AMBER TRESSES - さくらのレンタルサーバkobotaro.sakura.ne.jp/5_favorites/carter/cf_song_a_g.pdfhim a smile We pleaded for mercy but was shown none at all They gave us twenty

Carter Family Songs

55

AMBER TRESSESFar away in sunny mountainsWhere the merry sunbeams playThere I wander through the cloverSinging to a village maid

She was dearer than the dearestEver loving kind and trueAnd she wore beneath her bonnetAmber tresses tied with blue

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Fate decreed that we be partedEre the leaves of autumn fellWhen two hearts are separatedThat had loved each other well

She was all I had to cherishEver loving kind and trueNow I see in every visionAmber tresses tied with blue


She was dearer than the dearestEver loving kind and trueAnd she wore beneath her bonnetAmber tresses tied with blue

ANCHORED IN LOVEI've found a sweet haven of sunshine atlastAnd Jesus abiding aboveHis dear arms around me are lovinglycastAnd sweetly he tells his love

-- chorus --The tempest is o'er (The dangeroustempest forever is o'er)I'm safe ever more (My anchor is holding,I'm safe evermore)What gladness, what rapture is mine(What gladness, what rapture is mine)The danger is past (The waters arepeaceful, the danger is past)I'm anchored at last (My spirit is happy,I'm anchored at last)I'm anchored in love divine (I'manchored in love divine)

He saw me endangered and lovinglycameTo pilot my stormy doomed soulSweet peace he has spoken and blesshis sweet nameThe billows no longer roll

The tempest is o'er (The dangeroustempest forever is o'er)I'm safe evermore (My anchor is holding,I'm safe evermore)What gladness, what rapture is mine(What gladness, what rapture is mine)The danger is past (The waters arepeaceful, the danger is past)I'm anchored at last (My spirit is happy,I'm anchored at last)I'm anchored in love divine (I'manchored in love divine)

His love shall enfold me through life andin deathCompletely I'll trust to the endI'll praise him each hour and my lastfleeting breathShall sing of my soul's best friend

[CHORUS]

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56

ANGEL BANDMy latest sun is sinking fastMy race is nearly runMy strongest trials now are pastMy triumph is begun

[CHORUS]O come, angel bandCome and around me standO bear me away on your snowy wingsTo my immortal homeO bear me away on your snowy wingsTo my immortal home


O bear my longing heart to himWho bled and died for meWhere blood now cleanses from all sinAnd gives me victory

[CHORUS]


I've almost gained my heavenly homeMy spirit loudly singsThe Holy one before me comesI hear the noise of wings

[CHORUS]

ANSWER TO WEEPINGWILLOW

My love is dead and buried yonderBeneath the weeping willow treeWhat wrecks my life and makes mewonderIs because he died for me

Then lay me down in death beside herFor she's all this life to meThat may join and e'er caress herIn aand beyond the sea


Yes, she died before I told herThat I loved her true and kindAnd that I did not mean to fool herBut she'd left me to repine

Then lay me down in death beside herFor she's all this life to meThat I may join and e'er caress herIn a land beyond the sea


God, shall I ever get forgivenessFor the deeds that I have doneAnd meet up yonder her sweetcharmingFor I know she bids me come

Then lay me down in death beside herFor she's all this life to meThat I may join and e'er caress herIn a land beyond the sea

Carter Family Songs

57

ARE YOU LONESOMETONIGHT

Are you lonesome tonight, do you missme, I sayAre you sorry we drifted apartDoes your memory cling to that brightsummer dayWhen I kissed you and called yousweetheart

Like a rose on the vine I am clinging toyouAs I did when we drifted apartI am wishing you back to that little shackWhere I kissed you and called yousweetheart


Does the chair in your parlor seemempty and bareDo you miss me and wish I was thereIs your heart filled with pain, shall I comeback againTell me, darling, are you lonesometonight

Are you lonesome tonight, do you missme, I sayAre you sorry we drifted apartDoes your memory cling to that brightsummer dayWhen I kissed you and called yousweetheart


I have counted the days, I have countedthe nightsI've counted the months and the yearsI have counted on you since we'vedrifted apartTell me, darling, are you lonesometonight

Are you lonesome tonight, do you missme, I sayAre you sorry we drifted apart

Does your memory cling to that brightsummer dayWhen I kissed you and called yousweetheart

ARE YOU TIRED OF ME, MYDARLING

Are you tired of me, my darlingDid you mean those words you saidThat has made me yours foreverSince the day that we were wed

Tell me, could you live life overWould you make it otherwiseAre you tired of me, my darlingAnswer only with your eyes

Do you ever rue the springtimeSince we first each other metSince we spoke in warm affectionWords my heart can ne'er forget


Do you think the bloom departedFrom these cheeks you once thoughtfairDo you think I've grown cold-heartedWith the passing of the years


Carter Family Songs

58

AWAY OUT ON THE OLDSAINT SABBATH


Away out on the old Saint SabbathLay down to take my restMy knapsack for my pillowAnd my gun across my chest

Please don't bury me on the lone prairiePlease don't bury me on the lone prairieYou can bury me in the east, you canbury me in the westPlease don't bury me on the lone prairie

My father, he lies sleepingBeneath the deep blue seaI have no father, no motherThere's none but Nell and me

Please don't bury me on the lonepa-rairiePlease don't bury me on the lone prairieYou can bury me in the east, you canbury me in the westPlease don't bury me on the lone prairie


My mother she lies sleepingBeneath the churchyard sodHer body lies there molderingAnd her spirit has gone to God

Please don't bury me on the lonepa-rairiePlease don't bury me on the lone prairieYou can bury me in the east, you canbury me in the westPlease don't bury me on the lone prairie

BEAR CREEK BLUES

Way up on Bear Creek, watching thesun go downWay up on Bear Creek, watching sun godownIt makes me feel like I'm on my last goround.

The water on Bear Creek it tastes likecherry wineThe water on Bear Creek it tastes likecherry wineYou can take one drink, you're drinking itall the time.

If you stay on Bear Creek, you'll get likeJesse JamesIf you stay on Bear Creek, you'll get likeJesse JamesYou'll take two old pistols and hold upthat Bear Creek Train.

I'm going high, high up on somelonesome hillI'm going high, high up on somelonesome hillLook down on Bear Creek where mygood gal used to live.

Carter Family Songs

59

BEAUTIFUL HOME

There's a beautiful home far over theseaThere are mansions of bliss for you andfor meOh the beautiful home so wonderouslyfairThat savior for me has gone to prepare.

[CHORUS:]There's a beautiful home (beautifulhome)Far over the sea (far over the sea)There's a beautiful home (beautifulhome)For you and me (for you and for me)Its glittering towers (glitteringtowers) ....... Towers, or Powers?The sun outshine (the sun outshine)That beautiful home (that beautifulhome)Someday shall be mine.

In that beautiful home a crown I shallwearWith the glorified throng their glories toshareBut the joys of that home can never beknownTill the Savior we see upon his whitethrone.

[repeat chorus]

BEAUTIFUL BROWN EYES

Beautiful, beautiful brown eyesBeautiful, beautiful brown eyesBeautiful, beautiful brown eyesI'll never love blue eyes again

Willie, my darling, I love youLove you with all of my heartWe could have been marriedBut liquor has kept us apart

Beautiful, beautiful brown eyesBeautiful, beautiful brown eyesBeautiful, beautiful brown eyesI'll never love blue eyes again

Carter Family Songs

60

BEAUTIFUL ISLE O'ER THESEA

I will not be your sweetheartI'll tell you the reason whyMy mama always told meTo pass a drunkard by

-- Chorus --Beautiful isle o'er the sea, o'er the seaBeautiful isle o'er the sea, o'er the seaBeautiful isle o'er the sea, o'er the seaThere's someone waiting for me


Some say there's pleasure in courtingWhat pleasure is it to meFor the boy I love so dearlyHas turned his back on me

-- chorus --[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Now, young man, I will tell youIf you want my heart, my handYou'd better quit your drinkingAnd be a sober man


Go prove yourself, be faithfulGo prove yourself, be trueAnd sometime in the futurePerhaps I'll marry you


BEHIND THOSE STONEWALLS

Was in St. Louis City where I first sawthe lightBrought up by honest parents in thepathway of rightI was left an orphan at the age of tenyearsOn mother's grave I've shed many tears

I'd scarcely reached manhood when Ileft my old homeWith some other fellows through thewest we did roamSeeking employment though scarcelycould findWe seemed so poor, and the peopleunkind[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Was in New York City where we first metour fateWe were arrested while roaming thestreetThe charges were burglary, the theft itwas smallBut they said it would place us behindthe stone wall

We were marched next morning to thecourthouse for trialMy pal was downhearted, though I gavehim a smileWe pleaded for mercy but was shownnone at allThey gave us twenty years behind thestone wall[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]We were handcuffed next morning and

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marched to the penWe arrived there at midnight with a fewother menThe doors were thrown open, wemarched in the hallWe'd learn to be a convict behind thestone wall

While lying at night on a pallet of strawI swore I would never again break thelawThere's none but your mother to bearyour downfallWhen you are a convict behind thestone wall


Come all you young fellows and listen tomeWhen you lose at life's pleasure you'velost libertyI've tasted life's pleasure, it's bittererthan gallIt'll lead to a cell behind the stone wall

THE BIRDS WERE SINGINGOF YOU

Last night the pale moon was shiningLast night when all was stillI was wandering alone in sadnessOut among the woodland hills

I heard the birds a-singingOut among the trees and hillsAnd all the birds, my darling all thebirds / every birdWere singing, were singing of youwere / was

Were singing, were singing ofyou (my love)Were singing, were singing ofyouAnd all the birds, my darlingWere singing, were singing ofyou


I think of you in the daytimeI dream of you by nightI wake and wish you was here,loveAnd tears are blinding my sight

The flowers that slumber sosweetlyThe stars are above the blueOh, heaven itself, my darlingIs thinking, is thinking of youIs thinking, is thinking of you (mylove)Is thinking, is thinking of youOh, heaven itself, my darlingIs thinking, is thinking of you


I opened my windows so gentlyLooked out on the dreaming dewAnd all the world, my darlingWas sighing, was sighing for you

Was sighing, sighing for you (my love)Was sighing, sighing for youAnd all the world, my darlingWas sighing, was sighing for you

Carter Family Songs

62

BLACK JACK DAVID

Black Jack David came riding throughthe woodsAnd he sang so loud and gailyMade the hills around him ringAnd he charmed the heart of a lady.And he charmed the heart of a lady

"How old are you my pretty little missHow old are you my honey?"She answered him with a silly little smile"I'll be sixteen next Sunday". (2x)

"Come go with me my pretty little missCome go with me my honeyI'll take you across the deep blue seaWhere you never shall want for money."(2x)

She pulled off her high-heeled shoesThey were made of Spanish leatherShe put on those low-heeled shoesAnd they both rode off together. (2x)

"Last night I lay on a warm feather bedBeside my husband and babyTonight I lay on the cold, cold groundBy the side of Black Jack David." (2x)

BLACKIE'S GUNMAN

I was known as Blackie's GunmanThe best of gunmen in the landI could shoot the ace of diamondsWith a draw from either hand

With the dice I had no equalSome of them are with us nowMost of them are sadly sleepin''Neath the weeping willow bough

Many a cowboy's camp I played inLeft that night with all their goldAs a sport I was brokenAs a sport I let it go

I once loved a girl named NellieHow we loved no tough can tellBut I know I'll never meet herOh, 'twas hard to say farewell.

Her eyes were like the deep blue waterAnd her hair was golden curlsAnd her cheeks were crimson velevtAnd her teeth were snow white pearls

Together we lived in a cottageAnd our lives it was a dreamAnd the angels they watched o're usMade our lives one happy dream.

Carter Family Songs

63

BONNIE BLUE EYES

Goodbye, my little Bonnie blue eyesGoodbye, my little Bonnie blue eyesYou've told me more lies than the starsin the skiesGoodbye, my little Bonnie blue eyes

Oh, Bonnie, you've done me wrongOh, Bonnie, you've done me wrongYou've done me wrong and now I'mgoneOh, Bonnie, you've done me wrong

I saw my little Bonnie last nightShe looked so dear to meShe's the only girl I ever lovedShe's now gone back on me

I stayed in the country too longI stayed in the country too longThe only wrong that I have doneI stayed in the country too long

Come and go with me to the trainCome and go with me to the trainCome and go with me and see me getonGoodbye, my little Bonnie, I'm gone

BRING BACK MYBLUE-EYED BOY TO ME


'Tis true the rainbow has no endIt's hard to find a faithful friendAnd when you find one just and trueChange not the old one for the new

-- chorus --Bring back my blue-eyed boy to meBring back my blue-eyed boy to meBring back my blue-eyed boy to meThat I may ever happy be

Must I go bound and him go freeMust I love a boy that don't love meOr must I act the childish partAnd love that boy that broke my heart


Last night my lover promised meTo take me across the deep blue seaAnd now he's gone and left me aloneAn orphan girl without a home

-- chorus --

Oh, dig my grave both wide and deepPlace marble at my head and feetAnd on my breast a snow white doveTo show to the world I died for love


Carter Family Songs

64

BRING BACK MY BOY

Out in the cold world and far away formhomeSomebody's boy is wandering aloneNo one to guide him and keep hisfootsteps rightSomebody's boy is homeless tonight.

[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.

Out in the hallway there stands a vacantchairYonder's the shoes my darling used towearEmpty the cradle, the one that's loved sowellOh how I miss him there's no toung cantell.

[CHORUS]

Oh could I see him and fold him to mybreastGladly I'd close my eyes anmd be at rest

There is no other that's left to give mejoyBring back my boy, my wandering boy.

[CHORUS]

THE BROKEN DOWNTRAMP

I'm a broken down tramp without moneyMy clothes are all tattered and tornAnd I am so sad and so lonelyI wish I had never been born

All through this wide world I havewanderedInquiring for something to doBut whenever I ask for a job of workThey say they have none for a tramp

Now drink was the cause of my downfallAnd the money I had I've outrunAnd the friends that were mine when Ihad itNow pass by and call me a bum

Now don't be too hasty to judge meAs I drift along with the tideMy clothes may be ragged and dirtyBut a clean heart is beating inside

One night on a dark lonely railroadA hobo all hungry and coldSaw an empty boxcar on the sidingHe climbed in and closed up the door

Six months he had rode on the railwayWhen the brakeman came 'round withhis lightHe was shoved from the car and waskilled by the trainBecause he was only a tramp

Now young men, let this be a warningFor all you who long for the roadBetter stick to the straight life and don'tbe like meA poor bum to die in the cold

Carter Family Songs

65

THE BROKEN HEARTEDLOVER

Would you let her part us, darlingCould you truly turn a-wayWould it make your heart ache, darlingNot to see me night or day

I've been dreaming of you, darlingDreaming of your eyes so blueTake me back, for love I'm dyingFor I love none else but you


Many a day with you I've rambledDown by the shades of the deep blueseaThere you told me that you loved meThat you loved none else but me

I am dreaming of you, darlingDreaming of your eyes so blueTake me back, for love I'm dyingFor I love none else but you


I will give you back your lettersAnd your picture I love so wellHow it makes my heart ache, darlingOh, 'tis hard to say farewell

I been dreaming of you, darlingDreaming of your eyes so blueTake me back, for love I'm dyingFor I love none else but you

BUDDIES IN THE SADDLE

One stormy day me and my buddyStarted on a roundup rideThe wind and dust blew hard around usMy buddy strayed far from my side.

[CHORUS]We were buddies in the saddleWe were buddies in our homeWe were buddies herding cattleWe were buddies everywhere weroamed.

I'll ne'er forget the day I found himHe was so weak he could not speakI'll ne're forget the smile he gave meThen the poor boy fell asleep.

