song the Carters did in 1936 that was made popular by Vernon Dalhart in 1926. "Lay My Head Beneath A Rose" was written by Ned Straight in 1879. Madison and Faulkenstein also published a version in 1897 which was published again in 1936 (1946) and surprisingly has copyright restrictions. The sheet music may have been reissued beacuse of the Carter or Dalhart recordings.

This is another example of a song with an invalid copyright. Both the Levy and Indiana sheet msuic will not dispaly the sheet music.

LAY MY HEAD BENEATH THE ROSE- Carter Family

Darling, clasp me to your bosom
As you did in days of yore
Lay your hand upon my forehead
'Ere I reach the golden shore

Life is from me fastly falling
Soon I'll be in sweet repose
When I'm gone 1 ask this favor
Lay my head beneath the rose

Darling, first you said you loved me
When you gave me hand and heart
There were roses on your cheeks, love
As we vowed we ne'er would part

One more kiss for I am going
Far beyond all earthly woe
May your life be like your cheeks, love
Covered with the blossomed rose

He has crossed the shadowed valley
Where the living waters flow
Love has answered all his pleading
And he sleeps in sweet repose

'Neath a grassy mound he's resting
Where the golden sunset glows
Love has answered all his pleading
And he sleeps in sweet repose

Subject: Lyr Add: THE LAST MOVE FOR ME
From: Richie
Date: 05 Dec 08 - 08:58 AM

Last Move for Me was recorded June 8, 1936 in NYC and is another gospel song teh Carters did by Herbert Buffum. "When I make My Last Move" was written by Herbert Buffum (1879-1939) around 1926.


THE LAST MOVE FOR ME- Carter Family

I've been traveling for Jesus so much of my life
Been traveling o'er land and on sea
But I'm planning on taking a trip to the sky
That will be the last move for me

    When I move to the sky up in heaven so high
    What a wonderful time that will be
    I'm ready to go, washed in Calvary's flow
    That will be the last move for me
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I've seen wonderful sights as I've traveled afar
How little, how empty they seem
When I make my last move to that city of gold
That will be the last move for me

    When I move to the sky up in heaven so high
    What a wonderful time that will be
    I'm ready to go, washed in Calvary's flow
    That will be the last move for me
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Here I'm bothered with packing each time that I move
And carry a load in each hand
But I'll not need one thing that I've used in this world
When I move to that heavenly land

    When I move to the sky up in heaven so high
    What a wonderful time that will be
    I'm ready to go, washed in Calvary's flow
    That will be the last move for me
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Everything that I'll need will be furnished up there
Not even my songbooks I'll bring
Or the precious old Bible that showed me the way
I'll not need when I stand by my King

    When I move to the sky up in heaven so high
    What a wonderful time that will be
    I'm ready to go, washed in Calvary's flow
    That will be the last move for me

When I make My Last Move- Herbert Buffum

I have been traveling for Jesus, so much of my life
I have been traveling on land and on sea
But I am counting on taking a trip to the sky
That will be the last move for me!

I have seen wonderful sights as I have traveled afar
But how little, how empty it will seem
When I make my last move to that City Of God
And behold what no vision could dream.

There will be prophets, who I will meet over there
Whose teachings have guided me right
I shall meet the Apostles and Jesus my Lord
I believe I shall know them at sight.

Here I am bothered with packing
And I carry a load in each hand
But I will not need one thing, I have used in this world,
When I move to that Heavenly Land.

When I move to the sky, up to Heaven on High,
What a wonderful trip that will be,
I am already to go
Washed in Calvary's flow,
That will be the last move for me!

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 08:43 PM

Let's try the L titles for the original Carter family:

Last Move for Me;
Lay My Head Beneath the Rose;
Let the Church Roll On;
Let's Be Lovers Again;
Little Black Train;
Little Darlin' Pal of Mine;
Little Girl (I Ever Cared About);
Little Joe;
Little Log Cabin by the Sea;
Little Log Hut in the Lane;
Little Moses; Little Poplar Log House on the Hill;
Lonesome for You;
Lonesome for You Darling;
Lonesome Homesick Blues;
Lonesome Pine Special;
Lonesome Valley;
Longing for Old Virginia;
Look Away from the Cross;
Look How This World Has Made a Change;
Lord, I'm in Your Care;
Lover's Farewell;
Lover's Lane;
Lover's Return;
Lulu Walls;

Anyone?

