About the song
In the realm of American folk music, few songs have captivated audiences with the same enduring charm as “Wildwood Flower”. This beloved classic, expertly performed and recorded by the legendary Carter Family, has been a staple of the genre for generations. With its intricate melody and poignant lyrics, “Wildwood Flower” has become an iconic representation of the country’s rich musical heritage.
The song’s origins date back to 1860, when composer Joseph Philbrick Webster penned the music to “I’ll Twine ‘Mid the Ringlets”, with lyrics attributed to the enigmatic Maud Irving. Over time, various adaptations and interpretations emerged, including “The Pale Amaranthus”, “Raven Black Hair”, and “The Frail Wildwood Flower”. Each iteration has contributed to the song’s evolution, while maintaining the essence of its haunting beauty.
The Carter Family’s 1928 recording of “Wildwood Flower” on the Victor label marked a pivotal moment in the song’s history. Maybelle Carter’s masterful rendition, featuring her innovative “Carter Scratch” guitar technique, has been widely acclaimed as the definitive version. This technique, where the musician plays both melody and rhythm lines simultaneously, has been emulated by countless artists and remains an integral part of the song’s allure.
Woody Guthrie, another American music icon, was inspired by the tune of “I’ll Twine ‘Mid the Ringlets” when crafting his song “The Sinking of the Reuben James”. Guthrie’s adaptation demonstrates the song’s versatility and its ability to transcend genres and styles.
Despite the passage of time, the original poem from which the lyrics were derived has been lost to history. However, research has uncovered poems attributed to Maud Irving in periodicals of the era, including Godey’s Lady’s Book and Home Monthly. Interestingly, some of these poems bear the pseudonym of poet and spiritualist J. William Van Namee, adding a layer of mystery to the song’s origins.
As we delve into the world of “Wildwood Flower”, we are reminded of the power of music to transcend time and touch our hearts. This timeless classic continues to captivate audiences, its beauty and significance remaining as vibrant as the wildflowers that inspired its name. Join us on a journey through the history and evolution of “Wildwood Flower”, a true American treasure.
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Lyrics
Oh, I’ll twine with my mingles and waving black hair
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
And the myrtle so bright with the emerald hue
The pale and the leader and eyes look like blue.
Oh I’ll dance, I will sing and my (*laugh) shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
When I woke from my dreaming, my idol was clay
All portion of love had all flown away.
Oh he taught me to love him and promised to love
And to cherish me over all others above
How my heart is now wond’ring no mis’ry can tell
He’s left me no warning, no words of farewell.
Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his (*flow’r)
That was blooming to cheer him through life’s dreary hour
Oh, I long to see him and regret the dark hour
He’s gone and neglected this pale wildwood flow’r.