The Carter Family was a country music group that performed and recorded bet… Read Full Bio ↴The Carter Family was a country music group that performed and recorded between 1927 and 1943. Their music had a profound impact on later bluegrass, country, pop and rock musicians, as well as on the U.S. folk revival of the 1960s.

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

Sow 'em On the Mountain
The Carter Family Lyrics

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Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

If you been a gambler you'd better quit your gambling
If you been a gambler you'd better quit your gambling
If you been a gambler you'd better quit your gambling

'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

If you been a tattler you'd better quit your tattling
If you been a tattler you'd better quit your tattling
If you been a tattler you'd better quit your tattling
'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

If you been a liar you better quit your lying
If you been a liar you better quit your lying
If you been a liar you better quit your lying
'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley

Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
'Cause you're gonna reap just what you sow

Overall Meaning

The Carter Family's song Sow 'em On the Mountain is a cautionary message about the consequences of one's actions. The song speaks of planting seeds on the mountain and reaping the harvest in the valley. The metaphor is used to suggest that one ought to be mindful of their actions, as they will inevitably lead to consequences. The refrain "sow 'em on the mountain, reap 'em in the valley" is repeated several times throughout the song, driving home the message that one will harvest whatever they sow.

The verses of the song provide specific examples of actions and behaviors that one ought to quit if they wish to avoid negative consequences. Being a gambler, a tattler, and a liar are all behaviors that the song suggests will lead to negative outcomes. The song does not specify what these outcomes may be, but it is clear that they will be unpleasant. The general message of the song is that one must be mindful of their actions and be aware that every action has a consequence.

Overall, the lyrics of Sow 'em On the Mountain can be interpreted as a warning against engaging in negative behaviors. The song suggests that one must be aware that every action has consequences and that they will inevitably reap what they sow.

Line by Line Meaning

Sow 'em on the mountain reap 'em in the valley
Plant your seeds in high places and harvest them in low places