Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'

Subject: Lyr Add: SOMETHING'S GOT A HOLD OF ME
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 10:39 AM

Something Got a Hold of Me is a gospel song recorded by the Carters in 1941 that is probably based on Warren Caplinger's verson from the 1930s.

Warren Caplinger, is best known as "Cap" of Cap, Andy and Flip, a gospel singing trio who played over WMMN, Fairmont. Here's a bio:

A very popular West Virginia radio act of the 30s, it comprised Cap (b. Samuel Warren Caplinger, 16 June 1889, Kanawha Station near Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia, USA, d. 7 July 1957; guitar), Andy (b. Andrew Patterson, 28 August 1893, Petros, Tennessee, USA, d. 19 November 1950; fiddle, guitar, vocals) and Flip (b. William Austin Strickland, 28 November 1908, Blount County, Alabama, USA, d. 21 July 1988; banjo, mandolin, tenor vocals). Cap worked as a miner before relocating to Tennessee, where he met Andy. In 1928, after forming a string band with George Rainey and his two sons, they went to Ashland, Kentucky, where, as Warren Caplinger's Cumberland Mountain Entertainers, they recorded nine sides for Brunswick and Vocalion.

Soon afterwards, Cap relocated to Akron, Ohio. Andy made further recordings for Columbia, with the McCartt Brothers, before rejoining Cap in Akron, where they formed the Dixie Harmonizers. They became regulars on radio in Akron and Cleveland and made further recordings, this time for Gennett. They also, as the Pine Ridge String Band, worked with Lum And Abner on a network show in Cleveland, during which time, Grandpa Jones, then a youngster just starting his career, was a member of their band. In 1930, the trio commenced its very successful radio career when Flip, who had already worked on radio, joined Cap and Andy. During the 30s, the trio became very popular, not only at Akron and Columbus, Ohio, but also on stations in West Virginia and Kentucky, including WWVA Wheeling, WMMN Fairmont, and WCHS Charleston. During this very successful time, they published several songbooks but had little interest in making records, although in 1939/40, they had recorded nine sides for the Fireside Melodies label that are still awaiting reissue. They made further recordings in the mid-40s for a local label, but they appear to have been lost. They hold the distinction of being the first act to popularize "Roane County Prison".

By 1940, when Flip left, the act was based at Charleston and their repertoire consisted mainly of gospel numbers. Milt Strickland (Flip's 16-year-old son) joined Cap and Andy and the act continued until Andy's poor health saw them finally disband in 1949. Patterson relocated to Harriman, Tennessee, while Cap worked for a time as a disc jockey on local Charleston radio stations. Andy died in 1950 and was buried at St. Albans, West Virginia. When Cap died in 1957, he was buried near his old partner. In the early 40s, Flip worked with Curly Fox And Texas Ruby on the Grand Ole Opry, but he eventually relocated to Indiana, where he continued to play with various groups in the 70s. In 1979, he retired to his native Alabama, where he died in 1988; he is buried in Gallipolis, Ohio, his wife's home.

SOMETHING'S GOT A HOLD OF ME- Carter Family 1941

          When first I heard of the people who claim
          This old-time religion was real
          I says I'll go down, take a look at the crowd
          It's just the weak-minded, I feel

               But something got a hold of me
               Yes, something got a hold of me
               I went there to fight, but on that night
               There's something got a hold of me

          I walked right down, peeped in at the door
          And the Devil says, don't you go in
          I says I'll go in, for that will not hurt
          And sit as far back as I can

               But something got a hold of me
               Yes, something got a hold of me
               I went there to fight, but on that night
               There's something got a hold of me

          About that time he got up to preach
          And he looked right down upon me
          He told everybody how mean I had been
          Don't think he thought much of me

               But something got a hold of me
               Yes, something got a hold of me
               I went there to fight, but on that night
               There's something got a hold of me

          They sing and shout and they all clasp their hands
          And they all got down on their knees
          When the fire fell from heaven it fell upon me
          And then I fell to the floor

               But something got a hold of me
               Yes, something got a hold of me
               I went there to fight, but on that night
               There's something got a hold of me

          So now I've learnt and no need to doubt
          That the old-time religion is real
          I have a spirit I'll never forget
          That something got a hold of me

               But something's got a hold of me
               Yes, something's got a hold of me
               I have a spirit I'll never forget
               That something's got a hold of me

Subject: Lyr Add: SINKING IN THE LONESOME SEA
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 10:14 AM

Sinking in the Lonesome Sea is the Carter's 1935 version of "The Golden Willow Tree" or "Lowlands Low" which is the English ballad "The Golden Vanity" Child 286. The song dates back to a 1685 broadside.

No sense going into the history or details here. There's info in the DT.


SINKING IN THE LONESOME SEA- Carter Family 1935

There was a little ship and it sailed upon the sea
And she went by the name of the Merry Golden Tree

    As she sailed upon the low and lonesome low
    As she sailed upon the lonesome sea

There was a little sailor unto his captain said
Oh, Captain, Captain, what'll you give to me

    If I sink her in the low and lonesome low
    If I sink her in the lonesome sea

500 Dollars I'll give unto thee
And my oldest daughter I'll wed unto thee

    If you'll sink her in the low and lonesome low
    If you'll sink her in the lonesome sea

He bowed his head and away swam he
Till he come to the ship called the Turkish Reveille

    And she sanken in the low and lonesome low
    She sanken in the lonesome sea

If it wasn't for the love of your daughter and your men
I would do unto you as I did unto them

    I would sink you in the low and lonesome low
    I would sink you in the lonesome sea

Subject: Lyr Add: SINGLE GIRL MARRIED GIRL
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 09:39 AM

Single Girl, Married Girl is a traditional ballad that the Carters recorded at their first session in Bristol, then again in 1935.

According to the Carters biography the song came from Mollie Carter, A.P.'s mother and it was a well-known old song.

SINGLE GIRL MARRIED GIRL- Carter Family 1927 and 1935

Single girl, single girl, she's going dressed so fine,
Oh, she's going dressed so fine.
Married girl, married girl, she wears just any kind,
Oh, she wears just any kind.

Single girl, single girl, she goes to the store and buys,
Oh, she goes to the store and buys.
Married girl, married girl, she rocks the cradle and cries,
Oh, she rocks the cradle and cries.

Single girl, single girl, she's going where she please,
Oh, she's going where she please.
Married girl, married girl, a baby on her knees,
Oh, a baby on her knees.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 09:25 AM

Sea of Galilee is another title for "On the Sea of Galilee" which was recorded twice by the Carters with two titles. It is already covered above under the O titles "On the Sea of Galilee."

Subject: Lyr Add: SAILOR BOY
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 09:20 AM

Sailor Boy is a traditional ballad listed as The Faithful Sailor Boy [Laws K13] and by Meade as Sailor Boy's Farewell. It was first recorded by Gid Tanner of Skillet Licker fame in 1924. Vernon Dalhart's 1925 version titled "Sailor Boy's Farewell" was popular.

Here's info from the ballad index:

EARLIEST DATE: 1859
FOUND IN: US(MA,SE) Ireland Britain Canada(Mar)
REFERENCES (10 citations):
Laws K13, "The Faithful Sailor Boy"
Doerflinger, p. 164, "The Sailor Boy" (1 short text, 1 tune)
SHenry H543, p. 103, "The Sailor Boy" (1 text, 1 tune); also probably H678, p. 89, "The Irish Soldier Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
Ranson, pp. 32-33, "The Faithful Sailor Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
McBride 60, "The Sailor Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
Manny/Wilson 68, "The Faithful Sailor Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
BrownII 111, "The Faithful Sailor Boy" (1 text plus mention of 3 more)
Chappell-FSRA 33, "Sailor Boy" (1 text)
Fuson, pp. 61-62, "The Soldier Boy" (1 text)
BROADSIDES: NLScotland, L.C.Fol.70(64a), "The Sailor Boy," Poet's Box (Dundee), c. 1890
Notes: G. W. Persley has been listed as the author of this piece, but the song appears older.
The Sam Henry text "The Irish Soldier Boy" lacks many of the elements of fuller versions of this song, and also has a slightly different form. But it has so many elements in common with Laws K13 that I think it must be listed here. If it isn't Laws K13, it's swallowed several verses whole.

SAILOR BOY- Carter Family

'Twas on one dark and stormy night
The snow was on the ground
The sailor boy was at his post
His ship was outward bound.

His sweetheart standing by his side
She mourned a bitter tear
Though as he pressed her to his side
He whispered in her ear

"Farewell, my own true love
This parting gives me pain
And you will be my guiding star
'Til I return again!"

"And then I think of you, my love
While storms are raging high
Then, oh sweetheart, remember me
Your faithful sailor boy."

"Twas sad to say the ship returned
Without the sailor boy
For he had died while on the sea
His flag was held most high

And as his shipmate steps on shore
To tell that he was dead
A letter that he gave to her
These words it sadly read

"Farewell, my own true love
On earth we'll meet no more
Though may we meet in heaven above
Where parting is no more!"

Subject: Lyr Add: SAD AND LONESOME DAY
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 09:00 AM

Sad and Lonesome Day is a blues based on Blind Lemon Jefferson's "See that my Grave is Kept Clean." The Carters probably learned it from a member of their Kingsport blues group that included Brownie McGee, Leslie Riddle and Sam Lyons.

The Songs is also known as "Two White Horses in a Line" and "One Kind Favor." Jefferson recorded his song in 1927.

The Carter Family's "Sad and Lonesome Day": Victor 23835, 1933; Melotone 7-04-53/Conqueror 8735, 1937;

SAD AND LONESOME DAY- Carter Family

Oh today has been a lonesome day
Today has been a lonesome day
Today has been a lonesome day
And seems tomorrow 'll be the same old way

Oh, they carried my mother to the burying ground
Oh, they carried my mother to the burying ground
Oh, they carried my mother to the burying ground
And watched as the bearers let her down

Did you ever hear a church bell tone
Did you ever hear a church bell tone
Did you ever hear a church bell tone
You may know by that she's dead and gone

Oh, dig my grave with a silver spade
Oh, dig my grave with a silver spade
Oh, dig my grave with a silver spade
And mark the place where I must lay

There's one kind favor I ask of you
There's one kind favor I ask of you
There's one kind favor I ask of you
That's to see that my grave is kept green

See That My Grave is Kept Clean- Blind Lemon Jefferson

Well its one kindfavor I ask of you
Well, it's one kind favor I ask of you
Lord, its one kind thing, I'll ask of you
See that my grave is kept clean


It's a long lane ain't got no end (3X)
It's a bad way that don' ever change

Lord, it's two white horses in a line (3X)
Will take me to my burrying ground

My heart stopped beating and my hands got cold (3X)
It's a long, long story that the bible told

Have you ever heard a coffin sound? (3X)
Then you know that the poor boy is in the ground

Oh, dig my grave with a silver spade (3X)
You may lead me down with a golden chain

Have you ever heard the church bell toll? (3X)
Then you know that the poor boy's dead and gone

Subject: Lyr Add: SEE THAT MY GRAVE IS KEPT GREEN (Carter)
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 08:19 AM

See That My Grave Is Kept Green is based on Gus William's 1879 song which can be found in the DT and at American Memory. Speculation about Williams song being the the source for Blind Lemon Jefferson's "see that my Grave is Kept Clean" is unfounded and only the title itself appears to have been used in the Jefferson blues song.

The Carters made the third Country Music recording in 1933.

SEE THAT MY GRAVE IS KEPT GREEN-Carter Family 1933

    When I am dead and gone from you, darling
    When I am laid away in my grave
    When my spirit has gone to heaven above
    To him whom my soul will save

          Oh, the day will come to you, darling
          When no more on earth I'll be seen
          There's one little wish, darling, grant me
          See that my grave is kept green
          When from this world I go
          Leaving forever the scene
          While others are dead, oh, will you then
          See that my grave is kept green
          [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

    Oh, the hour of joy is passing
    But, alas, how soon it will fade
    Your glances of love are meeting my own
    And sunlight will turn to shade

          Oh, the day will come to you, darling
          When no more on earth I'll be seen
          There's one little wish, darling, grant me
          See that my grave is kept green
          When from this world I go
          Leaving forever the scene
          While others are dead, oh, will you then
          See that my grave is kept green
          [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

    I shall never be happy again, my love
    Never be happy again
    For girls in their teens don't know what love means
    I shall never be happy again

          When from this world I go
          Leaving forever the scene
          While others are dead, oh, will you then
          See that my grave is kept green

Subject: Lyr Add: SCHOOL HOUSE ON THE HILL
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 12:12 AM

School House on the Hill is another song by Aldine Kieffer titled "The School House On The Hill" from 1907.

Aldine Silliman Kieffer (August 1, 1840 – November 30, 1904) was a leading 19th century proponent of shape note musical notation, music teacher and publisher.

SCHOOL HOUSE ON THE HILL- Carter Family 1933

Fond memory paints its scenes of other years
Bring me their memory still
And bright amid those joyous scenes of years
The schoolhouse on the hill

    Oh, the schoolhouse that stands upon the hill
    I never, never can forget
    Dear happy days are gathered 'round me still
    I never, no never can forget
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

There hangs the swing upon the maple tree
Where you and I once swung
There flows the spring, forever flowing free
As when we both were young

    Oh, the schoolhouse that stands upon the hill
    I never, never can forget
    Dear happy days are gathered 'round me still
    I never, no never can forget
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

There climbs the vines and there the berries grow
Which once would rise so high
And there the ripe nuts glistened in the grove
Of rich October skies

    Oh, the schoolhouse that stands upon the hill
    I never, never can forget
    Dear happy days are gathered 'round me still
    I never, no never can forget

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 12 Dec 08 - 12:04 AM

Here's the sheet music to Vaughan's "Is There Room For Me?"

http://books.google.com/books?id=AQMca_ptzbMC&pg=PA6&dq=%22Is+There+Room+for+Me%22&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 11:55 PM

Hi,

The S titles are the next batch:

School House on the Hill;
See That My Grave Is Kept Green;
Sad and Lonesome Day;
Sailor Boy; Sea of Galilee;
Single Girl, Married Girl;
Sinking in the Lonesome Sea;
Something Got a Hold of Me;
Spirit of Love Watches Over Me;
Sow 'Em on the Mountain;
St. Regious Girl;
Stern Old Bachelor;
Storms Are on the Ocean;
Sun of the Soul;
Sunshine in the Shadows;
Sweet as the Flowers in May Time;
Sweet Fern;
Sweet Heaven in My View;

Anyone?

Subject: Lyr Add: ROOM IN HEAVEN FOR ME
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 11:53 PM

Room in Heaven for Me is another James Vaughan song titled "Is There Room for Me?" written circa 1900. The Carters version was recorded in 1930.

ROOM IN HEAVEN FOR ME- Carter Family 1930

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Beyond the sea where fades such glorious dreams
Where things are ours that eyes have never seen
The soul's sweet home is blissful ever more
Will there be room for me on that bright shore

    There's room...............Yes, room
            (room for you and me.....room for you and me)
    There's room.......For all
            (room for me....room enough for all)
    There's room....................For all
            (yes, there's room for me....room enough for all)
    Yes, room...................for..me
         (room enough in heaven, yes, room)

(Instrumental)

That wondrous city far beyond confine
Where all is joy and peace so pure divine
In visions I it's glittering streets can see
And wonder if there's room in heaven for me

    There's room...............Yes, room
            (room for you and me.....room for you and me)
    There's room.......For all
            (room for me....room enough for all)
    There's room....................For all
            (yes, there's room for me....room enough for all)
    Yes, room...................for..me
         (room enough in heaven, yes, room)

I long to soar away and be at rest
And there to lean upon my Savior's breast
Oh, won't that be a glorious victory
To find that there is room in heaven for me

    There's room...............Yes, room
            (room for you and me.....room for you and me)
    There's room.......For all
            (room for me....room enough for all)
    There's room....................For all
            (yes, there's room for me....room enough for all)
    Yes, room...................for..me
         (room enough in heaven, yes, room)

Subject: Lyr Add: RIVER OF JORDAN (Carter Family)
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 11:43 PM

River of Jordan is listed under Some of These Days [Me III-C 27]. To complicate maters there's different song by Shelton Brooks titled "Some of These Days." Additional complications result from a different song by the Poplin Family titled "River Of Jordan."

I learned the song as "God's Gonna Set This World On Fire." Other names include:

"I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table"
"We Gonna Walk the Streets of Washington,"
"Walking on the Streets of Glory,"
"I'm Gonna Sit at the Freedom Table" (civil rights movement song)
"I'm Gonna Tell God How You Treat Me."
"One of these Days"
"Welcome Table"
"Streets of Glory"
"Jacob's Ladder"
"Some of These Days"

The earliest recording is the 1915 Fisk University Male Quartet then the 1922 Florida Normal Quartet.

Some Recordings:
Emmett Brand, "I'm Going to Cross the Rivers of Jordan, Some of These Days" (on MuSouth06)
Carter Family, "River of Jordan" (Victor 21434, 1928; Montgomery Ward M-4430, 1934; on Babylon)
Jaybird Coleman, "I'm Gonna Cross the River of Jordan - Some o' These Days" (Silvertone 5172, 1927; on Babylon)
Florida Normal Quartet, "The Welcome Table" (OKeh 40079, 1924; rec. 1922)
West Virginia Night Owls, "I'm Goin' to Walk on the Streets of Glory" (Victor 21533, 1928)
Charles Owens w. Isabel Owens, "The Welcome Table" (on NovaScotia1)
West Virginia Snake Hunters [John & Emery McClung], "Walk the Streets of Glory" (Brunswick 119, 1928, rec. 1927)
Alice Wine, "I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table" (on BeenStorm1)

This is another song the Carters learned through their African-American sources Leslie Riddle and Pauline Gray.

RIVER OF JORDAN- Carter Family 1934

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I'm going down to the river of Jordan
Oh, yes
I'm going down to the river of Jordan
Some of these days (hallelujah)
I'm going down to the river of Jordan
I'm going down to the river of Jordan
Some of these days

I'm going to eat at the welcome table
Oh, yes
I'm going to eat at the welcome table
Some of these days (hallelujah)
I'm going to eat at the welcome table
I'm going to eat at the welcome table
Some of these days

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I'm going to sing in the heavenly choir
Oh, yes
I'm going to sing in the heavenly choir
Some of these days (hallelujah)
I'm going to sing in the heavenly choir
I'm going to sing in the heavenly choir
Some of these days

I'm going to put on the silvery slippers
Oh, yes
I'm going to put on the silvery slippers
Some of these days (hallelujah)
I'm going to put on the silvery slippers
I'm going to put on the silvery slippers
Some of these days

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I'm going to sit down by my Jesus
Oh, yes
I'm going to sit down by my Jesus
Some of these days (hallelujah)
I'm going to sit down by my Jesus
I'm going to sit down by my Jesus
Some of these days

- - -
Note: Jordan is pronounced (in the recording) "Jerdon"; choir is pronounced "kwar".

Subject: Lyr Add: RECKLESS MOTORMAN
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 11:21 PM

Reckless Motorman is a Carter Family rewrite of the "Dying Brakeman" and the related "True and Trembling Brakeman" songs. According to Cohen a brakeman is also referred to as a motorman. He also said A.P collected the song on a collecting trip in Southwest Virginia in 1937 or 1938. So the song is traditional reworked by A.P. Carter.

RECKLESS MOTORMAN-Carter Family 1938

Yonder stands the reckless motorman
Who says his age is twenty one
Standing by his mainline motor
Saying folks what have I done

Is it true I've killed my brakemen
Is it true that he is dying
Oh I tried to stop my motor
But I could not stop in time

See the cars stacked up on him
See him raise his weary head
See his sister standing by him
Crying brother are you dead

Sister sister I am dying
Soon I'll be on yonder shore
Soon I'll have a home in heaven
There'll be no braking anymore

Go and tell my youngest brother
Take these words to an end
To never start the day a braking
For his life is sure to end

Go tell my father who is weigh man
What he weighs to weigh it fair
There'll be no scales up in heaven
For that meeting in the air

Subject: Lyr Add: RAMBLING BOY (Carter Family)
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 10:02 PM

Rambling Boy is classified by Laws as "The Wild and Wicked Youth" [Laws L12]. The English folk song dates to before 1830 (broadside, Bodleian Harding B 25(2054)). Here's info from the Ballad Index:

REFERENCES (18 citations):
Laws L12, "The Rambling Boy (Wild and Wicked Youth)"
Belden, pp. 136-137, "The Rambling Boy" (1 text)
Randolph 148, "The Rambling Boy" (2 texts, 1 tune)
Warner 101, "The Rambling Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
Sharp-100E 83, "The Robber" (1 text, 1 tune)
Fuson, pp. 63-64, "The Rich Rambler" (1 text)
Cambiaire, pp. 43-44, "The Wretched Rambling Boy" (1 text)
Ritchie-Southern, pp. 91-92, "The Reckless and Rambling Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
Combs/Wilgus 90, pp. 184-185, "The Rich and Rambling Boy" (1 text)
Kennedy 326, "Newlyn Town" (1 text, 1 tune)
OLochlainn-More 35, "The Newry Highwayman" (1 text, 1 tune)
Zimmermann p. 96, "The Bold and Undaunted Youth" (1 text fragment)
BrownII 121, "The Rambing Boy" (1 text)
Lomax-FSNA 96, "The Ramblin' Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
Cohen/Seeger/Wood, pp. 130-131, "The Rambling Boy" (1 text, 1 tune)
Thorp/Fife XIII, pp. 148-190 (29-30), "Cow Boy's Lament" (22 texts, 7 tunes, the "L" text being in fact a version of this piece)
Darling-NAS, pp. 106-107, "The Rambling Boy" (1 text)

RECORDINGS:
O. J. Abbott, "The Bold and Undaunted Youth (The Rambling Boy)" (on Abbott1)
Clarence Ashley & Tex Isley, "Rude and Rambling Man" (on Ashley01)
Justus Begley, "The Roving Boy" (AFS, 1937; on KMM)
Jumbo Brightwell, "Newry Town" (on Voice03)
Carter Family, "The Rambling Boy" (Bluebird B-8990, 1941/Bluebird 33-0512, 1944)
Wade Mainer, "Ramblin' Boy" (Bluebird 33-0512, 1944)
New Lost City Ramblers, "Rambling Boy" (on NLCR05)
Riley Puckett, "Ramblin' Boy" (Columbia 15605-D, 1930)
Bob Scarce, "Newlyn Town" (on FSB7)
BROADSIDES:
Bodleian, Harding B 25(2054), "The Wild and Wicked Youth," T. Birt (London), 1828-1829; also Firth c.17(208), Harding B 11(576), Harding B 15(376a), Harding B 11(939), Firth c.17(6), Harding B 16(307a), Harding B 11(4205), Harding B 11(4211), Harding B 11(4212), Firth b.34(314), Harding B 11(3519A), Firth c.17(7), 2806 c.16(325), Harding B 17(338a), Harding B 20(117), Harding B 17(337b), "The Wild and Wicked Youth"; Harding B 28(235), "The Highway Man's Fate"; Harding B 26(67), "The Bold and Undaunted Youth" ("In Stephen's-green I was bred and born"), J. Moore (Belfast), 1852-1868

ALTERNATE TITLES:
The Rake and Rambling Boy
Adieu Adieu

Notes: The Bodleian "The Wild and Wicked Youth" broadsides, and OLochlainn-More 35, include a version of the lines
"I robbed Lord Mansfield I do declare, ...
Lord Fielding's gang they did me pursue And taken I was, by that cursed crew."
The Bodleian notes to 2806 c.16(325) include references to the cast of characters: "Fielding, John, Sir, d. 1780; Mansfield, W.R., Baron Sandhurst, 1819-1876"
Broadside Bodleian Harding B 26(67) is another example of the "I robbed Lord Mansfield I do declare" group. Zimmermann's fragment seems to be from this version. In this case he falls in with "Fieldskin gang." - BS
Given the date of the song, I would think the Mansfield involved more likely to be William Murray, first Earl of Mansfield (1706-1793), who was Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1756. This has at least sometimes been corrupted to Lord Melbourne, presumably William Lamb, second Viscount Melbourne (1779-1848), the Prime Minister (on and off) from 1834 to 1841. But Mansfield is closer to the Era of the Highwaymen -- and, as Chief Justice, someone they would doubtless enjoy taking.
Fielding in fact might refer to John Fielding or his brother Henry, the author (died 1755). Henry Fielding was driven by poverty to take a post as Commissioner of the Peace for Middlesex in 1748. John Fielding, despite being blind, succeeded him in 1754 -- and dramatically improved law enforcement, though he didn't have the funding to carry out all his reforms. Still, he did enough that life became much harder for the highwaymen.
"Fielding's Gang" is presumably the Bow Street Patrol, founded by the Fieldings as the first almost-national police force in England.


RAMBLING BOY- Carter Family 1941

I was rich but a rambling boy
Too many a city I did enjoy
And there I married me a pretty little wife
And I loved her dearer than I loved my life

She was pretty both neat and gay
She caused me to rob the road highway
I robbed it yes I do declare
I made myself ten thousand there

Plenty dry goods for to carry me through
My pistol, sword, my money too
My forty-four she never failed
My true love comes for to go my bail.

My mother says she has no home
My sister says she's all alone
My wife she's left in sad despair
With a broken heart and a baby fair.

Now when I die dont bury me at all
Just place me away in alcohol
My forty-four lay by my feet
Please tell them I am just asleep

Subject: Lyr Add: POOR ORPHAN CHILD
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 09:35 PM

Poor Orphan Child is the gospel song "Saviour Lead Them Orphans" by H.W. Elliot and Emmett Dean in 1898.

