Carter Family Songs

Carter Family Songs

177

THE LITTLE LOG HUT INTHE LANE

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Mama says she don't want meBecause I'm getting oldScared that I might freeze to deathThe weather is so coldIf I live till nightI think I will tryWhen the moon goes down tonightI'm going to say goodbyeI'm going from the cotton fieldI'm going from the caneI'm going from that little log hutThat stands down in the lane


Now I'm old and feebleAnd I cannot see my wayMama says I'm old and grayAnd only in the wayI'm leaving the little log hutThe place I love to dwellWhen the stars shine bright tonightI'm going to bid farewellI'm going from the cotton fieldI'm going from the caneI'm going from that little log hutThat stands down in the lane[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I'm going from the cotton fieldI'm going from the caneI'm going from that little log hutThat stands down in the lane[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

THERE'LL BE JOY, JOY,JOY

-- chorus 1 --There'll be joy, joy, joyUp in my father's houseUp in my father's houseUp in my father's houseThere'll be joy, joy, joyUp in my father's houseWhere there's peace, sweet peace

We will all be happy thereUp in my father's houseUp in my father's houseUp in my father's houseWe will all be happy thereUp in my father's houseWhere there's peace, sweet peace


There'll be no drunkards thereUp in my father's houseUp in my father's houseUp in my father's houseThere'll be no drunkards thereUp in my father's houseWhere there's peace, sweet peace

Don't you want to go up there, Up to myfather's houseUp to my father's house, Up to myfather's houseDon't you want to go up there, Up to myfather's houseWhere there's peace, sweet peace

We will all be happy there, Up in myfather's houseUp in my father's house, Up in myfather's houseWe will all be as one, Up in my father'shouseWhere there's peace, sweet peace-- chorus-1 --

Carter Family Songs

178

THERE'S NO HIDINGPLACE DOWN HERE


Sister Mary she wears a golden chainSister Mary she wears a golden chainSister Mary wears the golden chainThere's every link in Jesus' nameThere's no hiding place down here

-- chorus --There's no hiding place down hereThere's no hiding place down hereWell, I run to the rock just to hide myfaceAnd the rocks cried out, no hiding placeThere's no hiding place down here


I'll pitch my tent on the old campgroundI'll pitch my tent on the old campgroundI'll pitch my tent on the old campgroundI'll give Satan one more roundThere's no hiding place down here

-- chorus --


Oh, the Devil wears a hypocrite's shoeThe Devil wears a hypocrite's shoeThe Devil wears a hypocrite's shoeAnd if you don't watch out he'll slip it onyouThere's no hiding place down here

-- chorus --

THERE'S NO ONE LIKEMOTHER TO ME

Sadly I'm thinking tonightThinking of the sweet by and byMemories of childhood so brightCome back like a dream with a sigh

I've been thinking of friends and ofhomeIn that cottage far over the seaNo matter wherever I roamThere's no one like mother to me

-- chorus --There's no one like mother to meNo matter how poor she may beI'll go back to that home o'er the seaThere's no one like mother to me


When I left that old home o'er the seaI kissed them goodbye at the gateSomebody whispered to meA loving voice asked me to wait

Her blessing she gave with a smileAnd tears on her cheeks I could seeHow often that sweet face I've missedThere's no one like mother to me

-- chorus --


-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

179

THERE'S SOMEONEA-WAITING FOR ME

All the people of today, they are goingfar awayTo the mountains, the lakes, or the seaThere's a little spot out west that Ialways loved the bestAnd there's someone a-waiting for me

-- chorus --She'll be happy (She'll be happy)She'll be free (She'll be freeWhen she wanders alone with meIt'll be getting quite lateWhen I meet her at the gateAnd there's someone a-waiting for me

Yodel-ay-ee, oh-ah-lee-oh-lay-eeAh-lee-oh-lay-ee, oh-ah-lay


There's birds in every tree and theysing among the breezeBut there's none so happy as meI am going out west and there I'll do mybestTo build a little home for you and me

-- chorus --[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Oh, the birds that fly above singingdear songs of loveO'er the meadows, the valleys so deepTheir voices so sweet that they sing meto sleepFor I know my darling will not weep


THEY CALL HER MOTHER

There's a store by the road in thecountry

Among the hills where the evergreensgrowIn that store by the road there's awomanWho is different from others I know

Now her irony-grey hair's turned tosilverAnd her kind eyes are ever soft andblueAlways she has a kind word for othersAnd a smile ever waiting for you


She's adored for her sunny dispositionBy the women, the children and menIn all the neighboring hills they call herMotherFor she's really a mother dear to them

She is cheerful like the birds in thecedarsShe is modest like the songs that theysingIn the hills nearby they call her MotherFor she's really a mother true to them

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]When the clouds hang low on themountainAnd the pines are bent low by the snowNeighbors go to that store by theroadsideIt's a place that they all love to go

Some go there to play cards at thetableSome just sit by the warm, cheering fireAnd dear Mother with kind dispositionFinds a way to make all happy there

She's adored for her sunny dispositionBy the women, the children and themenIn all the neighboring hills they call herMotherFor she's really a mother dear to them

Carter Family Songs

180

THIS IS LIKE HEAVEN TOME

I find many people who can'tunderstandWhy I'm so happy and freeI've crossed over Jordan to Canaan'sfair landAnd this is like heaven to me

Oh, this is like heaven to meYes, this is like heaven to meI've crossed over Jordan to Canaan'sfair landAnd is is like heaven to me


I've heard the sweet music, theheavenly chordsFrom gloryland over the seaThe soul-thrilling message from Jesus,my LordAnd this is like heaven to me