I took him up in my saddleAnd carried him home across the plainMy mother nursed him every momentTo try to make him well again.

[CHORUS]

I never had a pal so near meHe took the blame for everythingI'd die for him just any momentAnd for me he'd do the same.

But now my buddy's gone and left meAnd it's so hard to struggle onSo hard to believe that he has left meI can't realize that he has gone.

[CHORUS]

Carter Family Songs

66

BURY ME BENEATH THEWILLOW

My heart is sad and I'm in sorrowFor the only one I loveWhen will I see him, no, no, neverTill I meet him in heaven above

Then bury me beneath the willowBeneath the weeping willow treeWhere he may know where I amsleepingAnd perhaps he will weep for me


He told me that he dearly loved meHow could I believe him untrueUntil an angel softly whisperedHe has proven untrue to you



Tomorrow was their wedding dayBut, alas, oh, where can he beHe's gone, he's gone to wed anotherAnd he no longer cares for me


BURY ME UNDER THEWEEPING WILLOW (II)

My heart is sad and I'm in sorrowFor the only one I loveWhen shall I see him, oh, no, neverTill I meet him in heaven above

-- chorus --Oh, bury me under the weeping willowYes, under the weeping willow treeSo he may know where I am sleepingAnd perhaps he will weep for me

They told me that he did not love meI could not believe it was trueUntil an angel softly whisperedHe has proven untrue to you

-- chorus --


Tomorrow was our wedding dayBut, Lord, oh, where is heHe's gone to seek him another brideAnd he cares no more for me

-- chorus --


Oh, bury me under the violets blueTo prove my love to himTell him that I would die to save himFor his love I never could win

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

67

BY THE TOUCH OF HERHAND


There are days so dark that I seek invainFor the face of my own true loveBut the darkness hides, she is there toguideBy the light of the moon above

Oh the lonesome pine, oh the lonsomepineWhere I met that sweetheart of mineWith her hand in mine, and our heartsentwinedAs we stroll through the lonesome pine


Bright stars above, two sweethearts inloveAs we sing to the cooing dovesShe has brought me back to thatmountain shackBy the touch of her hand in love

Oh the lonesome pine, oh the lonsomepineWhere I met that sweetheart of mineWith her hand in mine, and our heartsentwinedAs we stroll through the lonesome pine


THE CANNONBALLOh, listen to the trainComing down the lineTrying to make up for all of her lost timeFrom Buffalo to Washington


You can wash my jumperStarch my overallsCatch a train they call the CannonballFrom Buffalo to Washington


Yonder comes a trainComin' down the trackTo carry me away, but it ain't gonnacarry me backMy honey babe, my blue-eyed babe


My baby's left me,She even took my shoesEnough to give me the doggone wearybluesShe's gone, she's solid gone


I'm going up northI'm going up north this fallIf my luck don't change I won't be backat allMy honey babe, I'm leaving you


Carter Family Songs

68

CAN 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 --Can 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 --

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

-- chorus --

Went back home Lord, My home waslonelySince my mother she had goneAll my brothers, sisters cryingWhat a home so sad and lone

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

CAN'T FEEL AT HOME INTHIS WORLD ANYMORE

This world is not myhome, I'm justpassing throughMy treasures and my hopes are allbeyond the blueWhere many many friends and kindredhave gone on beforeAnd I can't feel at home in this worldanymore

Over in Glory land, there is no dyingthereThe saints are shouting victory andsinging everywhereI hear the voice of them that I haveheard beforeAnd I can't feel at home in this worldanymore

Oh, lord, you know I have nofriend like youIf heaven's not my home, oh, lord,what would I doAngels beckon me to heaven'sopen doorAnd I can't feel at home in thisworld anymore....

Heaven's expecting me, that's one thingI knowI fixed it up with Jesus a long time agoHe will take me through though I amweak and poorAnd I can't feel at home in this worldanymore

Oh, I have a loving mother over in Glory

Carter Family Songs

69

landI don't expect to stop until I shake herhandShe's gone on before, just waiting atheaven's doorAnd I can't feel at home in this worldanymore

Oh, lord, you know I have no friendlike youIf heaven's not my home, oh, lord,what would I doAngels beckon me to heaven's opendoorAnd I can't feel at home in this worldanymore

CARTERS' BLUES(CARTER'S BLUES)

As I woke up one morning fairTo view the fields and take the airFor to view the fields and the meadowsaroundI thought I heard some mournful soundI thought I heard my true love say"Oh, do turn and come this way"

Yodel-ay-ee, oh-lay-ee, ay-oh-lay-ee

You love some other, you don't love meYou care not for my companyYou love some other, and I know whyBecause he has more gold than IBut gold will melt and silver will flyMy love for you will never die



There is a flower, I've heard them sayThat can be seen from day to dayAnd if that flower I only could findTo cure this aching heart of mine



So fare you well, my charming little loveOh, meet me in that land aboveAnd when we meet there in that landWe'll take no more this parting hand


Carter Family Songs

70

CHARLIE AND NELLIE

Dear Nellie, since I left the cityI find I've changed my mindI hope you won't think me untruthfulOr do me the least unkind

I think we're both mistakenI know you'll never suit meI owe my heart to anotherOf course, kind friends will agree

Please send me my ring and pictureAlso my letters and booksI close with many kind wishesRespectfully yours, Charlie Brooks

I heard all about it, dear CharlieI knew it would end this wayI hope you will always live happyWith your loving little wife, Miss Gray

Here is your ring, dear CharlieDon't give it to her, I prayUnless you tell her 'twas once mineI bore it one year today

CHARMING BEAUTY BRIGHT

Once I courted a fair beauty bright,And on her I placed my whole heart'sdelight;I courted her for love, and her love Idid obtainDo you think I've any reason of love tocomplain?

But when her old father came this for

to knowThat me and his daughter togetherwould go,THey locked her up and kept her sosevereThat I never got sight but once more ofMolly, my dear.

And then I was forced to her father's togoTo see whether my true love hadforgot me, yes or no,She made me this reply with the tearsall in her eyesI never will forget you until the day Idie.

Although they keep me so tightlyconfinedBut that is no reason I shall alter mymind,I might have had a man and a man ofhigh degreeBut I always will prove kind to the manthat loves me.

Then I was forced to the army to goTo see whether I could forget my loveor no;But when I got in sight with mt armourshining brightIt made me think of Molly, my heart'sdelight.

Then seven long years I served oneold kingAt the end of seven years I returnedhome again.With my heart so ful of grief and my

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eyes so full of tearsOh how happy I'd a-been to got sightof my dear.

O then I was forced to her father's togoTo see whether my true love hadremained, yes or noThe old woman saw me come, shewrung her hands and criedSaid," Sir, my daughter loved you, andfor your sake she died."

O then I was struck like a man thatwas slainThe tears from my eyes fell likeshowers of rain,My grief, my grief, it is more than I canbearMy true love is in her grave and I wishI was there.

CHEWING GUMMama sent me to the springShe told me not to stayI fell in love with a pretty little girlCould not get away

Chawin' chewin' gum, chewin'chawin' gumChawin' chewin' gum, chewin' chawin'gum

First she give me peachesThen she give me pearsThen she give me fifty centsKissed me on the stairs

[CHORUS AND INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Mama don't 'low me to whistlePapa don't 'low me to singThey don't want me to marryI'll marry just the same


I wouldn't have a lawyerI'll tell you the reason whyEvery time he opens his mouthHe tells a great big lie


I wouldn't have a doctorI'll tell you the reason whyHe rides all over the countryMakes the people die


I wouldn't have a farmerI'll tell you the reason whyBecause he has so plenty to eatSpecially pumpkin pie


I took my girl to church last nightHow do you reckon she doneShe walked right up to the preacher'sfaceAnd chewed her chewing gum


Carter Family Songs

72

CHURCH IN THE WILDWOOD

There's a church in the valley in thewildwoodNo lovelier place in the dellNo spot is so dear to my childhoodAs the little brown church in the dell

-- chorus --[bass] Oh, come, come, come, come[all] Come to the church in thewildwoodOh, come to the church in the dellNo spot is so dear to my childhoodAs the little brown church in the dell


How sweet on a clear sabbath morningTo listen to the clear ringing bellsIts gongs so sweetly are callingOh, come to the church in the dell

-- chorus --

There, close by the side of the loved one'Neath the tree where the wildflowersbloomShe sleeps, sweet love sleeps 'neath thewillowDisturb not her rest in the tomb

-- chorus -- x 2

CLIMBING ZION'S HILLOh, the heaven bells are ringing and I'ma-going homeI'm a-going home, yes, I'm a-going homeOh, the heaven bells are ringing and I'ma-going homeClimbing up Zion's hill

I'm climbing, I'm climbingClimbing up Zion's hillI'm climbing, I'm climbingClimbing up Zion's hill


If you don't, my mother, you'll be too lateYou'll be too late, you'll be too lateIf you don't, my mother, you'll be too lateClimbing up Zion's hill



If you don't, my father, you'll be too lateYou'll be too late, you'll be too lateIf you don't, my father, you'll be too lateClimbing up Zion's hill



Carter Family Songs

73

COAL MINER'S BLUES

Some blues are just bluesMine are the miner's bluesSome blues are just bluesMine are the miner's bluesMy troubles are comingBy threes and by twos

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Blues and more bluesIt's a coal black bluesBlues and more bluesIt's a coal black bluesGot coal in my hairGot coal in my shoes

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]These blues are soul blueThey are the coal black bluesThese blues are soul blueThey are the coal black bluesFor my place will cave inAnd my life I will lose

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]You say they are bluesThese old miner's bluesYou say they are bluesThese old miner's bluesNow I must have sharpenedThese picks that I use

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]I'm out with these bluesDirty coal black bluesI'm out with these bluesDirty coal black bluesWe'll lay off tomorrowWith the coal miner's blues

COLUMBUS STOCKADEBLUES

Intro: start strumming in

verse 1:Way down,in Columbus Georg - iaWan-na be back to TennesseeWay down, in Columbus Stock-ade Ifriends have turned their backs on me

Chorusgo and leave me if you want toNev-er let me cross your mindin your heart, you love a-noth-erLeave, lit-tle dar-lin, I don't mind

verse 2:(G) Last night, as I lay sleep-ingI(D) dream-ed I held you in my(G) arms.(G) When I a-woke, I was mis-tak-en,I was(D) peekin' through the (D)bars.

Chorus....end

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74

COME BACK TO ME

Come back to me in my dreamingCome back to me once moreCome with the love light gleamingAs in the days of yore

And tell me that you still love meAnd that your heart is still trueWhen the spring roses are bloomingThen I'll come back to you

Somewhere a heart is breakingCalling me back to youMemories of loved ones awaitingEach happy home and you

Absence makes my heart fonderIs it the same with youAre you still happy, I wonderOr do you feel lonesome, too

When the sun is sinkingIn the golden westAnd the birds and flowersThey have gone to rest

Come tell me that you still love meAnd that your heart is still trueWhen the roses are bloomingThen I'll come back to you

COWBOY JACKHe was just a lonely cowboyWith a heart so brave and trueHe learned to love a maidenWith eyes of heaven's own blue

They learned to love each otherAnd named their wedding dayWhen a quarrel came between themAnd Jack, he rode away

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]He joined a band of cowboysAnd tried to forget her nameBut out on the lonely pa-rairieShe waits for him the same

One night when work was finishedJust at the close of daySomeone said, sing a song, JackWe'll drive those cares away

When Jack began his singingHis mind did wander backFor he sang of a maidenWho waited for her Jack

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]When he reached the prairie, he found anew-made moundHis friends they sadly told him, they laidhis loved one down

They said as she was dying, shebreathed her sweetheart's nameAnd asked them with her last breath, totell him when he came

Your sweetheart waits for you, JackYour sweetheart waits for youOut on the lonely pa-rairieWhere the skies are always blue

Carter Family Songs

75

COWBOY'S WILD SONG TOHIS HERD

One beautiful night when the moon wasfullAnd the air was crisp and clearA cowboy lay on the starlit plainAnd thought of his home so dear


He thought of his mother he loved sowellAnd the slumber of sleep was buriedNot a sound to be heard but those of thenightAs he sang a wild song to his herd

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]The cattle are lying so quiet and stillOn the carpet that mantles the westWhile the golden links from the sky atnightBrings peace to the cowboy's breast

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Still he thinks of his mother in a farawaylandAnd his thoughts by memory was stirredAnd he sees himself to the old homeagainAs he sings a wild song to his herd


He's far from the din of the city noiseWhere the links of folly do shineHe's far from the brawls of the dives ofsinAnd the flow of the sparkling wine


He's in the great west with its mantle ofgreenWhere his neighbors say never a wordA land of mirages, mountains and plainsWhere the cowboy sings low to his herd

THE CUBAN SOLDIER

Far away in a Spanish dungeonA Cuban soldier laySlowly dying from the tortureInflicted day by dayHe begged to send a messageBut his kindness was deniedSo he called his comrades to himAnd told his story 'ere he died

When Cuba gains her freedomAnd the Spaniards cease to reignThere's a loved one on that islandI will never see againOh, find her for me, comradesAnd tell her you were by my sideAnd I bid you take this messageTo a soldier's promised bride

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]'Tis the same old story, comradesLove weeps when duty is doneWhen Cuba was struggling for herfreedomI was ordered to my gunThough I'm a captain dyingThe struggle will soon be o'erTell her I said to meet meWhere the soldiers fight no more

When Cuba gains her freedomAnd the Spaniards cease to reignThere's a loved one on that islandI will never see againOh, find her for me, comradesAnd tell her you were by my sideAnd I bid you take this messageTo a soldier's promised bride

Carter Family Songs

76

THE CURTAINS OF NIGHT

When the curtains of night are pinnedback with a starAnd the beautiful moon climbs the skyAnd the dewdrops of heaven are kissingthe roseIt is then that my memory flies

As upon the wings of some beautifuldoveIn haste with the message it bearsTo bring a kiss of affection and sayI'll remember you, love, in my prayers

-- chorus -- Go wherever you will,over land, over sea

I will share all your sorrows andcares

And at night when I kneel by mybedside to pray

I'll remember you, love, in myprayers

I have loved you too fondly to ever forgetThe words you have spoken to meWith a kiss of affection still warm on mylipsWhen you told me how true you wouldbe

-- chorus --

As the heavenly angels are guarding thegoodAs God has ordained them to doIn answer to prayers I have offered foryou

I know there is one watching you

-- chorus --

And may its bright spirit go with youthrough lifeTo guide you up heaven's bright stairsTo meet with the one who has loved youso trueAnd remembered to love in her prayers

THE CYCLONE OF RYECOVE

Oh, listen today and a story I'll tellIn sadness and tear-dimmed eyesOf a dreadful cyclone that came this wayAnd blew our schoolhouse away

-- chorus --Rye Cove (Rye Cove) Rye Cove

(Rye Cove)The place of my childhood and

homeWhere in life's early morn I once

loved to roamBut now it's so silent and lone


When the cyclone appeared it darkenedthe airYes, the lightning flashed over the skyThe children all cried, don't take us awayAnd spare us to go back home

-- chorus --

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77

There were mothers so dear and fathersthe sameThat came to this horrible sceneSearching and crying each found theirown childDying on a pillow of stone

-- chorus --

Oh, give us a home far beyond the blueskyWhere storms and cyclones areunknownThere by life's strand we'll clasp this gladhandWith children in a heavenly home

-- chorus --

DARK AND STORMY WEATHER

Dark and stormy weatherIt still inclines to rainThe clouds hang over Center*My love's gone away on a train

We met, loved, and partedI thought the world of youYou left me broken heartedTo me you proved untrue


I'm leaving old VirginiaThere's nothing here for meI know you love anotherIn my grave I'd rather be



You told me that you loved meI believed just what you saidBut now you love anotherI wish that I were dead


----* - Center, Virginia

Carter Family Songs

78

DARK HAIRED TRUE LOVER

I once had a dark haired true loverShe was all the world to meShe promised herself to anotherNow don't you think it was me

I was young when I wrote my first letterI blotted the lines with tearsBut now I am old, I know betterWe've parted for many long years

-- chorus -- Take back every word youhave spokenLet it be as though we've never metFor tonight I'm a poor boy heartbrokenI'll forgive but I'll never forget

Oh, Ruth, Oh, Ruth, how I love youYou just seemed to me like a birdAlthough you went back on yourpromiseAlthough you went back on your word

-- chorus --

We parted in the month of SeptemberSome say we parted for lifeBut I hope some day or anotherI'll call you my sweet darling wife

-- chorus --

I wish I had someone to love meSomeone to call me their ownI'm out in this wide world a-wanderingI'm tired of living alone

DARLING DAISIESWhen first I met my darling Daisy,Down by the garden wallI was walking along the street so shadyI was going for a twilight call

I'd love to sing and dance among therosesDown by the garden wallIt's there I'd like to meet my DaisyWhen I make a twilight call

She was sleeping in a bed of rosesDreaming of the bye and byeWhile the little birds around werea-singingUp above the branches so high

I'd love to sing and dance among therosesDown by the garden wallIt's there I'd like to meet my DaisyWhen I make a twilight call


If you want to see a bright-eyed beautyBright as the stars that shineJust come and go with me someeveningTo see that pretty girl of mine

I'd love to sing and dance amongthe rosesDown by the garden wallIt's there I'd like to meet my DaisyWhen I make a twilight call

Carter Family Songs

79

DARLING LITTLE JOE

What will the birds do, mother, in thespringThe little brown birds around the doorWill they fly from the trees and tap at mywindowAsking why Joe wanders out no more

What will the kitten do, mother, all aloneWill it stop from its frolics for a dayWill it lie on its rug by the side of my bedAs it did before I went away


Keep Tige, dearest mother, my poor littledogFor I know that he'll mourn for me, tooKeep him when old and useless hegrowsSleeping all the long summer through

Show him my coat, mother, so he'll notforgetLittle master who will then be deadSpeak to him kindly and often of JoeAnd pat him on his shaggy head


What will Thomas the old gardener sayWhen you ask him for a flower for meWill he give you a rose he has tendedwith careThe first, fairest bloom of the tree

And you, dearest mother, will miss mefor a whileThough in heaven I'll larger growAny kind angel will tell you at the gateWhen you ask for your darling, Little Joe

DARLING NELLIE ACROSSTHE SEA

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Oh, the night was dark and stormyWhen this message came to meIt was from my darling NellieWho is far across the sea

Oh, dear Jack, I know I'm dyingI've no friends, no parents nighBut remember, dearest JackieThere's a home for us on high


Oh, dear mother, I must leave youI must go across the seaI must find my darling NellieWho so dearly cared for me

I was wandering through the graveyardWhen I found where Nellie laidIt was there my heart was brokenIt was there I knelt and prayed


Now I'm left alone in sadnessOn the field of flowery SpainAnd the girl I love is sleepingIn the cold and silent grave

Lay me where Nellie's sleepingClose beside her let me lieWhere the blooming flowers arecreepingThere, oh, lay me when I die

Carter Family Songs

80

DEAR COMPANION

I once did have a dear companionIndeed I thought his love my ownUntil a dark eyed girl betrayed meAnd then he cares no more for me

Just go and leave me if you wish toIt will never trouble meFor in your heart you love anotherAnd in my grave I'd rather be

Last night you were sweetly sleepingDreaming in some sweet reposeWhile I, a poor girl, broken heartedListened to the wind that blows

When I see your babe a laughingIt makes me think of your sweet faceBut when I see your babe a cryingIt makes me think of my disgrace

DEATH IS ONLY A DREAM

Sadly we sing and with tremulous breathThat we stand at the mystical streamThrough the valley inside the dark riverof deathAnd yet it's no more than a dream

Only a dream, only a dreamOf glory beyond the dark streamHow peaceful the slumber, how

happy the wakingFor death is only a dream

Prepare me, my savior, prepare me, IprayTo cross o'er this terrible dark streamO lead me and guide me and be nearmy sideIt'll be nothing more than a dream

Only a dream, only a dreamOf glory beyond the dark streamHow peaceful the slumber, how

happy the wakingFor death is only a dream

Carter Family Songs

81

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

While walking out one eveningNot knowing where to goJust to pass the time awayBefore we held our showI heard the Bethel Nation standSinging with all their mightI give my heart to JesusAnd left the show that night

-- chorus --The day will soon be over anddigging will be doneAnd no more gems be gathered, solet us all press onWhen Jesus comes to claim us andsays it is enoughThe diamonds will be shining, nolonger in the rough

One day, my precious comradeYou, too, were lost in sinAnd others sought your rescueAnd Jesus took you inAnd when you're tired and temptedAnd scoffers can rebuffDon't turn away in angerThis diamond in the rough

-- chorus --

While reading through the BibleSome wondrous sights I seeI read of Peter, James, and JohnOn the Sea of GalileeAnd Jesus when he found themHe bound them very tough

And they were precious diamondsHe gathered in the rough

-- chorus --

A DISTANT LAND TO ROAM

I remember very wellOn one dark and dreary dayJust as I was leaving homeFor a distant land to roam

-- chorus --Mother said (mother said)My dear boy (my dear boy)I hope to see you next year againFare you well (fare you well)Fare you well (fare you well)So I left my dear old homeFor a distant land to roam


Now I've wandered far awayFrom my home I've gone astrayNow I'm coming, coming homeNever more from thee to roam


And these words she said to meAs she took me by the handIf on earth we meet no moreMay we meet at God's right hand


Carter Family Songs

82

DIXIE DARLING

Way down below the Mason-Dixon lineThere's where the honeysuckle areentwinedThere's where the southern winds areblowin'There's where the daisies' growin'Girls up north in their gay fineryWhirling around in their soft sateeSinging the song of my dixie darlingWhere I long to be

-- chorus --My dixie darlin'Listen to the song I singBeneath the silv'ry moonWith my banjo right in tuneMy heart's forever trueI love no one but youMy dixie darlingMy dixie queen

Goin' down south, gonna have a goodtimeSee my girl down in old CarolineDrink my booze and do as I pleaseFor all the girls I long to squeezeSinging the song of my dixie darlingThat's where I Long to be goingThat's where the jellyroll's rollingWith my dixie queen

My dixie darlin'Listen to the song I singBeneath the silv'ry moonWith my banjo right in tuneMy heart's forever trueI love no one but youMy dixie darlingMy dixie queen

DON'T FORGET ME, LITTLEDARLING

Don't forget me, little darlingWhen from me you're far awayBut remember, little darlingWe will meet again someday

Darling, I have come to tell youThough this message breaks my heartAt the dawning of the morningWe'll be many miles apart[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]Take this little bunch of rosesThat you gave me long agoMany a time I've kissed them, darlingThese I'll never kiss no more

Who is going to love you, darlingWho will fold you to their breastWho will talk the future overWhile I roam the desert west[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]You may meet with many changesDriving down life's river streamBut remember, little darlingYou are always in my dream

You may meet with brighter facesSome may say that I'm not trueBut remember, little darlingNone can love you as I do[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]At my window sad and lonelyOften do I think of youAnd I wonder, oh I wonderIf you ever think of me

Carter Family Songs

83

DON'T FORGET THIS SONG

My home's in old VirginiaAmong the lovely hillsThe memory of my birthplaceLies in my bosom still

I did not like my firesideI did not like my homeI have a mind for ramblingSo far away from home

It was on one moonlight eveningThe stars were shining brightAnd with an ugly daggerI made the spirits fly

To friends I bid adieuTo parents I bid farewellI landed in ChicagoIn the very midst of hell


While I was in the sober it struck meAs plain as you can seeI'm doomed, I'm ruined foreverThroughout eternity

I courted a fair young ladyHer name I will not tellOh, why should I disgrace herWhen I am doomed for hell

But now I'm upon my scaffoldMy time's not very longYou may forget the singerBut don't forget this song


THE DYING MOTHER

On a cold winters eve as the snowflakes were fallingIn a low humble cottage an poor motherlayAnd although wrecked with pain she laythere contentedWith her savior her friend and peacewith Him made

We will all meet again on that greatjudgment morningThe book will be opened the roll will becalledOh how sad it will be if forever werepartedWhile some rise to glory and othersstand to fall


Oh that mother of yours has gone oe'rthe riverAnd you promised you'd meet her whileknelt by her bedAs the death sweat rolled off and felldown on her pillowOver memories she'll live although sheis dead

You remember the kiss and the lastwords she utteredOh the arms that embraced you are withyou no moreAs we stand by the grave tears drops fallon her passageAnd we vow there to meet her on thathappy shore

Carter Family Songs

84

THE DYING SOLDIER

France's sun was slowly sinking o'er thehilltops far awayThe land was in its beauty where thedying soldier layTears were streaming down his face ashe slowly raised his headAnd these were the dying words he said

Oh, carry me back to old TennesseeLet this be my last reposeLay my feet beneath the lilacsLay my head beneath the rose


Take this message to my mother for Iknow she's old and grayAt home I know she's waiting, looking forher boy some dayOh, dear mother, I pulled through for mycountry and for youAnd I'm dying for the red, white, andblue



O'er the hills of Tennessee where thewild winds wander freeThe little girl waiting there for meTell her that the rose she gave me will beplaced upon my graveIn memory of her soldier brave


EAST VIRGINIA BLUES #1

I was born in East VirginiaTo North Carolina I did goThere I spied a fair young ladyAnd her age I did not know

Her hair was dark in colorHer cheeks were rosy redUpon her breast she wore white liliesWhere I longed to lay my head

Oh, at my heart you are my darlin'At my door you're welcome inAt my gate I'll always meet youFor you're the girl I tried to win

I'd rather be in some dark hollerWhere the sun refuse to shineThan for you to be another man's darlin'And to know you'll never be mine

EAST VIRGINIA BLUES #2

My sweetheart has gone and left meAnd my little sisters, tooAnd I'm left alone in sadnessLord, I don't know what to do

All this world has turned against meNothing but trouble do I seeThere will be no more pleasureIn this whole wide world for me


Oh, I am just from East VirginiaWith a heart so brave and trueAnd I learned to love a maidenWith eyes of heavenly blue

Carter Family Songs

85

That same day I packed my suitcaseAnd I started to go awayBut she met me at the stationSaying, darling, won't you stay


Oh, I am dying, Captain, dyingWon't you take these words for meTake them over to the jailhouseLet this whole wide world go free

ENGINE 143[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

Along came the FFV, the swiftest on thelineRunning o'er the C&O road just 20minutes behindRunning into Seville headquarters onthe lineReceiving their strict orders from thestation just behind

Running into Hampton, the engineerwas thereGeorge Allen was his name, with curlinggolden hairHis fireman, Jack Dixon, was standingby his sideAwaiting for strict orders while in the cabto ride

Georgie's mother came to him with abucket on her armSaying, my darling son, be careful howyou runFor many a man has lost his life in tryingto make lost time

And if you run your engine right you'll getthere just on time

Mother, I know your advice is good andlater I'll take heedI think my engine is all right, I'm sure thatshe will speedO'er this road I need to go at the rate ofa cannonballAnd when I blow for the stockyard gateI'm sure they'll hear my call

Up the road she darted, against therocks she crashedUpside-down the engine turned, poorGeorgie's breast it smashedHis head was against the firebox door,the flames were rolling highI'm glad I was born for an engineer, onthe C&O road to die

The doctor said to Georgie, my darlingboy, be stillYour life may yet be saved if it is God'sblessed willOh, no, said Georgie, that will not do, Iwant to die so freeI want to die for the engine I love, onehundred and forty-three

The doctor said to Georgie, your lifecannot be savedMurdered upon the railroad and laid in alonesome graveHis face was covered up with blood, hiseyes you could not seeAnd the very last words poor Georgiesaid was nearer, my God, to Thee

Carter Family Songs

86

THE EVENING BELLS ARERINGING


Moonlight shining over DixieTo my heart will ever bringDreams of snowy fields of cottonEverywhere the darkies sing

In the evening by the moonlightIn dear old TennesseeAnd the evening bells were ringingAcross the hills so tenderly


Moonlight makes me sigh for you, dearMakes me long to hold your handI know I'm missing hugs and kissesFar away from Dixieland



My darling, come, for I am waitingCome, let me hold you very nearWe'll build a bower among the flowersDown in Dixieland


FADED COAT OF BLUE

My brave boy sleeps in his faded coat ofblueIn a lonely grave unknown lies the heartthat beat so true.He sank faint and hungry among theSpanish braveAnd they laid him sad and lonely in anameless grave.

CHORUS: No more the bugle calls theweary one.Rest, noble spirit in their gravesunknownFor we'll find you and know you amongthe good and trueWhere a robe of white is given for afaded coat of blue.


He cried "Give me water and just a littlecrumbAnd my mother she will bless youthrough all the years to comeAnd tell my sweet sister, so gentle, goodand true.That I'll meet her up in heaven in myfaded coat of blue".


No dear one was nigh him to close hismild blue eyesNo gentle voice was by him to give himsweet repliesNo stone marks the lonely sod of my lad

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87

so brave and trueIn a lowly grave he's sleeping in hisfaded coat of blue

FADED FLOWERS


The flowers I saw in the wildwoodHave since dropped their beautifulleavesAnd the many dear friends of mychildhoodHave slumbered for years in their gravesBut the bloom of the flowers I rememberThough their smiles I may nevermoreseeFor the cold, chilly winds of DecemberStole my flowers' companions from me

'Tis no wonder that I'm brokenheartedAnd stricken with sorrows should beFor we have met, we have loved, wehave partedMy flowers' companions and me


How dark looks this world and howdrearyWhen we part from the ones that weloveThere is rest for the faint and the wearyAnd friends meet with loved ones aboveFor in heaven I can but rememberWhen from earth my soul shall be freedThat no cold, chilly winds of DecemberShall steal my companions from me


'Tis no wonder that I'm brokenheartedAnd stricken with sorrows should beFor we have met, we have loved, wehave partedMy flowers' companions and me

Carter Family Songs

88

Far Side Banks Of Jordan

I'll Admit My Steps Are Growing WearierEach DayStill I've Got A Certain Journey On MyMindLures Of This Old World Have CeasedTo Make Me Want To StayMy One Regret Is Leaving You Behind

If It Proves To Be His Will That I Am FirstTo CrossAnd Somehow I've A Feeling It Will BeWhen It Comes Your Turn To TravelLikewise Don't Feel LostFor I Will Be The First One That You'llSee

Chorus:And I'll Be Waiting On The Far SideBanks Of JordanI'll Be Sitting Drawing Pictures In TheSandAnd When I See You Coming I Will RiseUp With A ShoutAnd Come Running Through TheShallow Water Reaching For Your Hand

Lead Break:

Through This Life We've Laboured LongTo Earn Our Meagre FareIt's Brought Us Trembling Hands AndFailing EyesSo I'll Just Rest There On That ShoreAnd Turn My Eyes AwayUntil You Come Then We'll SeeParadise

Repeat Chorus x 2

FAREWELL, NELLIE

Farewell, Nellie, farewell, darlingSoon with strangers I must roamDon't forget the one that loves youFar away from friends and home

-- chorus --Fly across the ocean, birdieFly across the deep, blue seaTake this message to my darlingShe'll be glad to hear from me


You have told me that you love meBut you have unproved trueSo I'll go and court some otherThat will love more than you


When the whippoorwills are singingAcross the dark and lonely seaWhen you're thinking of 10,000Will you sometimes think of me


How my heart is filled with sorrowAnd my eyes are filled with tearsSo I'll not forget you, darlingIf I live 10,000 years

Carter Family Songs

89

THE FATE OF DEWEY LEE

'Twas on one Saturday evening aboutthe hour of tenIn a little mining town where trouble didbeginEverybody there were drinking, therewere whisky everywhereDewey Lee got to thinking he had nobusiness there


He was so tall and handsome, his heartso true and braveJoe Jenkins pulled his pistol and senthim to his graveHe took the life of Dewey when life hadjust beginAnd Dewey went to heaven while Joewent to the pen


He took the life of Dewey because, hewould not tellWe know he murdered Dewey, for herehis pistol fellHis mother sits now weeping, sheweeps and mourns all dayShe prays to meet her boy in a betterworld some day


So hearken to my story and what I haveto sayGet right with your maker, we'll meet him

again some dayBut first to Stand up, boy, and listen toyour crimeThey sent him down to Richmond toserve out his time


Young men, all take warning, for this youmust have guiltDon't take the life of anyone for life youcannot giveYou may possess great riches like manybeneath the sodBut money won't hire a lawyer when youstand before your God

Carter Family Songs

90

FIFTY MILES OF ELBOWROOM

Twelve hundred miles its length andbreadthThe foursquare city standsIts gemset walls of jasper shineNot made by human handsOne hundred miles its gates are wideAbundant entrance thereWith fifty miles of elbow roomOn either side to spare

When the gates swing wide on theother sideJust beyond the sunset seaThere'll be room to spare as weenter thereRoom for you and room for meFor the gates are wide on the othersideWhere the flowers ever bloomOn the right hand, on the left handFifty miles of elbow room

Sometimes I'm cramped and crowdedhereAnd long for elbow roomI want to reach for altitudeWhere the fairest flowers bloomIt won't be long before I passInto that city fairWith fifty miles of elbow roomOn either side to spare

When the gates swing wide on theother sideJust beyond the sunset seaThere'll be room to spare as we

enter thereRoom for you and room for meFor the gates are wide on the othersideWhere the flowers ever bloomOn the right hand, on the left handFifty miles of elbow room

FOGGY MOUNTAIN TOP

If I was on some foggy mountain topI'd sail away to the westI'd sail around this whole wide worldTo the girl I love the best

If I had listened what mama saysI would not have been here todayA-lying around this old jail houseA-weeping my sweet life away

Yeah, oh-lay-ee-oh, lee-oh-la-ee-ayLee-oh-lay-ee, lay-ee, oh-lay-ee


Oh, if you see that girl of mineThere's something you must tell herShe need not be foolin' no time awayTo court some other feller

Oh, she's caused me to weep, she'scaused me to mournShe caused me to leave my homeFor the lonesome pine and the good oldtimesI'm on my way back home

Yeah, oh-lay-ee-oh, lee-oh-la-ee-ay

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91

Lee-oh-lay-ee, lay-ee, oh-lay-ee


Oh, when you go a-courtin'I'll tell you how to doPull off that long-tailed roustaboutPut on your navy blueYeah, oh-lay-ee-oh, lee-oh-la-ee-ayLee-oh-lay-ee, lay-ee, oh-lay-ee,[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

FOND AFFECTION


Once I loved your fond affectionAll my hopes on you was spentTill a dark eyed girl persuadedAnd you cared no more for me

-- chorus --Go on and leave me if you wish toNever let me cross your mindIn your heart you love anotherNever on earth will call you mine

Yodel-ay-ee-oh, lay-ee-ay,oh-lay-ee


When I'm dead and in my coffinAnd my pale face toward the sunWill you come and sit beside meAnd think of what you have done

-- chorus --

Yodel-ay-ee-oh, lay-ee-ay,oh-lay-ee


When I'm dead and in my coffinAnd the shroud around me boundWill you come and scatter rosesUpon your lover's mound

-- chorus --Yodel-ay-ee-oh, lay-ee-ay,oh-lay-ee


Carter Family Songs

92

FORSAKEN LOVE

They stood in the moonlight nearby thegateGoodbye, my darling, I know you'll waitShe ceased weeping and smiledthrough tearsSaying, I've been true, love, throughthese long yearsFor on tomorrow at the break of dayHe was to journey far far awayHe held her closer, his promised brideAnd to her questions these wordsreplied

-- chorus --I've loved you always, yes, I've beentrueMy heart shall never be, love, but foryouOh, darling, believe me, far over theseaThrough life or death, still faithful I'llbe

One year passed by, he's coming homeHis pilgrimage over, no longer to roamAnd smiling, he thinks of her shining eyeShining with welcome, a glad surpriseA dainty letter he takes from his breastTo which his extended lips were pressedAnd reading once more by the warminglightThe words he had spoken to her thatnight

-- chorus --

Once more he seeks the old gardengateBut he arrives, alas, alas, it's too lateThe wedding is over, the knot is tiedHe finds his darling another's brideAnd later they found him there on thegrassA pistol nearby, still holding fastA crop of letters that explained the deedAnd in the pale moonlight these wordsdid read

-- chorus --

FUNNY WHEN YOU FEELTHAT WAY

I can't forget how queer I feltSince first I fell in loveI had a most sincere attackFrom squeezing a lady's gloveHer lovely hand was in itAs we waltzed around so gayI thought myself in paradiseIt's funny when you feel that way

It's funny when you feel that wayIt's funny when you feel that wayI thought myself in paradiseIt's funny when you feel that way


Again we met one afternoon, As wewere all aloneI plucked up nerve to ask, If she wouldsomeday be my ownShe blushed and said, we'll ask papa,And ask him if I mayI danced a canter 'round the room

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93

It's funny when you feel that wayIt's funny when you feel that wayIt's funny when you feel that wayI danced a canter 'round the roomIt's funny when you feel that way


The old boy said that we might wed, Andso he crowned my blissAnd I shall be a double man, In about amonth from thisIt seemed to me somehow the time,Would never pass awayI long to hear those wedding bells.

It's funny when you feel that wayIt's funny when you feel that way,It's funny when you feel that wayI long to hear those wedding bellsIt's funny when you feel that way

GATHERING FLOWERSFROM THE HILLSIDE

Chorus:I've been gathering flowers form thehillsideTo wreath around your browBut you've kept me waiting so long dearThe flowers have all withered down

[guitar break]

I know that you have seen troublesBut never hang down your headYour love for me is like a flowerYour love for me is dead

[chorus]

It was on one bright June morningThe roses were in bloomI shot and killed my darlingAnd what will be my doom?

[chorus]

[guitar break]

Those eyes cannot see these rosesThose hands cannot hold them youknowAnd these lips that still cannot kiss meHave gone form me forevermore

[chorus]

Carter Family Songs

94

GIRL ON THE GREENBRIARSHORE

'Twas in the year of '92In the merry month of JuneI left my mother and a home so dearFor the girl I loved on the greenbriarshore


My mother dear, she came to meAnd said, "Oh, son, don't goDon't leave your mother and a home sodearTo trust a girl on the greenbriar shore"


But I was young and reckless, tooAnd I craved a reckless lifeI left my mother with a broken heartAnd I choosed that girl to be my wife


Her hair was dark and curly, tooAnd her loving eyes were blueHer cheeks were like the red red roseThe girl I loved on the greenbriar shore


The years rolled on and the monthsrolled byShe left me all aloneNow I remember what mother said"Never trust a girl on the greenbriarshore"

GIVE HIM ONE MORE AS HEGOES

My sweetheart was a shy little missAnd one I fondly adoreAnd when you ask her for a kissShe'll give you just one and no more.

She'll give you just one and no moreShe'll give you just one and no moreAnd when you ask her for a kissShe'll give you just one and no more

Her dad was a feeling old manHe always had a feeling for meI can tell you when this feeling beganWhen his daughter I first went to see.

I was bidding my sweetheart goodnightIn the ususal manner you knowWhen a voice from the house said "Sichim touse,And give him one more as he goes!"

"And give him one more as he goesAnd give him one more as he goesWhen a voice from the house said "Sichim Towse,And give him one more as he goes!"