POOR ORPHAN CHILD- Carter Family

    I hear a low faint voice that says
    My papa and mama's dead
    And it comes from the poor orphan child
    That must be clothed and fed
    And it comes from the poor orphan child
    That must be clothed and fed
    And it comes from the poor orphan child
    That must be clothed and fed

Savior, lead...................them by the hand
(Savior, lead them by the hand, yes, gently lead them by the hand)
Savior, lead...................them by the hand
(Savior, lead them by the hand, yes, gently lead them by the hand)
Savior, lead...................them by the hand
(Savior, lead them by the hand, yes, gently lead them by the hand)
Till they all reach that glittering strand
(Till they all reach that glittering strand)

    We see so many children now
    Poor little boys and girls
    Who want that mother's loving hand
    To smooth their golden curls
    Who want that mother's loving hand
    To smooth their golden curls
    Who want that mother's loving hand
    To smooth their golden curls

    [CHORUS]

    But now we see those wandering curls
    Hang careless 'round their brow
    They say to us, my papa's dead
    And I've no mother now
    They say to us, my papa's dead
    And I've no mother now
    They say to us, my papa's dead
    And I've no mother now

          [CHORUS]

    O Savior, every orphan bless
    Wherever they may roam
    Bless every hand that lends them aid
    And bless the orphan's home
    Bless every hand that lends them aid
    And bless the orphan's home
    Bless every hand that lends them aid
    And bless the orphan's home

          [CHORUS]

Subject: Lyr Add: POOR LITTLE ORPHANED BOY
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 09:27 PM

According to Meade "Poor Little Orphaned Boy" appeared in print in 1874. The song is apparently traditional. The first recording was made in 1928 by Buell Kazee followed by the Carter Family's 1933 recording.

POOR LITTLE ORPHANED BOY- Carter Family 1933

My mother died when I was young
My sisters, they were sad
They laid their hands upon my head
And taught me how to pray

    So now, my mother, she's gone to rest
    In the land of purest joy
    And I wonder if she thinks of me
    Her poor little orphaned boy
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

When I was only two years old
I never shall forget
A parting kiss she gave to me
I sometimes feel it yet

    So now, my mother, she's gone to rest
    In the land of purest joy
    And I wonder if she thinks of me
    Her poor little orphaned boy
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

When I was sick, in every hour
She watched me as I lay
And with her kind and gentle hand
She smoothed me tenderly

    So now, my mother, she's gone to rest
    In the land of purest joy
    And I wonder if she thinks of me
    Her poor little orphaned boy
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

So now I press this world alone
Her love with me shall stay
And from the throne above the skies
Her smile shall rest on me

    So now, my mother, she's gone to rest
    In the land of purest joy
    And I wonder if she thinks of me
    Her poor little orphaned boy

Subject: Lyr Add: PICTURE ON THE WALL
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 08:58 PM

From the DT: The Carters recorded 'Picture on the Wall' on February 23 1932. It is credited by Wolfe to Landress and almost certainly learned from the 1927 Yellow Hammers hit recording. Wolfe says Sara recalled that they had learned it 'from an old record'.

From the notes to The Georgia Yellow Hammers lp, Rounder 1032, 1979: This was the band's most successful recording; in 1953 Bud Landress gave an account of its composition to an Atlanta newspaper writer. "Landress, who spent a good deal of his time farming, said he was inspired to write the song one night after he had plowed corn all day. After going to bed, he became fascinated with a picture hanging on the wall of his bedroom and the idea to make the song about it was born. The picture, however, was not one of his mother, about whom the song was written. He got out of bed, wrote the words and 'sawed out the tune' on his old fiddle. Several hours later when the composition was finished, he awakened his wife and sang it to her for an opinion, which probably wasn't very good at that time of night."

There's a good chance Landress based his song on one of the earlier "Picture on the Wall" songs found at American Memory. They made big money on the song, crediting it to another source wasn't something usally done. See the DT for other similar versions.

PICTURE ON THE WALL- Carter Family

There's an old and faded picture on the wall
That has been a-hanging there for many a year
'Tis a picture of my mother, for I know there is no other
That can take the place of mother on the wall

    On the wall (On the wall)
    On the wall (On the wall)
    How I love that dear old picture on the wall
    Time is swiftly passing by and I bow my head and cry
    'Cause I know I'll meet my mother after all

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Yes, the children all have gathered, all have gone
And I have a little family of my own
And I know I love them well, more than any tongue can tell
But I'll hold that dear old picture on the wall

    On the wall (On the wall)
    On the wall (On the wall)
    How I love that dear old picture on the wall
    Time is swiftly passing by and I bow my head and cry
    'Cause I know I'll meet my mother after all

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Since I lost that dear old mother years ago
There is none to which with troubles I can go
As my guitar makes its chords I am praying to the Lord
Let me hold that dear old picture on the wall

    On the wall (On the wall)
    On the wall (On the wall)
    How I love that dear old picture on the wall
    Time is swiftly passing by and I bow my head and cry
    'Cause I know I'll meet my mother after all

Subject: Lyr Add: OVER THE GARDEN WALL
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 08:21 PM

Over the Garden Wall is a song Sara Carter said "that was an old ballet given to us by an old lady in Tennessee." The song was written by the minstrel showmen Harry Hunter and George D. Fox in 1879. In the companion book for the Bear Family's set of the complete recordings of the Carter Family, Charles Wolfe wrote that the song was popularized in the 1890s by the vaudeville singer Tony Pastor and then moved into the folk tradition. Judging from the number of publishers who have issued editions of it (see the Library of Congress American Memory site), it must've been quite the hit.

The Carters sang only two verses, the first and fourth, with only slight alterations. Their melody is rather different from Fox's, but still resembles the original closely in spots.


OVER THE GARDEN WALL
A. P. Carter

My love stood under a walnut tree,
Over the garden wall.
She whispered and said she'd be true to me,
Over the garden wall.
She has beautiful eyes and beautiful hair,
She's not very tall so she stood in a chair.
Many a time I kissed her there,
Over the garden wall.

CHORUS: Over the garden wall,
The sweetest girl of all.
There never were yet
Such eyes of jet,
And you can bet I'll never forget
The night our lips in kisses met,
Over the garden wall.

There's always a will, there's always a way,
Over the garden wall.
There's always a night, as well as the day,
Over the garden wall.
We hadn't much money, but weddin's were cheap,
So while the old feller was snoring asleep,
With a lad and ladder she managed to creep,
Over the garden wall. CHORUS

OVER THE GARDEN WALL(1879)
words by Harry Hunter
music by G[eorge] D. Fox

1. Oh, my love stood under the walnut tree,
Over the garden wall,
She whispered and said she'd be true to me,
Over the garden wall,
She'd beautiful eyes and beautiful hair,
She was not very tall so she stood in a chair,
And Many a time have I kissed her there,
Over the garden wall.

      CHORUS
      Over the garden wall,
      The sweetest girl of all.
      There never were yet such eyes of jet,
      And you can bet I'll never forget
      The night our lips in kisses met,
      Over the garden wall.

2. But her father stamped and her father raved,
Over the garden wall,
And like an old madman he behaved,
Over the garden wall,
She made a bouquet of roses red,
But immediately I popped up my head,
He gave me a bucket of water instead,
Over the garden wall. CHO.

3. One day I jumped down on the other side,
Over the garden wall,
And she bravely promised to be my bride,
Over the garden wall,
But she screamed in a fright, "Here's father, quick,
I have an impression he's bringing a stick."
But I brought the impression of half a brick,
Over the garden wall. CHO.

4. But where there's a will, there's always a way,
Over the garden wall,
There's always a night as well as the day,
Over the garden wall ;
We hadn't much money, but wedding's are cheap,
So while the old fellow was snoring asleep,
With a lad and ladder, she managed to creep
Over the garden wall. CHO.

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

Only Girl (I Ever Cared About) is "You Are The Only Girl I Ever Cared About" Will Cobb- Words; Gus Edwards- Music in 1899.

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 07:58 PM

Only Girl (I Ever Cared About);

Subject: Lyr Add: ONE LITTLE WORD
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 07:43 PM

One Little Word is another Carter Family song based on an 1899 song written by Gussie Davis.

ONE LITTLE WORD Carter Family

          The dream of love is over
          Today we said goodbye
          We parted not in anger
          Though tears came in her eyes

          'Twas just as fate decreed, dear
          That we should never wed
          Yet in her heart she loved me
          She married wealth instead

    One little word could've changed my future life
    One little word could've made her my wife
    Too late, too late, now my fondest hopes are dead
    One little word, that word was never said
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Since schooldays we had been sweethearts
          She was her father's pride
          Her folks lived in a mansion
          Our cottage by its side

          Though years have brought their changes
          The same old love tale told
          She wed to please her parents
          A man of wealth and gold

    One little word could've changed my future life
    One little word could've made her my wife
    Too late, too late, now my fondest hopes are dead
    One little word, that word was never said

Subject: Lyr Add: AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 07:27 PM

AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His Name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Words: Isaac Watts, ap­pend­ed to his Ser­mons, pub­lished 1721-4; Watts wrote this hymn in con­junc­tion with a ser­mon he was giv­ing on 1 Co­rinth­i­ans 16:13. For a dif­fer­ent ar­range­ment, see When the Bat­tle's Over.

Music: Ar­ling­ton, Thom­as A. Arne, 1762; ar­ranged by Ralph Har­ri­son in his Sac­red Har­mo­ny–A Col­lect­ion of Psalm­tunes, An­cient and Mo­dern (Lon­don: 1784) (MI­DI, score). Alternate tune:

Subject: Lyr Add: ON THE SEA OF GALILEE
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 06:03 PM

On the Sea of Galilee is a spiritual recorded by the Carters in 1933 for Victor and then they changed the name to avoid copyright issue and recorded the song for Bluebird in 1935 as "Sea of Galilee."

