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
Gold Watch and Chain
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I have nothing to cheer my poor heart
This old world would seem sad, love, without you
Tell me now that we're never to part
Oh, I'll pawn you my gold watch and chain, love
And I'll pawn you my gold diamond ring
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
Take back all the gifts you have given
But a ring and a lock of your hair
And a card with your picture upon it
It's a face that is false, but it's fair
Oh, I'll pawn you my gold watch and chain, love
And I'll pawn you my gold diamond ring
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
Only say that you love me again
Tell me why that you do not love me
Tell me why that your smile is not bright
Tell me why you have grown so coldhearted
Is there no kiss for me, love, tonight
Oh, I'll pawn you my gold watch and chain, love
And I'll pawn you my gold diamond ring
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
Only say that you love me again
Oh, I'll pawn you my gold watch and chain, love
And I'll pawn you my gold diamond ring
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
Only say that you love me again
The Carter Family's song "Gold Watch and Chain" is a poignant reflection on lost love and the desperate measures one may take to rekindle the flame. The song begins with the singer expressing their sadness at the prospect of being without their beloved. They offer to pawn their most prized possessions, including a gold watch and chain and diamond ring, in exchange for the return of their love. The singer even goes so far as to offer their own heart, desperate for any chance of reconciliation.
Despite the heartbreaking nature of the lyrics, the melody is somehow uplifting, with a bouncy rhythm that suggests the possibility of hope. The singer begs their lover to explain why their affection has waned, wondering if there's anything they can do to recapture the magic they once shared. The final verse sees the singer making their plea once more, offering up their jewels and heart as proof of their devotion.
Overall, "Gold Watch and Chain" is a bittersweet meditation on love and loss, with a message that is as relevant today as it was when the song was first recorded almost a century ago.
Line by Line Meaning
Darling, how can I stay here without you
My love, how can I endure living without you by my side?
I have nothing to cheer my poor heart
Nothing brings me joy and happiness, without you in my life.
This old world would seem sad, love, without you
I cannot imagine living in a world where you are not with me, my dear love.
Tell me now that we're never to part
Promise me with all your heart that we will never be separated, my love.
Oh, I'll pawn you my gold watch and chain, love
I will sacrifice all my possessions, starting with my precious watch and chain for your love.
And I'll pawn you my gold diamond ring
I shall pawn my best and most valuable diamond ring to prove my commitment and love for you.
I will pawn you this heart in my bosom
I will surrender my heart to you, hoping for your love and acceptance.
Only say that you love me again
All I ask is for you to return my feelings and love me once again.
Take back all the gifts you have given
You can have back all the presents I offered you as tokens of love.
But a ring and a lock of your hair
You should keep my ring, and I request you to gift me a lock of your lovely hair as a symbol of our bond.
And a card with your picture upon it
I treasure this card featuring your beautiful image, although it is a misleading façade, and only your love is sincere.
It's a face that is false, but it's fair
Your image may not always depict reality, but it is attractive and captivating, nonetheless.
Tell me why that you do not love me
Please explain to me the reasons behind your lack of affection and feelings towards me.
Tell me why that your smile is not bright
It is breaking my heart to see you unhappy or not lighting up when you are with me. Share with me your troubles and bring back your smile.
Tell me why you have grown so coldhearted
You have become distant and emotionless towards me, please reveal to me why you have changed like this.
Is there no kiss for me, love, tonight
I yearn for your tender and loving kiss tonight, please do not leave me without it.
Contributed by Lauren N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JERRY V.
The Carter Family Should Be Designated "A National Treasure".
Dan Thorstad
They already are!
John Maisonneuve
When I listen to the Carter’s it is a reminder what we have lost - incredible beautiful music.
Ken George
Say whatever you want, this group represented their places of birth and word pronounciation and music style like no other group ever has, or ever will do!
Willyam Firth
I always loved the way the Carter Family sang this song.
Sliptrail
Perfect! Great job with the photos I especially love the outdoor ones. Thank you!
Andrzej Antczak
Mama i cała reszta do pochwały w niebiosach! Wspaniałe wykonanie. Sława IM. Wieczysta. Nieporównywalne!
buddyzroadie
Thank you so much for posting this! Wonderful!!!
babb798
it nice to hear , not just listen but really hear the story of love in a person .
jim dollinger
such talent.