Origins and Sources of The Original Carter Family Songs in Alphabetical Order
This is summary of the origins and sources of the 242 different original Carter Family songs recorded from 1927 until 1941.
The songs will be listed in alphabetical order first then in the order they were recorded. An asterisk before the title indicates that either a member of the Carter Family wrote the song, another musician wrote the song after 1923 or we don't know the source of the song yet. An asterisk also indicates that the Carters, Peer Int or whoever the copyright is assigned, has a valid copyright on the song.
The idea of this thread is to give a brief summary of the origin. This will help musicians, record companies and publishers determine whether that can freely use the songs. Remember that the Carter Family arrangements are also copyrighted and unless the Carters used other musicians arrangements (which they did in some cases) using their exact arrangement could be considered a copyright infringement.
About 90% of the Carters songs are based on other songs. Many of the Carters arrangements and lyrics based on other songs are freely used today. The Wildwood Flower, Circle Be Unbroken, and Worried Man Blues just a few that are considered PD or traditional.
The date for free use in regard to published sheet music and lyrics is 1923. Anything before 1923 is free to use. Any song may be recorded but a mechanical licensing fee is owed the copyright holder on songs after 1923 that have a valid copyright.
Here is how the short alphabetical summary is organized:
TITLE--DATE OF (or Approximate date of) ORIGIN--AUTHOR(S)--OTHER TITLES--REFERENCES AND INFO--DATE RECORDED
Original Carter Family Song Sources Alphabetical by Title A-L:
Amber Tresses: 1874- "Amber Tresses Tied in Blue," Words Samuel M. Mitchell, Music H. P. Danks; Carters-1932
Anchored in Love: 1911- "Anchored in Love Divine" James Rowe & James Vaughan; Carters-1928
*Answer to Weeping Willow: 1936- A rewrite by the Carters of "Bury Me Beneath The Willow" Carters-1936
*Are You Lonesome Tonight?: 1926- Lyrics Roy Turk, music Lou Hindman. Carters-1936
Are You Tired of Me, My Darling?: 1877- Song by Cook and Roland; Carters-1934
*Away Out on Saint Sabbath: 1872 Chorus, Verses unknown date- A rewrite of an unknown song based on "Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie" from a ballet (lyrics) set to music in 1934 by Sara. Carter Family- 1934.
*Bear Creek Blues: 1940- traditional blues verses (1920-1940) from Blind Lemon Jefferson and others from Leslie Riddle arranged by Carters. The Carters added Bear Creek to the verses. Carters-1940
Beautiful Home: 1898- Song by J. Howard Entwisle and Johnson Oatman; Carters-1940
*Beautiful Isle O'er the Sea: Collected 1919 as traditional song “Beautiful Light O’er The Sea” probably based on an earlier song, maybe George Copper's song "Beautiful Isle of the Sea." Recorded by Carters in 1940.
Behind Those Stone Walls: Early 1900s- traditional folk song titled “Saint Louis, Bright City” Laws E35d and also known as "Behind the Great Wall" arranged by Carters from an unknown source. Carters-1935
*Birds Were Singing of You: Unknown date; based on an unknown song by A.P. Carter. Carters-1930
Black Jack David: 1740 (Ramsay) Child 200 "Gypsy Davy"- traditional English folk song; arrangement taken from Cliff Carlisle’s 1939 version which was based on David Myrick's earlier version. Carters-1940
*Blackie's Gunman: Unknown Date; Rewrite of an unknown song. Referenced to Wilgus. Carters-1940
Bonnie Blue Eyes: 1800s- Traditional arranged by Carters. “Goodbye, Little Bonnie, Blue Eyes” was first reported "written" in 1907 by Louise Rand Bascom in the 1909 JOAFL. She also states that it was "ten years older at least." Carters-1936
Bring Back My Blue Eyed Boy: 1800s- Collected by Louise Pound in 1922; Traditional folk song; Arranged by Carters-1929
Bring Back My Boy: 1800s- same song as "Bring Back My Blue Eyed Boy;" Carters-1938 Decca
Broken Down Tramp: 1870s- Words and Music by Thomas Herrington related to "Broken Down Sport." Carters-1937
*Broken Hearted Lover: 1800s- Arrangement of an unknown traditional song; Carters-1932 and 1935
*Buddies in the Saddle: 1940- Original song or based on an unknown song, attributed to Maybelle Carter; Carters-1940
Bury Me Under the Weeping Willow: 1909 Belden- traditional folk song. First song recorded by Carters-1927
*By the Touch of Her Hand: 1935- Unknown song attributed to A.P. Carter; Carters-1935
Can the Circle Be Unbroken: The chorus is 1907 by Words: Ada Habershon, Music: Charles Gabriel as "Will The Circle Be Unbroken." Verses unknown may be from earlier Welling-McGhee recording. Carters-1935
Can't Feel at Home: 1919- Traditional folk hymn and spiritual. Carters-1931
Cannonball (Blues): Early 1900s- Traditional song learned from Leslie Riddle based on earlier song. Carters-1930 and 1935
Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers in Texas: 1931 skit Carters with Jimmie Rodgers-1931
*Carter's Blues: 1800s- Rewrite of the traditional folk song "As I Walked Out One Morning Fair" and is related to "Love Has Brought Me to Despair." The title would need to be changed to avoid copyright issues. Carters-1929
Charlie and Nellie: Early 1900s- Traditional folk song based on earlier recordings "Nellie Dare and Charlie Brooks" Carters-1938
Chewing Gum: 1800s- songbook entitled "A Collection of Favorite Songs as Sung by Ben Maginley. Traditional song arranged by Carters-1928
Church in the Wildwood: 1857 William P. Pitts; rewrite 1911 James Rowe; based on gospel song "Little Brown Church in the Vale" Carters-1932
*Coal Miner's Blues: Early 1900s- arranged and collected by Leslie Riddle/A.P. Carter; traditional lyrics from VA coal camp. Carters-1938
Cowboy Jack: 1893- Western rewrite of "Your Mother Prays for You Jack" by F. M. Eliot. Lyrics not by Carters. Carters-1934
Cowboy's Wild Song to His Herd: 1912- Based on a poem in Rhymes from the Rangeland. Wesley Beggs is considered to be the original author of the text of this song. Carters-1934
*Cuban Soldier: Late 1800s early 1900s- based on an unknown song or lyrics. Sara said they got the "poetry" and either she or Maybelle put music to it. Carters-1938
*Cyclone of Rye Cove: May 2, 1929, an unusually violent storm struck the little community of Rye Cove, located in the mountains of Scott County. Song was written by A.P. Carter and recorded in 1929.
