The first known public appearance of the Osborne Brothers was in 1951. They joined the cast at WCYB Bristol, Virginia, to perform on a program called "Farm and Fun Time", along with other Bluegrass bands, such as, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Carl Story and his Rambling Mountainers. Other members of "Farm and Fun Time" included, Jim & Jesse, Little Robert Van Winkle, Curly King and the Tennessee Hilltoppers, and country recording artist Red Kirk. The live program aired five days a week, Monday through Friday from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on WCYB Radio, and covered five states.
Upon their breakout into the bluegrass scene, the Osborne Brothers quickly became noted for their virtuosic instrumentation and tight, melodic vocal harmonies. Their first country chart appearance was "Once More", a 1958 trio with Red Allen, with a then-novel inverted stacked harmony: Bobby singing the lead line highest, then Sonny singing baritone, and finally the third singer (in this case Red Allen) singing the tenor as the lowest part. This placed Bobby's distinctive voice as the lead, and made the third voice a somewhat interchangeable part. As a result, the brothers could hire a series of guitarist/singers without changing their overall sound. This "high lead" vocal trio became their signature sound, used to great effect in the country market, with songs like "Blame Me", "Sweethearts Again", and a remake of the Carter Family's "Fair and Tender Ladies".
During their breakout period of the mid 1950s, Sonny's banjo and Bobby's mandolin styles became distinctive and easily-identifiable with their overall sound. The band was inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry on August 8, 1964.
The Osborne Brothers have the distinction of having recorded two songs that would go on to be officially voted as "state songs." The first, "Rocky Top," was named a Tennessee state song in 1982. The other, "Kentucky," was named a state song for the brothers' home state of Kentucky.
In 1994, The Osborne Brothers were inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor. The induction is considered bluegrass music's highest honor.
I'm Leavin'
The Osborne Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So I'm leavin' in the mornin′
Before the sun can get too high I won′t waste time wavin' bye
Don′t know where I'll go or why but I′m leavin'
Had my share of flowers fair but women and love ain′t what I'm needin'
So I′m leavin′ in the mornin'
It′s nothing no one's said or done I just need a new track to run
Now life ain't been mean to me sometimes I wish I could say it had
But I could just never seem to settle down and you know that's sad
So I′m leavin′ in the mornin'
I keep thinkin′ on down the line my place in life I'll find
If I don′t run out of time I'm leavin′
I'm leavin' I′m leavin′
The Osborne Brothers's song "I'm Leavin'" is a country classic that expresses the longing for change and a new path in life. The lyrics talk about the singer's need to leave behind the same old places and faces, and the stale air he's breathing. He's tired of the routine and mundane life he's leading, and he wants something new. So he decides to leave in the morning before the sun gets too high, with no particular destination in mind. He acknowledges that he's had his share of love and flowers, but he's not looking for that right now.
The song is a reflection on the need for change and the desire to find a purpose in life. The lyrics express the frustration of feeling stuck and the hope that comes with starting anew. The repetitive nature of the same old places and faces is wearing on the singer, and he's ready for a fresh start. The song captures the feeling of wanderlust, and the search for something that feels like home.
Line by Line Meaning
Same old places same old faces I′m even tired of this air I'm breathin′
I am tired of the routine and familiarity of this place and the people in it. Even the air feels stale and uninspiring.
So I'm leavin' in the mornin′
I have decided to leave this place and start anew, and I plan to depart first thing in the morning.
Before the sun can get too high I won′t waste time wavin' bye
I plan to leave so early that the sun won't even be up yet, and I won't bother saying goodbye to anyone, as I'm eager to begin my journey.
Don′t know where I'll go or why but I′m leavin'
I am uncertain of where I will head and what exactly I am seeking, but I am confident in my decision to depart.
Had my share of flowers fair but women and love ain′t what I'm needin'
Although I have enjoyed the company of various romantic interests in the past, I am currently in search of something different and love is not a priority for me.
It′s nothing no one's said or done I just need a new track to run
No one is to blame for my departure, it's just time for me to explore a new path and direction in life.
This town′s clean out of fun so I'm leavin′
I feel as though I have exhausted all the entertainment and enjoyment this town has to offer, and it's time for me to move on to new experiences.
Now life ain't been mean to me sometimes I wish I could say it had
I have not experienced significant hardships in life, which is both a blessing and a curse as I feel restless and unfocused.
But I could just never seem to settle down and you know that's sad
Despite my lack of major life struggles, I have struggled to find contentment and permanence, which is a source of sadness for me.
I keep thinkin′ on down the line my place in life I'll find
Even though I am unsure of my exact destination and purpose, I believe that my journey will ultimately lead me to my rightful place in life.
If I don′t run out of time I'm leavin′
As long as I am able to continue on my journey without any major setbacks, I am committed to leaving and finding my way in the world.
I'm leavin' I′m leavin′
My departure is imminent and I am resolute in my decision to leave.
Writer(s): Johnny Russell, Vince Finneran
Contributed by Sarah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Brendan Swire
this is such a great song off an incredible album. Sonny does the best backup.
twocandycains
Bobby's voice Is like laying on silk....Thanks for posting!
Timothy Hutchins
how does he go that high???? great harmony too!!!