Lyr/Chords Req: Mother's Not Dead (She's Only...)

Subject: 'Mama Ain't Dead, She's Only A-Sleepin'
From: Lulu
Date: 27 Aug 99 - 09:44 PM

My Father-In-Law used to sing this song. He doesn't remember who sang it, but he remembers singing it to his Grandmother when he was younger (he's in his early 60's.) If anyone could help me with lyrics, chords or artist name I'd be greatly obliged. I'd like to learn it for him for an upcoming birthday. You can email me with any leads at [e-mail] Thanks, LuLu

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: 'Mama Ain't Dead, She's Only
From: Chet W.
Date: 28 Aug 99 - 06:22 PM

Lulu, I don't have this one but I can tell you I've often heard it associated with Ralph Stanley, or earlier, the Stanley Brothers. You might check amazon.com, put in Ralph Stanley, and they give you lists of songs for each album they have.

Chet

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: 'Mama Ain't Dead, She's Only
From: Gene
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 02:03 PM

It was also recorded by Charlie Monroe

and by Bill Monroe/w/ James Monroe

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: 'Mama Ain't Dead, She's Only
From: Lulu
Date: 29 Aug 99 - 09:32 PM

Thank you so much! Now I just have to find the tabs or chords. :)

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: 'Mama Ain't Dead, She's Only
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 30 Aug 99 - 07:07 AM

Lulu--

I don't have chords or tabs; as you look through whatever lists you might find, however, you're most likely to find the song listed as Mother's Not Dead, She's Only Sleeping. The title you quoted, while close, is sufficiently different from the original to prevent your finding it on some discographies.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: 'Mama Ain't Dead, She's Only
From: Stewie
Date: 13 Sep 99 - 03:51 AM

You'll find an excellent version by Rambling Jack Elliott and Derroll Adams on Jack Elliott 'Ramblin' Jack: the legendary Topic masters'. Topic TSCD477. This fine CD has 4 early tracks with Derroll helping out - other beaut tracks with Jack and Derroll working together may be found on the recently issued 'Ramblin' Jack Elliott with Derroll Adams: Early Sessions' Tradition TCD 1082. Both CDs are indispensible to anyone with an interest in either performer.

Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: MOTHER'S NOT DEAD (SHE'S ONLY...)
From: Gene
Date: 22 Sep 99 - 11:12 AM

Here is one version...

MOTHER'S NOT DEAD (SHE'S ONLY A-SLEEPING)
Recorded by: Charlie Monroe & His Kentucky Pardners
Writer: Charlie Monroe

CAPO: 1st FRET/KEY: G#/PLAY: G
[G] I Left my old home way back in the [D7] mountains
Mother was called to heaven that [G] day
They carried my mother up to the [D7] graveyard
Ev'rything's lonesome since she went a-[G] way.

CHORUS
[G] Mother's Not Dead, she's only a-[D7] sleeping
Just patiently waiting for Jesus to [G] come
The birds will be singing while mother lies [D7] sleeping
They will sing o'er her as the grave fades a-[G] way.

Nothing seems right around the old home place
Even the place where we used to play
I love my old home way back in the mountains
But ev'rythings changed since she went away.

CHORUS
Mother was good and now she's in heaven
She was the best pal a boy ever had
I still love my home way back in the mountains
But without you mother, a heart aches so sad.

SOURCE:
BLUEGRASS FOR COLLECTORS/Various Artists
1980 RCA Camden ACL-7081