One verse comes from Isaac Watts circa 1709 and it appears in the Sacred Harp. Any other versions or info would be welcome.

ON THE SEA OF GALILEE Carter Family

Am I a soldier of the cross
A follower of the Lamb
And shall I fear to own His cause
Or blush to speak His name

    On the sea (the sea, the sea)
    Of Galilee (of Galilee)
    My Jesus is walking on the sea
    On the sea (the sea, the sea)
    Of Galilee (of Galilee)
    My Jesus is walking on the sea
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease
While others walk to win the prize
And sail through bloody seas

    On the sea (the sea, the sea)
    Of Galilee (of Galilee)
    My Jesus is walking on the sea
    On the sea (the sea, the sea)
    Of Galilee (of Galilee)
    My Jesus is walking on the sea
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of heavenly rest
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast

    On the sea (the sea, the sea)
    Of Galilee (of Galilee)
    My Jesus is walking on the sea
    On the sea (the sea, the sea)
    Of Galilee (of Galilee)
    My Jesus is walking on the sea

Subject: Lyr Add: ON THE ROCK WHERE MOSES STOOD
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 02:43 PM

On the Rock Where Moses Stood is a song I've played many times as "Crying Holy Unto The Lord." The Carters recorded their version in 1930 presumably collected and taught to them via Pauline Grey and Leslie Riddle.

It's from the African American tradition being first recorded by the Norfolk Jubilee Quartet in 1924 as "Crying to the Lord."

It's perhaps derived from the spiritual Elijah Rock

ON THE ROCK WHERE MOSES STOOD- Carter Family 1930

          Crying Holy unto the Lord
          Crying Holy unto the Lord
          Oh, in that day when the bells don't toll
          Crying Holy unto the Lord

    Crying Ho................ly unto the Lord
    (Crying Holy unto the Lord............Holy unto the Lord)
    Crying Ho................ly unto the Lord
    (Crying Holy unto the Lord............Holy unto the Lord)
    Oh, if I could, I surely would
       (If I could....surely would)
    Stand on the rock.............where Moses stood
                      (Praise God, where Moses stood)

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Sinners, run unto the Lord
          Sinners, run unto the Lord
          Now please don't let this harvest pass
          And lose your soul at last

    Crying Ho................ly unto the Lord
    (Crying Holy unto the Lord............Holy unto the Lord)
    Crying Ho................ly unto the Lord
    (Crying Holy unto the Lord............Holy unto the Lord)
    Oh, if I could, I surely would
       (If I could....surely would)
    Stand on the rock.............where Moses stood
                      (Praise God, where Moses stood)

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          Crying Holy unto the Lord
          Crying Holy unto the Lord
          The four and twenty elders bowing all around the altar
          Crying Holy unto the Lord

    Crying Ho................ly unto the Lord
    (Crying Holy unto the Lord............Holy unto the Lord)
    Crying Ho................ly unto the Lord
    (Crying Holy unto the Lord............Holy unto the Lord)
          Oh, if I could, I surely would
       (If I could....surely would)
    Stand on the rock.............where Moses stood
                      (Praise God, where Moses stood)
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 10:32 AM

A version of "I'm On My Way" was recorded in 1926 by Bo Weavil Jackson titled "I'm on My Way to the Kingdom Land" and also by the New Gospel Keys.

I'd like to find an early source for this song. Anyone?

Subject: Lyr Add: ON MY WAY TO CANAAN'S LAND
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 10:10 AM

On My Way to Canaan's Land usually known as "I'm on my Way to Canaan's Land" or just "I'm On My Way," is from the African-American traditional. It was recorded by the Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet, and Blind Gussie Nesbit. The Pace Jubilee Singers 1927 recording was titled "I'll Journey On."

The Carter's 1930 recording surely came from Leslie Riddle/Pauline Gary- two African-Americans the Carters collected black gospel songs.

According to one author, Bernice Johnson Reagon, the song come from the traditional "If You Go Don't Hinder Me." She also says Canaan refers to Cananda, or escaping to Canada. She gives no direct links to earlier songs.

During the 60s Civil Rights movement the song was changed to "I'm on my way to Freedom land."

ON MY WAY TO CANAAN'S LAND-Carter Family

               I'm on my way to Canaan's land
               I'm on my way to Canaan's land
               I'm on my way to Canaan's land
               I'm on my way (Praise God) I'm on my way

               If father won't go, it won't hinder me
               If father won't go, it won't hinder me
               If father won't go, it won't hinder me
               I'm on my way (Praise God) I'm on my way

               If mother won't go, it won't hinder me
               If mother won't go, it won't hinder me
               If mother won't go, it won't hinder me
               I'm on my way (Praise God) I'm on my way
   
               If sister won't go, it won't hinder me
               If sister won't go, it won't hinder me
               If sister won't go, it won't hinder me
               I'm on my way (Praise God) I'm on my way

               Oh, be baptized in Jesus' name
               Oh, be baptized in Jesus' name
               Oh, be baptized in Jesus' name
               I'm on my way (Praise God) I'm on my way

               I'm on my way to Canaan's land
               I'm on my way to Canaan's land
               I'm on my way to Canaan's land
               I'm on my way (Praise God) I'm on my way

Subject: Lyr Add: ON A HILL LONE AND GREY
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 09:35 AM

On a Hill Lone and Gray (There's A Hill Lone and Grey) is a southern gospel song the Carters recorded twice; the first time in 1932 for Victor unissued and the second for Bluebird in 1934. The song was written by Beverly Francis Caradine and appears in Truths and Triumphs for Revivals in 1894.

Car­ra­dine pas­tored a large Meth­od­ist con­gre­ga­tion in St. Lou­is, Mis­sou­ri. In 1893, he be­came a full time evang­el­ist, and held ser­vic­es in ma­ny parts of the Unit­ed States. He was forced to re­tire af­ter be­ing in­jured in an ac­ci­dent in Se­at­tle, Wash­ing­ton, in 1918. His works inc­lude:

Best of All, with William Kirkpatrick & C. J. Fowler Church Entertainments: Twenty Objections
Golden Sheaves
Heart Talks
A Journey to Palestine
Pastoral Sketches
Revival Incidents

The Carters 1932 recording for Victor was probably unissued because Peer could not obtain an original copyright for the song. Below the Carters lyrics I've included the original lyrics for comparison.

ON A HILL LONE AND GREY-Carter family

On a hill lone and gray
In a land far away
In a country beyond the blue sea
Where beneath that far sky
Went a man for to die
For the world and for you and for me.

CHORUS: Oh it bows down my heart
And the tear drops do start
When in memory that gray hill I see
It was there on its side
Jesus suffered yes he died
To redeem a poor sinner like me

Hark, I hear the dull blow
Of the hammer swung low
They are nailing my lord to the tree
With the cross he upraised
While the multitude gazed
He ascended that hill lone and gray.

CHORUS:

Shout aloud then my soul
Let the glad tidings roll
From the land to the end of the sea
Where beneath that far sky
Went a man for to die
For the world and for you and for me

THERE'S A HILL LONE AND GREY- Words:CARRADINE Music:John B. Bry­ant

There's a hill lone and grey, in a land far away,
In a country beyond the blue sea,
Where beneath that fair sky went a Man forth to die
For the world and for you and for me.

Refrain

Oh, it bows down my heart
And the teardrops will start,
When in mem'ry that grey hill I see.
For 'twas there on its side, Jesus suffered and died
To redeem a poor sinner like me.

Behold! faint on the road, 'neath a world's heavy load,
Comes a thorn crownèd Man on the way,
With a cross He is bowed, but still on through the crowd
He's ascending that hill lone and grey.

Refrain

Hark! I hear the dull blow of the hammer swung low;
They are nailing my Lord to the tree,
And the cross they upraised while the multitude gaze
On the blest Lamb of dark Calvary.

Refrain

How they mock Him in death, to His last lab'ring breath,
While His friends sadly weep o'er the way;
But though lonely and faint, still no word of complaint
Fell from Him on the hill lone and grey.

Refrain

Then the darkness came down and the rocks rent around,
And a cry pierced the grief laden air;
'Twas the voice of our King Who received death's dark sting,
All to save us from endless despair.

Refrain

Let the sun hide its face, let the earth reel apace,
Over men who their Savior have slain;
But behold from the sod, comes the blest Lamb of God,
Who was slain and is risen again.

Refrain

Subject: Lyr Add: OH TAKE ME BACK
From: Richie
Date: 11 Dec 08 - 12:06 AM

Oh, Take Me Back is a 1938 blues by the Carters based on traditional blues lyrics. Looks like the 3rd verse could be original. Leslie Riddle was an influence on the Carters blues songs.


