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Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)

04 Jun 98 - 06:49 PM (#30071)
Subject: I heard the bluebirds sing
From: Reta Psikla

I have been trying to find the lyrics to this oldie written by Hod Pherris. The first line is; I met my love on a mountain.

I believe the title is "I hear the bluebirds sing" I would appreciate any help. Reta


04 Jun 98 - 08:10 PM (#30079)
Subject: RE: I heard the bluebird sing
From: Rockaday Johnny

I believe that song was recorded by the Greenbriar boys on Better Late than Never lp (Van 79233) and may have been re-issued on their "Best of" cd (Van)


04 Jun 98 - 09:00 PM (#30082)
Subject: Lyr Add: I HEARD THE BLUEBIRDS SING (Hod Pharis)
From: Gene

Elton Britt does about the best job I ever heard on this song, and The Browns Ain't TOO SHABBY!


I HEARD THE BLUEBIRDS SING
Recorded by Elton Britt
Written by Hod Pharis

I met a girl out in the hills
Who gave my lonely heart a thrill
Her beauty seemed just like a breath of spring
And when I looked into her eyes
I thought of bluest summer skies
And when I held her hand in mine
I heard the bluebirds sing.

They sang of wond'ring, wond'ring if he loves her
Will she marry, marry if he asks her
Will her heart beat, heart beat true for him forever more
And when she's lonely, lonely, is he near her
When there be sadness, sadness, will he cheer her
Will they always be together
Until in death they part.

I courted her for months on end
Until she promised we would wed
We planned on being married in the spring
All through the long winter months
It seemed that spring would never come
And ev'ry gloomy winter day
I heard the snowbirds sing.

They sing of waiting, waiting for the flowers
And of counting, counting ev'ry hour
Till the bluebird, bluebird chirps his welcome
To the world once more.
And while we're waiting, waiting for the sunshine
We keep hating, hating ev'ry storm cloud
That is gathered, gathered o'er the mountain
To keep us far apart.

Then when at last spring touched tbe earth
We were married in the village church
Our wedding seemed just like a dream come true
Tho' many year's have come and gone
Our love is still as true and strong
As when I found her long ago
And still the songbirds sing.

They sing of loving, loving every hour
That I'm married, married to my flower
And we're happy, happy ever since the day we met
And tho' we're older, older, love is sweeter
We grow fonder, fonder of each other
We'll he sweethearts, sweethearts close together
Until the end of time.


22 Mar 07 - 04:44 AM (#2003833)
Subject: RE: I heard the bluebird sing
From: Genie

Thanks for posting these lyrics, Gene.

I just heard this song again on the radio last Sunday. I'd forgotten what a good bluegrass song it is. Glad to find the lyrics.

Genie


29 Mar 07 - 11:42 PM (#2011368)
Subject: RE: I heard the bluebird sing
From: GUEST,Mike Goldberg--Seattle

To all: Thanks for the lyrics and references. I love this song and have been trying to find it for years. It's country the way it ought to be.

To The Mudcat Cafe: And thank YOU for hosting this fabulous forum. Where else would people find songs about Bluebirds or Bugs in the lyrics?? It is most enjoyable.


30 Mar 07 - 08:12 PM (#2012220)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebird Sing (Hod Pherris)
From: GUEST,Greycap

The Browns did the definitive version ( IMHO) on an EP( remember them) on the Country Guitar series on RCA. At least, that's where I learnt it from.
Great song, isn't it?


21 Aug 07 - 03:41 PM (#2130574)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebird Sing (Hod Pherris)
From: GUEST,Tony Greengrass

I knew Hod pharis for many years and I know he loved this song he also wrote many others and had another hit called Call of the mountain. Hod Pharis died in Wetaskiwin Alberta in 2002 and his young wife Linda married my brother and they now hold the copyright to Hods songs


21 Aug 07 - 09:11 PM (#2130780)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebird Sing (Hod Pherris)
From: GUEST,Art Thieme

A grand discourse in this little thread. It is quite exciting to watch as the strands make their presence known and get woven together. Another Mudcat gem~

Art Thieme


22 Aug 07 - 03:18 AM (#2130894)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebird Sing (Hod Pherris)
From: Flatpick

Fun, ain't it? I think that's what the 'Cat's all about.


