Flatt and Scruggs met as members of Bill Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys in 1946. They both left that band early in 1948, and within a few months had formed their own group, the Foggy Mountain Boys. Scruggs' banjo style and Flatt's vocals gave them a distinctive sound that won them many fans. In 1955 they became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Many of the songs on their albums are credited to "Certain and Stacey". These were in fact written by Flatt and Scruggs and various other members of the Foggy Mountain Boys. Certain and Stacey are the maiden names of the wives of Flatt and Scruggs. Louise Certain, wife of Earl Scruggs and Gladys Stacey, wife of Lester Flatt.
Scruggs, who had always shown progressive tendencies, experimented on duets with saxophonist King Curtis and added songs by the likes of Bob Dylan to the group's repertoire. Flatt, a traditionalist, did not like these changes, and the group broke up in 1969. Following the breakup, Lester Flatt founded the Nashville Grass and Scruggs lead the Earl Scruggs Revue. Flatt died in 1979, while Scruggs continued to perform until his death in March 2012. Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985
Flatt & Scruggs may be best known however as the performers of "The Ballad of Jed Clampit" the theme song from the sixties television show "The Beverly Hillbillies". Flatt & Scruggs made cameo appearances on the "The Beverly Hillbillies" as well.
Catch the Wind
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the warm hold of your lovin' mind
To feel you all around me and to take your hand along the sand
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
When sundown pales the sky I want to hide a while behind your smile
And everywhere I'd look your eyes I'd find
For me to love you now would be the sweetest thing would make me sing
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
When rain has hung the leaves with tears I want you near to kill my fears
To help me to leave all my blues behind
For standing in your heart is where I want to be and long to be
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
The song "Catch the Wind" by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs is a ballad about a person who wants to find comfort and security in the arms of their loved one. The singer longs to be held in the warm embrace of their partner's mind and to feel their presence around them. The first stanza sets the tone for the song, with the singer acknowledging their uncertainty and seeking solace in their lover's company.
The second stanza describes the singer's desire to spend time with their partner during sunset, hiding behind their smile and looking into their eyes. The singer muses that loving their partner would be the sweetest thing and would make them sing, but doubts that they could ever catch the wind - a metaphor for the fleeting nature of happiness and love.
In the final stanza, the singer wishes for their partner's company during times of sadness and fear. They want to be in their lover's heart and find refuge from the world's troubles. While they may never be able to catch the wind, the singer suggests that their yearnings for their partner's love are worth the effort.
Overall, the song expresses the desire for connection and intimacy with a loved one, even in the face of life's uncertainties.
Line by Line Meaning
In the chilly hours and minutes of uncertainity I want to be
During times of doubt and confusion, I wish to be with you
In the warm hold of your lovin' mind
In the safe embrace of your affection and care
To feel you all around me and to take your hand along the sand
To experience your presence and walk with you along the beach
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
Despite the impossibility, I still long to be with you
When sundown pales the sky I want to hide a while behind your smile
When the day comes to an end, I seek comfort in your smile
And everywhere I'd look your eyes I'd find
I see your love reflected in your eyes, no matter where I look
For me to love you now would be the sweetest thing would make me sing
Loving you would bring me great joy and happiness
When rain has hung the leaves with tears I want you near to kill my fears
During times of sadness and anxiety, I desire your comfort and support
To help me to leave all my blues behind
To aid me in moving past my struggles and finding happiness
For standing in your heart is where I want to be and long to be
Being in your heart is my greatest desire
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
Despite the impossibility, I still long to be with you
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
Despite the impossibility, I still long to be with you
Ah but I may as well try and catch the wind
Despite the impossibility, I still long to be with you
Contributed by Gabriella S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.