SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD (1964) by Doc Watson

In a Doc Watson music book I have, this song is titled 'Settin' On Top Of The World'. It was originally done by the Mississippi Sheiks and has been covered by many people, including the Grateful Dead.
Doc commented that 'I fashioned my arrangements from Frank Hutchinson's The Train That Carried My Girl From Town and Worried Blues; I just worked out a finger-picking version in an open tuning'. (It is open D tuning, capo first fret).
If you don't know Doc, consider finding his songs. He is a formidable finger-picker and flat picker, he sings, and plays other instruments such as banjo, blues harp, and mandolin.
For a truly remarkable essay on meeting Doc, seeing him play live in later life, and how he interacts with other musicians, read the following article; it is fantastic:
ekhornbeck.blog...
I have done a slideshow video featuring mostly early images of Doc and other bits and pieces, around the same period as this song.
Update: Sadly, Doc Watson died on 29 May 2012 following surgery, at the age of 89. R.I.P. Doc. (There were 80,107 views as of 30 May 2012. Prior to Doc's death, this slideshow video received around two and a half thousand hits per month since it was put up in Nov 2009 . In the two days following his death, there were 13,000 hits).
Comments are invited.

[@wilsonmcphert]

For a great recollection of Doc Watson, see the article I refer to in the background to this song under the video. R.I.P. Doc Watson.

[@raymondwilliams8755]

Y

[@hamnose]

Almost as tedious as reading Rolling Stone.

[@josephanderson3889]

Grateful Dead’s the best electric version

[@spongeorpete7289]

1 mill yay!

[@wyzeyzere]

And did you?

[@filobloomz]

When I get outta jail - my court date is Dec 7th - I'm gonna spend the rest of my life learning to play guitar half-as-good as Doc, and live a life inspired by his beautiful music. He makes me feel like everything is gonna be alright. I know I have to pay my dues and change my ways, but I also know that somewhere's down the road everything will straighten out and I'll be ok. Thank-you Doc

[@SpiiderOK]

hows it going?

[@sionyevans]

You have a long happy life waiting for you brother...weather you ever lean to play or not...you have a good heart..thats all that matters dude...keep living the music..

[@ryank5761]

Back in jail yet?

[@samuelsholder2789]

God gonna bless u brother

[@balls3565]

Be inspired by Jesus

[@bobbieannwalker3689]

He was truly one of North Carolina’s treasures, and he’ll never be replaced

[@chuckjeffery944]

Doc Watson is a treasure of the United States. Always will be. I reckon 😳

[@rosscampbell1173]

I wonder why Andy Griffith didn’t make a walk on roll for him on his show.

[@bobbieannwalker3689]

@@rosscampbell1173 I know, them both being from North Carolina it would have been awesome

[@kennypridemore5466]

It's called hillbilly blues , it's the best music you'll ever hear in this life !

[@wilsonmcphert]

I received a sarcastic comment stating that they hoped I made a lot of money from the video. . I put up these videos, which take me about 3 hours to make, because I love the music and to promote the artist. I make no money from them. You tube makes money from the ads. Grrrr!

[@jean-claudearsenault224]

No. 1, the song was never his to play, all nice white boy can, be inspired by black artist, it is ok to use it, make it your own.

[@essajohannesen3371]

Keep up the good work fuck all the haters

[@jasonpowell2585]

Hey when the hatred starts coming at you you know you're right especially on KZbin fuck emm

[@inthezoneeeechief]

what does it matter if your black or white?

[@klowndogrock]

It matters because the color of their skin made them slaves in America. Along with their job titles, the color of their skin also qualified them as less than a man. Somewhere between a man and a dog. The unimaginable pain that they suffered, or dues, as they say, enabled and inspired them to invent and sing the Blues, Country, and Rock, and everything since. As the gentleman stated above, the whites like to claim and keep the great things as their own.

[@19cwo73]

This song makes me feel like a little boy, my Dad played this song through the night sleeping for work and u could hear it through the whole house, For years after I moved outta my parents house I couldn't sleep without hearing Doc. He is a God!!!!