Oh, this is like heaven to meYes, this is like heaven to meThe soul-thrilling message from Jesus,my LordAnd this is like heaven to me


I'm looking for Jesus in glory to comeFrom gloryland over the seaA cloud of bright angels to carry mehomeAnd that will be heaven to me

Oh, that will be heaven to meYes, that will be heaven to meA cloud of bright angels to carry mehomeAnd that will be heaven to me

TWO SWEETHEARTSA crowd of young fellows one night at aballWere telling of sweethearts they hadAll seemed jolly except one ladWho seemed downhearted and sadCome join us, Ned, his comrades thensaidSurely some girl has loved youThen raising his head, proudly he saidI'm in love with two

-- chorus --One has hair of silver-grayThe other one is just like goldOne is young and youthful, tooThe other one is aged and oldBut dearer than life are they both to meFrom neither would I partOne is my mother, God bless her, I loveherThe other one is my sweetheart

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]My sweetheart is a poor working girlI'm determined to wedFather said no, 'twill never be soYou must marry an heiress insteadMother was young, she knows how it isWhen father met her she was poorNed, don't fret, she'll be your wife yetFor he will consent, I am sure-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

181

WABASH CANNONBALLOut from the wide Pacific to the broadAtlantic shoreShe climbs flowery mountains over hillsand by the shoreAlthough she's tall and handsome andknown quite well by allShe's a regular combination of theWabash Cannonball

Oh, the eastern states are dandy, sothe western people sayChicago, Rock Island, St. Louis by thewayTo the lakes of Minnesota where therippling waters fallNo changes can be taken on theWabash Cannonball

-- chorus --Oh, listen to the jingleThe rumble and the roarAs she glides along the woodlandsOver hills and by the shoreShe climbs the flowery mountainsHear the lonesome hobo squallShe glides along the woodlandsThe Wabash Cannonball


Oh, here's to Daddy Cleton, let hisname forever beAnd long be remembered in the portsof TennesseeFor he is a good old rounder till thecurtain round him fallHe'll be carried back to victory on theWabash Cannonball

I have rode the I.C. Limited, also theRoyal BlueAcross the eastern countries on mailcar number twoI have rode those highball trains fromcoast to coast that's allBut I have found no equal to theWabash Cannonball

-- chorus -- [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

WALKING IN THE KING'SHIGHWAY

We shall see the desert as a roseWalking in the king's highwayThere'll be singing where salvationgoesWalking in the King's highway

-- chorus --There's a highway there and a wayWhere sorrows shall flee awayAnd the light shines bright as the dayWalking in the King's highway

We shall see the glory of the LordWalking in the King's highwayAnd behold the glory of his wordWalking in the King's highway


There the rain shall fall upon thegroundWalking in the King's highwayAnd the springs of water shall be foundWalking in the King's highway

- chorus --[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

No unclean thing shall pass o'er hereWalking in the King's highwayJust the ransomed ones without a fearWalking in the King's highway-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

182

THE WANDERING BOY

Out in the cold world and far away fromhomeSomebody's boy is wandering aloneNo one to guide him and keep hisfootsteps rightSomebody's boy is homeless tonightOut in the hallway there stands avacant chairYonder's the shoes my darling used towearEmpty the cradle, the one that's lovedso wellHow I miss him, there's no tongue cantell

-- chorus --Bring back my boy, my wandering boyFar, far away, wherever he may beTell him his mother, with faded cheeksand hairAt their old home is waiting him there

Oh, could I see him and fold him to mybreastGladly I'd close my eyes and be at restThere is no other that's left to give mejoyBring back my boy, my wandering boyWell I remember the parting words hesaidWe'll meet again where no sad tearsare shedThere'll be no goodbyes in that brightland so fairWhen, done with life, I'll meet you upthere

-- chorus --

WAVES ON THE SEAOh, the waves on the sea, how they rollThe chilly winds, how they do blowMy own true love got drownded in thedeepAnd the ship never got to the shore


Oh, the first on the deck was a porter ofthe shipAnd a rough-looking fellow was heSays, "I care no more for my wife andmy childThan I do for the fish in the sea"

Oh, the waves on the sea, how they rollThe chilly winds, how they do blowMy own true love got drownded in thedeepAnd the ship never got to the shore


Well, I left my dear darling a-grievingWell, I left my dear darling a-grievingI left my dear darling grieving after meFor I never expect to see her anymore


Oh, the waves on the sea, how they rollThe chilly winds, how they do blowMy own true love got drownded in thedeepAnd the ship never got to the shore

Carter Family Songs

183

THE WAYWORN TRAVELER

I saw a wayworn traveler, in tatteredgarments cladAnd struggling up the mountain, itseemed that he was sadHis back was laden heavy, his strengthwas almost goneYet shouted as he journeyed,Deliverance will come

-- chorus --Then palms of victory, crowns of GloryPalms of victory I shall wear

The summer sun was shining, thesweat was on his browHis garments worn and dusty, his stepsseemed very slowBut he kept pressing onward for he waswending homeStill shouting as he journeyed,Deliverance will come

-- chorus --


The songsters in the arbor that stoodbeside the wayAttracted his attention, inviting hisdelayHis watchword being Onward, hestopped his ears and ranStill shouting as he journeyed,Deliverance will come

-- chorus --

While gazing on that city just o'er thatnarrow floodA band of holy angels came from thethrone of GodThey bore him on their pinions beforethe dashing foamAnd joined him in his triumph,Deliverance has come

-- chorus --

WE SHALL RISE

In that resurrection morningWhen the trump of god shall soundWe shall rise.............we shall rise

(Hallelujah, we shall rise)Then the saints will come rejoicingAnd no tears will e'er be foundWe shall rise.............we shall rise

(Hallelujah, we shall rise)

-- chorus --We shall rise (Hallelujah) We shall rise(Amen)We shall rise (Hallelujah)In that resurrection morningWhen these prison bars are brokenWe shall rise.............we shall rise



I shall see that blessed saviorWho so freely died for meWe shall rise.............we shall rise

(Hallelujah, we shall rise)And our fathers and our mothersAnd our loved ones we shall seeWe shall rise.............we shall rise


-- chorus --

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

184

WE WILL MARCH THROUGHTHE STREETS OF THE CITY

We will march through the streets of thecityWith our loved ones (that's) gonebeforeWe will sit on the banks of the riverWhere we'll meet to part no more

Jesus sought me when a strangerWandering from the fold of GodHe to rescue me from dangerAnd transported by his blood

Come, thy fount of every blessingDo now hark to sing God's praiseStreams of mercy never ceasingCalls for songs of loudest praise

We will march through the streets of thecityWith our loved ones (that's) gonebeforeWe will sit on the banks of the riverWhere we'll meet to part no more


Hark the voice of Jesus callingWho will go and work todayFields are white and harvest is waitingWho will bear the sheaves away

Yes, we'll march through the streets ofthe cityWith our loved ones gone beforeWe will sit on the banks of the riverWhere we'll meet to part no more

WEARY PRODIGAL SON

God is calling the prodigal, comewithout delayHear, o hear him calling, calling now fortheePatient, loving, and tender life still thefather pleasHear his loving voice calling still (oh,calling still)

-- chorus --Calling now for thee(Calling now for thee)Oh, where.........is the prodigal son(Is the prodigal son, where is theprodigal son)Calling now for thee(Calling now for thee)Oh, where.........is the prodigal son(Is the prodigal son, where is theprodigal son)

Come there's bread in the house of thefather and to spareHear, o hear him calling, calling now fortheeLo, the table is spread and the feast iswaiting thereHear his loving voice calling still (oh,calling still)


-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

185

WESTERN HOBO


The wild, western hoboWho left his happy homeStarted upon a western tripAll by himself alone

Upon this western tripGoing to have lots of funBut upon this western tripThis is the song he sung

Ay-oh-lay-ee-oh, oh-lay-ee-ayOh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee


I stepped up on a platformSmoking a cheap cigarWaiting to catch a freight trainTo catch an empty car

I buttoned my coat up closelyWalked on down the trackI caught the steps of a sleeper carI never did look back

Ay-oh-lay-ee-oh, oh-lay-ee-ayOh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

My pocketbook is emptyMy heart is filled with pain10,000 miles away from homeHoboing an old freight train

Ay-oh-lay-eeAy-oh-lay-eeOh-ah-lay-ee

WHEN I'M GONE


You're gonna miss me when I'm goneYou're gonna miss me when I'm goneOh, I know you will miss me when I'mgoneYou're gonna miss me by my walkYou're gonna miss me by my talkOh, I know you will miss me when I'mgone

-- chorus --When I'm gone (When I'm gone)When I'm gone (When I'm gone)Oh, I know you will miss me when I'mgoneWhen I'm gone (When I'm gone)When I'm gone (When I'm gone)Oh, I know you will miss me when I'mgone


You're gonna miss me by my prayersYou're gonna miss me everywhereOh, I know you will miss me when I'mgoneYou're gonna miss me by my songYou're gonna miss me all day longOh, I know you will miss me when I'mgone


You're gonna miss me by my waysYou're gonna miss me everydayOh, I know you will miss me when I'mgoneYou're gonna miss me by my songYou're gonna miss me all day longOh, I know you will miss me when I'mgone

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

186

WHEN OUR LORD SHALLCOME AGAIN

When upon the clouds of heavenChrist shall come to earth againWill the world be glad to see himWhen our Lord shall come again

-- chorus --There'll be singing (There'll be singing)There'll be shouting (Shouting,shouting)There'll be sorrows (There'll besorrows)There'll be pain (Unending pain)There'll be weeping (There'll beweeping)There'll be praying (There'll be praying)When our Lord shall come again

Will his coming bring rejoicingOr will it bring tears and painWill you help his people crown himWhen our Lord shall come again

-- chorus --

Work and pray till Jesus calls youHelp to gather in the grain (the goldengrain)Then with joy we'll meet the SaviorWhen our Lord shall come again

-- chorus --

WHEN SILVER THREADSARE GOLD AGAIN

Darling, we are growing oldAnd show the silver in our hairSands of time have stolen all the goldThat made your youthful tresses fair

But years can never steal awayA love that never can grow oldWhat care we for tresses graySince love will always keep its gold

Love, I'll tell you with a kissIf heaven gives back the youth we missYour face will be no fairer thenWhen silver threads are gold again

Darling, I can read todayThe question in your thoughtful eyesYou wonder if I wish for MayBeneath this frosty Autumn sky

Love of mine, be sure of thisFor me, no face could be so fairThan this one that I stoop to kissBeneath its crown of silver hair

Carter Family Songs

187

WHEN THE ROSES BLOOMIN DIXIELAND

-- chorus --When the roses bloom in DixielandI am coming back to youWhen the birds are singing musicgrandTo the sweetest girl I ever knewI am saving up my moneyTo buy a little cabin home for twoWhen the roses bloom in DixielandI am coming back to you