OH TAKE ME BACK- Carter Family

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Woke up this morning and I could not keep from crying
Woke up this morning and I could not keep from crying
My good gal left me With a troubling mind
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, just look where that evening sun has gone
Oh, just look where that evening sun has gone
Gone down behind the mountain And it won't be back till morn
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, hand me that long distance phone
Oh, hand me that long distance phone
Gonna talk to my honey All night long
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, take me back and try me one more time
Oh, take me back and try me one more time
And if I don't do Then send me down the line
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 11:54 PM

Hi,

Here's the next batch of original Carter songs. We're about 2/3 of the way through with about 100 songs left. Thanks for everyone's help.

Oh, Take Me Back;
On a Hill Lone and Gray;
On My Way to Canaan's Land;
On the Rock Where Moses Stood;
On the Sea of Galilee;
One Little Word;
Only Girl (I Ever Cared About);
Over the Garden Wall;
Picture on the Wall;
Poor Little Orphaned Boy;
Poor Orphan Child;
Rambling Boy;
Reckless Motorman;
River of Jordan;
Room in Heaven for Me;

Anyone?

Subject: Lyr Add: NO TELEPHONE IN HEAVEN
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 11:36 PM

No Telephone in Heaven was recorded by the Carter Family in 1930.

Meade refernces Delaney's Recitations #3 (Willian W. Delaney Circa 1910) as an early source

The song is based on the 1899 Werner's Readings and Recitations. Here is the link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=THsCAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA171&dq=No+Telephone+in+Heaven&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html


NO TELEPHONE IN HEAVEN- (A.P. Carter)

"Now I can't wait on baby," the smiling merchant said
As he stooped and softly toyed with his golden curly head.
"I want to call up mama," came the answer full and free.
"Could you telephone and ask her when she is coming back to me?"

CHORUS: "My child," the merchant murmured as he struck the anxious brow,
"No telephone connection where your mother lives at now.
No telephone in heaven!" And the tears spring in her eyes.
"I thought God had everything with him up in the skies."

"Tell her that I get so lonesome, that I don't know what to do.
And papa cries so much, I guess he must be lonesome too.
Tell her to come to baby 'cause at night I get so 'fraid
With no one there to kiss me when the lights begin to fade.

"All through the day I wander since my dolly's got so sore
From the awful punching brother give it with his little sword.
They ain't no one to fix it since mama's gone away,
And poor little lonesome dolly is getting thinner every day."

Subject: Lyr Add: NO OTHER'S BRIDE I'LL BE
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 10:35 PM

No Other's Bride I'll Be is taken fron CA White's 1869 song "Widow in the Cottage by the Sea." Meade references another publication in 1869 by C. P. Bishop. The Carter's title was probably made to avoid copyright issues. Another song "Cottage by the Sea" by J. R Thomas is a diferent song.


NO OTHER'S BRIDE I'LL BE- Carter Family

Just one year ago today love
I became your happy bride
Changed a mansion for a cottage
To live by the river side

You told me I'd be happy
But no happiness I see
For tonight I am a widow
In a cottage by the sea

CHORUS: All alone by the seaside he left me
And no other's bride I'll be
For in bridal flowers he begged me
In the cottage by the sea

From my cottage by the seaside
I can see my mansion home
I can see those hills and valleys
Where with pleasure I have roamed

The last time that I saw him
Oh how happy then were we
But tonight I am a widow
In the cottage by the sea

Subject: Lyr Add: NO MORE THE MOON SHINES ON LORENA
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 10:20 PM

No More the Moon Shines on Lorena is a Carter Family song recorded in 1930. It includes the remarkable line, "the possum playing on the wild bananas" and was written by Louis Staab circa 1889. The song has been recorded titled as "Lorena" "Lorina" and "Lorrainna" according to Meade. Unfortunately Meade didn't realize there was another song with a similar name.

The other song is the Civil War song "Lorena" which is a different yet similar song with Words: H.D.L. Webster/Music: J.P. Webster from 1857 titled Lorena. Here's Webster's song:


The years creep slowly by, Lorena;
The snow is on the grass again,
The Sun's low down the sky, Lorena,
The frost gleams where the flowers have been.

Perhaps Stabb's song is a rewrite of "Answer to Lorena" by Paul Vane, which would make it a rewrite of a rewrite. Then the Carters would be a rewrite of a rewrite of a rewrite- oh well.

NO MORE THE MOON SHINES ON LORENA
Carter Family- Original

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Way down upon the old plantation
Old massa used to own me as a slave
He had a yeller gal he called Lorena
And we courted where the wild bananas wave

For long years there we courted
And we were as happy as one
And my heart works for dear massa
And the happiness of life is just begun

    No more the moon shines on Lorena
    As we stood and watched the coon among the corn
    And the possum playing on the wild bananas
    And the old owl a-hooting like a horn

    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

One day I called to see my dear Lorena
I thought she would meet me at the gate
But they took her away to old Virginny
And left me to mourn for her fate

For years I had longed to see her
And the thoughts of her was ever in my head
One day massa read me a letter
Telling me that Lorena was dead

    No more the moon shines on Lorena
    As we stood and watched the coon among the corn
    And the possum playing on the wild bananas
    And the old owl a-hooting like a horn

But I know that her soul has gone to heaven
And there she is ever free from pain
And to her a brighter crown is given
And no more she will wear the darkie's chain

    No more the moon shines on Lorena
    As we stood and watched the coon among the corn
    And the possum playing on the wild bananas
    And the old owl a-hooting like a horn
    [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: Lyr Add: NO DEPRESSION (IN HEAVEN)
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 09:18 PM

No Depression in Heaven also known as "No Depression" is a song that was first recorded by the original Carter Family in 1936 during the Great Depression 1929-1938). The song is based on the 1936 "No Depression in Heaven" by James David Vaughan and was published in his songbooks.

James David Vaughan (1864-1941) was a music teacher, composer, song book publisher, the founder of the Vaughan Conservatory of Music and the James D. Vaughan Publishing Company.

Vaughan was born in Giles County, Tennessee on December 14, 1864, the son of George Washington and Eliza (Shores) Vaughan. He died February 9, 1941.

Vaughan is generally considered to be the founder of the genre now known as "Southern Gospel" music. He started the James D. Vaughan Music Publishing Company in 1902 and in 1910, he was the first to establish a professional quartet and put them on the road for the purpose of selling songbooks. The Vaughan School of Music was formed in 1911. Numerous gospel performers would study there in the following years. In 1912, Vaughan began the Vaughan Family Visitor, an influential publication across the South during the early 20th century.

In 1922, Vaughan founded one of the first radio stations in Tennessee, WOAN, where he broadcasted Southern Gospel music until 1930. He also founded the first record company based in the South, Vaughan Phonograph Records. Vaughan was also involved in local politics, serving as mayor of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee from 1923 to 1927, a position his brother Charles Wesley and son would hold after him.


NO DEPRESSION (IN HEAVEN)- CARTER FAMILY (1936)
This song was recorded by The Original Carter Family for Decca (De 5242) in New York, NY, Monday, 8 Jun 1936 (another take remained unissued). It was re-recorded (for radio transcription use) on Wednesday, 10 Jun 1936.

For fear the hearts of men are failing,
For these are latter days we know.
The Great Depression now is spreading,
God's word declared it would be so.

CHORUS: I'm going where there's no depression,
To the lovely land that's free from care.
I'll leave this world of toil and trouble,
My home's in Heaven, I'm going there.

In that bright land, there'll be no hunger,
No orphan children cryin' for bread,
No weeping widows, toil or struggle,
No shrouds, no coffins, and no death.

This dark hour of midnight nearing
And tribulation time will come.
The storms will hurl in midnight fear
And sweep lost millions to their doom.

Subject: Lyr Add: NEVER LET THE DEVIL GET THE UPPER HAND OF
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 01:42 PM

Hi pdq,

Right now we're going alphabetically from A. We're on N.

Never Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You is the 1937 Carter Family version of the traditional ballad, Knoxville Girl, which was first recorded in 1924 by Riley Puckett.

"The Knoxville Girl" is the US version of the "Wittham Miller/Berkshire Tragedy/ Cruel Miller" large group of songs from the British Isles, originating as "The Bloody Miller" in 1684. In the US it is known as "The Wexford Girl," "The Oxford Tragedy," "The Expert Girl," Johnny McDowell," "The Prentice Boy," "Never Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You" (Carter Family version) as well as many similar names.

NEVER LET THE DEVIL GET THE UPPER HAND OF YOU- Carter Family

My tender parents brought me up
Provided for me well
Twas in the city of Lanson Town
They placed me in a mill.

It was there I spied a pretty fair miss
On whom I cast my eye
I asked her if she'd marry me
And she believed a lie.

Three weeks ago last Saturday night
Of course it was the day
The devil put it in my mind
To take her life away.

I went into her sisters house
At eight o'clock one night
But little did the creator think
On her I had my spite.

I asked her if she'd take a walk
With me a little ways
That she and I might have a talk
About our wedding day.

We walked along until we came
To my little desert place
I grabbed a stick off of the fence
And struck her in the face.

I run my fingers through her coal black hair
To cover up my sin
I drug her to the riverside
And there I plunged her in.

I started back unto my mill
I met my servant John
He asked me why I was so pale
And it so very warm.

Come all young men and warning take
Unto your lovers be true
And never let the devil get
The upper hand of you

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family son
From: pdq
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 12:45 PM

...I assume most of these have been covered, but maybe not:

The Winding Road
Over the Garden Wall
Motherless Children
The Evening Bells are Ringing
Homestesd on the Farm
Longing for Old Virginia
The Foggy Mountain Top
Thge Poor Orphan Child
This is Like Heaven to Me
Picture on the Wall
March Winds
Bring Back My Blue Eyed Boy to Me
No Hiding Place Down Here
Give Me YourLove
Stern Old Batchelor
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Old Cottage Home

Subject: Lyr Add: MY VIRGINIA ROSE IS BLOOMING
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 11:51 AM

My Virginia Rose Is Blooming is a song recorded by the Carters in 1935. The song was collected by Perry in the JOAFL 1945 but I don't have access to the lyrics and info.

To me this seems like a rewrite by A.P. of "Yellow Rose of Texas:"

There's a Yellow Rose in Texas
She's waiting there for me.

This probably is a song written by A.P. At this time A.P. and Sara were separated.


MY VIRGINIA ROSE IS BLOOMING
Carter Family- Original

My Virginia rose is blooming
She's waiting now for me
In the hills of old Virginia
Is where I long to be
She wears a winning smile
And her loving eyes are blue
She's won my heart forever
For she's a girl that's true

Beneath the scarlet maple
By the trickling little spring
Was where I made the promise
And gave to her the ring
Springtime is approaching
The birds and doves are here
They are singing so sweetly
But none can sing like her

It's love that calls you to me
My rose that never fades
And lose its crimson leaves of love
Love that's perfect made
I long to see my darling
There in the midst of dew
With the sparkling dewdrops all around her
She'll be a queen and a view

She's a wild rose in the forest
A fairy in a dream
My darling's in Virginia
Her age is just 16
It's a long, long ways from my darling
Just a little too far to be
My Virginia rose is blooming
She's waiting now for me

Subject: Lyr Add: MY TEXAS GIRL
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 10:59 AM

My Texas Girl is a western song recorded by the Carters in 1935. It appears the song is a rewrite of one of the "Sleepy Rio Grande" songs. According to Tex Rhinehart "Sleepy Rio Grande" is a mondegreen for "Silvery Rio Grande" so it's possible the song was "Silvery Rio Grande" at some point.

Bob Miller's 1934 songbook had the song "Sleepy Rio grande." Other titles include: "Where the Sleepy Rio's Flowing," and "By the Sleepy Rio Grande."

I'd bet the Carters song is based on the Carson Robison, Frank Luther song "Sleepy Rio Grande" backed by "When it's springtime in the Rockies" which was a huge hit for Victor in 1929. They recorded songs under the alias "Bud and Joe Billings"

Anyone have the lyrics?

MY TEXAS GIRL-Carter Family

All my life I've wondered if what I done was wrong
All I ever cared to do was ride my pony on
I never had no heartache was always happy and gay
Until I met a Texas girl who stole my heart away.

CHORUS: Where the sleepy Rio Grande goes slowly to the sea
It was there she promised to be mine throughout eternity
But the angels they grew jealous of her beauty and her smile
And came along one stormy night and stole away my bride
The birds have hushed their singing sadness is over the land
The birds miss my darling by the sleepy Rio Grande

Her lips were like the Russian wine her hair it hung in curls
Her cheeks were like the dawn of day that breaks upon the world
She's gone and left me lonely I miss the touch of her hand
Tonight while I am walking by the sleepy Rio Grande

Subject: Lyr Add: MY OLD VIRGINIA HOME
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 01:32 AM

My Old Virginia Home was recorded by the Carters in 1935. Fiddler Miller Wikel recorded a song by that title twice; once in 1928 and again in 1929 but the sides were not released. My Old Virginia Home by Charles T. Frey in 1855 is similar in sentiment but not the same song.

This certainly seems like a Carter Family original based on the title. Anyone have any other info?

MY OLD VIRGINIA HOME- Carter Family

It was on one winter day from my home I went away
Far away from friends and home I longed to roam
But tonight I'm lone and sad just a little homesick lad
And I'm longing for my old Virginia home

I'm a lad from old Virginia bravely knocking my way back home
To that cabin home in the mountains never more let me roam
I'm a lad from old Virginia and I'm coming coming home
There I'll settle down forever in my old Virginia home

Since I left that little shack how my mind has wandered back
How mother often prayed for her lad
But from her I went astray and I know I've dearly paid
So I'm coming back to mother and my dad

Subject: Lyr Add: MY OLD COTTAGE HOME
From: Richie
Date: 10 Dec 08 - 01:01 AM

My Old Cottage Home, recorded by the Carters in 1931, is based on a song by R.A. Glen circa 1880.

MY OLD COTTAGE HOME
Carter Family- Original

I am thinking tonight of an old cottage home
That stands on the brow of the hill
Where in life's early morning I once loved to roam
But now all is quiet and still

    Oh, my old cottage home, my old cottage home
    That stands on the brow of the hill
    Where in life's early morning I once loved to roam
    But now all is quiet and still
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Many years have gone by since in prayers there I knelt
With dear ones around the old hearth
But my mother's sweet prayers in my heart still are felt
I'll treasure them all while on earth

    Oh, my old cottage home, my old cottage home
    That stands on the brow of the hill
    Where in life's early morning I once loved to roam
    But now all is quiet and still
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

One by one they have gone from the old cottage home
On earth we shall see them no more
But we'll meet them again on that beautiful shore
Where parting will come nevermore

    Oh, my old cottage home, my old cottage home
    That stands on the brow of the hill
    Where in life's early morning I once loved to roam
    But now all is quiet and still

Subject: Lyr Add: MY NATIVE HOME
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 07:15 PM

My Native Home is a song recorded by the Carter's in 1936. This is clearly based on another song. Can anyone find it?

MY NATIVE HOME- Carter Family

I'd like to see my native home
The lofty trees, the golden sand
The rugged hills all crowded 'round
My mother's voice how sweet would sound

Sometimes I dream of home and friends
My dreams are false, my heart it rends
And when I wake I'm all alone
My dreams are false, my friends are gone

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I'd like to see my heart's delight
Her beauteous face and eyes so bright
And how she'd smile as I drew near
I'd kiss her with a falling tear

It fills my heart with fondest love
To listen to that lonesome dove
She mourns as if her mate was gone
As if, like me, left all alone

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Nine or ten years have passed and gone
And I'm still left here all alone
Virginia, o my native home
Among your hills I'd love to roam

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 06:45 PM

My Little Home in Tennessee is a song by Carson Robison in 1926.

Subject: Lyr Add: MY HONEY LOU
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 06:37 PM

"My Honey Lou" was recorded by the Carters in 1936. It is a song by Frank M. Statia written in 1897. A different song with the same title "My honey Lou" was written in 1904 by Thurland Chattaway.

MY HONEY LOU- Carter Family

[INSTRUMENTAL INTRO]

When the sun sets in the west, my Honey Lou
Then the time I love you best, my Honey Lou
Come and look into my eyes
When the moon shines in the skies
I'll be in paradise, my Honey Lou

    Last night I waited long, my Honey Lou
    And told the birds my song, my Honey Lou
    When the bright and silver moon
    Sheds its soft and mellow light
    I love you more each night, my Honey Lou

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

When the birds have hushed their song, my Honey Lou
All the twilight shadows on my Honey Lou
My heart forever beats
For my Honey gal so sweet
I'll lay it at your feet, my Honey Lou

    Last night I waited long, my Honey Lou
    And told the birds my song, my Honey Lou
    When the bright and silver moon
    Sheds its soft and mellow light
    I love you more each night, my Honey Lou

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

    Last night I waited long, my Honey Lou
    And told the birds my song, my Honey Lou
    When the bright and silver moon
    Sheds its soft and mellow light
    I love you more each night, my Honey Lou

Subject: Lyr Add: MY HOME AMONG THE HILLS
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 06:12 PM

My Home Among the Hills is a song the Carters recorded in 1940. It seems as if A.P. wrote this trying to recreate Gene Autry's 1932 hit "That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine."

Any other info?

MY HOME AMONG THE HILLS-Carter Family

Got a home in the hills of old Virginia I love still
And it stands near the lonesome pines
And I long to go back to the vine covered shack
Where I left that old mother of mine

I can still see her there in that old rocking chair
In my home among the hills
And I seem to hear her say why did you go away
From your home among the hills

The pine trees stand alone near my old Virginia home
And that silver- haired mother of mine
I can see her smiling face in that old familiar place
In my home among the hills

I'm leaving here today I'm going back to stay
In my home among the hills
How happy we will be near the lonesome pine trees
In my home among the hills

Subject: Lyr Add: MY HOME'S ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 05:40 PM

My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains is a traditional folk song recorded by the Carter Family in 1938. Louise Bascom Rand collected a version called "My Own True Love" in 1909. Bascom Lamar Lunsford stated that this song can be classified as a "Straw-ride song." Possibly it is based upon an old religious song, "Oh, How I Love Jesus."

