Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of… Read Full Bio ↴Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of country music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for his home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as "the father of bluegrass."

In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.

Legend Of The Blue Ridge Mountains
Bill Monroe Lyrics

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When I was young in my prime
I left my home in Caroline
Now all I do is sit and pine
For all the folks I left behind
I've got those blue ridge mountain blues
And I stand right there to say
My grip is packed to travel
And I'm scratching gravel

For that blue ridge far away

I'm gonna stay right by my Ma
I'm gonna do right by my Pa
Lay around the cabin door
No work on worry anymore
I've got those blue ridge mountain blues
What to see my old day tray
What to hunt the possum
Where the corn top blossom
On that blue ridge far away

I see a window with the light
I see two heads of snowy white
It seems I can hear them both recite
Where is my wondering boy tonight
I'm got those blue ridge mountain blues
And I stand right here to say
Every day I'm counting

Still I climb that mountain
Oh, that blue ridge far away

Overall Meaning

Bill Monroe's Blue Ridge Mountain Blues is a song that expresses the longing and nostalgia felt by the singer who left his home in Caroline when he was young. The lyrics of the song convey his regret of leaving behind the folks he knew so well and the mountains he grew up in. The singer sings about his inclination towards returning to Caroline as he misses the comfort and company of his loved ones. The line "I've got those blue ridge mountain blues" is repeated throughout the song, acting as a reminder of his homesick feeling.

The song's casting is very unique, as it is a blend of Monroe's signature bluegrass style with some elements of the blues. The bluegrass style is evident in the song's instrumental arrangement, with Monroe playing the mandolin and the accompaniment comprising the fiddle, banjo, and guitar. At the same time, the blues influence is seen in the song's melancholy lyrics, which express the sense of longing that characterizes the blues. Through the song "Blue Ridge Mountain Blues," Bill Monroe combines the two genres, creating a beautiful composition of his own.

Overall, "Blue Ridge Mountain Blues" is a song that paints a vivid portrait of the yearning and aching heart of someone who left home and longs for his return. The song's haunting melody, along with its poignant lyrics, showcases Bill Monroe's musical prowess and ability to create beautiful compositions.

Line by Line Meaning

When I was young in my prime
In my youth, when I was at my best

I left my home in Caroline
Caroline is where I grew up, I left that place

Now all I do is sit and pine
I am left with nothing but sadness

For all the folks I left behind
I miss the people who were once part of my life

I've got those blue ridge mountain blues
I am feeling the weight of regret

And I stand right there to say
I am not afraid to express my feelings

My grip is packed to travel
I am preparing to leave for a new place

And I'm scratching gravel
I am eager to leave right away

For that blue ridge far away
I dream of a place called Blue Ridge

I'm gonna stay right by my Ma
I will be there for my mother

I'm gonna do right by my Pa
I will make my father proud