In April 1958 Darling replaced Pete Seeger in The Weavers, although he continued working club dates with The Tarriers until November 1959. Darling also recorded three solo albums. His second solo effort, True Religion for Vanguard in 1961 was influential on younger folkies of the day. Darling left the Weavers in June 1962 to work as a soloist on the emerging coffeehouse circuit. That summer he formed a jazz-folk trio, The Rooftop Singers, with longtime friend Bill Svanoe and jazz singer Lynn Taylor. Intended as a studio-only project for Vanguard, the group landed an unexpected number one pop hit with the song "Walk Right In." Don McLean who became friends with Darling in 1961, looked back on Darling as “a genuine philosopher and perfectionist.” He said, “I appreciated the time he spent with me so long ago. Undivided mental attention to every aspect of music making and performing is a hallmark of Erik’s work, and I believe some of that rubbed off on me.”.
In 1967, Darling and Paul Bennett were co-credited for writing the song "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," by Quicksilver Messenger Service, which appears to be a medley of Darling's 1958 song "St. John's River" and Joan Baez's "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You".
He died in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from lymphoma at the age of 74.
Woody Knows Nothing
Erik Darling Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But peckin' on the bough.
Ah, but the sky's of blue!
Never knew till I met you
What love, O love could do, do,
Love, O love could do.
Can't you see yon turtle dove
Mournin' for his own true love
As I, my dear, for mine, O mine,
As I, my dear, for mine.
Bluejay pulled a four-horse plow,
"Sparrow, why can't you?"
" 'Cause my legs is little and long,
They might get broke in two,
They might get broke in two."
Redbird sittin' on sycamore limb,
Singin' out his soul.
Big black snake crawled up that tree,
Swallowed that poor boy whole,
Swallowed that poor boy whole.
I'm but a poor little country boy,
Money have I none,
But there is silver in the moon,
Gold in the morning sun, O sun,
Gold in the morning sun.
(Repeat first verse)
The song "Woody Knows Nothing" by Erik Darling tells the story of a man who finds love and discovers its true meaning. The first verse describes Woody, a bird who knows nothing but pecking on the bough, and contrasts his simple existence with the beauty of the blue sky. However, the singer admits that he never realized the power of love until he met his significant other.
The second verse compares the singer's mourning for his lost love to a turtle dove mourning for its own mate. This highlights the universal nature of love and loss, as well as the profound emotional impact it can have on individuals.
The third verse features a conversation between a Bluejay and a Sparrow, with the Bluejay asking why the Sparrow can't pull a plow like him. The Sparrow replies that his legs are too fragile and could easily break. This exchange serves as a metaphor for the limitations and strengths that individuals possess.
The final verse reflects on the singer's own humble origins as a poor country boy, but emphasizes that wealth can be found in the beauty of nature. The repetition of the first verse further underscores the power of love as a transformative force that can enrich one's life.
Overall, the song reveals a deep appreciation for the natural world and the universal experience of love and loss.
Line by Line Meaning
Woody knows nothing
Woody is ignorant about everything
But peckin' on the bough.
But Woody is comfortable with what he knows
Ah, but the sky's of blue!
Despite Woody's ignorance, there are still beautiful things in the world
Never knew till I met you
I never truly understood the power of love until I met you
What love, O love could do, do,
The amazing things love is capable of doing
Can't you see yon turtle dove
Do you not see that mourning turtle dove?
Flies from pine to pine,
Going from place to place searching for its one true love
Mournin' for his own true love
In a state of grief and sadness for his lost love
As I, my dear, for mine, O mine,
Just like me, my love, who mourns for you
Bluejay pulled a four-horse plow,
Even a small bird like a Bluejay is capable of great feats
"Sparrow, why can't you?"
Why can't you do the same, Sparrow?
" 'Cause my legs is little and long,
"Because my legs are too fragile and weak,
They might get broke in two,
They could easily snap in half
"They might get broke in two."
"And that is why I cannot do it."
Redbird sittin' on sycamore limb,
A Redbird perched on a Sycamore tree branch
Singin' out his soul.
Singing with all his heart and soul
Big black snake crawled up that tree,
A big black snake slithered up the tree
Swallowed that poor boy whole,
And devoured the poor Redbird whole
Swallowed that poor boy whole.
The snake completely consumed the bird
I'm but a poor little country boy,
I am just a humble, poor country boy
Money have I none,
I have no money
But there is silver in the moon,
But even without money, there is still beauty in the world
Gold in the morning sun, O sun,
The sun brings light and warmth, which is just as valuable as gold
Gold in the morning sun.
There is still wonder and joy in the world
(Repeat first verse)
(Reiteration of Woody's ignorance and contentment)
Contributed by Charlie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dyddgu23
I've always loved this song. Thanks for posting it.
@TiticatFollies
He was brilliant, and an original. This is my favorite of his songs.
@Jarrahnut
Beautiful. Best wishes, and a big Thank You to Brian, and all the wonderful people associated with BelfastFolk.
@DonnaRaeHirt
THANK YOU!
@yukonnoka
great
@Jarrahnut
I first heard this at a folk club in the Cliftonville area of Belfast in about 1967 (The Imperial Hotel?).