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
Motherless 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
BBYMRLCCOTN
I'm glad you liked it so well, they were really great. Be sure to check out my other Carter Family songs, and thank you for watching. Have a great day, Brian
US-Bahn
Death, neglect, a broken household, yes the lyrics are about all of that. But the song is a declaration of the incomparable love only a mother can give.
BBYMRLCCOTN
You are so welcome, I am glad you enjoy this one. Motherless Children was recorded in 1929 I think. As far as having a cool feel to the music, I think that this is one of their best, right up there with Wildwood Flower. Thank you again for listening, and for commenting.
Jerry Stanaway
I posted this in a Facebook group called I LOVE FOLK MUSIC and they said it went against their community standards.
Chip Searle
quality track, left my copy at home so thanks for posting this one. id love to learn the guitar just to play this!!
Chip Searle
cant get enough, shame the song has to end, could of kept the song going for a whole year and i think id still play it twice in a row !!
BBYMRLCCOTN
You're entirely welcome! I imagine you could find the chords online somewhere. I'm just beginning to play guitar and it's slow going at first, but I'm sure that the more that I do it, like anything else, the easier and more fun it will become. Thank you for watching, and I hope you have a great day, Brian
Tony Canabal
Mother Maybelle was a guitar genius .
Isaac Malcolm
I wouldn’t be listening to music if wasn’t for my mom she would request for this song CFRY radio station! I’m enjoying these classic songs
edfaron
True mountain blues.