The original group consisted of Alvin Pleasant Delaney Carter (A.P.; 1891-1960), his wife, Sara Dougherty Carter (autoharp and guitar; 1898-1979), and Maybelle Addington Carter (guitar; 1909-1978). Maybelle Carter (later popularly known as Mother Maybelle Carter) was married to A.P.'s brother Ezra (Eck) Carter. All three were born and raised in southwestern Virginia where they were immersed in the tight harmonies of mountain gospel music and shape note singing. Maybelle Carter's distinctive and innovative guitar playing style quickly became a hallmark of the group.
The Carters got their start on July 31, 1927 when A.P. convinced Sara and Maybelle (pregnant at the time) to make the journey from Maces Springs, Virginia to Bristol, Tennessee to audition for record producer Ralph Peer who was seeking new talent for the relatively embryonic recording industry. They received $50 for each song they recorded.
In the Fall of 1927 the Victor recording company released a double-sided 78 rpm record of the group performing "Wandering Boy" and "Poor Orphan Child". In 1928 another record was released with "The Storms Are on the Ocean" and "Single Girl, Married Girl". This one proved very popular.
They stopped touring and recording in 1943.
In 1987, the three daughters of Maybelle Carter - June Carter (also known as June Carter Cash, following marriage to Johnny Cash), Helen Carter and Anita Carter, along with June Carter's daughter Carlene Carter, appeared as the Carter Family and were featured on a 1987 television episode of Austin City Limits along with Johnny Cash.
The Carters were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970 and were given the nickname "The First Family of Country Music". In 1988, the Carter Family was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and received its Award for the song "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". In 1993, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative postage stamp honoring A.P., Sara, and Maybelle. In 2001, the group was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. In 2005, the group received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Carter Family III carries on the tradition. The group consists of A.P. Carter and Sarah Carter’s grandson Dale Jett, Maybelle Carter’s grandson John Carter Cash and his wife Laura Cash.
For more details, see the Carter Family biography at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/carterfamily/peopleevents/p_carters.html
Anchored In Love
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and Jesus abiding above,
His dear arms around me are lovingly cast
and sweetly He tells His love
The tempest is o'er (The danger, that tempest forever is o'er)
I'm safe evermore (My anchor is holding, I'm save evermore)
What gladness what rapture is mine
I'm anchored at last (I'm feeling so happy I'm anchored at last)
I'm anchored in love divine
He saw me in danger and lovingly came
To pilot my storm-beaten soul
Sweet peace He has spoken and bless His dear name
The billows no longer roll
The tempest is o'er (The danger, that tempest forever is o'er)
I'm safe evermore (My anchor is holding, I'm save evermore)
What gladness what rapture is mine
The danger is past (The water is peaceful, the danger is past)
I'm anchored at last (I'm feeling so happy I'm anchored at last)
I'm anchored in love divine
His love should control me
through life and in death
Completely I'll trust to the end
I'll praise Him each hour
of my last fleeting breath
Shall sing of my soul's Best Friend
The tempest is o'er (The danger, that tempest forever is o'er)
I'm safe evermore (My anchor is holding, I'm save evermore)
What gladness what rapture is mine
The danger is past (The water is peaceful, the danger is past)
I'm anchored at last (I'm feeling so happy I'm anchored at last)
I'm anchored in love divine
The Carter Family's "Anchored in Love" is a gospel song that speaks about finding refuge and protection in God's love. The lyrics describe the joy and assurance that comes from being embraced by Jesus' loving arms and anchored in His divine love. The verse talks about finding a haven of sunshine, where the dangers and tempests of life are over, and safety and peace reign. The chorus echoes the same sentiments of safety and happiness of being anchored in God's love, offering a sense of comfort and confidence to listeners. The final verse reinforces the importance of trust and faith in Christ, as the lyrics exhort believers to allow God's love to guide them through life and death, praising and singing of His unfailing love until their last breath.
Overall, "Anchored in Love" is a song that reassures Christians of the safety and security that they have when anchored in the love of Jesus Christ. Through its simple melody and powerful lyrics, the song inspires faith and trust in the Almighty God who is always present to help and protect.
Line by Line Meaning
I've found a sweet haven of sunshine at last
I have finally found a happy and joyful place
and Jesus abiding above
With Jesus watching over me
His dear arms around me are lovingly cast
Jesus is holding me in His loving arms
and sweetly He tells His love
He expresses His love in a sweet way
The tempest is o'er
The danger, that tempest forever is o'er
I'm safe evermore
My anchor is holding, I'm safe evermore
What gladness what rapture is mine
I'm filled with immense joy and delight
The danger is past
The water is peaceful, the danger is past
I'm anchored at last
I'm feeling so happy I'm anchored at last
I'm anchored in love divine
I'm rooted in God's divine love
He saw me in danger and lovingly came
God saw me in danger and came to my aid with love
To pilot my storm-beaten soul
He guided and supported me through my tough times
Sweet peace He has spoken and bless His dear name
He spoke to me with a calming voice and I bless His name
The billows no longer roll
The waves are calm and not tossing me around
His love should control me
His love should be the driving force in my life
through life and in death
From life to death and beyond
Completely I'll trust to the end
I will trust Him completely until the very end
I'll praise Him each hour
I will give thanks and praise Him every hour of every day
of my last fleeting breath
Even up until my last moment on earth
Shall sing of my soul's Best Friend
I will sing and proclaim that He is my soul's best friend
Contributed by Mateo N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shirley Maree
Also here because of Yoga with Adrienne. How good is this?🌟Bringing us all together with love , music and yoga!! Blessings from Australia!! Thanks Adrienne!!xx
Teresa Valenzuela
Thank you Adrienne ❤️
MargarineTaintedGreen
This music creates “the chills” like little else.
The strange, ghostly quality that A.P.’s voice adds to the recording…man…
Maybelle is vastly underrated. A whole school of guitar playing woefully unacknowledged in modern times.
i diggywaterworkss2
Truly
Mary Hubble
I am a forever fan of my beloved Carter family
Stutty Northam
Cannot be improved upon in anyway whatsoever. Absolutely magnificent.
amy osgood
I've listened to this song since I was a little girl (momma is a huge Carter Family fan). Can not believe it took me until yeasterday to figure out this song is about being saved❤️
Paul Panamarenko Jr.
Yo Adrienne, this song is so good. Never heard it before. Such a unique song compared to the traditional Carter Family sound.
Margot Frazier
Here because of Yoga with Adriene <3
Rebecca Murdock
Margot Frazier haha me too! She referenced it and I had never heard of it before.