About the song
“Wildwood Flower” by The Carter Family is a timeless and influential Appalachian folk song that showcases the group’s distinctive vocal harmonies and instrumental prowess. Recorded in 1928, this track stands as a cornerstone of early country music, its simple melody and evocative lyrics resonating with generations of listeners. It’s more than just a folk song; it’s a cultural artifact, a window into the traditions and musical heritage of rural America.
The song’s lyrics, though simple, paint a vivid picture of a natural landscape, celebrating the beauty and tranquility of the “wildwood flower.” The Carter Family’s vocal delivery, marked by its close harmonies and understated elegance, enhances the song’s serene and timeless quality. The instrumental accompaniment, primarily featuring Maybelle Carter’s innovative guitar playing, adds a layer of intricate beauty to the song’s simple melody.
The Carter Family’s vocal style, characterized by its close harmonies and natural phrasing, imbues the song with a sense of both warmth and authenticity. Their voices blend seamlessly, creating a sound that is both comforting and captivating. Maybelle Carter’s guitar playing, particularly her “Carter Scratch” technique, is a defining element of the song’s arrangement. Her intricate fingerpicking style adds a layer of complexity and beauty to the simple melody.
The song’s arrangement, typically sparse and uncluttered, allows the vocals and the instrumental accompaniment to take center stage. The gentle acoustic guitar and subtle harmonies create a sense of intimacy and tranquility, mirroring the song’s theme of natural beauty.
“Wildwood Flower” is more than just a folk song; it’s a cultural touchstone, a reminder of the rich musical heritage of rural America. It’s a testament to The Carter Family’s enduring influence and their ability to craft songs that resonate with a sense of timeless beauty.
Video
Lyrics
Oh, I’ll twine with my mingles and raven black hair
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
And the mirtles so bright with the emerald dew
The pale and the leader and eyes look like blue
I’ll dance, I will sing and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in each crown I will sway
When I woke from my dreaming my idols was clay
All portion of love had all flown away
Oh, he taught me to love him and promised to love
And to cherish me over all others above
How my heart is now wondering no misery can tell
He’s left me no warning, no words of farewell
Oh, he taught me to love him and call me his flower
That was blooming to cheer him through life’s dreary hour
How I long to see him and regret the dark hour
He’s gone and neglected his pale wildwood flower
