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
God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you see (don't you see)
I've got a home in that rock
Don't you see
I've got a home in that rock
Just beyond the mountaintop
Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Don't you see (don't you see)
God gave Noah the rainbow sign
Don't you see
God gave Noah the rainbow sign
No more water, but the fire next time
Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Poor old Lazarus, poor as I
Don't you see (don't you see)
Poor old Lazarus, poor as I
Don't you see
Poor old Lazarus, poor as I
When he died he had a home on high
Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me
East and West the fire will roll
Hide thy me (hide thy me)
East and West the fire will roll
Hide thy me
East and West the fire will roll
How will it be with my poor soul
Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me
When this world's all on fire
Hide thy me (hide thy me)
When this world's all on fire
Hide thy me
When this world's all on fire
Let thy bosom be my pillow
Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me
The Carter Family sings about finding shelter and security in the midst of danger and uncertainty through their song God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign. The first stanza expresses the singer's confidence and security in finding refuge in a rock, specifically the "Rock of Ages" which is a metaphor for God. The singer acknowledges that their home is not on the earth but "just beyond the mountaintop" which refers to heaven, the afterlife or the spiritual realm. This stanza also subtly highlights the significance of faith and trust in God's protection.
The chorus focuses on the biblical story of God giving Noah the rainbow after the great flood. This was a reassuring sign of God's promise not to destroy the world again by water. However, the second part of the chorus mentions "No more water, but the fire next time" which is a reference to an apocalyptic vision in the book of Revelation where the world is consumed by fire. The repetition of "Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me" in every stanza emphasizes the singer's plea for God's protection and shelter.
The third stanza refers to the biblical story of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus. The singer identifies with Lazarus as both were poor and marginalized in life but will ultimately have a home in heaven. The final stanza conveys the idea of the end of the world and the singer's prayer for God's protection in the midst of chaos and destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got a home in that rock
I have a place to call home in the rocky terrain
Don't you see (don't you see)
Do you understand what I'm saying?
Just beyond the mountaintop
It's just over the peak of the mountain
Hide me over, Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Protect me, Rock of Ages with your crevice
God gave Noah the rainbow sign
God showed Noah a sign of his promise through the rainbow
No more water, but the fire next time
There will be no more water, but instead a great fire
Poor old Lazarus, poor as I
Like me, Lazarus was a poor man
When he died he had a home on high
Despite his poverty, Lazarus found a place in heaven
East and West the fire will roll
The fire will consume everything both in the east and the west
How will it be with my poor soul
What will happen to me when the fire arrives?
When this world's all on fire
When the world is engulfed in flames
Let thy bosom be my pillow
Please comfort me with your embrace
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robin Robyn
What is so beautiful about the Carter's, is that when they sang these old Christian spirituals, they actually lived by them and believed in the messages they conveyed. This passionate love for the Bible comes across in their renditions and performance.
NoRosesForMe
...and that fantastic guitar paying is played by Mother Maybelle Carter. Her way of playing is not as simple as it sounds. She was a brilliant woman.
V.A. HOSS
This is a great old song Jen!! The Carter family made so much good music and they really carved the stone for Country Music's foundation... Very nice upload my friend!! I hope you are doing good... :) Daniel
NoRosesForMe
I too believe in the spirit of the music. I always have. Nobody ever taught me to play guitar. My fathers people were very musical. But I learned on my own. Somehow. I know how. ;) Indeed. Thanks
NoRosesForMe
A lot of thanks to you and you are very welcome my friend. Happy days to you! Sincerely :)
Matthew Morkin
This song is an absolute banger. It’s so metal. “When this world's all on fire
Hide thy me (hide thy me)”
NoRosesForMe
Yes indeed. Ms Maybelle played her OWN way. The only person Ive ever known to play her style correctly is my Dad. Sounds like 2 guitars playing together. Its nnot as easy as it sounds. I play - but- I just play my way. This stuff is for masters. Maybe one day I'll get that 2 guitar sound down pat. But I am very happy to hear from you folks and happy to know this simple little tune brightened someone's day. I mean that sincerely. Bless you too! :)
orangehornet57
Folks need to be reminded of this song every June. Let's reclaim the rainbow!
NoRosesForMe
Ah thank you so much! :)) The carter Family did more for people than we can imagine. They taught a lot of little folkies ( like myself when I was a kid) so much as well as country music folks. They had a wide range of content and feeling and lyrics that went so far. Its amazing. Im happy you like this. Im doin alright I s'pose. Wake was this evenin. Funeral tomorra. But Pop is happy Im sure. I miss those days tho. Those bright days. Cozy evenings in the old house. Ill keep that with me.
VictrolaJazz
Absolutely gorgeous! I finally got to hear the Carters in Waco, TX in the 70's!