Wildwood Flower
The Carter Family Lyrics
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With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
And the myrtle so bright with it's emerald hue
The pale and the leader and eyes look like blue
I will dance, I will sing and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
When I awoke from my dreaming my idol 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 with no warning, no word of farewell
Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his flower
That was blooming to cheer him through life's dreary hour
Oh, I long to see him and regret the dark hour
He's one that neglected this pale wildwood flower
The Carter Family's classic song "Wildwood Flower" tells the story of a girl who is left heartbroken by her lover. The lyrics are loaded with metaphors and symbolism, starting with the opening lines where the singer declares her intention to twine her raven black hair with roses, lilies, and myrtle, symbolizing her desire to surrender herself to nature's cheerfulness and beauty. The lines "the pale and the leader and eyes look like blue" suggest that the girl is a natural beauty, whose grace and elegance are undeniable.
The second verse reveals the singer's charm and charisma, which she plans to use to win the hearts of everyone around her. However, as she wakes up from her dream, she discovers that her lover has betrayed her love and shattered her heart. The lines, "All portion of love had all flown away," indicate that the girl is now devoid of love and joy.
The third verse paints a picture of a beautiful and innocent relationship that was destroyed by the man's neglect and cowardice. The singer reminisces about how her lover promised her love and protection, but he eventually left her without notice, causing her immense pain and grief. The final lines of the song, "He's one that neglected this pale wildwood flower," sum up the story of the song, with the girl being the wildwood flower that was neglected and left to wither away.
Line by Line Meaning
I will twine, I will mingle my raven black hair
I will adorn myself with the vibrant beauty of nature.
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
I will decorate myself with the colors of love and purity.
And the myrtle so bright with it's emerald hue
I will complement my allure with the freshness of youthfulness.
The pale and the leader and eyes look like blue
I have a gentle, fair appearance with eyes as pure and bright as the sky.
I will dance, I will sing and my laugh shall be gay
I will enjoy life with a free and joyful spirit.
I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
I will captivate and enchant everyone, and become someone special in their hearts.
When I awoke from my dreaming my idol was clay
When I woke up from my illusions, the object of my idolatry was worthless and mundane.
All portion of love had all flown away
All the hope of love had vanished into thin air.
Oh, he taught me to love him and promised to love
I fell in love with someone who made me believe that he loved me too.
And to cherish me over all others above
He declared that I was more important to him than anyone else.
How my heart is now wondering no misery can tell
I cannot express how much pain I feel and how lost I am.
He's left with no warning, no word of farewell
He left me abruptly and without explanation, leaving me feeling hurt and confused.
Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his flower
He showed me how to love, but at the same time dehumanized me by comparing me to a fragile and insignificant object.
That was blooming to cheer him through life's dreary hour
He only appreciated me for the entertainment, comfort, and convenience I provided him during his own sadness.
Oh, I long to see him and regret the dark hour
Despite everything, I still miss him and long for him, while blaming the unfavorable fate that brought us together.
He's one that neglected this pale wildwood flower
He is the one who neglected and hurt me, a frail and insignificant blossom in the midst of dark and uncontrollable nature.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Alvin Pleasant Carter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alan4sure
After playing my guitar for Mom in the senior's home, when leaving I stopped to play some Wildwood flower for an elderly lady with dementia in her wheelchair who doesn't speak anymore. To my surprise, she hummed the tune exactly and her face lit right up. Music does amazing things.
@reedryals4116
alan4sure thank you for doing that.
@franklock6066
That's really cool how's everything going
@TheNick279
God bless you.
@userjos
that's amazing thank you. That's the magic of music and all that it represents
@johnburke8667
My mother’s favorite song by far. 85 years old on the 6th of October. And my mum will sing this song like an angel on her birthday!
@connie7249
In 2012 , at my mothers funeral, my daughter got up with her guitar and dedicated this song to my mom as it was her favorite song. My daughter did an amazing job singing and playing. My mother would have been so proud 😌
@klimber10001
That's sweet. ♥️🌷
@sidDkid87
would have been an honor to be there ... did anyone record it???
@robertpryor7129
I'm proud of your daughter too. I don't even know your family, but they have to be good people.