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
Chewing Gum
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I fell in love with a pretty little girl, and could not get away
Chewing chewing gum, chewing chewing gum
Chewing chewing gum, chewing chewing gum
First she give me peaches, next she give me pears
Next she give me fifty cents, kissed me on the stairs
Mommy don't 'low me to whistle, poppy don't 'low me to sing
They don't 'low me to marry, I'll marry just the same
I wouldn't have a lawyer, I'll tell you the reason why
Every time he opens his mouth he tells a great big lie
I wouldn't have a doctor, I'll tell you the reason why
He rides all over the country and makes the people die
I wouldn't have a farmer, I'll tell you the reason why
Because he has so plenty to eat, 'specially pumpkin pie
I took my girl to church last night How do you reckon she done?
She walked right up in the preacher's face and chewed her chewing gum
The lyrics to The Carter Family's song Chewing Gum showcase a narrative about a young man who is sent to the spring by his mother, but he becomes enamored with a young woman and is unable to resist her charms. The repetition of "chewing chewing gum" throughout the song gives the impression that the young woman is carefree and perhaps a bit irreverent. In the next verse, the young woman gives the young man peaches, pears, and even money, making it clear that she is the one in control of their relationship. The final verse of the song is particularly humorous, with the young man's girlfriend chewing gum in the preacher's face during a church service.
The subtext of the song relates to societal expectations and power dynamics. The young man is certainly aware of social conventions as he mentions that his parents do not allow him to whistle or sing, let alone marry. He speaks out against lawyers, doctors, and farmers, highlighting the distrust that some Americans held for professionals in these fields during the early 20th century. Overall, the lyrics to Chewing Gum entertain listeners while also conveying a certain level of insight and critique.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama sent me to the spring, she told me not to stay
I was told to go to the spring, but not to stay long. Yet, I fell in love with a girl and couldn't leave.
Chewing chewing gum, chewing chewing gum
The act of chewing gum was a common activity in the story.
First she give me peaches, next she give me pears
The girl I fell in love with gave me peaches and pears, which could symbolize gifts or acts of kindness.
Next she give me fifty cents, kissed me on the stairs
The girl then gave me some money and kissed me on the stairs, which could symbolize a loving gesture.
Mommy don't 'low me to whistle, poppy don't 'low me to sing
My parents don't allow me to whistle or sing, which could show a strict upbringing.
They don't 'low me to marry, I'll marry just the same
Even though my parents don't allow me to marry, I will do it anyway.
I wouldn't have a lawyer, I'll tell you the reason why
I wouldn't want to have a lawyer because they are known for telling lies.
Every time he opens his mouth he tells a great big lie
This line solidifies the idea that lawyers tell lies.
I wouldn't have a doctor, I'll tell you the reason why
I wouldn't want to have a doctor because they travel all over and cause people to die.
He rides all over the country and makes the people die
This line implies that doctors spread illnesses while traveling.
I wouldn't have a farmer, I'll tell you the reason why
I wouldn't want to have a farmer because they have too much food to eat, especially pumpkin pie.
Because he has so plenty to eat, 'specially pumpkin pie
This line suggests that farmers have an abundance of food to eat, including pumpkin pie.
I took my girl to church last night How do you reckon she done?
I brought my girlfriend to church last night. The question posed could be asking how others perceived it or how she behaved.
She walked right up in the preacher's face and chewed her chewing gum
The girl boldly walked up to the preacher and chewed her gum, which could be seen as a disrespectful or rebellious act (especially for the time period).
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: A.P. CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Emmasue Sitch
My great grandmother taught my mother and I to play this on the piano. Now I am teaching my daughter. 😊
Tyler Southard
“I wouldn’t have a lawyer, I’ll tell you the reason why. Every time he opens his mouth he tells a great big lie.” 😂
kaitlyn Amira
I wonder why this was not on the anthology of the original Carter family with all of their recordings from 1927 to 1934 or 35? I feel like some things are missing.
Rockin Blaze
Family guy gave me the idea of coming here.
Jennie Seiber
Same
Funny Welshman
Rockin Blaze and me
M Haitsam
how is that
Captain Fat Belly
Family guy has a way of bringing people to songs they would normally never listen to
Mr.Trouble🇧🇬
Same
Watchdog Pdr
Thanks family guy for leading me here