Dark and Stormy Weather: Early 1900s- based on the traditional song "I Don't Know Why I Love Her/Him." Recorded by Carters-1941
Dark Haired True Lover: 1918 text is in Robert Gordon Collection #1536; Traditional Folk song; Arr. Carters-1937
Darling Daisies: 1882- "Down by the Garden Wall" by Max Vernor. Carters-1934
Darling Little Joe: 1866- Song by V. E. Marsten "Death of Little Joe." Carters-1934 Also recorded as "Little Joe" in 1938.
*Darling Nellie Across the Sea: 1800s- Based on an unknown song. Per Charles Wolfe, Sara wrote much of the song herself (implying an antecedent). Carters-1930
Diamonds in the Rough:1897- C.W. Byron (words) and L.L. Pickett (music). Carters-1929 and 1936
Distant Land to Roam: 1902- L.M. Bandy's song "Leaving Home" Carters-1929
Don't Forget Me Little Darling: 1874- C.W. Vance (Words) and R. S. Crandall (Music). Carters-1935 for ARC
Don't Forget This Song: 1910- Traditional based on "Bad Companions" or "Young Companions" Carters-1935
Dying Mother: 1881 Nona Lawson- words and C. M. Tate; Carters-1940
*Dying Soldier: 1800s- based on an unknown song; the title may be used. Carters-1930
East Virginia Blues: 1800s- Traditional Arranged by Carters 1934
East Virginia Blues No. 2: 1800s- Traditional arranged by Carters 1935
Engine 143: 1915 by Cox- traditional ballad also called the "Wreck on the C & O" based on the Oct 23, 1890 death of engineer George Alley when the FFV train on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad was wrecked by a landslide near Hinton, West Virginia. Carters-1929
*Evening Bells Are Ringing: 1934 based on an unknown song by A.P Carter; Carters 1934
Faded Coat of Blue: 1865- Civil War song by J.H. McNaughton; Carters- 1934
Faded Flowers: 1851- song by James Powers and JH Brown; Carter Family- 1933
*Fate of Dewey Lee: 1935- Song about the January 31, 1931 murder of Dewey Lee; based on a poem sent to A.P. Carter; Carters-1935
*Farewell Nellie: 1800s-reworking of traditional material by Sara Carter; Carters-1937
Fifty Miles of Elbow Room: No Date known; written by Herbert Buffum 1879-1939. Sara said it was a hymn she heard in California, at Charlie and Mary Bayes's Adventist church. Carters-1941
Foggy Mountain Top: Early 1900s- Traditional, based on earlier folk song. Collected in 1916 by Cecil Sharp. Carters-1929
Fond Affection: 1800s (1911 Combs)- traditional arranged by Carters; Carters-1929
Forsaken Love: 1800s- traditional arranged by Carters 1928
Funny When You Feel That Way: 1873- "It's Funny when you Feel that Way" by George Harris. Per Wolfe, versions credit G.W. Hunt. Carters-1937
Gathering Flowers from the Hillside: 1800s, collected Belden 1909- Traditional song; arranged by The Carter Family. Carters-1935
Girl on the Greenbrier Shore: 1910- Traditional song collected Combs; Arranged by The Carter Family. Wolfe: based on an incident which occurred in 1896. Carters-1941
Give Him One More as He Goes: 1884- Words and Music by Ike Brown "I'll Give You One More as You Go." Carters-1940
Give Me Roses While I Live: 1925- James Rowe (lyrics) R. H. Cornelius (music). Carters-1933
Give Me Your Love and I'll Give You Mine: 1902- L. A. Davis- lyrics M. J. Fitzpatrick- music "You Give Me Your Love [And I'll Give You Mine]" Carters-1936 Decca
Glory to the Lamb: Circa 1900- Hymn Collection titled the “New Onward and Upward” Carters-1935
God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign: 1800s, Early 1900s- Traditional African-American Spiritual usually named "I Got A Home the Rock." From Leslie Riddle-Pauline Gray. Carters-1929
Gold Watch and Chain: 1879- Traditional chorus based on the Reuben's Train songs. The verses are from 1879 Westendorf song, "Is There No Kiss For Me Tonight, Love." Carters-1933
Goodbye to the Plains: Early 1900s- Traditional Western song "The Dying Cowboy of Rim Rock Ranch" arranged by Carter Family. Tune is "The Mule Song," by Edward Harrigan and Dave Braham, pub. 1882. Carters-1937
Gospel Ship: Circa 1900- Traditional gospel song arranged by Carter Family. Also named "Old Gospel Ship." Carters-1935
Grave on the Green Hillside: 1875- Gospel song by Aldine Kieffer. Carters-1929
Happiest Days of All: 1875- Will Thompson song "Gathering Shells From the Seashore." Carters-1932
Happy in the Prison: Early 1900s- Traditional African-American Spiritual also known as "When I Lay my Burdens Down" arranged by Carter Family. Carters-1938
Happy or Lonesome: 1913 Dick Burnett songster- Traditional song "Are You Happy or Lonesome" arranged by Carter Family- 1934
He Never Came Back: 1891- Words and music by William Jerome. Also titled "When We Meet on that Beautiful Shore." Carters-1937
He Took a White Rose from Her Hair: Early 1900s- Traditional song "The (Little) White Rose" arranged by Carter Family- 1935
Heart That Was Broken for Me: 1914- Southern gospel song by Judson W. Van De Venter (1855-1939) Carters-1938
*Heaven's Radio: 1930s- Gospel song, no confirmed source, arranged by Carter Family. Carters-1940
Hello Central, Give Me Heaven: 1901- Gospel song by Charles K. Harris. Carters-1934
*Hello Stranger: Early 1900s- Traditional blues lyrics arranged by Carter Family. Carters-1937
Hold Fast to the Right: 1906- Gospel song by James Vaughan; Carters-1937
*Home by the Sea: 1800s- Possible rewrite of "Dear Old Home Beyond the Sea" by A. Hamilton Sims and William A. Keller written in 1887. For now it's based on an unknown song. Carters-1937
Home in Tennessee: circa 1925- Song by Maggie Andrews (Alias Carson Robison) titled "My Little Home in Tennessee." Carters-1934
Homestead on the Farm: 1909- "I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home" by Lambert and Vandersloot. Carter's recorded it twice: Victor in 1929 and ARC in 1935.
