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.
Your Lone Journey
Doc Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now we must part
And as the angels come and call for you
The pangs of grief tug at my heart
Oh my darling my darling
My heart breaks as you take
Your lone journey
Oh the days will be empty the nights so long
Without you my love
And as God calls for you I'm left alone
But we will meet in heaven above
Fond memories I'll keep of the happy days
That on earth we trod
And when I come we will walk hand in hand
As one in heaven in the family of God
The song “Your Lone Journey” is a poignant and emotional ballad that deals with loss, grief, and hope. It speaks about the departure of a loved one on a final journey, with the singer left to cope with the emptiness they leave behind. The lyrics convey a sense of deep loss and heartbreak, as the singer struggles to come to terms with the inevitability of death and separation.
The first stanza starts by acknowledging the happiness and joy shared with the loved one during their time together. But as the time comes for them to leave, the singer experiences the pain of separation instigated by the “angels.” As the chorus begins, it's evident that the singer is feeling intense sadness and heartbreak, as their beloved goes on a “lone journey” – one they must undertake alone. The second stanza highlights the loneliness that now exists in the singer's life, with days and nights feeling empty without their partner. But, with hope, the singer is said to meet their beloved again in heaven, where they'll both be reunited, and they will remain together forevermore.
“Your Lone Journey” is a woeful and lonesome tune that conveys the profound sense of loss that death can bring. It also carries a sense of comfort and hope, as it touches on the idea of a possible afterlife where the loved ones are reunited in the family of God. The song's delicate and expressive melody is complemented perfectly by Watson's poignant lyrics, leaving a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.
Line by Line Meaning
God's given us years of happiness here
The singer acknowledges the time they have spent together with their loved one as happy and peaceful.
Now we must part
The singer has come to terms with the fact that their loved one's time on earth has come to an end and they must say goodbye.
And as the angels come and call for you
The singer refers to their loved one's passing as an angelic calling from above.
The pangs of grief tug at my heart
The artist expresses the pain and sorrow caused by the loss of their loved one.
Oh my darling my darling
The artist addresses their loved one with affection and endearment.
My heart breaks as you take
The singer's heart is filled with sorrow as their loved one departs.
Your lone journey
The singer acknowledges that their loved one's journey from this world to the next is one they must travel alone.
Oh the days will be empty the nights so long
The artist reflects on the grief and pain that they will experience without their loved one beside them.
Without you my love
The artist addresses their loved one and acknowledges that their absence will bring pain and emptiness.
And as God calls for you I'm left alone
The artist states that their loved one has been called upon by God, and as a result, they are left alone.
But we will meet in heaven above
The singer expresses hope and faith that they will be reunited with their loved one in heaven.
Fond memories I'll keep of the happy days
The artist reflects on the happy memories they shared with their loved one and vows to cherish them always.
That on earth we trod
The singer acknowledges the earthly journey they shared with their loved one.
And when I come we will walk hand in hand
The singer expresses hope to be reunited with their loved one in heaven, where they can walk hand in hand as they once did on earth.
As one in heaven in the family of God
The singer believes that they will be reunited with their loved one and together they will be part of the family of God in heaven.
Writer(s): Arthel Lane Watson
Contributed by Camden J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Granny Sue
I sang some of this at my mother's graveside service. Heartbreaking and yet just the right words. I have only sung it once since, when one of my son's requested it. It's difficult to sing without crying, but so beautiful.
marc rudick
YES YOU CAN--HAVE STRENGTH AND SET YOUR HEART AND SPIRIT FREE
Melinda Lemmon
I can never get through this one. Ever. It's no use trying.
Rachel WidenerBentley
This is my late Uncle Arthel "Doc" and Aunt RosaLee. Thank you for sharing. Not long until we will see them again in Heaven
Yay Paul! Thanks for the update!
<3 <3
KolbyD
You will for sure Doc Watson & RosaLee were saved. Doc and wife are resting till Jesus returns and calls his children home.
Ihuicatl
Rachel Bentley You'll see them all again, Rachel. I hope you and your family is ok. Richard was one amazing musician.
ginnie porter
One of the most beautiful and amazing songs every written and this version is the very best. I rarely hear it without crying.
Trip Henderson
I'm crying right now Ginnie, I have always loved Doc and his family members. I've been asked to play a song at a friend's memorial and this is the first song that came to mind.
Derek Elshaw
one of the most touching and beautiful love songs of all time