Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?

Subject: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:06 AM

While listening to the "roots" program on one of the local public radio stations (KBCS, Bellevue, Washington, USA), I heard a song with the refrain:

Sweet bird, sweet bird,
Say is my loved one still true?
Sweet bird, sweet bird,
Then I'd be happy like you.

The verses were sung from the point of view of a woman whose lover has gone sailing somewhere, and she is inquiring of a songbird if ... well, if he's still true.

It sounded for all the world like it was sung by the same two men who sang the "Gypsy Lady" song on the Anthology of American Folk Music.

I tried googling for the lyrics but came up empty.

Anybody know it? Have the lyrics? Know who sang it and if it's still possible to get a recorded copy of their version?

Thanks,
Alex

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still Tru
From: mousethief
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:07 AM

Sorry, that was me -- I didn't realize I wasn't logged in.

Alex

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?
From: Padre
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 03:00 PM

I think the song you are asking about is "Sweet Fern" - the Carter Family recorded it.

Padre

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 04:07 PM

Sweet Fern is in the DT, with midi, and also has been posted in threads 10652 and 49434:
Sweet Fern
Sweet Fern

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 07:26 PM

49434- original "Sweet Birds" posted by rich r: Sweet Birds

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still Tru
From: mousethief
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 02:01 AM

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?
From: bigchuck
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:00 PM

Atwater-Donnely have a gorgeous version of Sweet Fern on their most recent CD, The Blackest Crow.

Sandy

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still Tru
From: mousethief
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 12:27 AM

I ended up ordering the CD that I heard on the radio -- it was the Old-Time Music of West Virginia one. Thanks everybody who helped me! I will let you know when it arrives if I like the rest of the songs.

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still Tru
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 07 - 03:45 PM

"Sweet Bird" by "West Virginia Night Owls"
Old-Time Music Of West Virginia Vol. 1 CD

Subject: RE: Origins: Sweet Bird, Is My Loved One Still True?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 14 Jan 18 - 03:10 PM

This is also on YouTube.


"Sweet Bird" by "West Virginia Night Owls"
Old-Time Music Of West Virginia Vol. 1 CD