Honey in the Rock: 1895- Gospel song by Frederick A. Graves. Carters-1937
I Ain't Goin' to Work Tomorrow: Early 1900s- Traditional song arranged by The Carter Family. Carters-1928
I Cannot Be Your Sweetheart: 1899 song written by Abbie Ford titled "Under the Pale Moonlight." Carters-1934
I Found You Among the Roses: 1913 song by George Pitman. Carters-1940
I Have an Aged Mother: 1882- Broadside by I.M. Williams titled "Ten Thousand Miles Away" also known as "On The Banks of A Lonely River." Carters-1930
I Have No One to Love Me (But the Sailor on the Deep Blue Sea): 1839- British Ballad "Sweet William." Also known as “Captain Tell me True” and first recorded in 1924 by Gid Tanner as "Sailor Boy." Carters-1928
I Loved You Better Than You Knew: 1893 song by Johnny Carroll. Carters-1933
I Never Loved But One: 1865 song by Armand titled "Those Dark Eyes" also known as "Dark Eyes." Carters-1932
I Never Will Marry: 1864 song "Oh, My Love's Gone" 1906 Belden. Other names are "The Shells of the Ocean" and "Down by the Sea Shore." Carters-1933
I Wouldn't Mind Dying: 1800s Traditional African-American gospel song arranged by The Carter Family. It's also titled "Bye and Bye We're Going To See The King." Carters-1932
If One Won't Another One Will: 1887 Wehman's Collection of Songs; Collected by Belden in 1904- Traditional song also titled "The Lonesome (Stormy) Scenes of Winter" [Laws H12]. Carters-1932
I'll Be All Smiles Tonight: 1879 song by T.B. Ranson. Carters- 1934
*I'll Be Home Someday: Date unknown- Based on an unknown gospel song. Arranged by The Carter Family- 1934
*I'll Never Forsake You: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family- 1940
I'm Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes: 1800s- Traditional song arranged by The Carter Family. Other names include "In the Shadow of the Pines" and "Broken Ties." Carters-1929 also again in 1941.
I'm Working on a Building: Traditional African-American gospel song from Pauline Gray arranged by The Carter Family- 1934
In a Little Village Churchyard: 1918- "In That Dear Old Village Churchyard" from Primitive Baptist Hymn Book and Tune Book compiled by Elder John Daily. Needs confirmation. Another song has the same title "In a Little Village Churchyard- II" which is known as "Mother's Grave." It's from "Since My mother's Dead And Gone" by Phil Mowrey, Harry Percy. Carters-1936
*In the Shadow of Clinch Mountain: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family- 1934
In the Shadow of the Pines: 1895- Song by Hattie Lummis and G.O. Long
*In the Valley of the Shenandoah: Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. Arranged by The Carter Family- 1934
It Is Better Farther On: 1836 one verse; (1877) Trad. Arranged by L. Thompson (1911) Traditional gospel song arranged by The Carter Family. Carters-1938
*It'll Aggravate Your Soul: 1934 song by A.P. Carter based on one verse of traditional lyrics. Carters-1934
*It's a Long Long Road to Travel Alone: 1931 words and music by BAD [pseud of Mrs. WH Do France]. Arranged by Maybelle Carter. Needs confirmation. Carters-1940
Jealous Hearted Me: 1924- Based on traditional blues lyrics by Lovie Austin, “Jealous Hearted Blues” recorded by Ma Rainey. Arranged by The Carter Family from Leslie Riddle. Carters-1936
Jim Blake's Message: Circa 1909, 1910 issue of "Railroad Man's Magazine" Rewritten by Carson Robison with Peter Condon- lyrics in 1927. Carters-1937
Jimmie Brown, the Newsboy: 1875 song by William Shakespeare Hays “Jimmie Brown (The Paper Boy)”. Carters-1929
*Jimmie Rodgers Visits the Carter Family: 1931- Song-and-spoken-word skit by The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers- 1931
John Hardy Was a Desperate Little Man: Late 1800s- Traditional song arranged by the Carter Family. Carters-1928
Just a Few More Days: 1922- Traditional hymn from Hymns of Praise: For the Church and Sunday School by F. G. Kingsbury -Hymns, English page 15. Needs confirmation. Carters-1938
Just Another Broken Heart: 1890s- Carter's arrangement of the folk song usually known as "Only Flirting," "Only a Broken Heart" or "She was Only Flirting." Carters-1936
Keep on the Firing Line: 1915- Southern gospel song by Bessie F. Hatcher. Sara said it was a hymn she heard in California, at Charlie and Mary Bayes's Adventist church. Carters-1941
Keep on the Sunny Side: 1899- Gospel song by Ada Blenkhorn and J Howard Entwisle. A.P. Learned the song from Flanders Bays, his uncle. Carters 1935
*Kissing Is a Crime: 1800s- Date unknown- Based on an unknown song. It resembles the Scottish song "Some Say that Kissing's a Sin" published in 1829. Carters 1935
Kitty Waltz: 1872 music; lyrics 1926 Al Hopkins- arranged by the Carter Family. Carters 1929
Last Move for Me: Circa 1926- Gospel song by Herbert Buffum (1879-1939) "When I make My Last Move" Carters 1936
Lay My Head Beneath the Rose: 1879 by Ned Straight; 1897 Madison and Faulkenstein. Carters 1936
Let the Church Roll On: 1800s-Traditional African-American gospel song from Leslie Riddle/Pauline Gray arranged by The Carter Family. Carters 1931
Let's Be Lovers Again: 1893 song by Gussie Davis titled, "Jack and May (Make Up and Be Lover's Again)." Carters-1935
Little Black Train: Late 1800s (Cohen)- Traditional gospel song arranged by the Carter Family Carters 1935 and 1937
Little Darlin' Pal of Mine: Early 1900s- Traditional lyrics melody is the spiritual "When The World's On Fire." It's also titled "Little Sweetheart Pal Of Mine" or "My Little Girl." Carters 1928 and 1935.
*Little Girl That Played On My Knee, The: Late 1800s Unknown (1937 by Carters)- Based on an unknown parlor song. In the repertoire of Jennie Devlin (1865-1952) as "The Little Valley" which combines this song with a version of "Red River Valley."
Little Joe: 1866- by V. E. Marsten "Death of Little Joe"; "Little Joe" was recorded by the Carters in 1938. First recording was "Darling Little Joe" in 1934.
Little Log Cabin by the Sea: 1903- song by W.C. Hapley titled "Bible in the Cabin by the Sea" Carters- 1927
Little Log Hut in the Lane: 1879- Thomas Westendorf (Going From De Cottonfields) usally titled, "I'm Going From the Cottonfields." Carters- 1930
Little Moses: circa 1871- traditional gospel ballad about story of Moses harmonized by G.R. Street. Collected by Belden 1905. Carters- 1929
*Little Poplar Log House on the Hill: 1930s (may be based on earlier song)- Callahan Brothers on August 16, 1934. The Carter Family recorded their version 6 years later. Carters- 1940
Lonesome for You: 1918- song "I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome" by Brockman and Vincent (words) and Kendis (music). Carters- 1931
*Lonesome for You Darling: 1940- Unknown song; Carters- 1940
*Lonesome Homesick Blues: circa 1941- written by Maybelle Carter. According to the Carters biography she wrote the song when she was missing Eck, her husband. She also used a blues lick learned from Leslie Riddle. Carters- 1941
*Lonesome Pine Special circa 1930- Railroad song attributed to Sara Carter by Janette Carter in a talk to a music class at Warren Wilson College. Janette is the daughter of Sara and A.P. Carter. Carters- 1930
Lonesome Valley: 1800s- Traditional spiritual from both white and black sources. The song was probably from Leslie Riddle but popular versions by both Dalhart and Jenkins had been circulating. Carters- 1930 and again in 1935
Longing for Old Virginia: 1915- E. Clinton Keithley song "I'm Longing for Old Virginia and You." Carters-1934
Look Away from the Cross: 1895 (1901 by Meade)- F.L. Eiland gospel song "From the Cross To The Crown." Professor F.L. Eiland, was a noted hymn writer whose "Hold to God's Unchanging Hands" became widely used in American churches. Carters-1940
Look How This World Has Made a Change: 1800s- Traditional spiritual arranged by J.B Vaughan in 1912 and recorded by the famous Vaughan Quartet in 1928. Carters-1937
Lord, I'm in Your Care: Early 1900s- Traditional spiritual and is sometimes titled "Oh Lord, I'm in your Care." It was recorded first by Edward Clayborn in 1927. Carters-1937
Lover's Farewell; 1849- "Thou Hast Learned to Love Another" or "Farewell, farewell, Forever" by Charles Slade. "We Have Met and We Have Parted" which is dated by Meade as circa 1870s. Carters-1930
*Lover's Lane: Unknown c 1900- "Lover's Lane" was apparently the first title for the song "You're The Girl of My Dreams." The song could be a rewrite of "Down de Lover's Lane" by Will Marion Cook c 1900. Not Confirmed. Carters-1937
Lover's Return:1800s- Traditional folk song usually called "Too Late" or "Too Late You Have to Come Back to Me." Carters-1934
Lulu Walls: 1800s (Jan. 1888 Meade); Wehman's Collection of Songs. Unknown author from 1800s. Carters-1929 and 1935
.......................SUMMARY...................... There are 141 titles for the original Carter Family songs from A-L. One song "Darling Little Joe" is also titled "Little Joe." There are two versions of "Bury Me Beneath the Weeping Willow (Answer to Weeping Willow)" and two versions of "East Virginia Blues." Technically there are 137 different songs in the A-L titles. Some of the songs were recorded more than once by different record companies.
There are 34 songs with an asterisk indicating they are either original or we haven't found the source.
Original Carter Family Song Sources Alphabetical by Title M-Z:
*March Winds Gonna Blow My Blues All Away: 1900s- Rewrite of traditional blues lyrics associated with "Trouble in Mind" and "I Know You Rider": "The sun's gonna shine in my back door some day (2X) Wind's gonna rise and blow my blues away." Carters-1934
Meet Me by the Moonlight Alone: circa 1812- Traditional song. Evolved from lyrics by J. Augustine Wade, also titled "The Prisoner's Song" as recorded by Vernon Dalhart. Carters-1928
*Meeting in the Air: 1900s- Unknown gospel song. Possible rewrite of the 1908 Pentecostal Hymn by I.G. Martin. Carters-1940
'Mid the Green Fields of Virginia: 1898- song by Charles K. Harris.
