Bert Hare - I'm Dying, Mother

[@graveyardelf6765]

There's still time to get right, everybody.

[@colinlowry7233]

Pray for me that I will get right please brother

[@nathanael8612]

Amen, The LORD will make whats crooked straight, faith an hope

[@mediocrehistorian6798]

Get right through the Holy Church. God bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@yleniachimetto299]

This comment could possibly save my life , I'm trying quit smoking after 12 years

[@yleniachimetto299]

​@@colinlowry7233 are you good brother ?

[@PotterPossum1989]

Recorded a day before my mother was born. Hard to believe it's been 50 years since the 60s, but grandpa's gone, and dad's gone, so maybe we're all getting older.

[@victorprakke4818]

+Kegan Mahon Nicely said. Something to think about! Thank you.

[@leltrip2803]

God bless y'all

[@smokeclouds8]

Life's a trip, one day we'll make it back home.

[@TRUCK-FREAK]

One of these days, Amen.

[@SeanYenchick]

on one summer eve as the sun was setting - The wind blew soft and cold - A young man lay on a bed of fever and - Tears stood in his eyes - I’m dying mother I’m surely dying - And hell is my awful doom - take my hand and - Press it tight for my heart is sad with gloom - The other night as I left the meeting - The spirit it bid me pray said not tonight but- Next week only I must go and bang til the day - After this I’ll get converted - And be a Christian bride - But alas too late I have seen the folly of saying not tonight I’m dying mother I’m surely dying And hell is my awful doom - take my hand and - Press it tight for my heart is sad with gloom After this I’ll get converted - And be a Christian bride - But alas too late I have seen the folly of saying not tonight mother dear go and tell my comrades - Not to do as I have done - When the spirit calls you - Do not reject him and put him off in time I’m dying mother I’m surely dying And hell is my awful doom - take my hand and - Press it tight for my heart is sad with gloom I’m dying mother I’m surely dying And hell is my awful doom - take my hand and - Press it tight for my heart is sad with gloom

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Good work, Sean.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Sean, great work transcribing this, however, I have ONE correction for you, sir. Where you heard "... next week only I must go and bang til the day," he is actually saying "I must go and dance with the gay." What he means there, I think, is that after he left the church meeting he was inspired (by "the Spirit") to stop and pray but he chose not to. He says he will pray "next week only" (meaning next Sunday) because now he "must go and dance with the gay," meaning he's on his way to a party that evening--he intends to pray later but then he falls sick and dies.

[@CliftonHicksbanjo]

Here's my transcript of this great old song: "I'm Dying Mother" (banjo tuning fDGCD) On one summer eve as the sun was setting the wind blew soft and cold, A young man lay on the bed of fever and tears stood in his eyes. CHORUS : I’m dying mother I’m surely dying and Hell is my awful doom, Take my hand and press it tight for my heart is sad with gloom. The other night as I left the meeting the Spirit bid me pray, I said not tonight but Next week only--I must go and dance with the gay. After this I’ll get converted and be a Christian bright, But alas too late I've seen the folly of saying naught tonight. (CHORUS) (Mr. Hare then repeats the previous verse) Mother dear go and tell my comrade not to do as I have done, When the Spirit calls do not reject him or put him off in fun. (CHORUS)

[@TheBWJohnson]

good work, Clifton. As a comparison - here's a version collected in Arkansas in 1969: On a summer eve as th sun was settin' An' th wind blew soft an' dry A young man lay on his bed with fever An' th tear stood in his eyes VERSE 2 O Mother dear, come here an' listen While I talk awhile with you I have somethin' thats passed th portrit An' I must confess to you VERSE 3 I'm dying Mother, I'm surely dying An' Hell, it is my doom Hold my hand and press it tighter For my heart is filled with gloom VERSE 4 The other night as I left th meetin' God's spirit did me stay I said, not now but next week only I will go an' dance with glee VERSE 5 Mother dear, tell all my comr'des Not to do as I have done When God calls, do not reject him Or put 'im off in fun VERSE 6 Then he took his Mother's hand And he raised it higher While th tears stood in his eyes O Mother dear, don't grieve for me But it is so hard to die VERSE 7 Then he asked his Mother as he grew weaker If she would kneel an' pray My eyes have dim an' it's gettin' darker An' I cannot see my way VERSE 8 Then she knelt down beside his bed And her voice was tremblin' so She prayed o God, bless my boy Please bless an' saved his soul

[@jessestewart169]

sends chills down my spine.

[@ramentaco9179]

i think of how much i’ve put my mom through with my addiction and how she’s been my number 1 hero and supporter through everything

[@killxhristos7539]

Proud of u brother no love like a mothers love

[@kaptein1247]

Have you told her?

[@mattbritzius570]

Something damn truthful about this. Its a rare kind of truthful. I love southern folk songs, but the modern renditions are typically too self-aware and try too hard to grasp that mythical aura of the lost old south. You can't fault them for trying, but there's no comparison.

