As a member of the United States Merchant Marine, Husky entertained the troops on his ship in World War 2. After the war, Husky became a DJ in Missouri and Bakersfield, California, where he began using the moniker Terry Preston in order to hide his rural roots. He also recorded " Gone " under the name of Terry Preston and was a semi-hit.. He re-recorded it in later 50's and was a hit.. As a honky tonk singer, Husky signed with Capitol Records in 1953 under the guidance of Cliffie Stone, also the manager for Tennessee Ernie Ford. With Capitol Records, he reverted to his given name. A few singles failed before "A Dear John Letter" with Jean Shepard became a #1 hit. The followup was called "Forgive Me John".
In 1955, Husky had a solo hit with "I Feel Better All Over (More Than Anywhere's Else)"/"Little Tom", and developed Simon Crum as a comic alter ego. As Crum, Husky signed a separate contract with Capitol Records and began releasing records, the biggest of which was 1959's "Country Music is Here to Stay" (No. 2 for three weeks).
In the late 1950s, Husky had a long string of hits, including the #1 "Gone", (he first recorded Gone as Terry Preston in 1952) and he began an acting career on the Kraft TV Theatre program and the film Mr. Rock & Roll. Bob Ferguson's "Wings of a Dove" became his biggest hits, topping the country charts for ten weeks and attaining #12 on the pop charts. Although he didn't have any more number 1's, between 1961 and 1972 he had over two dozen hits with the biggest of which being the Top 5's, "Once" (1967) and "Just For You" (1968). In late 1972, after over 20 years with Capitol Records, Ferlin signed with ABC Records, where he scored several Top 40 hits into 1975 with the biggest of his hits there being the Top 20 "Rosie Cries A Lot" (1973). Ferlin briefly retired in 1977 following heart surgery but resumed touring after that. He remains a popular concert draw, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and elsewhere.
That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Ferlin Husky Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a dear one who's weathered life's sorrow it's that silver haired daddy of mine
If I could recall all the heartaches dear old daddy I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face and bring back the gold to your hair
If God would but grant me the power just to turn back the pages of time
I'd give all I own if I could but atone to that silver haired daddy of mine
I know it's too late dear old daddy to repay for the heartaches and cares
If I could recall all the heartaches
The lyrics of Ferlin Husky's song "That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine" depict a son's remorse for the pain he has caused his father. The opening line sets the scene in a vine covered shack in the mountains, where the singer's father resides. The second line describes the father as weathered from life's sorrows, contrasting with the idyllic mountain setting. The singer expresses regret, wishing he could undo the heartaches he has caused his father and restore his youth. The third verse acknowledges the impossibility of reversing time but declares a willingness to give up everything to make amends.
The song resonated with audiences upon its release in 1949, perhaps because of its universal themes of love, regret, and the passage of time. Its nostalgic tone and plaintive melody evoke a bygone era and reflect a deep reverence for family and tradition. Moreover, its themes were particularly resonant during the wartime era, as many young men were being sent off to fight in World War II, potentially leaving behind aging fathers and other loved ones.
Line by Line Meaning
In a vine covered shack in the mountains bravely fighting the battle of time
A brave old man lives in a humble abode in the mountains, struggling with the challenges of old age.
There's a dear one who's weathered life's sorrow it's that silver haired daddy of mine
The old man, my father, has faced and overcome many hardships in life.
If I could recall all the heartaches dear old daddy I've caused you to bear
I regret the pain and suffering I caused my father and wish I could undo it.
If I could erase those lines from your face and bring back the gold to your hair
I wish I could undo the effects of old age on my father's appearance and health.
If God would but grant me the power just to turn back the pages of time
I wish I had the power to go back in time and make things right with my father.
I'd give all I own if I could but atone to that silver haired daddy of mine
I would do anything to make amends with my father and make up for my past mistakes.
I know it's too late dear old daddy to repay for the heartaches and cares
I realize that it's too late to make up for all the pain and suffering I caused my father.
My dear mother is waiting in heaven just to comfort and solace you there
My mother has passed away and awaits my father in heaven to provide him comfort and solace.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Gene Autry, Jimmy Long
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnnyelectron
No fancy computer programs, no electronics, just a guitar and singing from the heart. Wish there were some true "Classic Country" radio stations that played fine music like this. Thanks for sharing!
@pintsizedgonzo
It used to drive me nuts when my father would watch Gene Autry reruns. After a while, I started watching them with him. As his health deteriorated, it became our daily routine. My father passed away the day before Memorial Day. Although it'll never be the same watching Gene without the old man, it will always remind me of my father and the good times we were able to share - this song especially. R.I.P. Pop. R.I.P. Gene.
@pomeroy40144
Gene Autry never sang a bad note. And "Sillver Haired Daddy of Mine" is one of the bittersweetest songs ever written. No one does it like Gene. I sure miss him. Thanks.
@nessia18
I remember my grandfather singing these to me and we'd watch him on the Western movie channel. For Christmas one year I got him a replica of Autry's horse that came with a movie of his. Any of Gene Autry's songs will bring tears to my eyes thinking about my grandfather.
@OakesProject
This is the best tribute that has been made to a father. It shows love, respect and admiration , the way men and boys thought in the early 50's!
@Charon13x
Very good, my boys and I do this song. It always brings a tear to my eye. We do the song for my Dad and I guess they will do it for me one day. We sure are losing a lot of good people. Gene was an era I wish we still had.
@theresachiorazzi4571
When I was a little girl my daddy played this song by gene. And it always made me cry because I loved my dad so much I wouldn’t know what I would do if I lost him. Even today at the age of 84 yrs I fill up.
@BOBFORDD
So do I
@elmerlarimer9026
@@BOBFORDD I love my dad but he with god and my mom too
@trainsntile
My dad passed away 22 years ago today-it's songs like this that make me remember just what I've lost !! Thanks to Gene, I'll never forget!!!