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
When the World's on Fire
The Carter Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, my loving mother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
I'm going to heaven when the world's on fire
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Oh, my loving brother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Oh, my loving sinner, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Don't you want to go to heaven when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
The Carter Family's song "When the World's on Fire" is a gospel song that focuses on the idea of seeking divine protection when the world around us seems fraught with destruction, chaos, and uncertainty. The song consists of several repetitive verses, each addressing the listener (loving mother, loving brother, and loving sinner) and offering comfort. The lyrics suggest that the world is not a safe or stable place and that the only way to find peace and security is to seek refuge in the bosom of God. The reference to "Rock of Ages" invokes a sense of timelessness and unchanging solidity, creating an image of a safe haven in the midst of turmoil.
The verses suggest that the desire to find refuge in God's bosom is universal and relevant to all, regardless of their past mistakes or their relationships with others. It suggests that we are all sinners and that the only way to find salvation is to surrender to God's mercy and protection. The repetitive nature of the song lends itself well to repetitive singing, creating a meditative atmosphere that encourages listeners to focus on the lyrics and find solace in their words.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my loving mother, when the world's on fire
Addressing the singer's mother and acknowledging that there will be chaos and destruction in the world.
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Asking if the mother wants to rest safely in the arms of God during this tumultuous time.
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Requesting God's protection and assistance during this difficult time by using the imagery of being held above water to avoid drowning in the chaos.
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Referencing the biblical passage in Exodus where Moses strikes a rock and water comes out to sustain the people, asking God to be a source of sustenance and salvation in the same way.
I'm going to heaven when the world's on fire
Expressing the singer's conviction in their own salvation and that they will be safe from the destruction of the world.
And I want God's bosom to be my pillow
Expressing the desire to safely rest in the arms of God during this time of chaos and destruction.
Oh, my loving brother, when the world's on fire
Addressing the singer's brother and acknowledging that there will be chaos and destruction in the world.
Oh, my loving sinner, when the world's on fire
Addressing anyone who may be considered a sinner, acknowledging that there will be chaos and destruction in the world.
Don't you want to go to heaven when the world's on fire
Asking if the listener desires salvation and safety from the destruction of the world.
Contributed by Jayce C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DaNi bOi
Oh, my loving mother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
I'm going to heaven when the world's on fire
And I want God's bosom to be my pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Oh, my loving brother, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Oh, my loving sinner, when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Don't you want to go to heaven when the world's on fire
Don't you want God's bosom to be your pillow
Tide me over in the Rock of Ages
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Joseph Morrissey
This brings back memories of a place I’ve never been too.
mauser98
Same
A Channel
@Doug G where is it?
Doug G
I have
A Channel
@rlcd3447 never forget that I’m the fight
Roger Karlsson
Reincarnation happens, and sometimes we are reminded of where we've been before this life..
Tony Marchese
I SHALL LEAD YOU TO THE GATES, FOR YOU ARE MY CHILDREN AND I AM YOUR FATHER!
Sami597
U can see we are creeping towards to th3 edge
Zanatovski.
to explode whole montana
Zanatovski.
you are my nuke