Subject: Lyr Add: KITTY WALTZ
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 07:29 PM

Kitty Waltz was recorded in 1929 by the Carters. The first country recording was Al Hopkins in 1926 which may have been the source. Anyone have Hopkins lyrics?

The instrumental versions were copyrighted by W. Henry Sayen in 1873 and R. Schwentzer as "Kittie Waltz in 1872.

KITTY WALTZ- Carter Family 1929

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

The girls are singing, their guitars are ringing
Their steps are so neat, their music so sweet
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Boys, come on and join our band
Their guitars are ringing, their music is grand
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
Waltz, Kitty, waltz, let everybody waltz
The guitars are ringing, come on and waltz

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: Lyr Add: KISSING IS A CRIME
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 07:16 PM

Kissing Is a Crime was recorded by the Carters in 1935. "I'll not Kiss You Anymore" was recorded in 1930 but unissued.

It was collected as a folk song in Alabama. http://books.google.com/books?id=ZG_VpWAciWsC&pg=PA166&dq=%22I+know+a+pretty+little+girl%22&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

It resembles the Scottish song "Some Say that Kissing's a Sin" published in 1829. AP clearly changed "sin," a word he could't use, to "crime."

I KNOW A PRETTY LITTLE GIRL
Sung by Eunice Yeatts MacAlexander at her home in Meadows of Dan, Patrick County, VA. Eunice learnt it as a young girl from a neighbour's daughter, who may have picked it up from the Carter Family.

I know a pretty little girl,
And I want her for my wife.
She's neat, she's sweet, she's pretty little feet,
And she's never kissed a boy in her life.
I ask her for a kiss.
She says, 'You're such a beau.
I'll kiss you now, but I'll vow and declare,
I'll never do so anymore.'

'For I'm going to be a better girl,
And never kiss again.
For fear my momma might find it out,
And cause her, oh, such pain.'
'You may walk, you may talk,
You may hold my hand.
But kissing is a crime.
I never expect to kiss you again,
Until the next time.'

I went to see her the other day,
But I didn't go to stay.
She leaned her head upon my breast,
Saying, 'The old folks are far away.'
I kissed her a dozen times,
Till someone came to the door.
She kissed me then,
And there declared she'd never do so anymore.

Repeat verse 3 Repeat verse 4

KISSING IS A CRIME- Carter Family 1935

    I know a little girl
    And I want her for my wife
    She's pretty and sweet, and neat little feet
    Never been kissed in her life
    You can ask for a kiss
    She never got a beau
    And every time she vows and cries
    She'll never do so anymore

Going to be a better girl and never kiss again
Afraid my maw might find out and cause her great pain
You may walk and talk and hold my hand
But kissing is a crime
I'll not kiss you anymore until next time

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

    I called at her house one night
    But I didn't intend to stay
    She laid her head on my shoulder and said
    The old folks are away
    I kissed her a dozen times
    Someone came to the door
    And every time she vows and declares
    She'll never do so anymore

Going to be a better girl and never kiss again
Afraid my maw might find out and cause her great pain
You may walk and talk and hold my hand
But kissing is a crime
I'll not kiss you anymore until next time

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 06:41 PM

Keep on the Firing Line is a Sounthern gospel song by Bessie F. Hatcher in 1915. It was recorded twice before the Carters 1941 recording.

Keep on the Sunny Side, the Carters theme song, was written by Ada Blenkhorn and J Howard Entwisle in 1899.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 06:35 PM

Well Q there weren't alot of beaches in the Appalachain mountains back then!

Obviously this started off as a parlor type song from the 1800s and "Flirting on the Beach" is a possible source.