I just got a letter from the sunny southFrom my girl in TennesseeShe said she loved me like she used todoAnd was waiting there for meI answered back her letterThough I am far awayWhen the roses bloom in DixielandI am coming home to stay


-- chorus --


When I left my honey at the railroadtrainI said, honey, wait for meI'm going to make a lot of money upnorthThen it's me for old Tennessee

-- chorus --

WHEN THE ROSES COMEAGAIN

'Neath the shadow, down the meadow,leaves lying on each sideBy the river, flowers shiver, fading,dying in their prideSomeone straying, long delaying,

stands a-parting down the laneI must leave you, someone's saying, tillthe roses come again

-- chorus --When the roses come againWhen the roses come againI will meet you, I will greet youWhen the roses come again

Oh-la-lay-ee, Ah-le-hee, Ah-le-hee


As I wander, I will ponder on a happybye and byeOn a summer over yonder with joy toyou and IDo not borrow grief or sorrow in thehours that yet remainWe shall know a glad tomorrow whenthe roses come again

-- chorus --Oh-la-lay-ee, Ah-le-hee, Ah-le-hee


Sunshine over clover blossom on themeadow wideSummer's fingers sweetly lingereverywhere on every sideSomeone's roaming in the gloaming,happy hearts that feel no painAll their sadness turned to gladness,now the roses come again

-- chorus --Oh-la-lay-ee, Ah-le-hee, Ah-le-hee

Carter Family Songs

188

WHEN THE WORLD'S ONFIRE


Oh, my loving mother, when the world'son fireDon't you want God's bosom to be yourpillowTide me over in the Rock of AgesRock of Ages cleft for me

I'm going to heaven when the world'son fireAnd I want God's bosom to be mypillowTide me over in the Rock of AgesRock of Ages cleft for me


Oh, my loving brother, when the world'son fireDon't you want God's bosom to be yourpillowTide me over in the Rock of AgesRock of Ages cleft for me

Oh, my loving sinner, when the world'son fireDon't you want God's bosom to be yourpillowTide me over in the Rock of AgesRock of Ages cleft for me


Don't you want to go to heaven whenthe world's on fireDon't you want God's bosom to be yourpillowTide me over in the Rock of AgesRock of Ages cleft for me

WHEN THIS EVENING SUNGOES DOWN

When this evening sun goes downThen in heaven I will be foundI will end life's other sideWhen I cross the great divide


When this evening sun goes downWhen I wear my starry crownWhen I'll see a smiling faceAnd rest in amazing grace


He will wipe away my tearsHe will blind me to all my fearsThen in joy I'll ever be boundWhen this evening sun goes down


When this evening sun goes downWhen they lay me 'neath the groundWhen we'll meet, weep, and mournThen I'll be in my heavenly home

WHERE SHALL I BEThe judgement day is drawing nighWhere shall I beWhen God the work of men shall tryWhere shall I be

When east and west the fire will rollWhere shall I beHow will it be with my poor soulWhere shall I be

Carter Family Songs

189

-- chorus --Oh, where shall I beWhen the first trumpet soundsOh, where shall I beWhen it sounds so loudWhen it sounds so loud as to wake upthe deadOh, where shall I be when it sounds

When wicked men his wrath shall seeWhere shall I beAnd to the rocks and mountains fleeWhere shall I be

When hills and mountains flee awayWhere shall I beAnd all the work of men decayWhere shall I be

--chorus--[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

When the savior reigns from shore toshoreWhere shall I beFrom God's angry presence thrownWhere shall I be

Well, I'll be sleeping in my graveWhen the first trumpet soundsI'll be sleeping in my graveWhen it sounds so loud

When it sounds so loud as to wake upthe deadI'll be sleeping in my grave when itsounds

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK][REPEAT LAST CHORUS]

WHERE THE SILVERYCOLORADO WENDS ITSWAY

The twilight softly gathered round myhome among the hillsAnd all nature soon will settle down torest

While I sit and sadly ponder and myheart with longing fillsAs I often think of one that I love best

We were wedded in the springtimeAnd our hearts, they knew no painFair nature seemed to smile on us thatdayNow she sleeps beneath the lilacsAnd she'll ne'er come back againWhere the silver Colorado wends itsway

-- chorus --There's a sob on every breezeAnd a sigh comes from the treesAnd the mockingbirds, they sing asadder wayFor the flowers creep no more'Round my cheerless cabin doorWhere the silver Colorado wends itsway


The silver snow is gleaming on yourdistant mountainsideWhere often used to wander Nell and IAnd the birds are singing gaily in thevalley far belowWhere I long some day to lay me downand die

Then our lives were gay and happy inthe shadow of the hillsMy heart beats fonder for her day bydayAnd I feel her presence near me as I sitalone tonightWhere the silver Colorado wends itsway

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

190

WHERE WE'LL NEVERGROW OLD

I have heard of a land, on the farawaystrandThere's a beautiful home of the soulBuilt for Jesus on high, there we nevershall die'Tis a land where we'll never grow old

Never grow old, (where we'll) nevergrow oldIn the land where we'll never grow oldNever grow old, (where we'll) nevergrow oldIn the land where we'll never grow old


In that beautiful home, where we'llnevermore roamWe shall be in the sweet bye and byeHappy praise to the king, througheternity singIs a land where we never shall die



When our work here is done, and thelife's crown is wonAnd our troubles and trials are o'erAll our sorrow will end, and our voices

will blendWith the loved ones who've gone onbefore


WHO'S THAT KNOCKING ATMY WINDOW?

