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.
Love Has Gone Away
The Dillards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was my love yesterday
You and I so dumb and never knowing
Look down turn around love had gone away
When love came around I wanted to believe it
Little love child with the lonely face
Orphan eyes I knew I'd never leave it
Love and children leave us like the seasons
Spring comes, summer goes away
Like a child I never knew the reasons
Look down turn around love had gone away
Look down turn around love had gone away
The Dillards' song Love Has Gone Away describes the fleeting and uncertain nature of love. The lyrics start with the singer contemplating the passing of time and how love seems to slip away with it. Yesterday, he had love in his life, but now it's gone, and he's left dumbfounded with his partner. The verse paints a picture of a love that was believed to be strong, but actually was fragile, and they were not aware of it.
In the next verse, the songwriter remembers the time when love first came around. Even though it was expressed through a child's innocent face, they found it endearing and never thought they would leave it. However, as things go, they realized the fickleness of love and how easily it slips away. The final line, "Look down turn around love had gone away", seems to be an ominous conclusion that no one knows when love will leave and one can't prevent it from happening.
Overall, the song's message is about the fragileness of love and how it's challenging to keep it. It's a bittersweet song that highlights the ever-changing nature of the world and the relationships we form.
Line by Line Meaning
Well the days go by I wonder where they're going
Time moves on and I ponder its direction
It was my love yesterday
Yesterday I was in love
You and I so dumb and never knowing
We were ignorant and lacked insight
Look down turn around love had gone away
Without notice, love disappeared
When love came around I wanted to believe it
I desired to trust in love
Little love child with the lonely face
A small, sad-looking being of love
Orphan eyes I knew I'd never leave it
I was committed to loving it forever
Then we turn and see love had gone away
Suddenly, we noticed love had vanished
Love and children leave us like the seasons
Love and offspring depart like the weather
Spring comes, summer goes away
The seasons change; time passes
Like a child I never knew the reasons
I felt helpless, like a child
Look down turn around love had gone away
I looked and saw that love was gone
Writer(s): Mitch Jayne, Rodney Dillard
Contributed by Elliot F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dave McClure
Never heard this before! Great song! Thanks!
Craig Walker
WOW ! ~