Daddy Sang Bass
Johnny Cash Feat. June Carter Lyrics
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times were hard and things were bad
but there's a silver linin' behind ev'ry cloud
just four people that 's all we were
tryin' to make a livin' out of black-land dirt
but we'd get together in a family circle singin' loud
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
singin' seems to help a troubled soul
one of these days and it won't be long
i'll rejoin them in a song
i'm gonna join the family circle at the throne
though the circle won't be broken
by and by, lord, by and by
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
in the sky, lord, in the sky
now i remember after work mama would call in all of us
you could hear us singin' for a country mile
now little brother has done gone on
but i'll rejoin him in a song
we'll be together again up yonder in a little while
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
'cause singin' seems to help a troubled soul
one of these days and it won't be long
i'll rejoin them in a song
i'm gonna join the family circle at the throne
oh no the circle won't be broken
by and by, lord, by and by
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
in the sky, lord, in the sky
in the sky, lord, in the sky
The lyrics to "Daddy Sang Bass" by Johnny Cash with the Carter Family, Statler Brothers, and Carl Perkins paint a picture of a hardworking family who found comfort and solace in singing together. The song speaks of a time when times were tough and the family struggled to make a living out of the black-land dirt. But despite their hardships, the family would get together in a family circle and sing, with "daddy" taking the bass part and "mama" the tenor, while the children would join in.
The lyrics emphasize the power of singing to help soothe a troubled soul, and the hope of reuniting with loved ones who have passed away in a circle in heaven. The image of the family circle is evocative of togetherness and unity, and the song suggests that this bond will never be broken, even with the passing of loved ones. The chorus repeats the phrase "Daddy sang bass, mama sang tenor," driving home the idea of family harmony, both musically and metaphorically.
Overall, "Daddy Sang Bass" is a poignant ode to the power of music and the importance of family ties, even in the toughest of times. The song is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
i remember when i was a lad
I recall my childhood when I was just a boy
times were hard and things were bad
The times were tough and the situation was dire
but there's a silver linin' behind ev'ry cloud
However, there is always something good even in the worst situations
just four people that 's all we were
Our family consisted of only four individuals
tryin' to make a livin' out of black-land dirt
We struggled to make a living from the unfertile land
but we'd get together in a family circle singin' loud
Despite our difficulties, we found solace in singing together as a family
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
My father sang the low parts while my mother sang the high parts
me and little brother would join right in there
My younger brother and I would join in and sing alongside them
singin' seems to help a troubled soul
Singing has a calming effect on a troubled heart
one of these days and it won't be long
Someday soon, I will pass away too
i'll rejoin them in a song
I will meet them again and we will sing together once more
i'm gonna join the family circle at the throne
I shall be united with my family in heaven
though the circle won't be broken
Our family bond will remain unbroken
by and by, lord, by and by
When the time comes, I will reunite with my family in the presence of God
now i remember after work mama would call in all of us
I have fond memories of my mother gathering us to sing after a long day's work
you could hear us singin' for a country mile
Our singing could be heard from a long distance away
now little brother has done gone on
My younger brother has passed away
but i'll rejoin him in a song
I will meet him again and we will sing together once more
we'll be together again up yonder in a little while
We will be reunited in heaven soon
in the sky, lord, in the sky
We will be together again in heaven
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CARL PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind