Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)

Subject: when the mountain cries/Songcatcher
From:
Date: 24 May 02 - 05:03 AM

Does anyone have the lyrics and chords for the song When the Mountains Cry , written by Tom Russell, and sung at the very end of the movie "Songcatcher". This was not included on the soundtrack CD. Has it been recorded anywhere?

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: when the mountain cries/Songcatche
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 02 - 05:23 AM

No luck with Google

Subject: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: van lingle
Date: 03 May 03 - 11:59 AM

I don't know the name of this song but Aidan Quinn's character sang it near the end of the movie after the community meeting where a man was shot and killed by his alternate wife. Quinn was sitting on a hillside singing this mournful ballad and accompanying himself on guitar. I've tried searching the soundtrack but it doesn't seem to be on there. Any information will be greatly appreciated. vl

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From:
Date: 03 May 03 - 01:02 PM

Do you remember anything about the song? Any specific words?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: Hrothgar
Date: 03 May 03 - 11:58 PM

This probably won't be much help, but I remember the scene in the film, and I had the impression at the time that it was not a traditional song like the others in the film.

You might have to watch the whole film again to see the credits and find its origin there ...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: masato sakurai
Date: 04 May 03 - 02:07 AM

The song is "When the Mountains Cry" (written by David Mansfield and Tom Russell). See THIS PAGE (The Songcatcher - The Songs).

~Masato

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From:
Date: 04 May 03 - 06:53 AM

It was also requested with no luck here:

Lyr Req: When Mountains Cry

Checking on the interenet I found several other requests for the same songwith no luck on an answer.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: van lingle
Date: 04 May 03 - 07:25 AM

That's the song, thanks for your responses fellas. If I can track down the lyrics I'll post them. Regards, vl

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From:
Date: 04 May 03 - 07:35 AM

Thanks, Van. That would be appreciated.

Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CRY (Mansfield,Russell
From: delphinium
Date: 04 May 03 - 08:58 PM

Here's a start on the lyrics, transcribed from listening to the sound track. I think most of it is right. I've put the parts I can't figure out in italics - they are sort of what I hear but I'm pretty sure the italicized words are wrong.

WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CRY

They lie like cold
On a poison thorn
In a dress
Dirty and torn
Young uns a-playin
As the black crow fly
Mamma's weepin
Hear the mountains cry.

There was another
A wilder part
Cold was her heart
And as dark as dark
Tears on the ground
Where her love did die
Neath the bloody moon
Hear the mountains cry.

Oh dig his grave
Narrow and deep
Set a jug of whiskey
By his thirsty feet
And lay two pennies
On his roving eye
Two women wailing
As the mountains cry.

Oh the wind blows weary
And the willows high
Rivers of sorrow
When the mountains cry,
Rivers of sorrow
When the mountains cry.
---
Info from Masato's site:
Written by David Mansfield and Tom Russell
Published by Jocada Music (BMI) and Frontera Music (ASCAP)
Administered by Bug Music, Inc
---
I found the simplicity of this song compelling in the movie but it's not so good on its own, especially when you have to listen to Aidan Quinn sing it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: van lingle
Date: 04 May 03 - 09:19 PM

Thanks, delphinium. I guess I'll have to get the video to figure out the tune or did you hear it on a soundtrack recording? It will be interesting to hear it outside the context of the film. Again thanks,vl

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: GUEST,Barbarosa
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 10:24 PM

Any one know what the chords are to the song? Has the author (David Mansfield) ever recorded it? Has anyone else? I would like to get a studio version.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Oct 03 - 08:31 PM

where did ya find the lyrics to that song where there more songs ?

Subject: When the mountians cry
From: GUEST,Bruce Russell
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 12:50 PM

I have tried every way to get a recording of a song from song catcher by tom russell called when the mountians cry. I cant find any thing on it.
It is a great mountian ballad. any body know what the problem is?

---

I moved this message here from another thread on the same topic.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 01:34 PM

I find the same thing, Bruce. As far as I can determine, the "soundtrack" CD isn't a true soundtrack - it's songs "from and inspired by" the motion picture.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Chords Add: WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CRY (Songcatcher)
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 02:07 PM

Like most of you, I was completely taken with the song. Searched, found the lyrics, and O do believe the chords work out to the following. Enjoy!!!


