Jim, the lyrics and tune for the Charlie Monroe recording are identical to the Carter Family's recording under the title 'When I'm Gone' - Vi 23569, 14 Aug 1931. Meade et alia's reference for this family of songs is W.H Delehanty - T.M. Hengler w&m ca 1894. The earliest recorded version was by Blind Alfred Reed: YOU'LL MISS ME I'm getting old and feeble now my hair is turning grey My limbs that once were nimble now they're stiff and won't obey My dancing days are over and my pleasures they have flown For goodness not for greatness, love, but you'll miss me when I'm gone Chorus: Oh when I'm gone you'll miss me, when I'm gone you'll miss me Some kind heart will miss me when I'm gone (when I'm gone) Oh when I'm gone you'll miss me, when I'm gone you'll miss me Oh some kind heart will miss me when I'm gone What will you do without me, love, when the winter time comes on Who'll curl their arms around you, love, as I have often done Who'll hug you, caress you when I have overhead flown Oh you'll know where to find me, love, but you'll miss me when I'm gone Chorus Who'll fence the little yard in, who'll nurse the pretty flowers Who'll fence the little garden where we sat for many hours Our children they're all married and left us here alone And when I'm dead and buried, love, you'll miss me when I'm gone Chorus Source: transcription of recording [Vi 23650, 4 Dec 1929] on Blind Alfred Reed 'Complete Recorded Works' Document DOCD 8022. --Stewie.
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