Who's that knocking at my windowKnocks so loud and won't come inIt is your own true-hearted loverRise you up and let him in


Awake, awake, don't wake my motherOur love's a thing she can't endureShe's been the ruin of many a loverShe'll be the ruin of many more

Awake, awake, don't wake my fatherFor he is on his bed of restAnd on his breast he carries a weaponTo kill the one that I love best


I wish I was a little sparrowI'd circle like a turtledoveI'd fly away to a lonely valleyAnd settle down in the land of love

Carter Family Songs

191

WHY DO YOU CRY, LITTLEDARLING

Why do you cry, little darlingWhy are those tears in your eyesWhy do you weep little darlingJust when I say goodbye

It makes me sad and lonelyTo see you feel so blueWhat have I done, little darlingHave I been untrue to you


'Cause you are called, little darlingTo fight for your country trueThere's many a poor girl just like meWeeping for their sweethearts, too

I tried so hard to be cheerfulBut thought of all the long yearsYou might be gone, little darlingI could not keep back my tears[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]That's why I cry, little darlingBecause you're going awayLeaving me all broken-heartedTo weep for you day after day

Every night I'll kneel by my bedsideAnd ask God to guide you each dayBack to your sweetheart that's waitingAnd loves you more than I can say[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Every night I'll kneel by my bedsideAnd ask God to guide you each dayBack to your sweetheart that's waitingAnd loves you more than I can say

WHY THERE'S A TEAR INMY EYE

I once loved a beautiful maidenAs fair as the blue skies aboveAnd each night as we wanderedtogetherThe moon seemed to smile on our love

We vowed to be true to each otherThat nothing could cause us to partBut we never once dreamed that thefutureHeld only a broken heart

Then there came the night when wepartedWe quarreled as all sweethearts doAnd I learned what it was to bejealousmWhen they told me her love was untrue

She told me she had always beenfaithfulShe swore that her love could not dieAnd then when I did not believe herShe kissed me and told me goodbye

Oh-de-lay-ee-oh,de-lay-ee,Yo-de-lay-ee[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

I found I had falsely accused her, Andwent back to make her my brideAnd there in the door stood her mother,She told me my sweetheart had died

I went in and knelt down beside her,And there in the hush of that roomI prayed that my maker would take me,And send my soul down to its doom

So now I have told you the reason,There's always a tear in my eyeThrough long weary years I'verepented, But I'm longing to lay downand dieI wonder if I'll be forgiven, When I facethe master someday

And I wonder if I'll see my sweetheart,On that beautiful shore far awayOh-de-lay-ee-oh,de-lay-ee,Yo-de-lay-ee

Carter Family Songs

192

WILD AND RECKLESSHOBO

A wild and reckless hoboWho left his happy homeStarted upon a western tripAll by himself alone

Upon this western tripWe're going to have lots of funBut upon this western tripThis is the song he sung


I stepped up on the platformSmoking a cheap cigarWaiting to catch a freight trainTo catch an empty car

I buttoned my coat up closelyWalked off down the trackI caught the steps of a sleeper carI never did look back


They put me off at DanvilleGot stuck on a Danville girlYou bet your life, she's out of sightShe wore those Danville curlsShe wore her hat on the back of herheadLike high-toned people doIf the western train pulls through thistownI'll bid that girl adieu[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

My pocketbook is emptyMy heart is filled with pain10,000 miles away from homeHoboing an old freight train

WILDWOOD FLOWER

Oh, I'll twine with my mangels andwaving black hairWith the roses so red and the lilies sofairAnd the myrtle so bright with theemerald dewThe pale amanitaamanitaamanitaamanita and islipislipislipislip like blue


I will dance, I will sing, and my heartshall be gayI will charm every heart, in his crown Iwill swayWhen I woke from my dreaming my idolwas clayAll portion of love had all flown away


Oh, he taught me to love him andpromised to loveAnd to cherish me over all othersaboveHow my heart is now wondering nomisery can tellHe's left me no warning, no words offarewell


Oh, he taught me to love him andcalled me his flowerThat was blooming to cheer himthrough life's dreary hourOh, I long to see him and regret thedark hourHe won and neglected this palewildwood flower


* Aminita is a pale white mushroom.

* Islip is a beautiful blue wildflower found

in western Virginia.

Carter Family Songs

193

WILL MY MOTHER KNOWME THERE ?

When I reach my home eternalReach that city bright and fairWhen I stand among the angelsWill my mother know me there

-- chorus --Yes, I know that she will know meIn those mansions bright and fairMother's love can ne'er forget meAnd I'm sure she'll know me there

I have changed with the changingseasonsI am bent with toil and careWhen I stand among the angelsWill my mother know me there


All for me my mother wrestledWhen she used to kneel in prayerDo you think she has forgottenWill my mother know me there


Mother's face has been a beaconO'er the sea of deep despairI shall look for her up yonderWill my mother know me there

-- chorus --

WILL THE CIRCLE BEUNBROKEN

I was standing by my windowOn one cold and cloudy dayAnd I saw the hearse come rollingFor to carry my mother away

-- CHORUS --Will the circle be unbrokenBye and bye, Lord, bye and byeThere's a better home a-waitingIn the sky, Lord, in the sky

Oh, I told the undertakerUndertaker, please drive slowFor this body you are haulingHow I hate to see her go

-- chorus --

I followed close beside herTried to hold up and be braveBut I could not hide my sorrowWhen they laid her in the grave

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

194

WILL THE ROSES BLOOMIN HEAVEN

In a cold and cheerless garretIn a room so dim, so loneIn a frosty wintry silenceThere was heard a little moan