[@TheBWJohnson]

agree. too much thinking. either you are or you aren't. people seem a little too image cautious these days for my taste. and just like the truth, the false shines through too. thanks, Matthew...

[@mattbritzius570]

TheBWJohnson Thank you for posting this great piece of art and history. I'm very glad to have found it.

[@TheBWJohnson]

You got it. Always a go-to for me as well. Thanks!

[@michaelcraig9449]

They dont bust loose and let their soul scream it out, too sophisticated or something.. like they are afraid to show human emotion.. some of the younger ones are still very real though..

[@missbritt288]

Sooo true

[@ibrake4butterflies]

This really sounds like it feels to drive through the hills and lower mountain roads in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee

[@TheBWJohnson]

been there, Brake. what happened to those days in America where each geographic place had its own distinct sound, its own songs ,and stories. hope it has not all become homogenized and repetition/ nostalgic replicas or idolatry. better grab my recorder, a good camera, and some snacks and find out...

[@HolyMosesPants]

This song just about moves me to tears every time I hear it. His voice and the way its played is so tragic and beautiful. Nothing compares.

[@stevennations9262]

🙏🙏🙏Dear God please have mercy and forgive us all for our sins. Come into our hearts and save us! In the name of JESUS CHRIST amen 🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@matlaw]

two things are true: we’re all dying, and there’s always time to make better choices.

[@JackT13]

This would make Mr Guthrie himself blush with envy

[@TheBWJohnson]

yes - Art of Field Recording Vol. 1. it is an incredible collection.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

I am a folk singer I can how good this man truly is god bless him!

[@nathensurman3884]

it's funny... every time i look at youtube for some kind of non-pop/mainstream music by American artists (Pearl & the beard, Joseph, the Genuine, Lulu & the Lampshades, Fleet Foxes etc...) i inevitably find myself brought to this Americana/Appalachian folk music an hour of two later.... It's really an important root-style of music, and i adore it

[@kaptein1247]

Nothing beats delta blues

[@trw5653]

I suppose I am drawn to music like this more in my thinking hours more than when busy with the demands of the day. My heart 'has' to go out to the mother in this song more than to the son... and I guess that is because I understand her pain more than her son's. Her pain began as soon as she knew she was carrying such a precious load... his began when his load had become to heavy to carry. However... I still feel his pain and feel more human for doing so. Sending you a hug.

[@TheBWJohnson]

And one returned. Guess the trauma has its own affect on the varying perspectives. We can only hope that the prism of age is not too reflected as to not connect these two sources of pain. Something I saw recently about happiness as defiance in the face of a tragedy which, left to its own devices, could create several more. But from whatever angle, this will always be a favorite. And so will you...

[@coravisser727]

This is a while ago that i have listened to this very great and emotional one,but it touch your whole soul and bones..! It is just a movie where i am. I here the music and see the boy who is asking his mom to hold his hand when he is dying.! So good played fantastic.

[@TheBWJohnson]

one for all time. thought it was just me; glad others have gravitated to this one. at the end of the day, we all have so much in common - more than the superficial divisions we've been sold. thanks for all the kind words, Cora.

[@charliesierra6919]

Priceless! Thanks for this.

[@TheBWJohnson]

love this one, too. always been a favorite although it's kinda been passed by here.

[@snuffman5497]

not sure if its the quality of the recording or thats his voice but man what a voice. i wish i could sing like this. i sing this song on banjo. learned it from clifton hicks but cant do as good as either of the singers him or bert. if anyone sings this kind of music how do you get the falsetto voice cracks to sound good. when i try it sounds like crap

[@holyspacemonkey]

Straight to the heart 😭

[@TheBWJohnson]

wouldn't have it any other way. thanks for dropping a line, Nicole...

[@ziondegallier6252]

Such a beautiful sound.

[@PotterPossum1989]

Just an update that dust-to-digital is currently having a 20% off end of the year sale.

[@christianbolorinos6450]

I love this. So damn raw...

[@michaelcraig9449]

Stunning!

[@johnruskin4330]

Beautiful

[@cain3895]

Very good Edit: jesus I was dry then Anyway, wonderful job!

[@PotterPossum1989]

Just put in a bid for this album, so hopefully I'll get it. Are any of the other Dust to Digital releases out of print, or getting there?! I try so hard to stay on top, but it gets expensive, and I feel guilty buying so much (awesome) music for myself.

[@PotterPossum1989]

Picked it up sealed for $71 shipped. Possibly a little high, but with the second volume still available cheaply, it'll come to about $40 for both. Not too awfully expensive for a box set. CDs generally run $10 apiece.