10 Feb 08 - 02:06 AM (#2258237)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Phari
From: GUEST,Callie

I had a record of Hod Pharis singing this song with a girl, I think in the late 70's or early 80's. Another song on the record was "Ozark Mountain Lullaby" and "Fool enuoght to give it one more try". Unfortunately I the record was damaged years ago but I would like to know who he was singing with so I can try to locate the record. Any ideas.
Thanks,


29 Feb 08 - 03:25 PM (#2275996)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST

For the person who wants songs by Hod Pharis I and the recording studio that recorded Hods latest and can get you a copy of his songs also the lady singing with Hod on his songs is laurie shannon and she lives in Calgary Alberta canada
                            Tony greengrass                         soundsofexcell@bellsouth.net


26 Apr 08 - 07:10 AM (#2326090)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Phari
From: GUEST,Don Sargent

I collect recording with "I Heard the Bluebirds Sing". Always looking for more. Can some give me info on a recording of this song by Elton Britt dsarg@ksu.edu Thanks


03 Jun 08 - 05:49 PM (#2356644)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,Linda Greengrass (pharis)


03 Jun 08 - 06:33 PM (#2356679)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: Cool Beans

Detroit folksters Matt Watroba and Katie Geddes do a lovely version of it on Watroba's "Jukebox Folk" CD. I just heard them sing it last Saturday night.
Here's a link:
http://www.folkslikeus.org/watroba/home.htm


04 Jun 08 - 08:36 AM (#2357053)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,leeneia

Can anyone post an abc or a MIDI of the melody?

It's a delightful song.


05 Aug 08 - 09:53 PM (#2406196)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,man in the fog

if anyone is intrested, Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge do an awesome version of "I heard the bluebirds sing",its one of my favorite versions!


12 Jan 09 - 09:09 PM (#2538510)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: raypfob

I knew Hod Pharis when he worked in Calgary at CFAC 960 ... a Country Station at that time... I visited him at the Station, he interviewed me and played some of my Songs on the Radio. What a "very nice" Fellow he was, Ray ... (--_--)


13 Jan 09 - 12:22 PM (#2538844)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,leeneia

Here's link to a recording on YouTube. It has a nice echo effect in the B parts.

Brown bluebirds


28 Jan 09 - 09:41 AM (#2550965)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,Don Friesen

Good to see some information about Hod. Lost track of him in 1960. My brother Ed and myself recorded some songs with Hod, as a trio, at Hod's own studio in Calgary.We subsequently appeared twice as guests on the "Last Call",a weekly TV country music show, hosted by Roy Warhurst, and his band. I remember Ray Griff was the lead singer with the band.Larry Kunkel, an old schoolmate from Rosemary, Alberta was lead guitarist. At the time,I Heard The Bluebirds Sing, was the No. 1 county song on the hit parade, and maintained that honour for quite a few months. I believe the Browns had the most popular version, although there were other great versions.Whoever has the old original taping of our trio album, it would be great to hear from you, as my copy of the 331/3 record is getting real scratchy.I'm in Brooks, Alberta 403 362 4103.


19 Feb 09 - 10:00 PM (#2571440)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,Pamela on Maui

What a great site. I found it by googling for the date that Hod Pharis wrote I Heard The Bluebirds Sing. I still haven't found the answer to that. I'm writing a story about an ancestor of ours and I need a good romantic song in the memories, but this one seems to have been written 30 years too late. Do you know any fun and romantic songs from about 1915 anybody?


20 Feb 09 - 01:11 AM (#2571522)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST

Doesn't look like I'm able to find any good 1916 songs to fit in with my story, so I have a way to bring in this song to the storyline instead if I can get permission from the owners of the copyright to print the lyrics of the song within my story (biography of my husband's grandmother.) Do you know who holds the copyright and how I can contact that person for permission?


20 Feb 09 - 10:59 AM (#2571789)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,leeneia

I don't know about copyright permission, but you can find songs of 1916 at this site:

http://parlorsongs.com/issues/2002-2/thismonth/featureb.php

find the yellow word 'catalog' in the text and right click to Open in New Window.


16 Sep 09 - 12:42 PM (#2724849)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Phari
From: GUEST,Reta Psikla

thanks everyone for your enthusiastic response to my query.
To the person who wanted ot know about copyright for this song here is a copy of a message posted with the information.

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebird Sing (Hod Pherris)
From: GUEST,Tony Greengrass
Date: 21 Aug 07 - 03:41 PM

I knew Hod pharis for many years and I know he loved this song he also wrote many others and had another hit called Call of the mountain. Hod Pharis died in Wetaskiwin Alberta in 2002 and his young wife Linda married my brother and they now hold the copyright to Hods songs


16 Sep 09 - 12:46 PM (#2724853)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Phari
From: GUEST,Reta Psikla

I also discovered this from Rod Pharis's widow (now remarried).

Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,Linda Greengrass (pharis)
Date: 03 Jun 08 - 05:49 PM


14 Dec 10 - 11:36 AM (#3053351)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,Allan Hansen Wales,U.K.

My favourite version is by the Browns.I also have one by Betty Cody,and Hal Lone Pine.Who recorded the original?Great to find information on Hod Pharris.


