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
Sweet as the Flowers in Maytime
The Carter Family Lyrics
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Sweet as the dew on the rose
I would rather be somebody's darling
As a poor girl who nobody knows
Oh, mama scolds me for flirting
What is as a poor girl to do
Oh, this world would be sad without a lover
Oh, I wish I had someone to love me
Someone just to call me their own
Be the rule over somebody's kitchen
Or the queen over somebody's home
Sweet as the flowers in May time
Sweet as the dew on the rose
I would rather be somebody's darling
As a poor girl who nobody knows
Oh, what is the use of us parting
Wherever there's a will, there's a way
Tomorrow the sun may be shining
Although it is cloudy today
Sweet as the flowers in May time
Sweet as the dew on the rose
I would rather be somebody's darling
As a poor girl who nobody knows
The lyrics of "Sweet as the Flowers in Maytime" by The Carter Family speaks about the desire to be loved and the struggles of a poor girl in society. The comparison of the singer's sweetness to the flowers in Maytime and the dew on roses reinforces the desire to be coveted and appreciated. Despite the societal constraints that disapprove of her flirtatious behavior, the singer explains that it is difficult as a poor girl to find acceptance and love in the world. However, the singer suggests that the world without love would be a sad place. The chorus repeats the desire to be loved and appreciated as somebody's darling, despite the economic status of being a poor girl.
The second stanza of the song is about the singer's wish to be loved and have someone to call their own. The lyrical imagery speaks to being the ruler over someone's kitchen or even having a home of their own, which are luxuries that a poor girl might not have in reality. The chorus then repeats the sentiment of the first verse, reinforcing that the singer would rather be somebody's darling, despite being a poor girl who nobody knows. The final stanza leaves a message of hope, stating that there is always a way forward and that tomorrow, despite the clouds of today, the sun may be shining.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet as the flowers in Maytime
I am as sweet and pure as the beautiful flowers in the month of May.
Sweet as the dew on the rose
I am as sweet and refreshing as the dew drops on a rose flower.
I would rather be somebody's darling
I would prefer to be loved and cherished by someone special.
As a poor girl who nobody knows
Even though I am poor and insignificant, I still crave for love and attention.
Oh, mama scolds me for flirting
My mother reproaches me for trying to attract admirers or suitors.
What is as a poor girl to do
What options does a destitute girl like me have to seek happiness and love?
Oh, this world would be sad without a lover
Without love, this world would be a dull and gloomy place to live in.
And this world would be sad without you
You are my special someone who brings joy and happiness into my life.
Oh, I wish I had someone to love me
I yearn for a loving and devoted companion who will accept me for who I am.
Someone just to call me their own
Someone who will claim me as their beloved partner and treat me with respect and affection.
Be the rule over somebody's kitchen
I am willing to be in charge of managing someone's household duties and responsibilities.
Or the queen over somebody's home
I dream of being the ruler, master, or queen of my own home, ruled with love and kindness.
Oh, what is the use in us parting
Why should we separate or break up when we have feelings for each other?
Wherever there's a will, there's a way
If we are determined and committed, we can overcome any obstacle or challenge that comes our way.
Tomorrow the sun may be shining
Even if today is cloudy, there's always hope for tomorrow to be bright and sunny.
Although it is cloudy today
Despite the current difficulties or problems, there's always a chance for a better tomorrow.
Contributed by Blake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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