Lyr Req: Driftwood on the River (Ernest Tubb)

13 Sep 00 - 06:03 AM (#296312)
Subject: Driftwood on the River
From: dulcimer

I was told that this song is based on an old Scottish or Irish folk song. I can only find that it was written by Ernest Tubb. This doesn't mean he didn't borrow elements from Scottish/Irish tradition, but I would question any direct connection. Any corroboration of the source of this tune?

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11 Mar 04 - 01:32 AM (#1133609)
Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: DRIFTWOOD ON THE RIVER (E Tubb)
From: Lin in Kansas

Here are the lyrics and chords from Cowpie:

Lin in Kansas


DRIFTWOOD ON THE RIVER
As recorded by Ernest Tubb, 1949. (Decca 46377)

1. I'm just (A)driftwood on the river floating (E7)down the tide.
I don't care where this old river carries (A)me.
I keep drifting just because my heart is (D)broken inside,
And I'm (E7)tired of wishing for what cannot (A)be.

2. I may meet some bit of driftwood lost the (E7)same as I,
Share a handshake and a tender tear or (A)two,
But it's always "Good luck, pal; we've got to (D)say goodbye."
I must (E7)wander on to keep my (A)rendezvous.

3. Though I drift through town and city I can (E7)never stay,
For I find no place to call my home sweet (A)home.
I don't ask for help or pity; I just (D)go my way.
All I'm (E7)praying for is peace to dream (A)alone.

4. I'm just driftwood on the river and I'm (E7)drifting on
Till this weary river meets the deep blue (A)sea,
Where the deep blue sea may help me to (D)forget someone,
Yes, the (E7)careless one who has forgotten (A)me.

5. In my heart, I don't feel bitter over (E7)what has been.
I feel sorry for the one I must (A)forget,
And instead of being someone with the (D)world to win,
I'm just (E7)driftwood on the river of (A)regret.

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11 Mar 04 - 04:07 AM (#1133656)
Subject: RE: Help: Driftwood on the River - Ernest Tubbs
From: masato sakurai

These [audio] are at The Record Lady's All-Time Country Favorites:

'Driftwood On The River' - Ernest Tubb (Real Country Archives Page 3)
'Driftwood On The River' - Jerry and Skye (Real Country Page 29)

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11 Mar 04 - 05:08 AM (#1133681)
Subject: RE: Help: Driftwood on the River - Ernest Tubbs
From: masato sakurai

From ASCAP:

DRIFTWOOD ON THE RIVER      (Title Code: 340081889)

Writers:
   KLENNER JOHN
   MILLER BOB

Performers:
ALLEN R
BRITT E
CARTER W
ERNEST TUBB
GIBSON D
HAMILTON G
JERRY & SKY
KALLER K
MONTANA SLIM
PRICE R
TUBB E
TUBB E/WALKER B
TUBB ERNEST
WISEMER N

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11 Mar 04 - 09:50 AM (#1133844)
Subject: RE: Help: Driftwood on the River - Ernest Tubbs
From: Big Jim from Jackson

Mac Wiseman had a very nice version of this song on an LP many years ago. I don't remember the LP's title.

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11 Mar 04 - 10:32 AM (#1133878)
Subject: RE: Help: Driftwood on the River - Ernest Tubbs
From: GUEST,Arkie

In the interest of accuracy, the correct spelling of Tubb does not have an "s", although a number of folk for many years have so enhanced the spelling. Thom Bresh once commented on Ernest Tubb, noting that he knew him when he was just a bucket.

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