R-

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 04:08 PM

There's a whole passel of flirting songs from the latter part of the 19th c. They got into folk usage very quickly. It's hard to tell which of them were the inspirations.
I think I will post a couple of them, but will start a thread so that they don't gum up the works here.

"Flirting on the Beach" words and music E. M. Hall, performed by Primrose and West, 1878, White Smith & Co., Boston, was a popular one.

Subject: Lyr Add: JUST ANOTHER BROKEN HEART
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 03:25 PM

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

Randolph collected the song as "She Said She Was Only Flirting" from
Elizabeth Waddell in 1927: Randolph, Vance / Ozark Folksongs. Volume IV, Religous Songs and Others, Univ. of Missouri, Bk (1980/1946), p272/#764. The singer said the song was a parody of a Longfellow poem:

http://books.google.com/books?id=g3JtLNe3nroC&pg=PA272&dq=She+Said+She+Was+Only+Flirting&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

It was first recorded by Billy Vest in 1931 as "Oh Sir, I was Only Flirting."

It's related to the popular Sinful to Flirt songs [Laws G19] such as "Willie Down by the Pond" and has the same theme as "Juanita." If anyone has any other lyrics versions please post.

JUST ANOTHER BROKEN HEART- Carter Family 1936

They stood on the beach one evening
Out in the moonlight fair
'Twas a boy in the pride of manhood
And a girl in beauty rare

I never thought that you loved me
An innocent look of surprise
Crept out from beneath her lashes
And into those deep brown eyes

Oh, sir, I was only a-flirting
Only a-playing a part
Just another boy's life ruined
Just another broken heart

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Sir, I'm to be married this winter
Farewell, and she gave me her hand
And drawing a robe around her
She left me alone on the sand

She goes with a crowd, I'll pass her
Always bitter and cold
Just another boy grown weary
Just another boy grown old

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

There's a rose grows in your garden
White rose is the emblem of peace
And when I am dead, little darling
Plant that rose at my head and my feet

Oh, sir, I was only a-flirting
Only a-playing a part
Just another boy's life ruined
Just another broken heart

Subject: Lyr Add: JUST A FEW MORE DAYS
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 02:02 PM

Just a Few More Days is a gospel song. The idea may have come from the third verse of the 1903 gospel song "The Good Old-Fashioned Way".

"Just a few more steps to follow
Just a few more days to roam..."

There are refernces to it in The New Cokesbury Hymnal, Nashville (1928) edited by Charles C . Washburn:

"Just a few more days to be filled with praise, And to tell the...
Just a few more years with their toil and tears, And the journey..."

Hymns of Praise: For the Church and Sunday School by F. G. Kingsbury -Hymns, English - 1922 - page 15

Anyone find it in one of these or other hymnals?

JUST A FEW MORE DAYS- Carter Family 1938

Not so long ago one morning
Mother called me to her bed
Then she threw her arms around me
Listen to the words she said
Darling, I am going to leave you
But you'll not be left alone
Jesus will protect and shield you
After he has carried me home

    Just a few more days of sorrow
    Just a few more days of pain
    Just a few more days of cloudiness
    Just a few more days of rain
    Then I'm going to live with Jesus
    He has got a home prepared
    Then I'll join the holy angels
    Mother will be waiting there

Sometimes I am sorely tempted
Sometimes I am sorely tired
But to overcome I'm trying
Taking Jesus as my guide
Oh, sometimes the path seems rugged
But it only makes me pray
And I know if I keep trying
I'll see my mother some sweet day

    Just a few more days of sorrow
    Just a few more days of pain
    Just a few more days of cloudiness
    Just a few more days of rain
    Then I'm going to live with Jesus
    He has got a home prepared
    Then I'll join the holy angels
    Mother will be waiting there

Subject: Lyr Add: JOHN HARDY WAS A DESPERATE LITTLE MAN
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 10:59 AM

Jimmie Brown, the Newsboy was refernced by Joy: Jimmie Brown (the paper boy) by William Shakespeare Hays in 1875.

