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.
In My Life
The Dillards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all
But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more
The Dillards’ “In My Life” is a heartfelt tribute to the people and places that have shaped the singer’s life so far. The song speaks to the idea that our past can never truly be forgotten, and that the memories of those we have loved and the places we have been have a permanent place in our hearts. The lyrics are infused with nostalgia and a sense of bittersweet longing, as the singer reflects on the changes that have occurred in their life over time.
The first verse describes the places that the singer has loved and lost: some have changed for the worse, many are gone altogether, while others remain. Nonetheless, they still hold a special place in the singer’s heart, as they are associated with learning, growth, and the relationships that defined those periods of their life. In the second verse, the singer reflects on their most treasured relationships, and how the person they are with now is unique among all of their past lovers and friends. Nevertheless, the singer acknowledges that they will always cherish the memories of those relationships that came before, even as they look forward to the future.
Overall, “In My Life” is a poignant love song that speaks to the idea that our past experiences – both good and bad – never truly leave us. It reminds us that no matter how much we change, the people and places that we’ve loved and lost will always be a part of us.
Line by Line Meaning
There are places I'll remember
I have visited many locations and memories have been formed there
All my life, though some have changed
Despite my entire life being a journey, some reminiscences have altered
Some forever, not for better
A few of the places I have been to will be permanent memories but not all good ones
Some have gone and some remain
Certain memories have vanished, and some still reside in my mind
All these places had their moments
Every memory has its own significance and is cherishing in its way
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
I remember these memories spent with family and friends
Some are dead and some are living
Some memories relate to those who are still alive, and others remind me of the dead ones
In my life, I've loved them all
All these memories hold a special place in my heart and are loved by me
But of all these friends and lovers
Although I have experienced many friendships and love affairs
There is no one compares with you
No one is equivalent to the person who is being addressed in the song
And these memories lose their meaning
The essence of all previous memories diminishes
When I think of love as something new
When I experience new feelings of affection, past loves become less significant
Though I know I'll never lose affection
The love and fondness towards past emotions and people will never dissipate
For people and things that went before
Towards people and things that are no longer in my life
I know I'll often stop and think about them
I frequently pause to reminisce about past experiences
In my life, I'll love you more
Amongst all these memories, I hold more adoration for the person addressed in the song
Though I know I'll never lose affection
The love and fondness towards past emotions and people will never dissipate
For people and things that went before
Towards people and things that are no longer in my life
I know I'll often stop and think about them
I frequently pause to reminisce about past experiences
In my life, I'll love you more
Amongst all these memories, I hold more adoration for the person addressed in the song
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind