He is likely best known for the song "Man of Constant Sorrow," which was featured in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? and won the 2001 CMA award for best single as well as a Grammy Award for best Country Collaboration with Vocals (along with Harley Allen and Pat Enright, filling out the vocals for the movie's Soggy Bottom Boys). In total, he has won 10 Grammy awards for solo and collaborative projects.
Tyminski was born June 20, 1967 in Rutland, Vermont and plays a bluegrass style that blends traditional and pop traditions. Before becoming a member of Union Station in 1994, Tyminski played mandolin and sang in the Lonesome River Band. Though Tyminski's love and feel for traditional bluegrass didn't come from growing up in the southern Appalachians, he absorbed and learned the music just the same. He credits his brother Stan with getting him hooked on the guitar and mandolin at the age of 6. While Stan was in the Navy and home on leave, he left his mandolin with his younger brother.
While in high school Dan and his brother formed a band called Green Mountain Bluegrass. Dan played the banjo with that band for nearly five years. In fact, Dan says that he was primarily a banjo player from the time he was twelve until he was in his early twenties. When he was twenty-one, Dan was hired to play mandolin in the Lonesome River Band. When asked how he landed that job, Dan said, "It was a word-of-mouth thing. We ended up playing some shows at the same venue and when the position came up for a musician, one of the guys in the band recommended to Tim (Austin) that they give me a call." Dan played the mandolin with the Lonesome River Band for about five years.
While he was still with the Lonesome River Band, Dan got a call from Alison Krauss.
Tyminski attributes his love for traditional bluegrass to such musicians and singers as Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Tony Rice, Larry Sparks and Jimmy Martin.
Dan Tyminski plays Martin and Bourgeois guitars and Sim Daley mandolins. Dan also has three kids, Kathryn, Chris, and John. His wife is named Elise. (pronounced E-lees-a)
Dan Tyminski and Ron Block played together at the 2004 Crossroads Guitar Festival. They performed "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" and "Road to Nash Vegas".
Dan is also known for the vocals on the song Hey Brother by Avicii
Down In The Willow
Dan Tyminski Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There we sat a-courting my love fell off to sleep
I had a bottle of burgundy wine which my true love did not know
And there I poisoned that dear little girl down by the banks below
I drew my saber through her which was a bloody knife
I threw her in the river which was an awful sight
My father often told me that money would set me free
Now he sits by his old cabin door a wiping his tear-brimmed eyes
Mourning for his only son out on the scaffold high
My race is run beneath the sun the devil is waiting for me
For I did murder that dear little girl whose name was Rose Connelly
The song 'Down in the Willow Garden' is a traditional American murder ballad that tells the story of a man who poisons his lover with a bottle of burgundy wine and then kills her with a saber before disposing of her body in the river. The lyrics suggest that the murder was motivated by greed, as the singer's father had promised him that money would set him free if he murdered his lover, whose name was Rose Connelly. The song provides vivid descriptions of the murder and the aftermath, including the father's sorrow and the singer's impending execution.
The song's lyrics are strikingly dark and disturbing, particularly in their depiction of violence against women. However, they also highlight important themes in American folklore and culture, such as the idea of the devil as a figure of judgment and punishment, and the belief that money can buy freedom and power. The use of wine as a symbol of betrayal and violence adds further depth to the song's imagery, reflecting the way in which alcohol has often been associated with destructive behavior and addiction.
Overall, 'Down in the Willow Garden' is a haunting and powerful song that speaks to the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of greed and violence. Its echoes can be heard in countless other ballads and folk songs, demonstrating its enduring impact on American culture and storytelling.
Line by Line Meaning
Down in the willow garden where me and my love did meet
The singer and their lover met at a specific location by the willow garden.
There we sat a-courting my love fell off to sleep
The singer and their lover sat down to talk romantically until the lover fell asleep.
I had a bottle of burgundy wine which my true love did not know
The singer had hidden an alcoholic beverage from their lover.
And there I poisoned that dear little girl down by the banks below
The artist poisoned someone, referred to as 'that dear little girl,' near the banks.
I drew my saber through her which was a bloody knife
The artist used a saber to kill the person, which left them bloody.
I threw her in the river which was an awful sight
The singer disposed of the body in the river, which was a terrible thing to see.
My father often told me that money would set me free
The singer's father advised them that they could buy their way out of any trouble with money.
If I would murder that dear little miss whose name was Rose Connelly
The father's suggestion for freedom was to murder a person named Rose Connelly.
Now he sits by his old cabin door a wiping his tear-brimmed eyes
The artist's father is now mourning their son's situation.
Mourning for his only son out on the scaffold high
The father is grieving for their only son who is about to be executed.
My race is run beneath the sun the devil is waiting for me
The singer has finished their time on Earth and believes that the devil awaits them.
For I did murder that dear little girl whose name was Rose Connelly
The reason for the artist's apprehension is because they killed Rose Connelly.
Contributed by Bentley V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Justa Drumbum
Lyrics corrected for Dan's wording
Down in the willow garden where me and my love did meet
There we sat a-courting my love fell off to sleep
I had me a bottle of burgundy wine which my true love did not know
And there I poisoned that dear little girl down by the banks below
I drew my sabre through her which was a bloody knife
I threw her in the river which was an awful sight
My father often told me son that money would set me free
If I would murder that dear little miss whose name was Rose Connelly
And now he sits by his old cabin door a wiping his tear-brimmed eyes
Mourning for his only son out on the scaffold high
My race is run beneath the sun the devil is waiting for me
Cause I did murder that dear little girl whose name was Rose Connelly
Rusty Nail
The most beautiful version of this song I've heard. Everyone playing masterfully. Bravo!
Jach Machoc
that whistle though man it makes this song send chills
Justa Drumbum
Tin Whistle Irish flute .. Beautiful instrument .Hard to master
MrBadMonkey63
that song gives me chills, sometimes the most simple songs are the most powerful
Mary Cornett
Talking about giving you chills listen to Dave Evans sing it
Cecilia Jones
Blue grass, mountain music, etc was carried over here from Celtic music of Ireland and Scotland. This song is most likely from Irish song. It is fascinating to read about this music since many lost songs of Ireland and Scotland have been "found" in our American bluegrass.
everett wilson
so many irish and scottish settled in the hills of appalachia
carl
that's why they're doing this..
Jstoney127
Love the transition back and forth from american folk/country/bluegrass, to Irish and Scottish folk music sound. It all just goes so well together.
gwalton1
You can watch Dan. It's in G. He plays G C Em D That's it. It's simple. But these guys make it sound magical. Check out all the transatlantic sessions. Some you may not like, but I bet you like most of them.