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.
Farewell Blues
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've come to say goodbye,
Altho' I go, I've got those farewell blues.
Those farewell blues make me yearn,
That parting kiss seems to burn.
Farewell, dearie, Someday I will return.
Dreaming of you is sweet,
Someday again we'll meet.
The lyrics to Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs's song Farewell Blues express the sadness and heartbreak of saying goodbye to a loved one. The singer is filled with sighs as they come to say farewell, but they cannot shake the deep sense of longing and yearning they feel. The parting kiss feels like it's burning into their memory, and they can't help but dream of a future reunion.
Despite the sadness of the moment, there is also a note of hope in the lyrics. The singer knows that someday they will return and be reunited with their beloved. The sweet memories of their time together sustain them through the pain of separation, and they hold tight to the promise of a brighter future.
Overall, the lyrics of Farewell Blues capture the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye, with a touch of optimism for what lies ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
Sadness just makes me sigh,
My emotions are overwhelming, causing me to audibly exhale in sorrow.
I've come to say goodbye,
I have come here to bid farewell to you.
Altho' I go, I've got those farewell blues.
Despite leaving, I am still feeling the sadness and melancholy associated with saying goodbye.
Those farewell blues make me yearn,
The sadness and sorrow I feel about leaving makes me long for what I am leaving behind.
That parting kiss seems to burn.
The final kiss exchanged before my departure sears an intense emotional memory within me.
Farewell, dearie, Someday I will return.
Goodbye, my beloved. I hope to come back to you at some point in the future.
Dreaming of you is sweet,
When I think of you in my dreams, it brings me comfort and joy.
Someday again we'll meet.
One day in the future, I hope we will have the opportunity to see each other again.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, PAUL RODRIGUEZ MUSIC LTD.
Written by: Schoebel, Elmer / Rappolo, Leon / Mares, Paul
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
clyde
Thanks for posting this ultimate example of Earl at his best. I have followed his music through the years, but other than on this original recording, I have only heard him play this number one other time --- on the TV show when I was traveling through Eastern Kentucky in 1958.
James Sterling
EARL SCRUGGS, NO ONE DOES IT BETTER. THAT'S THE WAY A BANJO SHOULD SOUND. AS PORTER WAGONER SAID “Earl is to the five-string banjo what Babe Ruth was to baseball. He is the best there ever was and the best there ever will be.”
Maggie Miller
Once you catch your breath after this one, what is the first word you can say/think? For me it was GENIUS!!!
Sarah Dickers
They sure are damn good. My papaw played with them about once or twice. Theys real good folk. I love bluegrass music and always will. I play the bass and my brother plays the banjo. We got bluegrass roots all the way down the line. And im only 17.
virginiapicker
Oh wow - that's so cool that your pawpaw got to play with them. And that you're carrying the torch. Keep it up!
Who Dey
@David Lundmark i'm from England and i love your Bluegrass Music.
David Lundmark
Are you guys still playing? You should make a video of your performance!
Thomas .Hennessey
Great bluegrass version of an early 1920s jazz tune.
Sarah That Girl
Whoever disliked this needs a life. My grandpa played with these 2 gentlemen. I love bluegrass I pick bluegrass I bleed bluegrass. It's all I've ever been good at and all I'll ever need to be good at. God bless America.
Gregory Mahdesian
Amen, Sarah!