Jimmie Rodgers Visits the Carter Family: The session began in Louisville, Kentucky on June 10, 1931 the whole group recorded their song-and-spoken-word skits "The Carter Family and Jimmie Rogers in Texas" and "Jimmie Rogers Visits The Carter Family." On June 12 the first skit was redone to its released form.

The first release by the two top Country recording artists for Victor was "Jimmie Rodgers Visits the Carter Family" backed by Rodgers "Moonlight and Skies." The single was a big success by post 1929 standards, selling 24, 000 copies. Curiously, the other songs from that session (except Jimmie's solo "Let Me Be Your Side Track") were released five years later, long after Rodgers was dead.

John Hardy Was a Desperate Little Man: was recorded by teh Carter Family in 1928 in one of their early session for Victor. The Carter Family version doesn't repeat the last lyric line, instead there is and instrumental verse.

The Carters version was the fourth recording of the song, preceeded by Eva Davis and local star Ernest Stoneman in 1925.

The song was collected in 1916 by Cecil Sharp. There is an excellent article by John Harrington Cox in the JOAFL. Here are some details about the history:

John Hardy was a black man working in the tunnels of West Virginia. In fact, as Alan Lomax remarks, "the two songs ["John Henry" & "John Hardy"] have sometimes been combined by folk singers, and the two characters confused by ballad collectors...."). One payday, in a crap game at Shawnee Coal Company's camp in what is today Eckman, WV, John Hardy killed a fellow worker. Lomax provides the following additional info- His white captors protected him from a lynch mob that came to take him out of jail and hang him. When the lynch fever subsided, Hardy was tried during the July term of the McDowell County Criminal Court, found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. While awaiting execution in jail, he is said to have composed this ballad, which he later sang on the scaffold. He also confessed his sins to a minister, became very religious, and advised all young men, as he stood beneath the gallows, to shun liquor, gambling and bad company. The order for his execution shows that he was hanged near the courthouse in McDowell County, January 19, 1894. His ballad appears to have been based upon certain formulae stanzas from the Anglo-Saxon ballad stock.... Alan Lomax, The Folk Songs of North America, Garden City, 1960, p. 264; lyrics on pp. 271-273.

JOHN HARDY WAS A DESPERATE LITTLE MAN

John Hardy, he was a desp'rate little man,
He carried two guns ev'ry day.
He shot a man on the West Virginia line,
An' you ought seen John Hardy getting away.

John Hardy, he got to the Keystone Bridge,
He thought that he would be free.
And up stepped a man and took him by his arm,
Says, "Johnny, walk along with me."

He sent for his poppy and his mommy, too,
To come and go his bail.
But money won't go a murdering case;
They locked John Hardy back in jail.

John Hardy, he had a pretty little girl,
That dress that she wore was blue
As she came skipping through the old jail hall,
Saying, "Poppy, I've been true to you."

John Hardy, he had another little girl,
That dress that she wore was red.
She followed John Hardy to his hanging ground,
Saying, "Poppy, I would rather be dead."

I been to the East and I been to the West,
I been this wide world around.
I been to the river and I been baptized,
And now I'm on my hanging ground.

John Hardy walked out on his scaffold high,
With his loving little wife by his side.
And the last words she heard poor John-O say,
"I'll meet you in that sweet bye-and-bye."

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 04:11 AM

There are quite a few roses bloom songs like "When the roses bloom Again" etc. There are some that use the month of June when the roses were in bloom.

It's a possible angle, we need more. Anyone?

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 04 Dec 08 - 12:01 AM

Lunsford, that is.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 03 Dec 08 - 11:59 PM

"When the roses were in bloom, Lunceford, 1935, is an index card at the library of Congress. I don't have the recording.

Subject: Lyr Add: JIM BLAKE'S MESSAGE
From: Richie
Date: 03 Dec 08 - 11:44 PM

Jim Blake's Message was an event song from the king of the event song writers Carson Robison with Peter Condon- lyrics in 1927. Carson would put out a song immediately after some tragedy occured and his buddy and partner Vernon Dalhart would record the song. In this case the lyrics are based on a tradtional song from around 1900 that Condon knew.

