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
The Spirit of Love Watches over Me
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I seek there in vain by the meadow and stream
Oft I breathe out your name to the winds floating by
But the sweet voice is mute to my cry
In the stillness of night when the stars mightily shine
My heart fondly holds a communion with thine
For I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be
Oft the birds in the bower now companion I make
Every simple wildflower I prize for the sake
Deep woods and dark clouds can now pleasure impart
For the solitude suits my poor heart
Thou art gone from my gaze, yet I will not repine
E'er long we shall meet in a home that is thine
For I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be
That the spirit of love watches me
"The Spirit of Love Watches over Me" is a song by The Carter Family that explores themes of love, loss, and faith. The first verse expresses the feeling of loss, with the singer admitting that their loved one is gone from their sight, “like a beautiful dream” and lamenting that they can no longer hear their voice. However, in the second verse, the singer finds comfort in the idea that their loved one is always with them in spirit: “I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be / That the spirit of love watches me.”
The third verse reveals that the singer has found new companionship in nature, finding joy in the birds, flowers, and even the solitude of the woods. The final verse looks to the future with hope, stating that the separation from their loved one is not permanent, and that they will be reunited in a home that belongs to them both.
The song’s lyrics demonstrate a deep understanding of love and the way it endures even in the face of loss. While the singer is clearly mourning the loss of their loved one, they take comfort in the idea that their love continues to exist in some form, whether it be through memories, nature, or the spiritual world.
Line by Line Meaning
Thou art gone from my gaze like a beautiful dream
You are no longer here with me, but your memory is like a beautiful dream that I treasure.
And I seek there in vain by the meadow and stream
I search for you in the places where we once shared memories, but I cannot find you.
Oft I breathe out your name to the winds floating by
Often, I whisper your name to the winds, hoping that you might hear me.
But the sweet voice is mute to my cry
Unfortunately, I receive no answer to my call, and the wind seems silent to my cry for you.
In the stillness of night when the stars mightily shine
During the quietness of the night when the stars gleam brightly in the sky,
My heart fondly holds a communion with thine
My heart feels connected with yours in a deep and intimate way.
For I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be
Even though you are not physically with me, I sense your presence everywhere I go.
That the spirit of love watches me
I believe that the spirit of love, which connects us, watches over me and keeps me safe.
Oft the birds in the bower now companion I make
Often, I find comfort in the company of birds and make them my companions.
Every simple wildflower I prize for the sake
I cherish every wildflower, no matter how simple, as a reminder of the beauty in the world.
Deep woods and dark clouds can now pleasure impart
The beauty of the deep woods and the darkness of the clouds now bring me pleasure, where they used to seem foreboding.
For the solitude suits my poor heart
Solitude now comforts me, as my heart is still healing from our separation and loss.
Thou art gone from my gaze, yet I will not repine
Even though you are no longer here, I will not mourn or complain about your absence.
E'er long we shall meet in a home that is thine
I believe that one day we will reunite in your heavenly home.
For I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be
Once again, I sense that you are close to me, and I carry you with me wherever I go.
Contributed by Savannah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
The Carter Family Channel
This 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 :)
phononut
Thou art gone from my gaze like a beautiful dream
And I seek there in vain by the meadow and stream
Oft I breathe out your name to the winds floating by
But the sweet voice is mute to my cry
In the stillness of night when the stars mightily shine
My heart fondly holds a communion with thine
For I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be
That the spirit of love watches me
Oft the birds in the bower now companion I make
Every simple wildflower I prize for the sake
Deep woods and dark clouds can now pleasure impart
For the solitude suits my poor heart
Thou art gone from my gaze, yet I will not repine
E'er long we shall meet in a home that is thine
For I feel thou art near and where e'er I may be
That the spirit of love watches me
Keith McLaughlin
There should be a million views here. This is genius music being given to us by our host and people who love music need to learn the Carter families gifts.
Keith McLaughlin
This channel continues to make my day a better place
The Carter Family Channel
That is so good to hear Keith :)
Marvin Dockery
My first time to hear this song.
Thanks for.uploading this.
Enjoyed from Lapaz, Leyte, Philippines