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.
Southbound
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
People who have to call it home they were ones I pitty
Lord I'm homesick blues're only songs I ever sing and pick
I get out and walk the streets like the blisters on my feet I'm southbound
[ banjo - dobro ]
Now I'm all right too late at night I'm sittin' by my window
I count sheep but I can't sleep but listen to the train though I began to fine
When I hear that great big engine rollin' down the line
I'm southbound
[ ac.guitar - harmonica ]
Southbound she's burnin' the ground and I don't mean maybe
Sure I'm glad I caught this train I wanna see my baby
Lord I'm lonesome I long to see those hills where I come from
Listen that engine's lonesome roar takin' me back home once more I'm southbound
The song "Southbound" tells the story of a man who has been stuck in the city for over a month and is feeling homesick. He sings about his longing to return to his rural home and escape the noisy, chaotic city life. The man is tired of walking the blistering hot streets and listening to the same old blues songs that remind him of home. He finds solace in the sound of the train and the promise that it will take him back to where he belongs. He longs to be reunited with his loved ones and see the hills where he grew up.
The lyrics also express the struggle of living in the city and feeling disconnected from the natural world. The man yearns for the peacefulness and simplicity of rural life, where he can "fall when [he] ain't got a dime." The song captures the universal experience of feeling homesick and the desire to return to one's roots.
Line by Line Meaning
Now I've been here a month or more stocked in this ol' city
I've been stuck in this city for more than a month now.
People who have to call it home they were ones I pitty
I feel sorry for those who have to call this place home.
Lord I'm homesick blues're only songs I ever sing and pick
I'm feeling homesick and can only sing and play blues songs about it.
I get out and walk the streets like the blisters on my feet I'm southbound
I walk the streets, even with blisters on my feet, because I'm heading south.
[ banjo - dobro ]
Now I'm all right too late at night I'm sittin' by my window
I'm okay, but late at night I sit by my window.
I count sheep but I can't sleep but listen to the train though I began to fine
I try to count sheep to sleep, but end up listening to the train instead.
When I hear that great big engine rollin' down the line
When I hear the train engine, it reminds me of home.
I'm goin' back to spend some time where I can't fall when I ain't got a dime
I'm returning to a place where I won't fall apart when I don't have any money.
I'm southbound
I'm headed south.
[ ac.guitar - harmonica ]
Southbound she's burnin' the ground and I don't mean maybe
The south is hot and happening, and I know it for sure.
Sure I'm glad I caught this train I wanna see my baby
I'm happy that I caught this train because I want to see my loved one.
Lord I'm lonesome I long to see those hills where I come from
I'm homesick, and I want to see the hills where I grew up.
Listen that engine's lonesome roar takin' me back home once more I'm southbound
The sound of the engine is making me feel nostalgic and taking me back home. I'm heading south again.
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hop
Absolutely love this one. A F&S winner!
john allison
Some of the best music you will ever hear.
Mike'S
john allison no question.
Jeff Scott
Just dont let the People at the Whitehouse hear. It because they ban it. Because its from the south
Joe Lalgi
This needs more views!
Kathryn Neumann
I agree! More views, it's wondrful
Jeff Scott
This is a dying. Breed of music. That needs to come back. Love. Folk and Bluegrass. Music. Is part of our culture. So let's dont cancel culture.
Jeff Scott
And a big old bowl of beans and onions. Ahhh the good old days.
Jeff Scott
So much of it out there. Is not appreaciated enough. Is an aquired taste
John Wilkerson
My favorite is Bluegrass