When the Mountains Cry
David Mansfield & Tom Russell
(On the soundtrack for "Songcatcher")

(Em)A lilac comes on a poisoned thorn
It has (C)roots dirty and (Em)torn
Young-uns a (C)playin' as the black crow (Em)flies
Mama's (D)weeping; hear the mountains (Em)cry.

There was another, a wild dirt flower
Cold was her heart and as dark as dire
Tears on the ground where her love did die
'Neath the bloody moon; hear the mountains cry.

(fiddle break)

Oh dig his grave narrow and deep
Set a jug of whiskey by his thirsty feet
And lay two pennies on his roving eyes
Two women wailing as the mountains cry.

Oh the wind blows (C)weary and the willows (Em)sigh
Rivers of (D)sorrow when the mountains (Em)cry. (x2)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 02:27 PM

Jeremiah, is the song on the soundtrack CD, or did you get it from the movie itself?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 Sep 05 - 10:15 PM

A word of explanation: The "soundtrack" album wasn't the soundtrack from the film. It couldn't be, because most of the singers in the film never sang the entire song--just fragments, for the most part.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 12:17 AM

Hey, somebody should tell 'Spaw about this thread--and the movie!

[insert large stupid winking smiley face thing here]

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 12:45 AM

"Jeremiah, is the song on the soundtrack CD, or did you get it from the movie itself?"

Trying to remember, Joe. I think I just put the DVD in my computer drive & played it a bunch of times. I seem to recall the DVD has a feature in the extras that cuts out everything axcept the sound track. Purty darn decent feature, methinks.

Subject: ADD: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Sep 05 - 01:51 AM

Yes, the DVD has a music-only track - with a lot of silence where there's dialogue. I played it with the subtitles on, and here's what's there. It's almost the same as what Jeremiah posted, with the two exceptions noted below (and a different location of the fiddle break). From what I hear, I think Jeremiah's transcription is better than the subtitles. I don't have the CD, but this is what's on the movie. Good song.
-Joe Offer-

When the Mountains Cry
(David Mansfield & Tom Russell)
(On the soundtrack of the Songcatcher)

A lilac comes on a poisoned thorn
It has roots dirty and torn
Young-uns a-playin' as the black crow flies
Mama's weeping; hear the mountains cry.

There was another, a wild dirt flower
Cold was her heart and as dark as dire
Tears on the ground for ("where" seems better, but could be "fer") her love did die
'Neath the bloody moon; hear the mountains cry.

Oh dig his grave narrow and deep,
Set a jug of whiskey by his thirsty feet,
And lay two pennies on his roving eyes;
Two women wailing as the mountains cry.

[fiddle break]

Oh the wind blows weary and the willows sigh
Rivers of sorrow and (but I hear 'when") the mountains cry. (x2)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 26 Sep 05 - 12:18 AM

Subtitles?! Lord, I wish I'd thought of that!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songcatcher)
From: GUEST,guest
Date: 23 Aug 06 - 08:34 PM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher-When Mtns Cry
From: GUEST,leopold stotch
Date: 04 Jan 07 - 12:02 AM

When The Mountains Cry
David Mansfield

A lilac comes on a poisoned thorn
It has roots dirty and torn
Young-uns a playin' as the black crow flies
Mamas weepin'
Hear the mountains cry

There was another, a wild dirt flower
Cold was her heart and as dark and dire
Tears on the ground where her love did die
'Neath the bloody moon
Hear the mountains cry

Oh dig his grave narrow and deep
Set a jug of whisky by his thirsty feet
And lay two pennies on his roving eyes
Two women wailing
As the mountains cry

Oh the wind blows weary and the willows sigh
Rivers of sorrow when the mountains cry (x2)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher-When Mtns Cry
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 04 Jan 07 - 03:30 AM

Does anyone know if this movie is available in the UK in Region 2 format? Have only seen it advertised here in Region 1 format but we don't have a compatible DVD player.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: From Songcatcher-When Mtns Cry
From: nickp
Date: 04 Jan 07 - 09:51 AM

Songcatcher was only released in the US as region 1.