14 Dec 10 - 04:03 PM (#3053550)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: Sandy Mc Lean

The old link to The Browns singing this is dead so I will post a new one. This clip only has Jim Ed and Maxine so it's 2/3 of the siblings. Bonnie is the missing sister I believe.

I Heard The Bluebird Sing


15 Dec 10 - 02:19 PM (#3054163)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: Eric Armstrong

interesting thread,
When I was a youth I sang both parts myself.
When I found a girl who could sing the second part (response) I married her. We are still singing it.

It infers that Hod Pharis was Canadian, is this so?

BTW the mention of Betty Cody and Hal Lone Pine is interesting as they were the parents of Lenny Breau one of the greatest country fingerpickers who ever lived.

As I said "interesting thread"

Eric Armstrong


05 Jan 11 - 05:19 AM (#3067572)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST

I knew Hod Pharis and his first wife, Audrey, and babysat their two boys. This was in Coleman Alberta, or Crowsnest pass as it is known now.
Hod actually wrote this song about/for Audrey, as she was waiting in the 'Pass for the following summer/spring when they were to be married.
Audrey was born in Coleman and attended school there - after her and Hod were divorced she moved back to Coleman so she could live near her Mother (2 or 3 doors away) Audrey worked in the Coleman Post Office for many, many years.


20 Apr 11 - 01:33 AM (#3138706)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST,silvercreek boy

love this song and all of his other ones ,,,new hod and family for many years great family ,,,,,hod will and is missed ....


03 Jun 11 - 08:13 PM (#3164930)
Subject: RE: Req/ADD: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (Hod Pharis)
From: GUEST

I am looking for the lyrics of a Hod Pharis song Call of the Mountains. Any one know of a site I can go to?


13 Oct 11 - 10:54 PM (#3238695)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: GUEST,Ron

Re Hod Pharis... Hi All

Around 1980 or so, Hod had an album out - I don't remember what it was called, but on it he did 'I heard The Bluebird Sing" and another original tune called "I Believe (In Loving You)". It's this song in particular that interests me.

Is there anyone out there (especially in the Calgary area) that might have this album? Or anyone know anyone who might?
Please, please contact me if you do. Thanks,

Ron
Realdaddy1996@yahoo.com


24 Oct 11 - 07:43 PM (#3244212)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: Jim Dixon

The first recording of I HEARD THE BLUEBIRDS SING listed in Billboard was by Lone Pine and His Mountaineers in 1952, next by The Browns in 1957, Wink Martindale in 1963; then The Browns' version was apparently revived (perhaps re-recorded) in 1965; Marty Robbins in 1974 (mentioned as a cut on an album).


24 Oct 11 - 07:57 PM (#3244223)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: pdq

The Greenbriar Boys do a nice version of this song on their last record "Better Late Than Never".

Frank Wakefield sings lead and plays mandolin.


24 Oct 11 - 07:57 PM (#3244224)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: Jim Dixon

To the GUEST who posted on 03 Jun 11 - 08:13 PM:

AllMusic.com says that Hod Pharis wrote a song called LOVE'S CALL FROM THE MOUNTAIN which was recorded by Hank Snow. It's on the Bear Family 4-CD set called "The Singing Ranger, Vol. 2." I transcribed this from a sample:

...tall pines sway and the birds sing a happy tune.
I held her close in the moonlight and asked her to be my bride.
All nature sang her song to me when she promised to be mine.
"I love you"
I heard the little birds cry
"I adore you"
The wind in the trees did sigh
"I long to hold you"
Said the mountains gray and high
And the evening star went down and up....


27 Jan 14 - 02:43 AM (#3595804)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: GUEST,Robert R Lott

I have 2 Hod Phari Records and The Gal he Sang I heard The Blue Bird Sing was his Daughter-in Law Laurie Shannon


29 Jun 20 - 02:09 AM (#4061974)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: GUEST

Hello my name is Pierrette and I'm wondering if anyone be able to get me a copy of the recording of I heard the blue bird sing by Hod Pharis? He was a family friend and I grew up calling him my Uncle I know him since the day I was born and he was like family to me. I've been looking for a copy of him singing his song for along time now with no luck ??. He gave me a caset tape of his songs when I was younger and I haven't been able to find it and I miss him dearly and would love to hear his voice again now that he's in heaven this is the only way I can ??. If anyone knows Laurie Shannon I'd love to hear from her my parents you to two step at their I'd love to chat with her as it's been a long time I'd like to as I miss her.


29 Jun 20 - 05:54 PM (#4062078)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: I Heard the Bluebirds Sing (H Pharis)
From: MartinNail

There's a recording of Hod Pharis singing it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErtjbLdmXgY