The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #51992   Message #797685
Posted By: Rolfyboy6
06-Oct-02 - 01:31 PM
Thread Name: Songs by Charlie Poole
Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT IS A HOME WITHOUT LOVE / ...BABIES
WHAT IS A HOME WITHOUT BABIES-alternate title: What Is A Home Without Love

I've not found the Poole lyrics on line (Louvin lyrics below). I'm familiar with this from the Monroe Brothers' 1930s recordings ("Feast Here Tonight" in print as a CD), but didn't find their particular lyrics.
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From the Folk Music Index:
What is a Home without Babies(Love)? - Monroe, Charlie

    #
   1. Monroe Brothers. Feast Here Tonight, Bluebird AXM2-5510, LP (1975), cut# 2 Poole, Charlie; and the North Carolina Ramblers. Charlie Poole, 1926-30, Historical HLP-8005, LP (1975), cut# 4

What Is Home Without Love

    #
      Louvin Brothers. Tragic Songs of Life, Rounder SS012, LP (199?), cut#A.04
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Also: Recorded by Doc Watson: Doc Watson and David Grisman - Doc and Dawg
Acoustic Disc 25 Acoustic Disc:Flatpick Merchantile: Doc and Dawg, also check the amazon page Doc and Dawg.
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Also a reference to Harry and Jeannie West doing this song, but couldn't find the recording. Others will know.
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Charlie Poole version: Norm's 78, listening room (5th one down)- Charlie Poole

No Charlie Poole Amazon soundclip for this song. Here's the Amazon master page for the Charlie Poole CDs they carry. Amazon: Charlie Poole
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Here are words and chords for the Louvin Brothers version: E-Tabs: Louvin Brothers

What is Home Without Love
As recorded by the Louvin Bros.
album: Tragic Songs of Life
(Traditional arranged by Charlie and Ira Louvin)
Recorded May 2, 1956.

², Bb

I
Sad and alone in a mansion
                                 V
No loving wife to caress

Sat a man sad and lonely
                                          I
No loving wife's lips to kiss

She married him for (possessions?)
                                           IV
No love in her heart had she
                                  I
Sad and alone, in his fine home
V                                                 I
He looked all around him and said

Chorus, same progression.

What is a home without a baby?
To love and to tease and adore?
What is home without a sweet wife?
To kiss you each night at the door?
What is a home without sunshine?
To spread its bright rays from above?
You can have wealth and its pleasures
But what is a home without love?

Walking down the streets one evening
He passed by a cottage so neat
Stopped and looked in the window
He saw there a picture so sweet
A husband, a wife, and a baby
They were hugging and kissing too
He turned aside, his tears to cry
And from his lips came these words

chorus
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