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.
Lemon Chimes
The Dillards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They whisper in lemon chimes
And ring autumn's bells
That glisten in colors rhymes
And sings simple songs of love
That echo from other times
They write no words between the lines
The cloud ships that soar
And raise high above the shore
Upon sails of fire
To sunset's cathedral doors
Not to die with the day that's past
Or to cry for what's past before
They follow the sun for one day more
When yesterday's clown
Who weeps when the curtains down
Sees the circus has gone
And tomorrow's another town
Your kingdoms will have no rings
To wear all your paper crowns
You'll fall but my ear will hear no sound
Tomorrow I'm gone
I'll leave you alone with your fears
I'd rather move on
And you'd rather hide behind tears
You cry in the starlit nears
But you run when the rainbow appears
So we'll walk other days our separate ways
The lyrics of "Lemon Chimes" by The Dillards describe the autumn season through the imagery of trees changing colors and whispering in the wind like chimes. The poetic language of the song paints a vivid picture of the season's transition and the beauty of nature's cycles. The song reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. The line "They write no words between the lines" suggests that the beauty of the season and the passing of time need no explanation, and that it can simply be appreciated for what it is.
The song also touches on the themes of love and loss. The line "They sing simple songs of love" suggests that the beauty of the season can be a reminder of lost loves and past memories. The verse about the clown and the circus symbolizes the fleeting nature of happiness and how it can be replaced by sadness and uncertainty. The final verse suggests that the singer is leaving and moving on, and encourages the listener to do the same.
Line by Line Meaning
The October leaves
The leaves of October trees
They whisper in lemon chimes
The leaves rustle gently in the breeze, making a soft lemon-like sound
And ring autumn's bells
The rustling of the leaves sounds like autumn bells ringing
That glisten in colors rhymes
The leaves shine in various coloured tones
And sings simple songs of love
The rustling of the leaves creates a simple melody that expresses love
That echo from other times
The melody sounds like it is from a different era
They write no words between the lines
The melody's message is simple and explicit
The cloud ships that soar
The clouds in the sky move gracefully like ships
And raise high above the shore
The clouds continue moving towards the horizon
Upon sails of fire
The clouds are shining bright like fire
To sunset's cathedral doors
The clouds float towards the setting sun which looks like a cathedral door
Not to die with the day that's past
The clouds aren't disappearing with the day ending
Or to cry for what's past before
The clouds aren't mourning the loss of a past day
They follow the sun for one day more
The clouds continue moving towards the sun, seeking the light
When yesterday's clown
A reference to a performer who is no longer around
Who weeps when the curtains down
The performer misses the show and is saddened when it is over
Sees the circus has gone
The performer realizes that the show is over and the audience has left
And tomorrow's another town
Tomorrow is a new day, in a new place, with a new audience
Your kingdoms will have no rings
Your ambitions will not be fulfilled
To wear all your paper crowns
You will not be able to claim any victories or attain any success
You'll fall but my ear will hear no sound
The singer will not be aware of any failure or defeat
Tomorrow I'm gone
The singer will be leaving tomorrow
I'll leave you alone with your fears
The singer will leave the listener behind to deal with their worries alone
I'd rather move on
The singer desires to progress and make a new life
And you'd rather hide behind tears
The listener chooses to express their feelings through tears instead of dealing with them
You cry in the starlit nears
The listener feels emotional when the stars are visible
But you run when the rainbow appears
The listener avoids confronting their problems when the situation looks more promising
So we'll walk other days our separate ways
The singer and listener will continue on their own paths
Contributed by Aria O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.