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Girl of Constant Sorrow

from Calling Me Home (Songs of Love & Loss) by Alice Gerrard

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about

Traditional. Arr. by Tom Sauber & Alice Gerrard
Perusing various websites one day, I ran across this classic song of betrayal in electronic tone form. I liked the fact that it related to Carroll Co. Virginia near where I used to live. It was collected from Norman Lee Vass from Fancy Gap, Virginia in 1957. Big thanks to Tom for helping with the arrangement.

lyrics

I am a girl of constant sorrow
I’ve seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to Carroll County
The place where I was born and raised.

I used to think that I saw trouble
I fear there’s nothing else to do
How little did I think you’d leave me
But now I bid to you adieu

The very first time I ever saw you
The world was all over green
But since to me you’ve proved falsehearted
I wish your face I’d never seen.

They have told you some false stories
You believe them all they say
Oh you are false but I’ll forgive you
Forget you though, I never may.

I wish I was a little sparrow
I had wings that I might fly
I’d fly away to my false lover
So when he talked I could be by.

I’d ask him who he meant to flatter
Or who he meant for to deceive
All in his bosom I would flutter
With these little and tender wings.

You’re like the stars of a bright summer morning
They’ll appear but soon be gone
You tell to me some flattering story
Then take some other and be gone.

The very last time I ever saw you
You were standing in your cottage door
Yet your smiles are ever near me
Though I see thee never more.

When I’m asleep I’m dreaming ‘bout you
When I’m awake I have no rest
Every moment seems an hour
Oh what burdens in my breast

One more word and all is over
Why are you unkind to me?
Pray tell me why you do not love me
And turn aside, how can it be?

I am a girl of constant sorrow
I’ve seen trouble all my days
I bid adieu to Carroll County
The place where I was born and raised.

credits

from Calling Me Home (Songs of Love & Loss), released January 1, 2004
Alice Gerrard-vocal, guitar
Tom Sauber-banjo
Brad Leftwich-fiddle

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Alice Gerrard Durham, North Carolina

A singer and songwriter, Alice’s recordings with Hazel Dickens during the 1960s and ’70s influenced a generation of women musicians from Laurie Lewis to the Judds. Nominated for a Grammy in 2015, she was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Assoc. Hall of Fame in 2017. A documentary film about Alice, "You Gave Me a Song" premiered at the Full Frame Independent Film Festival in 2019. ... more

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