Motherless Children: 1904- S.C. Brown (words) and Charles Dryscoll (Music) Motherless Children is also traditional from African-American sources. They learned this song from Leslie Riddle. Carters-1929
*Mountains of Tennessee: Unknown (1934)- unknown song. Seems like a rewrite of the song, "Sweet Sunny South." The song has different chords and melody but the lyrics and form are very similar. The "cool shady nook" line is found in Katie Kline. Carters-1934
*My Clinch Mountain Home: Circa 1911- Reported to be the first song A.P. wrote: Wanting to earn enough money to buy himself a piece of land, A.P. left his home in 1911 and set out for Richmond, Indiana (as his father had done), to work on the railroad but came down with typhoid fever and quickly returned home. Family members recall that he wrote his first song while he rode the train back to Virginia, "My Clinch Mountain Home." The chorus and sentiment are based on James A. Bland's 1878 song "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny." The verse is the melody of the "Battleship of Maine." Carters-1929
My Dixie Darling: 1907- song by Gillispie and Weinrich titled "Dixie Darlings." Carters-1936
My Heart's Tonight in Texas: 1900 also rewrite 1913- This western folk song is credited to Roden-Max S. Witt in 1900. It was published by the title "Down by the Silvery Rio Grande" in 1913 by Dave Weisberg, R. F. Roden, and music-Charles Speidel. Carters-1934
*My Home Among the Hills: Unknown date (1940); Based on an unknown song. Similar to Autry hit song "Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine." Carters-1940
My Home's Across the Blue Ridge Mountains: 1800s- Traditional folk song collected by Louise Bascom Rand as "My Own True Love" in 1909. Bascom Lamar Lunsford stated that this song can be classified as a "Straw-ride song." Possibly it is based upon an old religious song, "Oh, How I Love Jesus." Carters-1937
My Honey Lou: 1897- Song by Frank M. Statia. A different song with the same title "My Honey Lou" was written in 1904 by Thurland Chattaway. Carters-1936
*My Little Home in Tennessee: 1926- Song by Carson Robison. Carters-1932
My Native Home: 1855- "My Dear, My Native Home", music by John Rogers Thomas, words by Charles Hart. Carters learned from a woman in Russell County, VA. Carters-1936
My Old Cottage Home: Circa 1880- Song by R.A. Glenn; Carters- 1931.
*My Old Virginia Home: Unknown Date (1935 by Carters); Unknown song. Fiddler Miller Wikel recorded a song by that title twice but the sides were not released. "My Old Virginia Home" by Charles Frey in 1855 is similar in sentiment but not the same song. Carters-1935
*My Texas Girl: Unknown Date (1935 by Carters)- Unknown western song possibly a rewrite of one of the "Sleepy Rio Grande" songs. Bob Miller's 1934 songbook had the song "Sleepy Rio grande." Other titles include: "Where the Sleepy Rio's Flowing," and "By the Sleepy Rio Grande." Possibly based on the Carson Robison, Frank Luther song "Sleepy Rio Grande" backed by "When it's springtime in the Rockies" which was a huge hit for Victor in 1929. Carters-1935
*My Virginia Rose Is Blooming: Unknown Date (Carters in 1935). Unknown song collected by Perry in the JOAFL 1945. It seems like a rewrite by A.P. of "Yellow Rose of Texas." Carters-1935
Never Let the Devil Get the Upper Hand of You: 1684 England 1800s US- Version of the traditional ballad, "Knoxville Girl," which is the US version of the "Wittham Miller/Berkshire Tragedy/ Cruel Miller" large group of songs from the British Isles, originating as "The Bloody Miller" in 1684. In the US it is known as "The Wexford Girl," "The Oxford Tragedy," "The Expert Girl," Johnny McDowell," "The Prentice Boy." Carters-1937
No Depression in Heaven: Circa 1936- James David Vaughan, published in his songbooks. Also known as "No Depression." Carters-1936
No More the Moon Shines on Lorena: circa 1889- Song by Louis Staab. The song has been recorded titled as "Lorena" "Lorina" and "Lorrainna" according to Meade. The other song is the Civil War song "Lorena" which is a different yet similar song. Carters-1930
No Other's Bride I'll Be: 1869- C.A. White's song "Widow in the Cottage by the Sea." Meade references another publication in 1869 by C. P. Bishop. Another song "Cottage by the Sea" by J. R Thomas is a diferent song. Carters-1935
No Telephone in Heaven: 1899 Werner's Readings and Recitations; Meade sites Delaney's Recitations #3 (Willian W. Delaney, Circa 1910); Carters-1929.
Oh, Take Me Back: 1938- Traditional blues arranged by the Carters. Looks like the 3rd verse could be original. Leslie Riddle was an influence on the Carters blues songs. Carters-1938
On a Hill Lone and Gray: 1894- Southern gospel song (There's A Hill Lone and Grey) written by Beverly Francis Caradine and appears in Truths and Triumphs for Revivals. Carters-1934.
