This is a Carter Family original that they recorded in 1930 and has been
included in Rounder's collection entitled "Worried Man Blues" (Rounder CD
1067). I learned it by ear from Kay Justice at the Augusta Heritage Arts
Workshops in 1994, and my interpretation is somewhat of an amalgam of Kay's
version and the Carters'. The original recording, and Kay's interpretation,
both had guitar accompaniment. I play banjo with it. Both work smoothly. It's
a sweet love song that lends itself to some compelling harmonies.
--John
Chicago, IL
THE BIRDS WERE SINGING OF YOU by The Carter Family
A D
Last night the pale moon was shining
A E7
Last night when all was still
A D
I wandered alone in sadness
A E7 A
Out among the woodland hills.
I heard the birds a-singing
Out among the trees and views
And every bird, my darling
Was singing, was singing of you.
D A
Chorus: Was singing, singing of you, my love
E7
Was singing, was singing of you
A D
And every bird, my darling
A E7 A
Was singing, was singing of you.
I think of you in the daytime
I dream of you at night
I wake and wish you were here, love,
And tears are blinding my sight.
The flowers that slumber so sweetly
The stars above the blue
Oh heaven itself, my darling
Is thinking, is thinking of you.
Chorus: Is thinking, is thinking of you, my love
Is thinking, is thinking of you
Oh heaven itself, my darling
Is thinking, is thinking of you.
I open my window so gently
And look on the dreamy view
The world itself, my darling
Is sighing, is sighing for you.
Chorus: Is sighing, is sighing for you, my love
Is sighing, is sighing for you
The world itself, my darling
Is sighing, is sighing for you
