Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose

Subject: Lyr Add: LAY MY HEAD BENEATH A ROSE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Aug 18 - 10:25 PM

This sheet music can be seen at the website of Mississippi State University. Only a few words are different from the lyrics posted on 20 Aug 2000. In the case of “favor/favour,” only the spelling has changed, no doubt because this copy comes from a British publisher.


LAY MY HEAD BENEATH A ROSE
Words, W. Madison; music, G. Falkenstein
“Copyright 1908 by G. Falkenstein; copyright transferred 1926 to Villa Morét, Inc., Pantages Building, San Francisco”
Published by Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd., 138-140 Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.2.

1. Darling, press me to your bosom as you did in days of yore.
Press your lips upon my forehead ere I reach that golden shore.
Life is from me swiftly fading. Soon I'll be in sweet repose.
When I'm gone I ask this favour: lay my head beneath a rose.

CHORUS: Lay me where sweet flowers blossom, where the dainty lily grows.
Where the pinks and violets mingle, lay my head beneath a rose.

2. Darling, first you said you loved me when you gave your hand and heart.
There were roses on your cheeks, love, and we vowed we ne'er would part.
One more kiss for I am going far beyond all earthly woes.
Let my grave be like your cheeks, love, covered with a blossom rose.

3. He has crossed the shadowed valley, where the living water flows.
Love has heard his last fond pleading, and he sleeps in sweet repose.
'Neath a grassy mound he's resting where the golden sunset glows.
Love has answered all his pleading and he sleeps beneath the rose.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: leeneia
Date: 24 Aug 18 - 01:52 AM

I found the sheet music here:

Mississippi collection

With these old songs, there is usually a talky part first, then a more melodious refrain. The refrain is what everybody remembers. So if you try the song and it sounds dull, keep going till you get to the refrain.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 03:09 AM

Afaik, nobody has ever run “W. Madison” to earth. He never gets a mention.

There was a Walter Ashton Madison, real name Modiano, in both Ventura and San Francisco at about the right dates. I chatted with a relative who said he was a musician, but not by trade. He worked in the garment industry.

Whew! That's it... for now...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 03:05 AM

Grant Falkenstein, Musical Composer, Dies In Santa Cruz
By Skip Littlefield

“Long after the so-called popular composers of weekly musical hits and jazz and jitterbug ditties have been forgotten and lost to public memory the name of a Santa Cruz musician will live on throughout the ages as the architect of one of the great immortal ballads of all time.

His best known composition has found a permanent niche in the archives of genuine American classics. It is comparable to some of the best works of Stephen Foster and Carrie Jacobs Bond.
        The man is Grant Falkenstein.
        The ballad– “Lay My Head Beneath a Rose.”

Away back when a saxophone was regarded in the same light as a “bazooka,” Grant Falkenstein gave to America this mighty creation of the musical pen. It was a smash hit in the year that Victoria celebrated her golden jubilee.

“A person just can't quit loving music,” Falkenstein often observed throughout the span of six decades devoted to musical effort. He came to California from Maryland in 1888, moving to San Francisco.

He was one of the original members of the San Francisco municipal band that played to crowds that cheered the name of James J. Corbett in old Central Park on 8th street.

Grant used to say people came early in those days to concerts and brought their lunches. A musical rendition only lasted eight hours. The light opera classics of Gilbert and Sullivan were the rage.

Strange to relate, Falkenstein organized the first saxophone quartet in America. Grant was the assistant director of the great 125-piece Shrine band that traveled over the United States in 1914 to promote the Panama Pacific exposition in San Francisco.

Falkenstein personally escorted Teddy Roosevelt to Yosemite in 1903. The band, including Roosevelt, rode into the famous valley on horseback.

Grant organized the famous Military band in Fresno in 1903. Three years later he organized a second outfit, the Fresno Municipal band. He was director of the Fresno band until his retirement some years ago when he moved to Santa Cruz.

Falkenstein was the leader of the noted Fresno Sciots band in the 1920's. Numbered among his musicians was a clarinet player, Dr. A.R. Steinwand, present director of the Santa Cruz Municipal band. Grant was the judge of state legion band contests for 10 years.

Grant Falkenstein started Ginny Simms on her road to popular musical fame. Her foundation of musical knowledge was given by the noted composed. She stepped from Falkenstein's studio to Kay Kyser's band.

The vibrant radiating voice of Grant Falkenstein has been stilled but generations yet to live will owe a debt to the genius of a “gentleman of music” that Santa Cruzans knew and loved.

Falkenstein is survived by his widow, Harriet Falkenstein, and one son, Ray Falkenstein of Los Angeles.

Funeral services will be held in Fresno Friday with local arrangements in charge of Wessendorf. Interment will be in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Fresno.”