On My Way to Canaan's Land: 1800s- Traditional spiritual usually known as "I'm on my Way to Canaan's Land" or just "I'm On My Way." According to one author, Bernice Johnson Reagon, the song come from the traditional "If You Go Don't Hinder Me." The Pace Jubilee Singers 1927 recording was titled "I'll Journey On." The Carter's recording surely came from Leslie Riddle/Pauline Gary. During the 60s Civil Rights movement the song was changed to "I'm on my Way to Freedom Land." Carters-1930
On the Rock Where Moses Stood: 1800s- Traditional spiritual also known as "Crying Holy Unto The Lord." It's perhaps derived from the spiritual "Elijah Rock." First recorded by the Norfolk Jubilee Quartet in 1924 as "Crying to the Lord." Carters-1930
On the Sea of Galilee: Circa 1709- Isaac Watts (Two Verses)- Spiritual recorded by the Carters in 1933 for Victor and then they changed the name to avoid copyright issue when they recorded the song for ARC in 1935 as "Sea of Galilee." Carters-1933 and 1935
One Little Word: 1899- Song written by Gussie Davis. Carters-1934
Only Girl (I Ever Cared About): 1899- Will Cobb (Words) Gus Edwards (Music) originally titled "You Are The Only Girl I Ever Cared About." Carters-1937
Over the Garden Wall: 1879- Written by the minstrel showmen Harry Hunter and George D. Fox. Sara Carter said "that was an old ballet given to us by an old lady in Tennessee." Carters-1933
*Picture on the Wall: Circa 1927- Song by Bud Landress of Georgia Yellow Hammers. Wolfe says Sara recalled that they had learned it 'from an old record'. He credits Carters song to Landress and almost certainly they learned from the 1927 Yellow Hammers hit recording. Carters-1932
Poor Little Orphaned Boy: 1874 (Meade)- Traditional. The first recording was made in 1928 by Buell Kazee. Carters-1933
Poor Orphan Child: 1898- Gospel song "Saviour Lead Them Orphans" by H.W. Elliot and Emmett Dean. Carters-1927
Rambling Boy: 1830 (broadside, Bodleian Harding B 25(2054))- English folk song classified by Laws as "The Wild and Wicked Youth" [Laws L12]. Carters-1941
Reckless Motorman: 1900s- Traditional reworked by A.P. Carter Rewrite of the "Dying Brakeman" and the related "True and Trembling Brakeman" songs. According to Cohen a brakeman is also referred to as a motorman. He also said A.P collected the song on a collecting trip in Southwest, Virginia in 1937 or 1938. Carters-1938
River of Jordan: 1800s (1915 recording)- Listed under "Some of These Days" [Me III-C 27]. Other names include: "God's Gonna Set This World On Fire" and "Jacob's Ladder." Shelton Brooks song titled "Some of These Days" is a different song as is the Poplin Family's "River Of Jordan." Carters-1928 and 1934
Room in Heaven for Me: Circa 1900- James Vaughan song titled "Is There Room for Me?" Carters-1930
Sad and Lonesome Day: 1927- Blind Lemon Jefferson's "See that my Grave is Kept Clean." Blues the Carters probably learned it from a member of their Kingsport blues group that included Brownie McGee, Leslie Riddle and Sam Lyons. Also known as "Two White Horses in a Line" and "One Kind Favor." Carters 1935 and 1937
Sailor Boy: 1800s- Traditional ballad listed as "The Faithful Sailor Boy" [Laws K13] and by Meade as "Sailor Boy's Farewell." It was first recorded by Gid Tanner of Skillet Licker fame in 1924. Vernon Dalhart's 1925 version titled "Sailor Boy's Farewell" was popular. Carters- 1934
School House on the Hill: 1907- Gospel song by Aldine Kieffer (1840– 1904) titled "The School House On The Hill." Carters-1933
Sea of Galilee: Sea of Galilee is another title for "On the Sea of Galilee" which was recorded twice by the Carters with two titles. It is already covered above under the O titles "On the Sea of Galilee." Carters- 1935 ARC
See That My Grave Is Kept Green: 1879- Gus William's song Speculation about Williams song being the the source for Blind Lemon Jefferson's "see that my Grave is Kept Clean" is unfounded and only the title itself appears to have been used. Carters-1933
*Single Girl, Married Girl; Late 1800s- Traditional song; According to the Carters biography the song came from Mollie Carter, A.P.'s mother and it was a well-known old song. Carters- 1929 and 1935
Sinking in the Lonesome Sea: 1685 broadside- Version of "The Golden Willow Tree" or "Lowlands Low" which is the English ballad "The Golden Vanity" Child 286. Carters- 1935
Something Got a Hold of Me: 1930s- Gospel song by Warren Caplinger, is best known as "Cap" of Cap, Andy and Flip, a gospel singing trio who played over WMMN, Fairmont. Carters-1941
Spirit of Love Watches Over Me: circa 1840-gospel song by George Lindley(1798-1865), the original title was "Thou Art Gone from My Gaze." Carters- 1932
Sow 'Em on the Mountain: 1800s- Traditional spiritual "Sowing on the Mountain." May be based on the verse of the 1874 hymn "Bringing in the Sheaves." There is also a relationship in form and content to "This Train is Bound for Glory. Carters- 1930
St. Regious Girl:1800s- Usually "St. Regis Girl," it refers to an indian maiden. Version of "Red River Valley." Carters-1938.
