Doc played guitar in both flatpicking and fingerpicking style, but was best known for his flatpick work. His virtuosity combined with his authenticity as a mountain musician made him a highly influential figure during the folk music revival. He pioneered the fast and flashy bluegrass lead guitar style which has been adopted and extended by others such as Clarence White and Tony Rice. He was also an accomplished banjo player and in the past had accompanied himself on harmonica as well.
In 1986 he received the North Carolina Award and in 2000 he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. In 1997, Doc received the National Medal of the Arts from President Clinton.
He was generally joined on stage by his grandson and Merle's son Richard as well as his musical partner of twenty years, Jack Lawrence.
He was host to the annual MerleFest music festival held every April at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. The festival features a vast array of acoustic style music focusing on the folk, bluegrass, blues and old time music genres. It's named in honor of Merle Watson and is one of the most popular acoustic music festivals in the world, drawing over 85,000 music fans each year.
In late May 2012, Watson was listed in critical condition but was responsive at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, after undergoing colon surgery. Watson had fallen early in the week. Watson did not break any bones, but an underlying condition prompted the surgery. Watson died on May 29, 2012 at the medical center at the age of 89.
Along The Road
Doc Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road
Along the roadYour path may wander
A pilgrim's faith may fail
Absence makes the heart grow stronger
Darkness obscures the trail
Cursing the quest
Courting disaster
Measureless nights forebode
Moments of rest
Glimpses of laughter
Are treasured along the road
Along the road
Your steps may tumble
Your thoughts may start to stray
But through it all a heart held humble
Levels and lights your way
Joy at the start
Fear in the journey
Joy in the coming home
A part of the heart
Gets lost in the learning
Somewhere along the road
Somewhere along the road
Somewhere along the road
The song "Along the Road" by Doc Watson/Merle Watson presents a thoughtful reflection on the journey of life that can be full of different emotions and experiences. The opening lines of the song talk about the joy felt at the beginning of a journey, which is soon followed by fear and uncertainty as we move forward. However, the song emphasizes the idea that the fear is a natural part of the journey and that it ultimately leads to being able to experience joy once again when we reach our destination.
The lyrics of the song also make mention of the fact that learning can come at a cost, with the heart losing a part of itself in the process. However, as we travel along the road, there are moments of rest, glimpses of laughter, and other meaningful experiences that we keep as memories along the way. The song encourages us to appreciate these moments as they help to guide us along the road of life and to keep a humble heart that will ultimately help us reach our destination.
Overall, the song speaks of the journey of life as being full of ups and downs, but that through it all we can find strength and guidance to keep moving forward. It encourages us to have faith, appreciate the moments, and keep our hearts focused on the journey towards our goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Joy at the start
At the beginning of the journey, there is happiness and excitement.
Fear in the journey
During the journey, there can be moments of fear and uncertainty.
Joy in the coming home
The happiness of returning home after a long journey.
A part of the heart
Emotional investment is made while traveling.
Gets lost in the learning
Learning, growing and adapting to new environments leads to the loss of a part of their former self.
Somewhere along the road
At some point during their journey.
Along the road
During the journey itself.
Your path may wander
A journey isn't always linear and can take unexpected turns.
A pilgrim's faith may fail
Faith can waver during difficult times on the journey.
Absence makes the heart grow stronger
Being away from loved ones can increase appreciation for them.
Darkness obscures the trail
Obstacles and challenges can cloud the way forward.
Cursing the quest
There are moments of frustration and disappointment on the journey.
Courting disaster
Taking risks can lead to disaster but also growth.
Measureless nights forebode
Nighttime can signify uncertainty and a lack of direction.
Moments of rest
Taking time to rest is necessary for rejuvenation during the journey.
Glimpses of laughter
Finding moments of happiness and joy throughout the journey.
Are treasured along the road
These happy moments are cherished because of the difficulties of the journey.
Your steps may tumble
A journey isn't always smooth and can be affected by stumbles and falls.
Your thoughts may start to stray
As the journey progresses, it's easy to get distracted and lose focus.
But through it all a heart held humble
Staying true to oneself and being humble is key to staying on course.
Levels and lights your way
By being grounded and humble, the journey is made that much clearer.
Somewhere along the road
At some point during the journey, emotional investment is lost.
Somewhere along the road
At some point during the journey, emotional investment is lost.
Somewhere along the road
At some point during the journey, emotional investment is lost.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAN FOGELBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mtcummings21
There ain't a song that Doc couldn't turn to gold
@fanofbooks9
Perfection
@dhm2dhm
ALSO CHECK OUT:
Along The Road by Susan Ashton, Margaret Becker and Christine Dente. Another Beautiful Version!
@acitepertrand8918
It is so good.
@Emmetgriffin9
😮😮😮😮🎉🎉
@Jwiggles11
👍
@julianvickery8341
A good cover of "Along the Raod" by Dan Fogelberg (from the album "Phoenix", released in 1979). You can listen to his version of the song here: https://youtu.be/e3os1EUnC4I?si=uR1Up19uuC1DkXmd
@cahatlady
Dan Fogelberg wrote this & recorded it on his album Phoenix which was released in 1979. Please credit the actual songwriter.
@dabeatfreqs
Looks like you just did 👍
@FenceThis
steel pedal big mistake