Lyr Req: High on the Mountain (Ola Belle Reed)

12 Apr 98 - 03:22 PM (#25668)
Subject: Lyric search
From: [e-mail]

Does anyone know the words to "High On A Mountain". I'd guess it would be a Bluegrass song. Also is it a traditional song on contemporary...and if so who wrote it?

Thank You,

Neal Hellman PS A free Cd of Todd Phillip's "In the Pines" to the first person who will solve my lyrical dilemma

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12 Apr 98 - 08:23 PM (#25676)
Subject: RE: Lyric search
From: rich r

"High On a Mountain" was written by Ola Belle Reed who came out of Ashe County in the mountains of North Carolina. She sang with her husband Bud Reed and their own band. Ola Belle Reed's version of the song can be found on the Rounder double CD "Hills Of Home, 25 Years of Folk Music on Rounder REcords (CD AN 16/17). I know it has been recorded by other bluegrass/string band groups but I cannot find that information. I will have to find the Rounder CD to transcribe the words, although it seems like this song came up in the discussion group some time ago.

rich r

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12 Apr 98 - 09:54 PM (#25681)
Subject: Lyr Add: HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN (Ola Belle Reed)
From: rich r

HIGH ON THE MOUNTAIN
Ola Belle Reed

High on the mountain, wind blowin' free
Wondering about the things that used to be.
High on the mountain, standing all alone,
Wondering where the years of my life have gone.

As I looked at the valleys down below
They were green just as far as I could see
As my memory turned, O how my heart did yearn
For you and the days that used to be.

O I wonder if you ever think of me
Or if time's blotted out your memory
As I listen to that breeze whisperin gently through the trees
All I hear is what you meant to me.

High on the mountain, wind blowin' free
Wondering about the things that used to be.
High on the mountain, standing all alone,
Wondering where the years of my life have gone.

rich r

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24 May 20 - 06:30 PM (#4054925)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: High on the Mountain (Ola Belle Reed)
From: Joe Offer

This is a real classic. Are there other renditions?

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24 May 20 - 11:37 PM (#4054965)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: High on the Mountain (Ola Belle Reed)
From: GUEST,gopherit

As I often do, I will add verses to songs that I feel are too short. I tried to preserve her syntax.

As I make my way down the mountainside
There's a pain in my heart that does abide
As I turn to my home, wondering where you roam
Wondering why our love was denied

Back to my life, doing the best I can
Doing all those things here at hand, (but)
Back of my mind, the question does reside
Why was our love denied

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24 May 20 - 11:43 PM (#4054966)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: High on the Mountain (Ola Belle Reed)
From: cnd

You can hear a great version by Del McCoury and His Dixie Partner (1973) here - lyrics are substantially the same

Also, a nice newer version by Kelsey Waldon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jB7UUCkzPlA

Here's a list of other recordings: https://secondhandsongs.com/work/123550/all - I would check out the version by Hot Rize as well. Also wish I could hear the one by Critton Hollow String Band -- just before quarantine I picked up a copy of their album Sweet Home (1983) and every song on it is phenomenal

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