Dorsey Burnette (December 28, 1932 - August 19, 1979) was an early Rockabil… Read Full Bio ↴Dorsey Burnette (December 28, 1932 - August 19, 1979) was an early Rockabilly singer from Memphis, Tennessee and with his younger brother Johnny Burnette and a friend named Paul Burlison was one of the founder members of The Rock and Roll Trio.

The ‘e’ at the end of the name was added later. His younger brother John Joseph (Johnny) was born nearly fifteen months later on March 25, 1934. The Burnette Brothers grew up in a public housing project in the Lauderdale Courts area of Memphis, which from 1948 until 1954, was also the home of Gladys and Vernon Presley and their son, Elvis.

In November 1957, the brothers were approached by songwriter John Marascalco, who had written Ready Teddy and Rip It Up for Little Richard, as well as Good Night My Love and other hits. He was looking for a singer to help him with a new song called Bertha Lou. Dorsey and Johnny went into the Master Recorders Studio in Hollywood and backed by Odell Hull (lead guitar), Danny Flores (piano) and H B Barnum (drums) cut two tracks, Bertha Lou and ‘Till The Law Says Stop. It was originally planned that Johnny should sing the lead vocals, but when he recalled that he was still under contract to Coral Records, Dorsey suggested that nobody would care if he sang the song. The vocal duties were switched, with Johnny singing some of the backing vocals. The two sides were released as a single (Surf SR5019-45) under Dorsey’s name. Contrary to expectations, however, Coral threatened to sue and so label owner, Kenny Babcock withdrew the record. Not wishing for the session to be completely wasted, however, Babcock had Dorsey’s voice overdubbed with that of one of his own singers, Johnny Faire (also known as John Faircloth). Surf SR5019-45 was subsequently re-released as by Johnny Faire. Johnny Faire was later to change his name and find fame as Donnie Brooks.

Suddenly There's A Valley
Dorsey Burnette Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you've climbed the highest mountain
When a cloud holds the sunshine in
Suddenly there's a valley
Where the earth knows peace with man
When a storm hides the distant rainbow
And you think you can't find a friend
Suddenly there's a valley
Where friendships never end

Touched only by the seasons
Swept clean by the waving grain
Surveyed by a happy bluebird
And kissed by the falling rain
When you think there's no bright tomorrow
And you feel you can't try again
Suddenly there's a valley
Where hope and love begin

Suddenly there's a valley
Where hope and love begin

Overall Meaning

The song "Suddenly There's a Valley" by Dorsey Burnette is a hopeful and uplifting song that reflects on the ups and downs of life. It describes how life can be full of challenges and difficulties, but there are also moments of peace, love, and hope that make it worth living. The lyrics suggest that even when we face the darkest of times, we will eventually find a valley where we can start anew and find happiness once again.

The metaphor of the valley is used as a symbol of hope and renewal throughout the song. The valley represents a place where earth knows peace with man, where friendships never end, and where hope and love begin again. The valley is a place untouched by the chaos of the world and is instead a place of serenity and renewal. The bluebird that is mentioned in the lyrics represents a sense of happiness and freedom that can be found in this valley.

The song's message is one of perseverance and the idea that there is always a way forward, even in the darkest of times. The song suggests that we should keep trying and never give up because suddenly there's a valley where we can find peace, love, and hope.

Line by Line Meaning

When you've climbed the highest mountain
After reaching the pinnacle of your goals and aspirations

When a cloud holds the sunshine in
During times of darkness and difficulty

Suddenly there's a valley
A moment of unexpected tranquility and calmness amidst chaos

Where the earth knows peace with man
A place where human conflict is pacified and nature flourishes

When a storm hides the distant rainbow
When you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel

And you think you can't find a friend
Feeling isolated and alone

Suddenly there's a valley
An unexpected source of comfort, companionship and solace

Where friendships never end
Where bonds between individuals are unbreakable

Touched only by the seasons
Effected by natural changes and growth

Swept clean by the waving grain
Cleansed by the natural world

Surveyed by a happy bluebird
Watched over and appreciated by a peaceful and joyful being