And a little child is askingAt the break of the dayWill the roses bloom in heavenTell me, mama, tell me, pray

-- chorus --Will the roses bloom in heavenAre there any gardens thereAny violets and cloverWay up with the angels fairWill the branches fill with blossomsAnd in winter fill with snowWill the roses bloom in heavenTell me, mama, e'er I go

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Now the room grows light and lighterEverything has caught a glowHeaven seems to stretch about herWhile dream faces come and go

Then she whispered, birds are singingPsalms of melodyAnd I see the roses bloomingWhile the angels beckon me

Then mother whisperedIn the land so bright and fairWhere the roses will be bloomingThere will be no parting there

Goodbye, my little darling

For death is lingering nearAnd on the pale little faceThere was not one trace of fear-- chorus --

WILL YOU MISS ME WHENI'M GONE

When death shall close these eyelidsAnd this heart shall cease to beatAnd they lay me down to restIn some flowery bowery tree

-- chorus --Will you miss me (miss me when I'mgone)Will you miss me (miss me when I'mgone)Will you miss me (miss me when I'mgone)Will you miss me when I'm gone

Perhaps you'll plant a flowerOn my poor, unworthy graveCome and sit along beside meWhen the roses nod and wave

-- chorus --

One sweet thought my soul shallcherishWhen this fleeting life has flownThis sweet thought will cheer whendyingWill you miss me when I'm gone

When these lips shall never morePlant a kiss upon thy browBut lie cold and still in deathWill you love me then as now-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

195

THE WINDING STREAM


O give to me a winding streamIt must not be too wideWhere waving leaves of maple treesWould meet from either sideThe water must be deep enoughTo float a small canoeWith no one else but you

-- chorus --Do not disturbMy waking dreamThe splendor ofThat winding streamFlower in my canoeHer eyes they look me throughA maiden fair with golden hairLooks very much like you


The sparkling trout beneath the bankDoth leave his hiding placeKingfisher from the bough aboveSo eager to give chaseThe spreading branches overheadThe sunrise peeping throughAnd looking, dear, at you

-- chorus --

THE WONDERFUL CITYI'm waiting, watching and longingThat beautiful sight to behold

When I shall awake some brightmorningIn that city with streets of pure gold

My savior has gone to prepare itFor all who accept his graceAnd that's why I know I'll be welcomeTo a home in that wonderful place

When I reach my home in that cityShall I find you waiting up thereWith the saints who have gone onbefore usTo that beautiful home so fair

My whole heart is set upon heavenWhere my savior's face I shall seeAnd live in the light of his gloryThroughout all eternity

Oh-de-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee, oh-lay-ee

He bids us to work in his vineyardsTo toil for him early and lateWhat a glorious reward for our laborTo enter that beautiful gate

When I reach my home in that cityShall I find you waiting up thereWith the saints who have gone onbefore usTo that beautiful home so fair

My whole heart is set upon heavenWhere my savior's face I shall seeAnd live in the light of his gloryThroughout all eternityOh-de-lay-ee-hee, oh-lay-ee-hee,oh-lay-ee

Carter Family Songs

196

WORRIED MAN BLUES

-- chorus --It takes a worried man to sing a worriedsongIt takes a worried man to sing a worriedsongI'm worried now, but I won't be worriedlong

I went across the river and I lay down tosleepI went across the river and I lay down tosleepWhen I woke up, put the shackles onmy feet

Twenty-nine links of chain around mylegTwenty-nine links of chain around mylegAnd on each link an initial of my name

-- chorus --


I asked the judge, what might be myfineI asked the judge, what might be myfineTwenty-one years on the R.D.Mountain Line

The train I ride, sixteen coaches longThe train I ride, sixteen coaches longThe girl I love is on that train and gone

-- chorus --


If anyone should ask you whocomposed this songIf anyone should ask you whocomposed this songTell 'em 'twas I, and I sing it all day long

It takes a worried man to sing a worriedsongIt takes a worried man to sing a worriedsongI'm worried now, but I won't be worriedlong

THE WRECK ON THE C & O

Along came the FFV, the fastest on theline,Running along the C&O Road, twentyminutes behind the timeRunning into Sewall Yard, wasquartered on the lineAwaiting their strict orders to bring herin on time.

And when she blew for Hinton, herengineer was thereGeorge Alley was his name, with brightand wavery hairHis fireman, Jack Dickerson, wasstanding by his sideReceiving their strict orders, and in thecab to ride.

George Alley's mother came to him

Carter Family Songs

197

with a basket on her armShe handed him a letter saying "Becareful how you runFor many a man has lost his life tryingto make up lost timeBut if you run your engine right you'llget there just on time."

George Alley said, "Dear mother, yourletter I'll take heedI know my engine is all right and I knowthat she will speedSo o'er this road I mean to run withspeed unknown to allAnd when I blow for Clifton Forge,they'll surely hear my call.

George Alley said to his fireman, "Jack,a little extra steam;I intend to run old Number 4 the fastestever seen;So o'er this road I mean to fly likeangels' wings unfurled,And when I blow for the Big BendTunnel, they'll surely hear my call."

George Alley said to his fireman, "Jack,a rock ahead I see,And I know that death is lurking therefor to grab both you and meSo from this cab, dear Jack do fly, yourdarling life to saveFor I want you to be an engineer whileI'm sleeping in my grave."

"Oh no, dear George! That will not do, Iwant to die with you.""Oh no, dear Jack, that will not be; I'lldie for you and me."

So from the cab poor Jack did leap,New River was running high,And he kissed his hand to George asNumber 4 flew by.

So up the road she dashed, against therock she crashedThe engine turning upside down, andthe coaches coming lastGeorge Alley's head in the firebox lay,while the burning flames rolled high"I'm glad I was born an engineer, on theC&O road to die."

George Alley's mother came to him andin sorrow she did sighWhen she looked upon her darling boyand saw that he must die"Too late, too late, dear mother! mydoom is almost o'erAnd I know that God will let me in whenI reach that golden shore."

The doctor said, "Dear George, Odarling boy, be stillYour life may yet be spared, if it isGod's blessed will.""Oh no, dear doc, that cannot be, Iwant to die so free.I want to die on the engine I love, 143."

The doctor said, "Dear George, yourlife cannot be saved.Murdered upon a railroad, and laid in alonesome grave."His face was covered up with blood, hiseyes they could not see.And the very last words that ever hespoke were, "Nearer my God to Thee."

Carter Family Songs

198

YOU ARE MY FLOWER


The grass is just as greenThe sky is just as blueThe day is just as brightThe birds are singing, too

-- chorus --You are my flowerThat's blooming in the mountain for meYou are my flowerThat's blooming there for me


The air is just as pureThe sunlight just as freeAnd nature seems to sayIt's all for you and me


So wear a happy smileAnd life will be worthwhileForget your tearsAnd don't forget to smile


When summertime has passedAnd snow begins to fallJust sing this songAnd say to one and all

-- chorus --

YOU BETTER LET THATLIAR ALONE

Chorus)If you don't want to get in troubleIf you don't want to get in troubleIf you don't want to get in troubleYou better let that liar alone

Well let me tell you people what a liarwill doHe's always coming with somethingnewHe'll steal your heart with a falsepretenceMake out like he's your bosom friend

When a liar takes the notion to bendthe truthHe'll lay around his neighbors to get thenewsAnd nearly every day when you lookoutYou can see that liar coming to yourhouse

He'll tell you such a lie it'll surprise yourmindHe'll mix a little truth for to make it shineWhen he finds out you believe what hesaysThen that liar's gonna have his way.

When everything's in perfect peaceHere comes that liar with his deceitWhen he gets his business fixed justrightThen that liar's going to cause a fight

BridgeHe'll make out like he loves you so wellEverything you hear he must come andtellLet me tell you sisters if you only knewWhat a certain somebody says aboutyou.He studies up a lie he'll tell it so smooth

Carter Family Songs

199

You'll think absolutely that it must betrueAnd he'll urge you out for to trace thetaleAnd if you don't mind you'll be put in jailA hypocrite liar both kicks up a fussThey're both very bad but a liar's theworse.

YOU DENIED YOUR LOVE

That was the day when you went awayYou broke my heart in the month ofMayThat little ring I gave to youWill show you, dear, my love was true


Sweet are the flowers of our friendshipThat has bloomed our whole lifethroughBut ne'er forget, though you're far awayThey're blooming in my heart today


You denied your love, but you proved itsoYou came to see me when the sun waslowYou broke my heart, but you were kindWhen you said "Oh, dear, you couldnever be mine"

Oh, let me tell you what love will doWhen you love a boy that don't loveyouIt'll break your heart, they'll leave youalone

They'll roam the west, so far from home

YOU TIED A LOVE KNOT INMY HEART

You tied a love knot in my heart, dearWhen you said you'd be my brideOh, how well I rememberAs we strolled side by side

Leaves were falling all around usRoses withered on the groundYou tied a love knot in my heart, dearThat can never be unwound


The only thing that I have left nowIs this little string of downWith a little love knot in itThat she held tight in her hand

As I stood there by your bedsideAs I look into your eyesYou tied a love knot in my heart, dearThat can never be untied


There's a heart tonight that's lonelyThere's a heart tonight that's sadFor God has took you from meThe best pal I ever had

She's gone to sing up in heavenGod needed her there by his sideYou tied a love knot in my heart, dearThat can never be untied

Carter Family Songs

200

YOUNG FREDA BOLT

Amid the Blue Ridge Mountains therelived a maiden fairWhose life was pure as heaven, whoseheart was free from careShe dreamed of love and romance withheart so glad and freeNo bloom within the future young FredaBolt could see

Nearby lived Dearon Harmond, a boyshe loved so wellAnd of these two young lovers a story Iwill tell'Twas late one Thursday evening, thestars were shining dimThat Dearon called his sweetheart tocome and go with him


He told her on tomorrow that theywould surely wedBut little was she thinking he'd take herlife insteadThey motored to Bent Mountain, aplace so dark and loneAnd there her form so helpless heplaced beneath a stone

Away from home and mother thatFreda loved so wellThe bitter pain and anguish no mortaltongue can tellThrough tears she pled for mercy, butheeding not her cryYoung Harmon left his sweetheart inagony to die


We think the God in heaven mustsurely heard her cryAnd sent a band of angels to linger verynighAnd bear her spirit over to yonder'shappy shoreWhere dying comes, no, never and

parting is no more

YOUR MOTHER STILLPRAYS FOR YOU, JACK

The night was dark and stormyThe wind was howling wildAs an aged mother gazed uponA portrait of her childAs she gazed on the baby's featuresThat once filled her heart with joyHe's now in this wild world roamingThat mother's long-lost boy

-- chorus --Your mother still prays for you, JackYour mother still prays for youIn a home far over the oceanYour mother still prays for you


