Though The Dillards were already an established bluegrass band, their biggest claim to fame is performing musically as members of the fictional Darling family on The Andy Griffith Show, introducing bluegrass to many Americans who had never heard it. This was a recurring role and the Dillards were led by veteran character actor Denver Pyle as their father and jug player, Briscoe Darling. Maggie Peterson played Charlene Darling, their sister and the focus for the attentions of character Ernest T. Bass, played by Howard Morris. The appearances of the Dillards as the Darlings ran between 1963 and 1966. In 1986, the Dillards reprised the role in the reunion show Return to Mayberry. As part of their current tour, Rodney Dillard answers questions about the TV series. He says the songs such as "Dooley" are about people the family knew.
On the October 1963 episode "Briscoe Declares for Aunt Bee", the Dillards performed the first wide scale airing of the 1955 Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith composition Feudin' Banjos (Dueling Banjos).
According to Jim Clark of The Andy Griffith Show Rerun Watchers Club, three albums have been produced with songs performed on the show. Clark says Songs That Make Me Cry is the only one currently available with real performances and has the three songs which included Maggie Peterson, who played Charlene. Back Porch Bluegrass: Live Almost includes five songs that were sung on the show, and Rodney Dillard released another album with the real performances of other songs.
The Dillards are notable for being among the first bluegrass groups to have electrified their instruments in the mid-1960s. They are considered to be one of the pioneers of the burgeoning southern California folk rock, country rock and progressive bluegrass genres, and are known to have directly or indirectly influenced artists such as The Eagles, The Byrds, and Elton John. In 1972, The Dillards joined Elton John on his first American tour. John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin has also acknowledged their influence, particularly in his decision to play the mandolin.
Rodney Dillard is a founding member of The Dillards - the group he formed with his brother, Douglas Dillard in the late 1950s. Credited throughout the years as the driving force behind the group's musical direction, success, and phenomenal longevity as a working act. Today, Dillard's musical duties include lead and harmony vocals, guitar, and dobro.
Beverly Cotten-Dillard is a native of Morrisville, North Carolina who performed with Janette Carter, Ola Belle Reed, Tommy Jarrell, and Doc and Merle Watson. She has appeared on Hee Haw and the Disney Channel and at Carnegie Hall. Cotten-Dillard is recognized as an authority on the traditional "clawhammer" banjo technique and is a featured member of The Dillards live shows. Her 1981 album Clog-In 'is considered an American folk classic."
George Giddens is a classically trained musician who is an awarded fiddler and mandolin player for the band.
Gary J. Smith was added to the lineup, having recorded double bass in the 2015 studio sessions for the new Dillards album. Smith is well known in Nashville circles after stints with Tom T. Hall, The Brother Boys, Ed Snodderly, and his long-time collaborator, Jeff Gilkinson.
Former member, Dean Webb, died at the age of 81, on June 30, 2018.
Ground Hog
The Dillards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, groundhog
Run here Sally with a ten foot pole
To twist that whistle-pig out of his hole
Oh, groundhog
Here comes Sal with a snicker and a grin
Groundhog gravy all over her chin
Oh, groundhog
Look at them fellers, they're a-goin' wild
Eat that hog before he's cooked or biled
Oh, groundhog
I dug down but I didn't dig deep
There laid a whistle-pig fast asleep
Oh, groundhog
Now the meat's in the cupboard and the butter's in the churn
If that ain't groundhog I'll be derned
Oh, groundhog
Well you eat the meat and save the hide
Make the best shoestring ever was tied
Oh, groundhog
Look at them fellers, they're about to fall
Eat till their britches won't button at all
Oh, groundhog
Little piece of cornbread a-layin' on the shelf
If you want any more, you can sing it yerself
Oh, groundhog
The Dillards' song "Ground Hog" is a traditional bluegrass tune that tells the story of a group of men and women who head off to the woods to catch a groundhog. The song features a strong beat with banjos and guitars providing the musical accompaniment. The lyrics suggest that catching and cooking groundhog is a time-honored hunting tradition in the South.
The first verse of the song sets the scene for the story. The group is heading out to the woods to catch a groundhog, and they're excited about the prospect. The next verse suggests that the hunt is on and the group is determined to catch the critter. The third verse discusses the joy of eating the groundhog, and the last verse talks about the satisfaction of having caught it.
Overall, the song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a lively, down-home gathering where people come together to hunt, catch, and cook a delicious meal. The song celebrates the traditions and stories that have been passed down through generations of Southern families, and it offers a glimpse into what life was like in rural, agricultural communities in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Off to the woods for to catch a groundhog
We're going to the woods to capture a groundhog.
Oh, groundhog
Referring to the groundhog.
Run here Sally with a ten foot pole
Sally, bring a long pole to twist and pull the groundhog out of its hole.
To twist that whistle-pig out of his hole
To get the groundhog out of its hole by twisting and pulling it with a long pole.
Here comes Sal with a snicker and a grin
Sally is coming with a smirk on her face.
Groundhog gravy all over her chin
Sally's face is covered in groundhog gravy.
Look at them fellers, they're a-goin' wild
The guys are excited and going crazy.
Eat that hog before he's cooked or biled
Let's eat the groundhog before it's cooked or boiled.
I dug down but I didn't dig deep
I dug a shallow hole.
There laid a whistle-pig fast asleep
There was a sleeping groundhog in the shallow hole.
Now the meat's in the cupboard and the butter's in the churn
The meat is stored in the cupboard and the butter is being churned.
If that ain't groundhog I'll be derned
That's definitely groundhog meat.
Well you eat the meat and save the hide
Let's eat the meat and keep the hide.
Make the best shoestring ever was tied
We can make excellent shoestrings out of the hide.
Look at them fellers, they're about to fall
The guys are so full they might fall over.
Eat till their britches won't button at all
They ate so much their pants won't even button.
Little piece of cornbread a-layin' on the shelf
There's a small piece of cornbread sitting on the shelf.
If you want any more, you can sing it yerself
If you want more food, you'll have to sing for it yourself.
Contributed by Christopher C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.