Stern Old Bachelor: 1800s Traditional song related to the 1860 song, "I'm a Jolly Bachelor." "Stern Old Bachelor" first referenced in print in the 1887 newspaper "Dighton Republic" in Kansas. Possibly based on Chubby Parker's versions titled "I'm A Stern Old Bachelor." Carters- 1938
Storms Are on the Ocean: 1800s- Variant of the large "True Lover's Farewell" folk song family (Child #76) originating in British Isles ("The Lass of Roch Royal") also called: "Fare You Well, My Own True Love" and the "Ten Thousand Miles." The first collected version in the US is 1906 (Belden). The Carters verses are found in Sharp No. 114 A. Carters- 1927 and 1936
Sun of the Soul: 1917- Southern gospel song by Curtis Williams titled "When the Lights Have gone Out In Your Soul." Recorded in 1927 by Ernest Phipps and his Congregation for Victor "If the Lights Gone Out of Your Soul." Carters-1932
Sunshine in the Shadows: Early 1900s- "Heavenly Sunshine" by Lucy Eddie Campbell from Duck Hill, Mississippi. First recorded by Laura Henton in the 1920s. The Carters probably got this gospel song from Leslie Riddle or Pauline Gray. Carters-1932
Sweet as the Flowers in May Time: 1800s (Randolph collected a version learned prior to 1900)- Traditional song usually known as "My Mother/Mama Scolds Me For Flirting." First recorded by the Carolina Tar Heels in 1927. The Carters extra verse is taken from the chorus of the 1867 song "Where There's A Will There's A Way." Carters-1932
Sweet Fern: 1876- Song by Thomas Westendorf and George Persley titled "Sweet Bird." According to Charles Wolfe "Sweet Fern" was a song A.P. found in his collecting trips into the east Tennessee hills. Carters-1929
Sweet Heaven in My View: 1800s- Traditional gospel song from both African-American and white sources usually known as "Heaven in my View" and "Got Heaven in my View." Carters- 1936
Tell Me That You Loved Me: 1866- Will S. Hayes (Levy Collection) The Carters title was probably to prevent copyright problems as the song had already been recorded by Stoneman and Kincaid as "We Parted By The Riverside." Carters- 1932
There'll Be Joy, Joy, Joy: 1800s- Spiritual usually known as "In My Father's House." It was recorded first by the Four Wanderers in 1929. A version (In My Father's House) is printed in Carl Sandburg's 1927 American Songbag. A version, "There'll Be No Liars There," was recorded in 1927 by the Hickory Nuts. Carters- 1934
There'll Be No Distinction There: Early 1900s- Traditional or based on an unknown gospel song. Carters version based on African-American sources/Blind Alfred Reed in 1929. Carters- 1940
There's No Hiding Place Down Here: 1800s- Spiritual (No Hiding Place) first recorded by the Famous Jubilee Singers in 1927. The probable source is the Carter's African-American contacts Leslie Riddle and Pauline Gray. Carters-1934
There's No One Like Mother to Me: 1877 (1885 Davis)- According to the Carters biographers "There's No One Like Mother to Me" is word for word as poem Maybelle cut out of a magazine. The poem was actually a "pretty home song" by Charles A. Davies published in 1877 by JC GROENE & Co., 24 and 42 Arcade, Cincinnati, Ohio. Gussie Davis also published the song in 1885. Carters- 1936
There's Someone Awaiting for Me: Pre-1861 (Meade)- Unknown parlor song "There's Somebody Waiting For Me." Not to be confused with the Von Tilzer song by the same title from 1902. Carters- 1930
*They Call Her Mother: Unknown Date (1938)- Unknown Song, probably by one of the Carters or their fans. Carters- 1938
This Is Like Heaven to Me: 1903- J.E. French's gospel song with the same title. Carters-1933
Two Sweethearts: 1897- Popular parlor song by E.P. Morgan (words) and J. Fred Helf (music). The Carters made the 8th country recording in 1932.
Wabash Cannonball: 1882- Originally from "The Great Rock Island Route" credited to J. A. Roff. It rewritten in 1904 as "Wabash Cannon Ball," perhaps by William Kindt. Cohen suspects the rewrite preceeded Kindt's 1904 publication, and common tune is not the same as either Roff's or Kindt's. Carters- 1929
Walking in the King's Highway: 1901- Gospel song by A.J. Showalter. Carters- 1938
Wandering Boy: 1884- R.S. Hanna song "Somebody's Boy is Homeless Tonight" Carters-1927
Wave on the Sea: 1765- Tradional English ballad based on The Mermaid (Child 289). Different titles are: "The Wrecked Ship" "Black Friday," "Waves on the Sea," "Three Sailor Boys," "The Sinking Ship," and "Raging Sea." Carters- 1941
Wayworn Traveler: 1836- Song by John B. Matthias "Deliverance will Come." Recorded by Uncle Dave Macon in 1926. Carters- 1936
We Shall Rise: 1904- J.E. Thomas gospel song "Hallelujah, We Shall Rise." Carters-1940
We Will March Through the Streets of the City: 1800s- Gospel song based in existing lyrics from revival hymns and shape-note hymns. The first verse is also well known in the African-American church. Carters- 1932
Weary Prodigal Son:1889- Gospel song "Calling the Prodigal" by Charles H. Gabriel. Carters-1931
Western Hobo: Late 1800s- Traditional song "Wild and Reckless Hobo" or "The Railroad Bum." The Carters 1929 title is surely to avoid copyright issues. Meade lumps the song into the vast "Ten Thousand Miles from Home" group which is Laws H2. The famous Jimmie Rodgers song "Waiting For the Train" is one of the best known versions. Carters- 1929
When I'm Gone: 1874- Delehanty and Hengler's song "You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone," first recorded by Blind Alfred Reed in 1928. The Carters may have based their version on his. Carters- 1931
When Silver Threads Are Gold Again: 1875- Song by Eben Rexford and Hart Danks. Carters- 1936
When the Roses Bloom in Dixieland: 1913- Song by George "Honeyboy" Evans. Carters-1929
When the Roses Come Again: 1874- Song by Arthur W. French and George W. Persley. Carters-1933
When the Springtime Comes Again: 1856- Based on Stephen Foster's "Gentle Annie." This is not the song by C.W. Baker with that title. Charles Wolfe notes: "the song was one she [Sara] knew as "Little Annie". She learned it from a neighbor of A.P.'s who gave them the ballet for it (ie the written and printed lyrics)." Carters- 1930
When the World's on Fire: 1800s- Spiritual from the African-American tradition. The Carters use the same melody in "Little Darling Pal of Mine." Recorded as "Rock of Ages" by Blind Willie Davis, a black singer-guitarist from McComb, Mississippi in 1928. Probably they learned his version from Leslie Riddle, who showed Maybelle slide guitar which she plays on this selection. Carters-1930
*When This Evening Sun Goes Down: Unknown date (1937)- Unknown gospel song. Carters-1937
Where Shall I Be?: Late 1800s (1908)- African-American spiritual and Pentecostal hymn recorded in 1927 by Blind Lemon Jefferson (as Deacon Bates) and also by the Norfolk Jubilee Quartet. The Carters learned the traditional Pentecostal hymn version arranged by R.E. Winsett in a 1908 hymnal "Songs of Pentecostal Power." Carters- 1930
Where the Silvery Colorado Winds Its Way: 1901-song by C.H. Scroggins and Charles Avril. Recordings date back to 1902. The Carters 1932 version was probably based on an earlier country recording by Emry Auther or Frank Luther. Carters-1936
Where We'll Never Grow Old: Early 1920s- Gospel song by James C. Moore. Frequently called "Land Where We'll Never Grow Old" it was first recorded by the Jenkins Family in 1926; Carters-1932.
