Wallace was born in Guilford, Missouri. His better-known songs include "How the Time Flies" (1958), "Primrose Lane" (1959, written by Wayne Shanklin), "Shutters And Boards" (1963, written by Audie Murphy), "In The Misty Moonlight" (1964) and "Otoko no Sekai" ( "The World of the Man", English title: "The Lovers of the World" ?) (1970, his biggest selling single that was released in Japan only). His song "If You Leave Me Tonight I'll Cry" was featured in the 1972 Night Gallery episode "The Tune in Dan's Cafe," and the song subsequently became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart that August, spending two weeks at the top of the chart, crossing to #39 pop and #9 easy listening.
In 1972, he gained nomination for the Country Music Association Award as Male Vocalist of the Year, and his song "To Get To You" gained nomination for Single of the Year.
Wallace died on May 5, 2008 in Corona, California, after suffering congestive heart failure
Shutters and Boards
Jerry Wallace Lyrics
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(Of the house where we used to live)
[Chorus]
Shutters and boards cover the windows
Of the house where we used to live
All I have left is a heart full of sorrow
Since she said she'd never forgive
The house that we built was once filled with laughter
But I changed that laughter to tears
And now I live in a world without sunshine
Oh, how I wish you were here
[Chorus]
Last night I dreamed that you came to our house
To take an old book from the shelf
If you'll open the shutters, I'll tear down the boards
'Cause I drove every nail by myself
[Chorus]
One more time!
[Chorus]
Shutters and boards
is a song about regret and longing for a past love. The first two lines describe the present state of a house where the couple who once lived there and laughed together had now split up. The shutters and boards covering the windows represent the closure of this chapter in the singer's life, symbolizing the ending of a love story, and the fact that the windows are covered represents that the possibility of opening them and letting in the light has now gone. The chorus suggests that the singer is left with nothing but a broken heart and sadness since the love of his life left him and said that she would never forgive him.
The second verse describes how the singer changed the happy laughter that once filled the house to tears. He regrets this and wishes that he could turn back time or bring his lover back to make things right again. He admits that since he lost her, his world has become dark, lonely, and empty. The bridge of the song offers a ray of hope: the singer dreams that his lover visits the old house, asking for a book from the shelf. He pleads with her, asking her to remove the shutters and boards so that they can have a fresh start. However, the song ends with the same chorus, reminding listeners that this is just a dream, and the reality is still painful.
Line by Line Meaning
Shutters and boards cover the windows
The windows of the house we used to live in are covered with shutters and boards
Of the house where we used to live
This is the house where we used to reside
Shutters and boards cover the windows
The shutters and boards remain on the windows
Of the house where we used to live
In the house where we once lived together
All I have left is a heart full of sorrow
The devastation of what I have left is not nearly as troubling as the sorrow I feel from the loss
Since she said she'd never forgive
The pain falls from the realization that she will never forgive me
The house that we built was once filled with laughter
The house we constructed brought about happy memories
But I changed that laughter to tears
Unfortunately, there are no longer any happy memories in the house because I changed it all to tears
And now I live in a world without sunshine
My world is full of darkness
Oh, how I wish you were here
My greatest wish is to have you back by my side
Last night I dreamed that you came to our house
In my dream last night I saw you come to our old house
To take an old book from the shelf
You came to our previous home to retrieve an old book
If you'll open the shutters, I'll tear down the boards
If you open the shutters, I'll remove the boards
'Cause I drove every nail by myself
I was the one who placed every single nail into the boards
Shutters and boards cover the windows
The windows in the house we once lived in are covered with shutters and boards
Of the house where we used to live
of the house where we once were happy
All I have left is a heart full of sorrow
All that remains is an unrepairable sense of sadness
Since she said she'd never forgive
Since she made it clear that forgiveness is off the table
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: AUDIE MURPHY, SCOTT TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Smith
Audie was not just the most decorated soldier in American history, he was a HERO his whole life.
His father ran off when Audie was just in 5th grade and Audie quit school to work to help support his 11 brothers and sisters. A short time later his mother died and Audie took a second job as he had to support the family.
He had to falsify his birth certificate to enter the army at 16 after Pearl Harbor. He was first turned down by the marines and navy because of his size (5' 5"" and 110 pounds). The Army accepted him but wanted to make him a cook because of his size but he insisted upon being on the front lines.
Read his exploits for the Congressional Metal of Honor as they are too numerous and unbelievable to list here. PS He also won Frances highest metal as well as other nations highest metal (remember, just a boy).
After the war Hollywood called on him after seeing his military records. Even after making his first 5 movies he was sleeping on a gym floor because he was sending all the money home to his brothers and sisters and had nowhere to sleep.
Hollywood approached him to star in the highly popular story of his own courageous military career. He turned them down saying he wouldn't use his inspirational military career for personal gain. The repeatedly approached him and he finally said he would if they'd make the brave men who died there as the focal point (Audie was the only survivor or his original men). He insisted that at the end of the movie they honor each and every one and he held the studio to it as the last 15 minutes was dedicated to his fallen men.
When Korean war broke out he reenlisted but the military, realizing how demoralizing for the troops it be if this wondrous hero got injured or killed, didn't send his unit over there.
And when his movie career ended he wrote country songs filled with emotion, as you see above, and was elected to the country music hall of fame.
StratsRgreat
Co-written by Audie Murphy...not just an actor but the most decorated US soldier in WWII. Pretty amazing.
EDITH SYMMANS
Audie Murphy a great talent in all that he did, a brilliant man who was tormented from the horrors of WWll for the rest of his life.... Sadly he passed far to soon...
REST IN ETERNAL PEACE AUDIE LEON MURPHY YOU ARE A GIANT OF A MAN.
George Phinn
Such a great song and yet a little sadness - sounding a little like “Hello Walls” by Faron Young. So thanks Jerry Wallace - Thanks Audie Murphy - Audie Murphy is a. “legend” in his own rights - World War Hero and and a Legend In America In time forever
Rach
Yes he went way too soon! But he will never be forgotten
Chuck Wright
One of the best songs ever.
Rach
So beautiful and gentle! Sung beautifully by Jerry and amazingly written by Audie. Miss them both so very much. Love you fellas
Virginia Caudill
Love this song brings back great memories
Joan Morris
Audie Murphy was a hero in the war and a great actor and I didn't know he wrote songs, but not surprising he was a great person in every way.📱📱📱📱📱📱📱📱📱📨
Richard Rodgers
"Shutters and Boards" written by Audie Murphy ... most decorated Combat Soldier in American history. Famous film star. Famous book author. Famous song writer. Amazing. They don't make them like Audie any more.
Freddie Ray
Beautiful voice...how come so few song selections from this wonderful artist?