The first known public appearance of the Osborne Brothers was in 1951. They joined the cast at WCYB Bristol, Virginia, to perform on a program called "Farm and Fun Time", along with other Bluegrass bands, such as, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Carl Story and his Rambling Mountainers. Other members of "Farm and Fun Time" included, Jim & Jesse, Little Robert Van Winkle, Curly King and the Tennessee Hilltoppers, and country recording artist Red Kirk. The live program aired five days a week, Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on WCYB Radio, and covered five states.
Upon their breakout into the bluegrass scene, the Osborne Brothers quickly became noted for their virtuosic instrumentation and tight, melodic vocal harmonies. Their first country chart appearance was "Once More", a 1958 trio with Red Allen, with a then-novel inverted stacked harmony: Bobby singing the lead line highest, then Sonny singing baritone, and finally the third singer (in this case Red Allen) singing the tenor as the lowest part. This placed Bobby's distinctive voice as the lead, and made the third voice a somewhat interchangeable part. As a result, the brothers could hire a series of guitarist/singers without changing their overall sound. This "high lead" vocal trio became their signature sound, used to great effect in the country market, with songs like "Blame Me", "Sweethearts Again", and a remake of the Carter Family's "Fair and Tender Ladies".
During their breakout period of the mid 1950s, Sonny's banjo and Bobby's mandolin styles became distinctive and easily-identifiable with their overall sound. The band was inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry on August 8, 1964.
The Osborne Brothers have the distinction of having recorded two songs that would go on to be officially voted as "state songs." The first, "Rocky Top," was named a Tennessee state song in 1982. The other, "Kentucky," was named a state song for the brothers' home state of Kentucky.
In 1994, The Osborne Brothers were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. The induction is considered bluegrass music's highest honor.
Roll Muddy River
The Osborne Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on
I've got a notion you'll go to the ocean alone
I've got a baby in Tennessee who's long been awaitin' for little ole me
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on.
New Orleans onto ole St. Louis
Stopped in Memphis, Minneapolis too
Back in Nashville I'll be through
So roll muddy river, roll on.
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on
I've got a notion you'll go to the ocean alone
I've got a baby in Tennessee who's long been awaitin' for little ole me
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on.
--- Instrumental ---
I love you but just call it fate
You and I are gonna separate
You'll be here but she won't wait
So roll muddy river, roll on.
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on
I've got a notion you'll go to the ocean alone
I've got a baby in Tennessee who's long been awaitin' for little ole me
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on.
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on...
The Osborne Brothers's song "Roll Muddy River" is a classic country tune with an upbeat melody and lyrics that are both wistful and hopeful. The song is about a man who needs to leave his lover behind to pursue his dreams, but he hopes that someday they will be reunited. The chorus, which repeats several times throughout the song, encourages the muddy river to roll on towards the ocean.
The lyrics describe the man's journey from New Orleans to St. Louis, stopping in Memphis, Minneapolis, and finally Nashville. He sings about his baby in Tennessee who is waiting for him and hoping to be reunited soon. The verses also hint at the reason for the separation, as the man admits that he and his lover are going to separate and that she won't wait for him. Despite this, he remains optimistic that they will see each other again and that the river will keep on flowing.
Line by Line Meaning
Roll muddy river, roll on muddy river, roll on
Continue flowing, muddy river, with determination and strength
I've got a notion you'll go to the ocean alone
I believe that you, muddy river, will reach the ocean without any assistance
I've got a baby in Tennessee who's long been awaitin' for little ole me
I have a child in Tennessee who has been eagerly awaiting my arrival
New Orleans onto ole St. Louis
Traveling from New Orleans to the historic city of St. Louis
Stopped in Memphis, Minneapolis too
I paused to visit the cities of Memphis and Minneapolis on my journey
Back in Nashville I'll be through
Once I return to Nashville, my journey will be complete
I love you but just call it fate
Although I care for you deeply, our separation is destined to occur
You and I are gonna separate
We will unavoidably part ways
You'll be here but she won't wait
You may remain here, but she will not stay to see our farewell
So roll muddy river, roll on
Muddy river, please continue flowing as I bid you goodbye
Writer(s): Betty Sue Perry
Contributed by Brayden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.