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
Children
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
They are driven out in the cold, God knows where to go
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Brother won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
Brother won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
You may ask for a piece of bread, you are told to go to bed
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Friends won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
Friends won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
They will tell you what to do, but they'll turn their back on you
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
This song is a poignant expression of the struggles faced by children who lose their mother. The repetition of the phrase "Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead" emphasizes the theme of loss and the difficult road that follows. The first verse describes how these children are left without guidance and protection from their mother, and are forced to face the world alone. They are ‘driven out in the cold, God knows where to go’, suggesting a sense of displacement and uncertainty.
The second verse shifts the focus to orphaned children in general, stating that they face hardships in the world, despite the best efforts of their siblings. The lyrics ‘Sister does the best she can, but she really don’t understand’ suggest that even with a sibling’s care, they still feel abandoned and isolated. The third verse addresses the lack of support that is available from those around them - that brothers, friends and others are unable to provide the same level of care and love that their mother once did.
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the challenges that children who lose their mother must face. It highlights the importance of a mother’s love and support and the negative impact of their absence on children. The repetition of the lyrics throughout the song emphasizes the message of the song and the emotional weight behind it.
Line by Line Meaning
Motherless children sees a hard time when their mother is dead
Children who have lost their mother face immense difficulties and struggles in life
They are driven out in the cold, God knows where to go
Without their mother, these children are left with nowhere to turn and no guidance on where to go
Orphan children sees a hard time in this world
Children who are orphans also face difficult challenges in life
Sister does the best she can, but she really don't understand
Even with a sister or another caretaker, these children still struggle because their mother's love and understanding cannot be replaced
Brother won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
Even a brother, who may try to provide for his siblings, cannot replace the love and care a mother provides
You may ask for a piece of bread, you are told to go to bed
These children may be denied basic necessities and left to fend for themselves
Friends won't treat you like mother will when your mother is dead
Even friends may not be able to provide the same level of love and support as a mother
They will tell you what to do, but they'll turn their back on you
These children may be given instructions, but ultimately left alone to face their struggles without any real help or support
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: . TRADITIONAL, CARL RADLE, ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Shenile White
Good Gyal Chrissy..CMR you get a good good good woman..I really admired her ,the first time I saw Chrissy was on Facebook doing her makeup and your husband talking stories on live .You were always apart of my Sunday evening family... Praying God Blessings upon your family life 🙏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Lois Potter
I Love this. Chrissy and the family circle is Blessed. It's heartwarming to see how grateful Chantel is. Family above everything. OC looking so cute in her braids. Handsome little baby
joan Thomas
Crissy you were doing greatness helping others and still is lots of blessings to you and your family for sure 💝💯🙏🙏
joan Thomas
Thank you much 😏🙏🙏👍
Sharon Pinnock
So Chrissy you're a grandmother
joan Thomas
@Sharon Pinnock not one
Jul
Enjoying watching you guys!❤️ always entertained💞
Debra D.
God cover and bless each of you ..I remember crissy saying in 1 of her vlogs that if she just reach a farrin...dats it!! She just wanted a foot in and she would make it and she did. She spoke it into being and never looked back..trust me crissy u are a inspiration no matter what keep doing good and keep going💞💞🙏🙏🙏
sexy sasha
Crissy always be there for someone else . Crissy is a mother by nature, she was built for this.
Yvonne Lizzi
Big up Crissy and CMR and the rest of the family nuff love and blessings to you all. ❤️