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
Little Poplar Log House on the Hill
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Of a little country home
It is made of poplar logs upon the hill
That′s where poppa died and left us
When we were very young
And momma kept us settled on he hill
When our days work on the farm was done
She'd would gather us around
She would pray for God to keep us
Through the night until next
In our little old poplar log house on the hill
Our father died a good man
Which we all would like to do
And I′m going there to see him some old day
When I'm get through with my singing
Lay my guitar by my side
Lord I want to play in heaven when I die
The lyrics of The Carter Family's song "Little Poplar Log House on the Hill" tell the story of a humble country home, made of poplar logs, where the singer and their family were raised. The song begins by acknowledging the passing of their father, who left them while they were young. Despite this loss, their mother held the family together and provided a stable home on the hill.
After completing their work on the farm, their mother would gather the children and lead them in prayer, asking God for protection throughout the night and into the next day. This ritual exemplifies the family's strong faith and reliance on God for guidance and comfort. The little poplar log house on the hill becomes a place of solace and security amidst the challenges of life.
The second paragraph reflects on the goodness and character of their late father. The lyrics express a desire for all the family members to emulate his virtuous life. The singer looks forward to joining their father in heaven one day, after they have finished their journey on earth. They envision themselves playing their guitar beside their father in the heavenly realm, suggesting that music and shared experiences will continue to be cherished even in the afterlife.
Overall, the lyrics celebrate the strength, love, and resilience of the family. The little poplar log house is not just a physical structure but a symbol of their deep-rooted memories, traditions, and values. It represents a place where they found solace, grew closer to each other, and remained connected to their faith. The song encapsulates the importance of family, the power of prayer, and the hope for a reunion in the afterlife.
Line by Line Meaning
Now kind friends I want to tell you
I would like to share with all of you, my dear friends
Of a little country home
About a small house in the countryside
It is made of poplar logs upon the hill
Constructed using poplar logs, placed on top of a hill
That's where poppa died and left us
That's the place where our father passed away, leaving us behind
When we were very young
During our early years of life
And momma kept us settled on he hill
And our mother kept us settled and content on that hill
When our days work on the farm was done
After completing our daily tasks on the farm
She'd would gather us around
She would bring us together
She would have us get down on our little knees
She would make us kneel down
She would pray for God to keep us
She would offer prayers, asking God to protect us
Through the night until next
Throughout the night until the following day
In our little old poplar log house on the hill
Inside our small and aged house made of poplar logs, situated on the hill
Our father died a good man
Our father passed away, being a righteous and honorable person
Which we all would like to do
Something that we all aspire to achieve
And I'm going there to see him some old day
And I will go there someday to meet him
When I'm get through with my singing
After I am done with my singing career
Lay my guitar by my side
Place my guitar beside me
Lord I want to play in heaven when I die
God, I desire to continue playing music in heaven after my earthly life ends
Writer(s): Alvin Pleasant Carter
Contributed by Jayce A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@carterfamilychannel
The channel was created with admiration and to help keep The Carter Family music alive, and share with the world! please help me do this for as long as possible, no profit is made from this channel but you are welcome to show your love and support to the channel with any donations, https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8TNJ64TWNH9M2 any questions you have i am always happy to answer :) as the songs and footage are so old, time is spent to remastered them to the best possible quality, thank you Sara, A.P and Maybelle what you started back in 1927, you have meant so much to so many people and will always continue to, we miss you so much but what you left us will never be forgotten :)
@tonylupo1764
Love the simplicity of their songs highlighted by their harmony and Mother Maybelle's sweet guitar playing.🎶🎸🎼
@lindamills9502
One of my favourite of there songs. Just beautiful xx
@genethemachine7169
I've been eagerly awaiting this one