Here are some early recordings:

Clarence Ashley, Garley Foster, Dock Walsh & Doc Watson, "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains" (on Ashley03, WatsonAshley01)
Carolina Tar Heels, "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains" (Victor V-40100, 1929)
Carter Family, "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains" (Decca 5532, 1938/Decca X2184, n.d.)
Delmore Brothers, "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains" (Bluebird B-8247, 1939)
Kelly Harrell, "I'm Going Back to North Carolina" (OKeh 40505, 1925; on KHarrell01)
Bascom Lamar Lunsford, "My Home's Across the Smoky Mountains" (AAFS 3155 B2)
Poplin Family, "My Home Is Not In South Carolina" (on Poplin01)
Pete Seeger, "My Home's Across the Smoky Mountains" (on PeteSeeger25)
Arthur Smith, "Across the Blue Ridge Mountains" (Bluebird B-7221, 1937)
Jack Wallin, "My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains" (on Wallins1)

MY HOME'S ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

My home's across the Blue Ridge mountains
My home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains
My home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains
For I never expect to see you anymore

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

How can I keep from crying
How can I keep from crying
How can I keep from crying
For I never expect to see you anymore

My home's across the Blue Ridge mountains
My home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains
My home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains
For I never expect to see you anymore

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, how I hate to leave you
Oh, how I hate to leave you
Oh, how I hate to leave you
For I never expect to see you anymore

My home's across the Blue Ridge mountains
My home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains
My home's across the Blue Ridge Mountains
For I never expect to see you anymore

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Good-bye, my little darling
Good-bye, my little darling
Good-bye, my little darling
For I never expect to see you anymore

Subject: Lyr Add: MY HEART'S TONIGHT IN TEXAS
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 11:16 AM

My Heart's Tonight in Texas also known as "Tonight my Heart's in Texas" was recorded by the Carter Family for Bluebird in 1834. The western folk song, credited to Roden-Max S. Witt in 1900, was first recorded as "By the Silvery Rio Grande" by Ted Chestnut in 1928. "Down by the Silvery Rio Grande" was published in 1913 as by Dave Weisberg, R. F. Roden, and music-Charles Speidel.

The Carters probably based their version on the Girls of the Golden West's recording in 1932.

MY HEART'S TONIGHT IN TEXAS- Carter Family

In the distant state of Texas
By the silvery Rio Grande
Strolled a couple out one evening
Was two sweethearts hand in hand
Was a rich man's pretty daughter
And the lad she loved so dear
Though tomorrow they must part for many a year.

My heart's tonight in Texas
Though I'm far across the sea
The band is playing Dixie
And that's where I long to be
Dad says the earl I'll marry
But although here is my hand
My heart's tonight in Texas
By the silvery Rio Grande.

To Europe she was going
To become a lady grand
For her father hoped an
Earl of course she'll wed
But she went away next morning
And her heart was true to Jack
A letter came one day and this it read

At a stately ball in England
Stood the Texas lass one night
The scenes were all splendid
And the light were dizzyingly bright
The earl knelt beside her
Asking her to be his bride
But her thoughts were by the silvery Rio Grande

Subject: Lyr Add: MY DIXIE DARLING
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 10:41 AM

My Dixie Darling is taken from the song "Dixie Darling" by Gillispie and Weinrich in 1909.

MY DIXIE DARLING- Carter family

               Way down below the Mason-Dixon line
               There's where the honeysuckle are entwined
               There's where the southern winds are blowin'
               There's where the daisies' growin'
               Girls up north in their gay finery
               Whirling around in society
               Singing the song of my Dixie darling
               Where I long to be
                  
                   My Dixie darlin'
                   Listen to the song I sing
                   Beneath the silv'ry moon
                   With my banjo right in tune
                   My heart's forever true
                   I love no one but you
                   My Dixie darling
                   My Dixie queen

               Goin' down south, gonna have a good time
               See my girl down in old Caroline
               Drink my booze and do as I please
               For all the girls I long to squeeze
               Singing the song of my Dixie darling
               That's where I long to be going
               That's where the jellyroll's rolling
               With my Dixie queen

                   My Dixie darlin'
                   Listen to the song I sing
                   Beneath the silv'ry moon
                   With my banjo right in tune
                   My heart's forever true
                   I love no one but you
                   My Dixie darling
                   My Dixie queen

Subject: Lyr Add: MY CLINCH MOUNTAIN HOME
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 09:43 AM

"My Clinch Mountain Home" was reported to be the first song A.P. wrote: Wanting to earn enough money to buy himself a piece of land, A.P. left his home in 1911 and set out for Richmond, Indiana (as his father had done), to work on the railroad but came down with typhoid fever and quickly returned home. Family members recall that he wrote his first song while he rode the train back to Virginia, "My Clinch Mountain Home," a nostalgic ode to the place of his birth that would become one of the Carter's hits:

Carry me back to old Virginny,
Back to my Clinch Mountain home;
Carry me back to old Virgininy,
Back to my old mountain home.

The family claim that A.P. wrote the song may be correct but the chorus and sentiment are based on James A. Bland's 1878 song
"Carry Me Back to Old Virginny." The verse is the melody of the "Battleship of Maine."


MY CLINCH MOUNTAIN HOME- Carter family

          Far away on the hills
          To a sunny mountainside
          Many years ago we parted
          My little Ruth and I
          From this sunny mountainside
          She clung to me and trembled
          When I told her we must part
          She said "Don't go, my darling
          it almost breaks my heart
          To think of you so far apart"

               Carry me back to old Virginny
               Back to my Clinch Mountain home
               Carry me back to old Virginny
               Back to my old Mountain home
               Well, a-le-ho, le-ho-lay-ee
               Well, a-le-ho, le-ho-lee
               Yeah, lee-oh-lay-ee-hee
               Oh, my mountain home

          I folded my arms around her
          Leaned her head against my breast
          I told her I would wed her
          When I came back from the west
          At my old Clinch Mountain home
          In my hand I hold a picture
          Of the old home far away
          In the other one my sweetheart
          I'm thinking of today
          On the sunny mountainside

               Carry me back to old Virginny
               Back to my Clinch Mountain home
               Carry me back to old Virginny
               Back to my old Mountain home
               Well, a-le-ho, le-ho-lay-ee
               Well, a-le-ho, le-ho-lee
               Yeah, lee-oh-lay-ee-hee
               Oh, my mountain home
                [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

          My mother's old and feeble
          My father's getting gray
          I'm going back to Virginia
          And I expect to stay
          At my old Clinch Mountain home

               [CHORUS]

Subject: Lyr Add: THE MOUNTAINS OF TENNESSEE
From: Richie
Date: 09 Dec 08 - 01:25 AM

Mountains of Tennessee seems like a rewrite of the song, Sweet Sunny South. The songs has a different chord and melody but the lyrics and form are very similar. The "cool shady nook" line is also found in Katie Kline.


THE MOUNTAINS OF TENNESSEE-Carter Family

      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Take me back, take me back to my old mountain home
Take me back where my heart longs to be
Where we played by the brook in the cool, shady nook
In the mountains of Tennessee

In my old mountain home where the wild roses bloom
Is a spot just like heaven to me
Take me back, take me back to my old mountain home
In the mountains of Tennessee
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Take me back, take me back to my old mountain home
Take me back to my old mother's knee
Where the stars shine bright and the birds sing free
In the mountains of Tennessee

'Round my old mountain home where I used to roam
They're waiting a welcome for me
Take me back to my old log cabin home
In the mountains of Tennessee
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Subject: Lyr Add: MOTHERLESS CHILDREN
From: Richie
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 11:50 PM

Motherless Children is another song from African-American sources. They learned the song from Leslie Riddle.

The songs is from S.C. Brown- words and Charles Dryscoll- Music in 1904. Othere songs set a precedent such as the 1883 "Be Kind to the Motherless Child"

MOTHERLESS CHILDREN- Carter Family

Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
They are driven out in the cold, God knows where to go
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world

Brother won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
Brother won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
You may ask for a piece of bread, you are told to go to bed
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Friends won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
Friends won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
They will tell you what to do, but they'll turn their back on you
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world

Subject: RE: Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'
From: Richie
Date: 08 Dec 08 - 11:21 PM

Hey pdq

"After the Ball Was Over" was in the repertoire of Bradley Kincaid, the Kentucky Mountain Boy, who was well known for collecting and performing authentic folk songs.

A noteworty folk collector decided to go to a concert by the WLS star to hear his interpretation of traditional folk songs. Much to the collectors chagrin Bradley's opening song was "Afer The Ball."

The Carters learned several of Bradley's arrangemnts including "Bury Me Beneath the Willow."

Richie