Nick

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST,Allie
Date: 06 Jan 07 - 10:01 AM

does anyone know where i can get this song.. possibly downloadable... i would like to be able to share it with others easier than using a dvd.. i would like to be able to put a lot of this music onto cd's ... and give them to my friends. i have been searching for a download.. please help.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 07 - 10:03 AM

Hi... I downloaded the song. WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CRY from Walmart Music I think... Hope this is it.. I download many music songs I think its where I found it... Its a pretty song... Little bluegrassy too...                            Sky

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jul 07 - 11:16 AM

WOW and WOW! On a whim I began surfing the Net for this song for the 6th or 7th time and stumbled onto this website. I'm so happy to finally have the words to that beautiful ballad "When The Mountains Cry." It's so strange because I'm a city girl, brought up in the poor areas of New York City. When I first happened across the Songcatcher I was amazed how much I love it; have watched it maybe 10 times (or more) thus far. God bless you all and my profound thank you for posting this.

Glory Be To Creation!

---

Please remember to put a consistent poster name in the "from" box when you post a message. Anonymous messages risk deletion.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer, Forum Moderator-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: Arkie
Date: 22 Jul 07 - 11:08 PM

The lilacs here in Arkansas do not bloom on a poisoned thorn or any other kind of thorn.   Is there any type of lilac that has a thorn?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: Joybell
Date: 23 Jul 07 - 06:47 PM

Beside the point of this thread but -- are we the only ones who thought that the use of this song (putting aside the question of personal taste) gave the impression that the film maker considered the old songs inferior? That new and modern was better after all? The song has no contempory connection with the other songs used. It's very, very new. It comes at the end so that it's the song that is seen (heard) to sum up the whole story.

Also I'm with Arkie -- the lilac thorn is not an image from tradition. Everyone has always known which trees have thorns. If the singer has developed a thorny lilac why weren't we told? Should be a market among Gothic gardeners for a lilac with poisoned thorns. A black lilac with a bad smell. Now there's an idea.
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: when the mountain cries/Songcatche
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 07:41 PM

I can not find chords/music/ lyrics for When The Mountains Cry. Any help would be appreciated.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: when the mountain cries/Songcatche
From: Peace
Date: 04 Feb 08 - 07:51 PM

A lilac comes on a poisoned thorn

It has roots dirty and torn
   
Young-uns a playin' as the black crow flies

Mama's weeping

Hear the mountains cry.

There was another, a wild dirt flower

Cold was her heart and as dark as dire

Tears on the ground where her love did die

'Neath the bloody moon


Hear the mountains cry
(Fiddle break)

Oh dig his grave narrow and deep

Set a jug of whiskey by his thirsty feet

And lay two pennies on his roving eyes

Two women wailing

As the mountains cry.
   
Oh the wind blows weary and the willows sigh
   
Rivers of sorrow when the mountains cry. (x2)




Any chance this is it?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatc
From: GUEST,me
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 02:12 PM

iirc the song was in the funeral scene... hmmm i guess it coulda been at the end a second time, i haven't heard it for too long, but i will never forget the first time!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatc
From: Ref
Date: 14 Mar 08 - 08:37 PM

I've seen this film. The sound track is good, but the film is appalling. It has very poor production values, Aidan Quinn is horribly miscast, the story is incoherent, and the script just doesn't seem to have much respect for the Appalachian people.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: quokka
Date: 18 Apr 08 - 09:45 AM

I loved the singing in this film and I loved the themes, the ideas, but I must admit the film as a whole was a bit disappointing, didn't quite hit the mark it was aiming for. I love the song 'When the Mountains Cry' and even though it's not a trad. folk song, I think the point of it was to have a song summing up the plot, or should I say sub-plot, that fit the general ethos of the film. Also I got to see Iris DeMent singing! plus the young girl with the brilliant voice - sorry can't remember her name, don't think she was a well-known actor.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatc
From: GUEST,Coon
Date: 07 May 08 - 12:32 PM

This is a hard one, but here goes: Can anyone tell me where to find the music for the fiddle break, or the notes themselves would be nice. I would like to play this on a hammered dulcimer