It was over the garden wallIn a manner I'll tell you not slowHe exclaimed with a swear as his footsmote the air"And I'll give him one more as he goes!"

"I'll give him one more as he goesI'll give him one more as he goes"He exclaimed with a swear as his footsmote the air,"I'll give him one more as he goes!"

Carter Family Songs

95

GIVE ME THE ROSESWHILE I LIVE

Wonderful things of folks are saidWhen they have passed awayRoses adorn their narrow bedOver the sleeping clay

-- chorus --Give me the roses while I liveTrying to cheer me onUseless are flowers that you giveAfter the soul is gone

Let us not wait to do good deedsTill they have passed awayNow is the time to sow good seedsWhile here on earth we stay

-- chorus --

Kind words are useless when folks lieCold in a narrow bedDon't wait till death to speak kind wordsNow should the words be said

-- chorus --

Give me the roses while I liveDon't wait until I dieTo spread the roses over my graveTo see as you pass it by

-- chorus --

GIVE ME YOUR LOVE ANDI'LL GIVE YOU MINEJust at the close of a bright summer dayJust as the twilight had faded awaySoft on the breeze like the coo of a doveSomeone was singing an old song oflove

Tell me you love me and say you'llbe trueI love nobody in this world but you

Your heart and my heart in love willentwineGive me your love and I'll give youmine


Come along with me to the quiet shadynookWhere flowers bloom at the side of abrookNature is sleeping, the birds are at restI'll place a wild rose on your beautifulbreast

Tell me you love me and say you'llbe trueI love nobody in this world but youYour heart and my heart in love willentwineGive me your love and I'll give youmine


I've something to ask you while you'reby my sideA question of love, of groom and of brideAnd if you refuse me, my heart it willpineGive me your love and I'll give you mine

Tell me you love me and say you'llbe trueI love nobody in this world but youYour heart and my heart in love willentwineGive me your love and I'll give youmine

Carter Family Songs

96

GLORY TO THE LAMB

Oh glory, oh glory, oh glory to the LambHallelujah, I am saved and I'm so glad IamOh glory, oh glory, oh glory to the LambHallelujah, I am saved and I'm so glad Iam


On Monday I am happy, on Tuesday fullof joyWednesday I've got the faith the Devilcan't destroyOn Thursday and Friday, walking in thelightSaturday I've got the victory andSunday's always bright



I fell in love with Jesus and he fell in lovewith meThat's the very reason I've got thevictoryI'm happy when it's raining, I'm happywhen it shinesI'm happy now with Jesus, I'm happy allthe time




GOD GAVE NOAH THERAINBOW SIGN

I've got a home in that rockDon't you see (don't you see)I've got a home in that rockDon't you seeI've got a home in that rockJust beyond the mountain topTide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]God gave Noah the rainbow signDon't you see (don't you see)God gave Noah the rainbow signDon't you seeGod gave Noah the rainbow signNo more water, but the fire next timeTide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me

Old Lazarus, poor as IDon't you see (don't you see)Old Lazarus, poor as IDon't you see

Carter Family Songs

97

Old Lazarus, poor as IWhen he died he had a home on highTide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me

East and West the fire will roll, Hide thoume (hide thou me)East and West the fire will roll, Hide thoumeEast and West the fire will roll, How will itbe with my poor soulTide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me

[INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]When this world's all on fireHide thou me (hide thou me)When this world's all on fireHide thou meWhen this world's all on fireLet thy bosom be my pillowTide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me

GOLD WATCH AND CHAIN

Darling, how can I stay here without youI have nothing to cheer my poor heartThis old world would seem sad, love,without youTell me now that we're never to part

-- chorus --Oh, I'll pawn you my gold watch andchain, loveAnd I'll pawn you my gold diamondringI will pawn you this heart in mybosomOnly say that you love me again


Take back all the gifts you have givenBut a ring and a lock of your hairAnd a card with your picture upon itIt's a face that is false, but it's fair

-- chorus --


Tell me why that you do not love meTell me why that your smile is not brightTell me why you have grown socoldheartedIs there no kiss for me, love, tonight


-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

98

GOODBYE THEME

The hour has come, we part todayGoodbye (goodbye) goodbye (goodbye)With trembling lips we sadly sayGoodbye (goodbye) goodbye (goodbye)

Oh, some of us here shall meet no moreGoodbye (goodbye) goodbye (goodbye)But let's all meet where partings are o'erGoodbye (goodbye) goodbye (goodbye)

GOODBYE TO THE PLAINS

Goodbye to the pals of the prairieGoodbye to the pals of the plainsGoodbye to the dash and the dangerGoodbye to the heartaches and pains


Goodbye to my faithful old ponyTake care of him, boys, when I goI'm riding away on life's roundupAway to where the sun sinks low


Goodbye to the whoop-rushing cattleGoodbye to the clanking of spursGoodbye to the laugh and the chatterGoodbye to the wildlife and steers

Goodbye to the dawning's first blushesThat fair in the east faintly glowI'm riding away on life's roundup

Away to where the sun sinks low


Goodbye to the girls and the boysGoodbye to all of my friendsGoodbye to the dear girl, my sweetheartFor I know this is my end

For the pale rider comes with hissummonsAnd I'm willing and ready to goFor I'm riding away on life's roundupAway to where the sun sinks low

GOSPEL SHIP

-- chorus --I'm going to take a trip in that old gospelshipI'm going far beyond the skyI'm gonna shout and sing till theheavens ringWhen I bid this world good-bye


I have good news to bring and that iswhy I singAll my joys with you I'll shareI'm going to take a trip in that old gospelshipAnd go sailing through the air

-- chorus --


Carter Family Songs

99

I can scarcely wait, I know I won't be lateI'll spend my time in prayerAnd when the ship comes in I'll leavethis world of sinAnd go sailing through the air

-- chorus --


If you are ashamed of me you ought notto beYes, you'd better have a careIf too much fault you find you'll sure beleft behindWhile I'm sailing through the air

-- chorus --

GRAVE ON THE GREENHILLSIDE

There's a little grave on the greenhillsideThat lies to the morning sunAnd the way worn feet often wanderthereWhen the cares of the day are done

We sometimes sit in the twilight fallAnd talk of a far off landAnd I sometimes feel in the twilight thereThe touch of a vanished hand

-- chorus --Grave on the green hillsideGrave on the green hillsideIn the years to come we will calmly

sleepIn a grave on the green hillside

And this land is full of these little gravesIn the valleys, plains, and hillsThere's an angel, too, for each littlegraveAn angel sufficient, Bill

I know not how, but I sometimes thinkThat they lead us with gentle handsAnd a whisper falls on a willing earFrom the shore of a far off land

-- chorus --

And these little graves are but waysidemarksThat point to a far off landAnd they speak to the soul of a betterdayOf a day that's near at hand

Though we first must walk through thisdarksome veilYet Christ will be our guideWe will reach the shore of a far off landThrough a grave on a green hillside

-- chorus --

Carter Family Songs

100

THE HAPPIEST DAYS OFALL

I wandered today on the seashoreThe waves and the winds are lowI thought of the days that are gone by,maMany long years ago

We lingered by the gently flowing billowsAnd watched the golden sunset fadeawayAnd there among the sweet oceanbreezesWe talked about our future wedding day

-- chorus --Gathering up the shells from theseashoreGathering up the shells from theseaThose were the happiest days of all,maGathering up the shells from theshore


When the waves are rolling on theoceanAnd the golden moonbeams on thepebbles shineAt your cottage by the sea I'll comeagain, maWhen the waves are rolling gentle,sweetheart mine

Now I am growing up in years, maMy locks are all silver and grayBut the vows that we made on the shore,maAre fresh in my memory today


No more bright shells we will gatherAs the waves come dashing as of yoreShe lies 'neath the white pebbled sandJust covered up with shells on the shore

-- chorus --

Documents

AMBER TRESSES - さくらのレンタルサーバkobotaro.sakura.ne.jp/5_favorites/carter/cf_song_a_g.pdfhim a smile We pleaded for mercy but was shown none at all They gave us twenty