At last there came a letterIt was deeply edged in blackFrom a comrade long forgottenWho still remembered JackThey have lain your dear old motherIn a grave so dark and coldAnd she wants her boy who isroamingTo meet her on the streets of gold


His stony heart was brokenAs he thought of his mother dearAnd in spite of his comrades' mockingHe could not keep back his tearsIn spite of the great temptationThat once filled his heart with tearsSo he started for heaven thateveningAs sweet love the people did sing

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

201

YOU'RE GONNA BE SORRYYOU LET ME DOWN

You told me once, dear, I was true andkindYou told me then, love, that you weremineBut now you tell me that you were blindYou like your parties and good times

I'm sorry, darling, 'cause you feel thiswayOnce you told me truthful, to my faceYou've found another to take my placeAll dressed in diamonds, pearls andlace

-- chorus --I'm sorry, darling, 'cause you let medownA truer love now you think you've foundBut when I'm laid deep down in thegroundYou're gonna be sorry you let me down


So now I've lost you, but still have faithThat you will see the mistake you'vemadeAnd when you find, dear, that you werewrongYou'll ask forgiveness and come backhome

I believed you, darling, when you saidto meThat we'd be happy, we'd be freeBut now I found, dear, a fault in theeWhen we were wed, love, I could notsee

-- chorus --

YOU'RE NOTHING MORETO ME

Tonight we part foreverYou're nothing more to meThe chain that bound us is brokenNot a tear I'll shed for thee

Go break the heart of anotherJust as you have broken mineGo tell her that you love herAnd call her fondly thine


Here, take this ring that you gave meWhich was so dear to meGo give it to anotherIt's nothing more to me

When you gaze upon the engravingWill you think one time of meYou've broken my heart foreverNot a tear I'll shed for thee


Goodnight, goodbye foreverYou're nothing more to meYou've broken my heart foreverNot a tear I'll shed for thee

I must say goodbye, my darlingNevermore to meet againI will ask of you a promiseWill you meet me up in heaven


Carter Family Songs

202

YOU'VE BEEN A FRIEND TOME

-- chorus --Oh, I'll ne'er forget where e'er I roamWhere ever you may beIf ever I have had a friendYou have been that friend to me

My bark of life was tossing downThe troubled stream of timeWhen first I saw your smiling faceAnd youth was in its prime


Misfortune nursed me as her childAnd loved me fondly, tooI would have had a broken heartHad it not been for you


Now I look back upon the pastAcrost life's troubled seasAnd smile to think of all I've seenYou've been a friend to me

-- chorus x 2 --

YOU'VE BEEN FOOLINGME, BABY

I don't want you any more, mamaAin't no use in you hanging aroundFor I found another mama,And now I am Chicago bound

-- chorus --You've been fooling me, babyYou've been telling me your liesWhen I thought you were an angelJust sent down from the skies


Sing those parting blues to me, sweetNellWhen you leave you'll leave me sad'Cause my daddy's gone and left meI just wouldn't treat him right

-- chorus --


I wouldn't give him much lovingWouldn't stay home at nightNow I hear the train a-comingHe has gone out of sight

-- chorus --


Carter Family Songs

203

YOU'VE GOT TO RIGHTENTHAT WRONG

[CHORUS]You've got to righten that wrong somedayYears may pass but you can't get awayIf you do wrong today, the price youmust payYou've got to righten that wrong someday

Do not lie or gossip on the folks thatyou knowBut do good to all while you mayIf you smile to their face and frownwhen they goYou've got to righten that wrong someday

[CHORUS]

You hear Jesus pleading to come to thefoldThe time is flitting awayHe will stick on your spirit and sweetenyour soulWhy not righten each wrong today?

[CHORUS]

Carter Family Songs

204

WHILE THE BAND ISPLAYING DIXIE

Lyricist & Composer ------Joseph F. HortizSheet music printed in1900, cylinders and discsreleased in 1902

Sara & Maybelle,Original Carter Family Key : G

It was on a day that soldiers wrote aline to those they lovedTo mothers, wives and sweethearts farawayWhen a fair haired boy sat dreaming ofa far-off southern townOf a dark-haired maid who's waitingday by day

(chorus)(chorus)(chorus)(chorus)While the band is playing Dixie, I'mhumming "HomeHomeHomeHome SweetSweetSweetSweet HomeHomeHomeHome"It takes me back to Georgia though I'mfar across the foamfoamfoamfoamOnce again beside the river with myMary dear I'll roamWhile the band is playing Dixie, I'mhumming "HomeHomeHomeHome SweetSweetSweetSweet HomeHomeHomeHome"

Be it ever so humble, there's no placelike homeBe it ever so humble, there's no placelike home

That night when all were sleeping camethe bugle call to armsWith flashing eyes they plunged intothe frayAnd among the first to give his life upfor the land he lovedWas the boy who dreamed of Dixie faraway

(chorus)(chorus)(chorus)(chorus)

They found it in his pocket, abloodstained little noteA bullet hole had pierced it through andthroughIt began with "Darlin' Mary, if I don'tcome back againJust remember that my last thoughtswere of you

(chorus)(chorus)(chorus)(chorus)

(note)(note)(note)(note) InstrumentalInstrumentalInstrumentalInstrumental breakbreakbreakbreak totototo tunetunetunetune ofofofof HOMEHOMEHOMEHOME

SWEETSWEETSWEETSWEET HOME.HOME.HOME.HOME.

(note2)(note2)(note2)(note2) foamfoamfoamfoam -->SEA(literary)-->SEA(literary)-->SEA(literary)-->SEA(literary)

Carter Family Songs

Documents

Transcript of Carter Family Songs