The lyrics were first printed in a 1910 issue of "Railroad Man's Magazine" after a request for the lyrics in 1909.

The Carters probably added "Message" to the "Jim Blake" title to avoid copyright problems.

From Charles K. Wolfe: Jim Blake's Message is, according to Sara, from a ballet they got "out toward Kentucky." This performance, as well as a transcript and song history, is presented in Norm Cohen's 'Long Steel Rail: The Railroad in American Folksong.' His research has dated the song to the 1890s, but no one seems to know if it was based on a true experience or not. A.P. copyrighted his version of the song on January 5, 1938 - almost six months after he recorded it.

JIM BLAKE'S MESSAGE- The Carter Family, June 17, 1937

"Jim Blake, your wife is dying!"
Went over the wires tonight
The message was brought to the depot
By a lad all trembling with fright
He entered the office crying
His face was terribly white
"Send this message to dad and his engine
Mother is dying tonight!"

In something less than an hour
Jim's answer back to me flew
"Tell wife I'll be there at midnight
I'm praying for her too."
I left my son in the office
Took the message to Jim's wife
There found the dying woman
Was scarce of breath and life.

O'er hill and dale and valley
Thunders the heavy train
It's engine is sobbing and throbbing
And under a terrible strain
But Jim hangs on to his throttle
Guiding her crazy flight
And his voice cries out in the darkness
"God speed the Express tonight!"

I telephoned the doctor
"How is Jim's wife?" I ask
"About the hour of midnight
Is long as she can last!"
In something less than an hour
The train will be along
But here I have a message
Oh God, there is something wrong!

The message reads, "Disaster!
The train is in the ditch
The engineer is dying
Derailed by an open switch."
And there's another message
To Jim's wife it is addressed,
"I'll meet her at midnight in Heaven
Don't wait for the fast Express!"

Subject: Lyr Add: JEALOUS HEARTED ME
From: Richie
Date: 03 Dec 08 - 10:34 PM

Jealous Hearted Me is a blues recorded in 1936 by the Carters. See 12 Stringer's post above for Charley Lincoln [Hicks], "Jealous Hearted Blues," recorded in Atlanta for Columbia on 4 November 1927, mx 145103-2, released on Columbia 14305-D. Clearly this is a song the Carter's borrowed.

Charley Lincoln probably got his version from Ma Rainey's 1924 Jealous Hearted Blues. The song was copyrighted by Lovie Austin but the verses except for the first are traditional. Later the song was a rewrite hit with the title, "Evil Hearted Me."


Still more lyrics to "Jealous Hearted Me" come from recordings by Minnie Pearl, who squawked out this tune regularly:

You can have my coffee, you can have my tea
But just you let my feller be,
I"m jealous, jealous-hearted me
I'm just as jealous as I can be.

Now, I like victuals, sauerkraut
I take my mail on the rural route
I'm jealous,jealous-hearted me
I'm just as jealous as I can be.

Take your dominic rooster and your shanghai hen
Get a 'fer' piece away and don't you come again
I'm jealous, jealous-hearted me
I'm just as jealous as I can be.

JEALOUS HEARTED ME- Carter Family

Takes a rockin' chair to rock, takes a rubber ball to roll
Takes the man I love to satisfy my soul
Because I'm jealous, jealous hearted me
I said I'm jealous, jealous as I can be

Got a stove in the kitchen, and it bakes nice and brown
But I need a poppa to turn the damper down
Because I'm jealous, jealous hearted me
I said I'm jealous, jealous as I can be

You can have my money, you can have my home
But for goodness sakes, women, let my man alone
Because I'm jealous, jealous hearted me
I said I'm jealous, jealous as I can be

Gonna buy me a bulldog to watch while I sleep
To watch that man of mine on his midnight creep
Because I'm jealous, jealous hearted me
I said I'm jealous, jealous as I can be