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: When the Mountains Cry (Songca
From: GUEST,Diana
Date: 25 Jul 08 - 02:02 AM

I love this song! The whole scene used to be on youtube but alas no more. Found the song from the artist though. Can't wait to play it!


http://www.david-mansfield.com/media/WTMC.pdf

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: quokka
Date: 26 Jul 08 - 01:41 AM

I love the song as well. Rented the movie and played the song over and over to learn it. The movie was worth seeing for the songs alone, plus Aidan Quinn's a hunk!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Oct 08 - 01:31 PM

Please go check out my video on You tube. for When the Mountains cry.
The Diamonds in the Rough Band -When the Mountains Cry

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: quokka
Date: 29 Oct 08 - 09:40 AM

That's lovely, Guest... tell us more about Diamonds in the Rough

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 28 May 09 - 05:39 AM

Lyrics and chords are here:
When mountains cry

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST,arkansas bluegrass fella'
Date: 22 Jun 09 - 03:35 PM

When the mountains cry by David Mansfield - guitar chords, guitar ...
www.chordie.com should give what you need.. Good Luck..

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST,Barefoot Larry
Date: 10 Jun 13 - 04:15 AM

This is coming far and long after the original lyric request, but the lead sheet is found as a PDF file, posted by David Mansfield, on his website, at www.david-mansfield.com

www.david-mansfield.com

It's in the key of "C", leading with "Am" quite a bit, unlike Chordie, which has it in the key of "G".

And as for the Thorny Lilac comments, the version on Chordie, and just about everywhere else, is incorrect.

While Chordie (and a hundred other based on it says "A lilac comes on a poison thorn", the actual lyric is "A lilac CAUGHT on a poison thorn".

If you listen to Aidan Quinn singing it in the movie, "Caught" also what he's singing.

However, I don't know what key he's using... probably whatever suited his voice best at the time, because it's not "C" or "G" either one.

Subject: Lyr Req:WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CRY (Mansfield/Russell)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 14 Jun 13 - 11:56 AM

Here are the lyrics and chords as they appear in the PDF at David Mansfield's web site. (A melody line is also given there.) I have boldfaced the words that are different from the versions posted above. Note: I found the notations "D. C. al Coda", etc., rather confusing, so I'm not sure I got the sequence of the words right.


WHEN THE MOUNTAINS CRY
(from the movie "Songcatcher", as sung by Aidan Quinn)
David Mansfield and Tom Russell

          Am
  A lilac caught on a poison thorn
          F              Am
  In a dress dirty and torn
               F                         Am
  Young 'uns playin' as the black crow flies
          G                           Am
  Mama's weepin'; hear the mountains cry.
  
  
              Am
  There was another, a wild dark flower.
                F                      Am
  Cold was her heart in its darkest hour
                 F                        Am
  Tears on the ground where her love did die
                     G                        Am
  'Neath the bloody moon; hear the mountains cry.
  
  
                     Dm                             Am
  See the valley tremble; hear the mountains cry.
                  G                   Am
  Two mournin' doves in a cloudy sky
                      F                    Am
  Oh, the wind blows weary and the willow sighs
             Dm                        Am
  Rivers of sorrow when the mountains cry.

Oh, dig his grave narrow and deep.
Set a cup of whiskey by his thirsty feet,
And lay two pennies on his rovin' eyes.
Two women wailin' as the mountains cry.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: When the Mountains Cry (from Songcatcher)
From: GUEST,PennyJane
Date: 02 Aug 18 - 12:12 PM

"When The Mountains Cry"

A lilac comes on a poisoned thorn
It has roots dirty and torn
Youngin's a playin' as the black crow flies
Mama's weepin'
Hear the mountains cry

There was another, a wild dirt flower
Cold was her heart and as dark as dire
Tears on the ground where her love did die
‘Neath the bloody moon
Hear the mountains cry

Oh dig his grave, narrow and deep
Set a jug of whiskey by his thirsty feet
And lay two pennies on his roving eyes
Two women wailing, as the mountains cry

Oh the wind blows weary and the willows sigh
Rivers of sorrow when the mountains cry
Rivers of sorrow when the mountains cry