Who's That Knocking on My Window: 1817 as "Drowsy Sleeper"- Traditional English ballad the Drowsy Sleeper also know as "Awake Awake" and "Silver Dagger." In the US it's known also as "O Molly Dear/O Katie Dear" and has been collected by Sharp as "Awake Awake" in 1916-1917. Carters-1938
*Why Do You Cry, Little Darling: 1941- Song (according to their biographers) written by Maybelle Carter. The song references upcoming World War II. Carters-1941
*Why There's a Tear in My Eye: 1928- Song by Carson Robison (An Old Man's Story) that the Carters played with Jimmie Rodgers at their 1931 session in Louisville KY. Carters-1931
Wildwood Flower: 1860- "I'll Twine Mid the Ringlets" by Maud Irving and J.P. Webster. Carters-1928
Will My Mother Know Me There?: 1906- Song from Johnson Oatman and William Golden included in Songs of the Kingdom: The Camp Meeting Specialý by Robert Emmet Winsett 1911, 200 pages. It was recorded twice before the Carters 1933 recording.
Will the Roses Bloom in Heaven: 1911- Song by Charles K. Harris. Carters- 1932
Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone?: Circa 1900- Gospel song by Rev. George Beebe and H.E. McAfee also name of the definitive biography about the Carters, Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone by Marc Mark Zwonitzer and Charles Hirshberg. Carters- 1928 and 1935
*Winding Stream: unknown date (1932 by Carters)- Meade calls this a parlor song from the 1800s and calls the song, "Give To Me a Winding Stream." Carters-1932
*Wonderful City: Circa 1931- Song attributed to Jimmie Rodgers and was recorded with the Carter family in their joint 1931 session in Louisville KY. Rodgers usually appropriated material for his songs so the lyrics probably are based on another song. This is even more likely because this was the only gospel song Rodgers recorded. Carters-1931
Worried Man Blues: Early 1900s- Traditional blues song. The first recording is by Sam Collins with a vocal John D. Fox in 1927 on Gnt 6352. The song is made up of traditional verses (Charlie Patton's "Down the Dirt Road Blues") arranged by the Carters probably from Leslie Riddle/Brownie McGee/Sam Lyons group. Carters- 1930 and 1935
*You Are My Flower: Unknown (1938)- Unknown song attributed to A.P. Carter. Carters- 1938
You Better Let That Liar Alone: early 1900s (1919)- "Let That Liar Alone" is a spiritual found in the Joyful Meeting in Glory Song Book No. 1 in 1919. The first recording is by Edward Clayton in 1927. Carters- 1937
*You Denied Your Love: Unknown (Carters 1938)- Unknown song. Carters- 1938
*You Tied a Love Knot in My Heart: Unknown (Carters 1941)- Unknown song possibly based on Wilf Carter's "There's a Love Knot in My Lariat." Carters- 1941
*Young Freda Bolt: 1930- Song by Doc Shanks written in 1930 that the Carters recorded about the murder of Freeda Bolt Dec. 13, 1929 in Floyd County, VA. The Floyd County Ramblers released a version in 1930. Carters-1938
Your Mother Still Prays (For You, Jack): 1893- Song from F.M. Eliot that is based on the English ballad Lord Lovell. Carters-1935
*You're Gonna Be Sorry You Let Me Down: Unknown (1941)- The JOAFL tried to trace this song and couldn't find the source. Very last song the Carters recorded in 1941.
*You're Nothing More to Me: Unknown (Carters 1941)- Unknown parlor song titled "Thou Art Nothing More To Me" by Meade. It was collected and published in Frank Brown NC folk songs by Belden in 1952. Carters-1938
You've Been a Friend to Me: 1868- Song by Will S. Hays; Carters- 1936
*You've Been Fooling Me, Baby: Circa 1930- Song by Allen Brothers "When You Leave You Leave Me Sad" recorded in 1930. Carters-1934.
*You've Got to Righten That Wrong: Unknown (1940)- Unknown gospel song from the Carters in 1940.
................SUMMARY..............There are a total of 105 original Carter Family songs titled M-Z. One song is the same (On The Sea of Galilee-Sea of Galilee)with two titles. From these song titles there are 23 songs with an asterisk indicating they are original songs by the Carters (or other writers: Carson Robison, Bud Landress, Jimmie Rodgers, Allen Brothers) or we do not know the source song yet. The song titles with an asterick should be considered copyrighted.
TOTALS: By my count there are 246 titles and 242 different songs. In my opinion 56 songs should be considered copyrighted. There were other songs the Carters recorded that were not issued starting in 1933.
NOTES: Since the Carters arrangements have become freely used (i.e. "Wildwood Flower," "Circle Be Unbroken," "Worried Man Blues") by record companies and publishers when based on other earlier songs, we may assume that this same policy will hold true for their other songs. This may not be true.
The decision of free use you will have to make based on this information. I feel a debt of gratitude toward the Carter Family for preserving and interpreting many older songs which certainly would be unknown today.
Thank you Carter Family!