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.
You've Got to Be Strong
The Dillards Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To make up your mind sometimes
People I know do get confused
Trying to keep themselves in line
Oh it's a shame sometimes it's so lame
Yet we can stand up and walk
We get good sense we all get offense
It ain't so high we can't talk
You got to be strong
You got to be strong
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
Roses promise roses only to the sun
You can promise it shall be
The morning when it's done
We're the ones who know you know
We make our own winds blow
Keep a steady hand on your direction
Sooner or later it will show
You got to be strong
You got to be strong
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
You got to be strong
You got to be strong
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
You got to be strong
You got to be strong
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
And have faith in yourself
The Dillards’ song "You’ve Got to Be Strong" is a poignant reminder to people who are going through a tough time that they need to stay strong and keep pushing through. The opening lines reveal that decision-making is a daunting task, and people often find themselves confused as they struggle to remain focused on their goals. The chorus emphasises the importance of having faith in oneself, and the need to be patient and persevere even during challenging times. The verses remind the listener that every decision they make is like planting a seed, and with patience and persistence, their hopes and dreams will blossom.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful, delivering the message that the road to success is not always easy, but one's determination will pay off eventually. The song encourages listeners to navigate through their challenges with a steady hand and unwavering determination. It’s an inspiring tune that infuses the listener with hope, and the message resonates long after the music has stopped.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately I know it's so hard
Recently, I understand how difficult things have been for you
To make up your mind sometimes
At times, it may be challenging for you to come to a decision
People I know do get confused
Even people close to me face confusion
Trying to keep themselves in line
As they attempt to maintain stability
Oh it's a shame sometimes it's so lame
It is regretful when things are undesirable
Yet we can stand up and walk
Still, we have the capability to stand and move forward
We get good sense we all get offense
We can distinguish right from wrong, but we may get hurt in the process
It ain't so high we can't talk
The situation isn't too extreme for us to communicate about it
You got to be strong
You must display strength despite the difficulties you face
You got to be strong and keep on hanging on
Hold on tightly to your perseverance and resilience
And have faith in yourself
Believe in your own abilities and capabilities
Roses promise roses only to the sun
Roses thrive and bloom only when exposed to sunlight
You can promise it shall be
But you have to make assurances of your own
The morning when it's done
Once everything has been accomplished
We're the ones who know you know
We are the ones who understand, you see
We make our own winds blow
We determine our own path
Keep a steady hand on your direction
Stay focused on your goals and objectives
Sooner or later it will show
Eventually, the results of your hard work will manifest themselves
You got to be strong
Facing obstacles requires strength and grit
And have faith in yourself
Believing in yourself is the key to succeeding in life
Contributed by Declan G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@brotherton9
A great theme song for 2018. Onward!!!