[Santa Cruz Sentinel-News, 19 July 1945, p.1]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 03:02 AM

Villa Moret, Inc.
Music Publishers
Pantages Building
San Francisco

We Gave the World the Sensational Song Hits
“Moonlight and Roses”
and
“Thanks for the Buggy Ride”

Our LATEST and GREATEST Is

“Lay My Head Beneath a Rose”
“The Ballad Divine”
on all Records and Player Rolls

[Display Advert., San Francisco Business, Vol. XIII., No. 1 (San Francisco: Chamber of Commerce, 14 July 1926, p.15)]


“Lay my head beneath a rose; waltz, words by W. Madison, music by Grant Falkenstein, arr. by Emil Breitenfeld. © 1 c. May 3, 1926; E640578; Villa Moret, inc., San Francisco. 9459”

[Catalog of Copyright Entries, Part 3, Musical Compositions, (Washington: GPO, 1926, p.9474)]

Note: As posted elsewhere, arranger Emil Breitenfeld is saxophonist Paul Desmond's father. Publisher Villa Moret was a Charles N. Daniels imprint.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 02:57 AM

“Lay My Head Beneath a Rose” Had a Tragic Origin.

An interesting and pathetic little story, which contains a strong appeal to human sympathies, is connected with the song, “Lay My Head Beneath a Rose,” which Arthur Tavares of the Royal Hawaiian quintet is singing this week at the Novelty theater. The words and music of this affecting little song were written in a prison cell by a man condemned to die, just a few hours prior to his execution.

The author of the song, during a passion of rage had taken the life of a friend, had been convicted and sentenced to die. In the death cell of the prison at San Quentin, Cal., the doomed man brooded over the events of his life and his terrible crime, which had not only ruined his own career, but had also brought deepest sorrow and despair to his devoted wife and family. With thoughts of his blighted career and the sorrow he had caused heavy upon his heart, the doomed man penned the words and music to the song, which was later given the title it now bears and which reveals simply but convincingly the prisoner's repentance and remorse in the closing hours of his life. It is the knowledge of the composer's sad story and the circumstances under which the song was written that enables Mr. Tavares to sing it with so much feeling and effectiveness.”

[The Story of a Song, The Topeka Daily State Journal, Thursday Evening, 5 November, 1908, p.10]


“Sung with Great Success by Arthur Tavares with the Royal Hawaiian Quintette, Words by W. Madison, Music by G. Falkenstein.”

[Sheet music, G. Falkenstein, Fresno, Cal. Publisher of the Owl Series, 60, 1908]


“Lay my head beneath a rose; a ballad, words by W. Madison, music by G. Falkenstein. in E flat. [11067] G. Falkenstein. Fresno, Cal. C 178923, Apr. 13, 1908; 2 c. Apr. 11, 1908.”

[Catalogue of Copyright Entries, Pt. 3, Musical Compositions, (Washington: GPO, 1908, p.498)]


Note: It eventually became Falkenstein Music Co., Fresno. Grant's brother “John. J.” was a partner. Several audio recordings credit a “J. Falkenstein.”

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 02:52 AM

“Lay my head beneath a rose. Sentimental song. W.A. Madison. G. Falkenstein. Ventura, CaL: Bartlett Brothers. (Received Nov. 17, 1897.) 159, Copyright proprietor: G. Falkenstein.”

[Catalogue of Title Entries of Books and Other Articles, No. 314 (Washington: GPO, 1897, p.52)]

Note: Bartlett Brothers (Bartlett's Minstrels) was based in Ventura, CA, nearer Los Angeles than San Francisco. By 1897 Grant Falkenstein had been with the company for at least six years. This may not be the oldest printing.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 02:50 AM

As mentioned in the other threads the 'original' (?) composer was one Ned Straight. The dates given for both Straight and Madison/Falkenstein are a bit off though:

Lay My Head Beneath a Rose.
By Ned Straight, Composer of Josephus Orange blossom, The Colored Grenadiers, No Work, &c.

Darling, fold me to you closer,
        As you did in days of yore;
Press your lips upon my forehead,
        Ere I see the golden shore.
Life is from me fastly fleeting,
        Soon I'll be in sweet repose;
When I am gone I ask this favor,
        Lay my head beneath a rose.
                CHORUS.
Lay me where sweet flowers blossom–
        Where dainty lily grows;
Where the pink and violets mingle,
        Lay my head beneath a rose.

Darling one, when first I met you,
        When I pledged you hand and heart,
There were roses on your cheeks love,
        And we vowed we ne'er would part.
One more kiss, for I am going
        Far beyond all earthly woes;
Let my grave be like your cheeks, love,
        Covered with the blushing rose.                CHORUS.

[Marsan, Henry DE, New Comic and Sentimental Singer's Journal, No.162, Vol.II, (New York: H. DE Marsan, 1868, p.493)]

Note: Pretty much the same stuff. There are several Ned Straight mentions in newspapers &c between this and the earliest Madison/Falkenstein copyright I've found so far, 1897.

Somewhere along the line it became part of a play and we learn why he is dying. I thought it was TB but… see 1908 Arthur Tavares & Royal Hawaiian Quintette references that follow. Mostly likely fiction either way.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Lay My Head Beneath a Rose
From: GUEST,Phil d'Conch
Date: 22 Aug 18 - 02:47 AM

Sometimes it's “….a rose,” and sometimes it's “...the rose.”

There was a later thread on the song merged with Origins: The authors of the 'Carter Family songs'

and some more stuff here:

Carter Family Songs: Summary of Sources

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jul 03 - 10:20 PM

Wotta team!

~S~

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 02 Jul 03 - 09:04 PM

Honking Duck:
Index

Subject: Lyr Add: LAY MY HEAD BENEATH THE ROSE (Carter Fam
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 02 Jul 03 - 08:58 PM

The Carter Family recorded this song in 1936, the same year as the W. Madison (words) G. Falkenstein (music) sheet music was issued. The Carter lyrics are close to those of the sheet music (see Vissjoy post above) but there is no refrain.

Carter version

Darling, clasp me to your bosom
As you did in days of yore
Lay your hand upon my forehead
Ere I reach the golden shore.

Life from me is fastly falling
Soon I'll be in sweet repose
When I'm gone I ask this favor
Lay my head beneath the rose.

Darling, first you said you loved me
When you gave me hand and heart
There were roses on your cheeks, love
As we vowed we ne'er would part.

One more kiss for I am going
Far beyond all earthly woe
May your life be like your cheeks, love
Covered with the blossomed rose.

He has crossed the shadowed valley
Where the living waters flow
Love has answered all his pleading
And he sleeps in sweet repose.

Beneath a grassy mound he's resting
Where the golden sunset glows
Love has answered all his pleading
And he sleeps in sweet repose.

Recorded 6/9/36, NYC.
http://www.icdc.com/~fmoore/carterfamily/lay_my_head_beneath_the_rose.htm
Lay My Head

Lyrics are identical at www.silcom.com/~peterf/ideas/carter4.htm#lees,   but an instrumental break is indicated after 2nd and 4th verses.
Lyrics also identical at http://bluegrasslyrics.com/carter_song.cfm-recordID=c119.htm

Decca 46005 issued October 1946, may be heard at Honking Duck

MP3 at Lay My Head
Also recorded by Hank Snow.

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: harpgirl
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 02:27 PM

...this song would well adapt itself to a Carter style tempo and beat. Think I'll try it.

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: Sorcha
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 11:05 AM

Levy site says it is 1936, and there was no small image to click on to get the sheet music. If you want to look yourself, it is Box 158, #111b at Levy Sheet Music.

Subject: Lyr Add: LAY MY HEAD BENEATH A ROSE
From:
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 10:48 AM

LAY MY HEAD BENEATH A ROSE
Words by W. Madison. Music by G. Falkenstein.
From sheet music published by Villa Moret Inc. San Francisco, 1926.

1. Darling press me to your bosom, as you did in days of yore,
Press your lips upon my forehead, ere I reach that golden shore,
Life is from me fastly fading. Soon I'll be in sweet repose,
When I'm gone I ask this favor: lay my head beneath a rose.

CHORUS: Lay me where sweet flowers blossom, where the dainty lily grows.
Where the pinks and violets mingle, lay my head beneath a rose.

2. Darling, first you said you loved me when you gave your hand and heart.
There were roses on your cheeks, love, and we vowed we ne'er would part.
One more kiss for I am going far beyond all earthly woes.
Let my grave be like your cheeks, love, covered with a blossom rose.

3. He has crossed the shadowed valley, where the living water flows.
Love had heard his last fond pleading, and he sleeps in sweet repose.
'Neath a grassy mound he's resting where the golden sunset glows.
Love has answered all his pleading. there he sleeps beneath the rose.

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: Midchuck
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 10:32 AM

There's a very pretty Grateful Dead song called "It Must Have Been the Roses," that contains the line, "...Let me lay beneath the roses, let my eyes no longer see..." Any chance that was it?

Peter.

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 09:45 AM

It was a song her mother used to sing to her. I don't know how long ago.

Subject: RE: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Aug 00 - 09:32 AM

Laura, it would be helpful if you could ask your friend a couple of questions about it, i.e. how long ago did s/he hear it or learn it; did s/he hear it done solo or by a group, does s/he know who it was?; where did s/he hear it?

Good luck,

kat

Subject: Lay my head beneath the rose
From: GUEST,laura
Date: 19 Aug 00 - 11:07 PM

Has anyone heard of a song called Lay My Head Beneath the Rose? I'm looking for lyrics and recordings if possible.

Don't know anything about it; I'm looking for a friend.