[@TheBWJohnson]

nice work. yes, I know what you mean about the cost, especially when it comes to digital copies. But keep in mind this is not some thing you'll come to regret in 10 years say if you ran out and bought some nonsense. and think about what it costs to go out and attend a show these days. this you'll have forever and likely it won't lose it's value. and if you ever want to pay a little less - they recently put all their stuff out digitally. But what a great collection. anyway - enough talking. Hope you enjoy it. We're lucky to have that stuff in existence at all!

[@PotterPossum1989]

He's back!

[@egparis18]

Thanks.

[@jessestewart169]

I'm dying mother

[@Stuckinafolksong]

The dying boy maxhunter.missouristate.edu/songinformation.aspx?ID=1026 seems to be the same verses, anyone got anymore info on this song?

[@TheBWJohnson]

good link. thanks..

[@ibrake4butterflies]

The right photo with the right song. How do you do that? You've got a case of the knows.;)

[@TheBWJohnson]

thanks again, Brake. one of my all time favorites. something about a natural feeling that gets me everytime. not sure what those four people came looking for....

[@googlefan8828]

+TheBWJohnson - redemption

[@corydontodd]

anyone know the chords for this?

[@Stuckinafolksong]

C to Am in sawmill tuning I think

[@nudge2626]

Thanks! I'll see if I can hunt down a copy that isn't ridiculusly expensive! haha

[@ostinato7585]

Does anybody knows who's that man - because I cannot find anything on him by searching on the internet ?

[@TheBWJohnson]

Yes! "But there are some occasions when I've just been amazed to meet a total stranger, not through any contact, and they're willing to share their music. One time, I was in East Kentucky, in this little teeny town called Asher. I went to the general store and post office and asked the postmaster and storekeeper, a fellow named Bert Hare, "Are there any fiddlers or banjo or guitar players around?" He said, "Well, I play guitar a little bit." He took his guitar out from under the counter, and he starts playing some religious ballads and started singing, just really well. I asked if I could get my tape recorder, and he said sure. A total stranger walks in the door, and he sits down for about an hour and records these wonderful songs, sharing them." - Art Rosenbaum

[@ostinato7585]

... ... Thank you !

[@TheBWJohnson]

you got it. just goes to show all the amazing gems hiding in plain sight. Thanks!

[@the32712]

+TheBWJohnson Do you know which of Art's album's this is off of?

[@TheBWJohnson]

+the32712 yes - Art of Field Recording Vol. 1, disc 1

[@miguelmarquez4192]

Whoah.

[@PotterPossum1989]

Still good!!!

[@snakeryan87]

And 'be a Christian bright'.

[@horryboi]

I believe that is ''a Christian bride'' for Christians are known as the bride of Christ. I may be wrong but that's what I hear and interpret.

[@SeanYenchick]

yeah i'll edit soon. i dug up lyrics to another version and edited them on the fly, not quite on point

[@sword3349]

Anyone know a strumming pattern for acoustic?

[@tablaradiofromindia1818]

Nice

[@nudge2626]

Is there a cd release or anywhere I can get this recording?

[@eligraves5132]

Does anyone know what time signature this song is in?

[@eligraves5132]

Please help

[@jobdylan5782]

I can't tell by ear, kinda odd.

[@jobdylan5782]

i want to say 3/4 but i'm far from an educated musician

[@thomastreloar3519]

@@eligraves5132 4/4

[@Owen-hd3oq]

4/4 it's got a deceivingly fast tempo so maybe that's why you were confused

[@Rehiggins]

Does anyone know anything about the singer? I cant find any info online

[@themememachine3945]

All the info you will ever find is regarding this man is in the video description.

[@gonzalohernan4169]

It reminds me of Kurt Cobain kind of singing. It must be the colour of his voice or something. Or should i say Kurt reminds me of Bert?

[@colinlowry7233]

Anyone know about this picture

[@TheBWJohnson]

yes. it comes from this site - www.jsevy.com/roger/sigurd/sigurd.html

[@colinlowry7233]

@@TheBWJohnson thanks buddy

[@TheBWJohnson]

@@colinlowry7233 you got it. didn't think i'd find it after all this time, but glad i did.

[@snakeryan87]

Not bang til the day, but *dance with the dead.

[@c.robespierre8479]

Has anyone figured out the tuning? It’s open something….

[@jonr5636]

open mouth he hue hue

[@isaacw7090]

I've been putting a capo on the 8th fret playing C and F major in standard, or you could tune it all the way down to open C and play the same further up on the fretboard. I prefer the former.

[@KenneyCmusic]

I think I have. I believe its open G, capo'd on the 4th fret, and tuned up just under a half step if you want to play along with the recording. I'm assuming that half step off is from the recording equipment. I think the belt slows down, or speeds, and it affects the tuning. Anyways, that's the closest I can get. It'll be just sharp of GCGCEG

[@ibrake4butterflies]

First rap music but pleasing to the ear and soul.

[@Jinikiriwarrior]

Im cooked