[@simon-oy6um]

For a guy that was blinded as a child he sure did well RIP doc and thankyou 😊

[@rachelwidenerbentley7677]

I love this video you have - this is my family. Doc is my Great Uncle - at 1:40 if you stop the frame there - the woman right behind Uncle Arthel in the black dress white hair and glasses -our premature Watson White HAIR - that's my Great Grandmaw Annie. Oh I miss her so and him - all the memories of the whole family on the front porch singing. The scar I have right below my lip is from falling through the porch after singing one day - they told me not to go to that area the boards were loose. Oh the things I miss about them all being gone. Thank You for putting this up. :)

[@XHuntinatorX]

We are related to the Watsons too through my great grandmother "Ina Phillips". I spent summers up on the Blue Ridge Parkway with my "Ina" and her son, my Papa "Kenneth Holdaway" and my Mawmaw "Belle Holdaway". I thought that was my Great Grandma "Ina" in that picture you mentioned...they looked a lot alike. Also looks like that picture could have been taken at the church just above the old "Watson Country store". My grandparents lived about a mile up the parkway from the "Watsons Store". I miss all of them and the good times we had with them. We still own the property and my Aunt and Uncle still live up on the mountain. I'm sure you must have met my "Ina" at some point and possibly some of my other family since you grew up within a few miles of each other. Me and my brother also got the early grey head... Small world... :)

[@rachelwidenerbentley7677]

OH ! I know who you are talking about she came to prayer meetings and Homecomings at Mt Paran. What year did Ina pass? Belle sounds familiar but I can't place the face with the name. It is a small world !

[@XHuntinatorX]

Ina passed away around 89-90...been so long now I can't remember exactly. Both of my grandparents have also passed on so I haven't been back up to the homestead in awhile. I consider the Blue Ridge my home and I hope to spend my later years up there. Hope you and your family are doing well. TTYL

[@rachelwidenerbentley7677]

Deep Gap seems more like home than where I live does - know exactly what you mean.

Rachel Bentley where was that picture taken? that's mississippi john on the right. outside of having played on the same bill in folk houses and folk festivals, i'd no idea there was any contact between these two men. surely taken after john's "discovery" in 66 and his death in 66. love them both

[@mcconlogue1898]

Let's cut to the chase; this is the best version of this classic ever made.

[@boc234]

Cream, "Live Cream."

[@karsaurlong]

Christopher Conlogue howlin wolf.

[@mcconlogue1898]

Karsarlong, yes the Wolf's version is great, heartfelt,, funky and cool. I guess that's the problem with saying "the best" when judging music, it's very subjective. How about we say they're both great.

[@tedpeterson6999]

without doubt

[@tedpeterson6999]

+boc234 Sorry, but they sound like a bunch of hacks lol

[@thegside7079]

I just got out of an abusive relationship. I had to flee to drug and alcohol rehab to get away. I had been playing harmonica for a year beforehand but I can tear it up now! I bitch a lot anyway so I figured I’d play the blues to make it entertaining. I wanna start a folk punk blues project but first I’m gonna work the 12 steps with my sponsor and get back to church. I cannot believe I came back to Jesus after turning my back all these years. I am redeemed my friends! Pray for me I’ll pray for you! This is exactly what I needed to hear! HALLELUJAH!

[@momentmal9443]

Hi Bro- like you, I got myself into a terrible mess after I came to faith; I found a 12-step program about fifteen years ago and it's been a path for me to a much more realistic idea of where I've been,the damage I've done and what to do about it. Stick with it- some people get healed in a one-time zap-o experience: some of us have to go the long way round. Either way, God is good and He never gives up on us.

[@monke6776]

This sign always makes me remember there is goodness in life and life in goodness

[@cultofbunny]

Mindblowingly great!!👍👏 Just found him today, so many years later in these times of self quarantine. All these years later my new friend Doc Watson is right on time!! Love to all of you, know matter how long my love takes to reach you.❤

[@thescriptwriter824]

Welcome, you've found a musical treasure most will never know, You're life will be enriched by the Doc's music.

[@heathkish6901]

Glad you've joined the club, damn good to have ya!

[@AustinWalkerYT]

Took 2 years. Love to you too

[@bunnyfire58]

my grandma used to sing me part of that song back in the sixties....thank God the internet showed me where it came from. She was an unusual woman to say the least but that song is one of the fondest memories of my childhood.

[@jeffreyrideout1168]

I had the privilege of seeing Doc Watson at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA in the early 90's. Small venue..had to sit on top of the pool tables because all the seats were taken. One of the best performances I've seen in my 63 years. Great player.

[@softailspringer9915]

Doc's life was a great gift to this world of ours. And oh what a gift he was to all us guitar pickers

[@Leonardolappal]

Was in the spring One sunny day My sweetheart left me Lord, she went away And now she's gone And I don't' worry Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world She called me up From down in Al Paso She said "Come back, daddy Ooh, I need you so" And now she's gone And I don't' worry Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world (break) If you don't like my peaches Don't you shake my tree 'n Get out of my orchard Let my peaches be And now she's gone And I don't' worry Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world And don't you come here runnin' Holding out your hand I'm gonna get me a woman Like you got your man And now she's gone And I don't' worry Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world 't Was in the spring One sunny day My sweetheart left me Lord, she went away And now she's gone And I don't' worry Lord, I'm sitting On top of the world

[@JPTill]

Around 1985, Doc was doing a small gig at a restaurant bar in Nevada City. (Best bloody marys I ever tasted, by the way). Between sets, he was sitting alone in the closed kitchen. I went in to chat with him for a few minutes. I had earlier purchased a bit of amber which came in a carved ebony container, that I offered as a gift. After the gig, he was sitting on the stage-edge, shaking hands with departing audience members. I reminded I was the one who'd given it to him, and that if he found he didn't care for the scent of amber, to feel free to give it to someone who did. "Ain't no one gonna make me cut loose of that pretty little box."

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

How did he know the box was pretty?

[@jeremyreagan9085]

@@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer I am low vision sir and though Doc could not see as me I know from woodworking which Doc had done many times and built a canning area for his wife by hand that he knew what a pretty box was. I get so sad when people talk down to us low vision and blind people.

[@DweldonPhoto]

Discovered this man 50 years ago, and have been listening ever since. My first introduction to him was the album "Good Deal." I treasure the performances at The Bottom Line in NYC that I was able to attend with friends who love his music as well. Sitting just a few feet away from Doc, Merle, and Michael was surely a treat. After all this time I can finally approximate his version of "Deep River Blues". I miss him, and I miss Earl Scruggs. Earl inspired me to learn Banjo. I was fortunate enough to see him play a few times as well. Sadly, both died in the same year. Has anyone had a listen to "Strictly Instrumental" by Scruggs, Flat, and Watson? It is pretty hard to get hold of a copy now.

[@jeffwaldrop1127]

Love this song , so glad I actually got a chance to see him years ago .

[@ShineDawg]

Something about Doc holding that C chord picture always gives me chills, what an amazing person Rip Mr Watson

[@leoliu6080]

Why I like Doc Watson’s music so much? I don’t know, I just heard the “House of the Rising Sun” once, and I start living all of his music. Hope he is happy in heaven. R.I.P Doc Watson

[@z1522]

A genuine master who transcended genres and moved comfortably from the "backwoods" folk singer to share stages with figures of pop, rock, and country alike; like Chet Atkins, he never stopped learning, just got better. So sad he lost Merle before his time.

[@coloradohikertrash9958]

I grew up listening to Doc Watson with my Dad. After all these years Doc's music still has the same magic to it as when I was a kid. I'm happy I get to share this music with my wife and hope someday I'll be able to introduce a new generation to Doc just as my father did.

[@generalpatzer6893]

You always know what you'll get with Doc. Nothing but perfection.

[@epicalprototypeW98]

A big thanks to The Cream for leading me to this song. Their version is more hard rock, blues, whilst this one is more slow flowing, calm, and a soft smooth melody. Both versions I admire, they have their own unique sounds to their tunes. Peace n Rockin Love✌️❤️🤘

[@theherbpuffer]

Howlin Wolf

[@deyenloner]

" You hear this song when you think things are bad & can't get worst...well here's the cure! Good God, music that sets you straight. I give a sincere thanks wilsonmcphert for posting great tune.

[@bobbieannwalker3689]

It makes me think that someone got doing something wrong and karma was headed straight for them

[@DavidWayne-jv1tl]

Im much better for knowing doc watson in my life.

[@elwray3506]

Happy Birthday Doc! Thanks for the good times and the inspiration!

[@shadowdragon2205]

This song gives me such nostalgia for no reason RIP Doc Watson

[@JosephStock7241]

My family was young in 1964! Just caught the video of this in Spring.

[@loriwooten5249]

"Settin" is how my old people, now deceased, would have said it. I am old now.

[@timb0man1]

I was lucky enough to see doc Watson in Cotati California at a place called The inn of the beginning. This would have been in the early '80s or late 70s. You know he was as good as this recording--- live.

[@MerryMermaid4Otis]

"Let my peaches be" is my mantra, forever more.

[@josephlemko3027]

Doc Watson was an amazing talent. It was my priviledge to see this man perform more than once. R.I.P.

[@geralddorer8728]

i discovered him in the 90,s and was lucky enough to see him perform about 10 times the man still played quite a few shows around new york, and is really one of the greatest talents ever , and what a nice man

[@josephlemko3027]

@@geralddorer8728 It is always great to hear from someone who appreciates Doc Watson 's talent. Stay healthy✌.

[@sgunnmar]

Old songs are so beautifull ! I like to travel in the past, I like it more and more

[@t4texastomjohnnycat978]

Doc was definitely amazing.🎸🎻

[@horseman528]

That guy could play. Never be another Doc Watson.

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

I've always been a huge Doc Watson fan. What a great guitar player he was. His singing was also very nice as well. There were just so many different kinds of songs that Doc Could do well. Blues, old ballads, gospel and many more. He will be missed. I remember the year he passed away I listened to the bluegrass awards. Doc won the guitarist of the year. However, he passed away before he could receive it.

[@tedpeterson6999]

His voice is perfect for this song ain't it? Of course he is known for his guitar pickin' but he had a real resonant set of pipes.

[@GloriaDelicioso]

Every home needs a porch to make memories on

[@StefanGMeyer]

Have been listening to several versions of this song on KZbin this evening and I have to say that my favorite so far is The Flatlanders' official video, which is full-on country style. However, I also love the power group live performance by Cream at Albert Hall and I have to give an honorable mention to Bob Dylan's straight blues rendition on his album Good As I Been To You because it's probably the most faithful to the original recording by the Mississippi Sheiks. I appreciate this rendition by Doc Watson, but some of these other versions deserve a listen as well.

[@RAMezzone]

I hear 2 for the price of 1 because he brings to mind Mississippi John Hurt...so cool & gentle.

[@StBernardAcres]

I live in Wheeling WV. I drive on the "Doc & Chickie Watson Highway" all the time. Makes me smile each time I see the sign.

[@go_away_plz]

I'm a fan of all things thumb picking and have heard "Deep River Blues" more times than I can count because it's canonical. But this perfect few minutes of music makes me really respect Doc Watson in a whole new way and I really want to dive into his whole discography more deeply. Thanks for sharing

[@TheEllgarr]

doc watson " ON STAGE " GET THIS ALBUM

[@BURGRKNG]

He's actually more known for his flatpicking which is incredible, I hope you listened to lots of doc by now lol

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Lord Doc you were just pure and straight old time like me.

[@thephdj]

Another legend passed on, sitting on top of the world

[@AceManifold]

I think that is actually Clarence Ashley singing on that cut with Doc Watson accompanying on guitar. The recording is from a Smithsonian Folkways 2-CD collection.

[@treykendrick4337]

straight fire. soul and beauty...man who can tell me how to pic like doc? MERLE?! SOUL LIVES ON!

[@clarencewertziii4268]

watch on youtube ,and travis pickin ,feel it and let it rip... tear those cords into dust and sweep it back up.than punt it

[@bigmedicine8042]

Pure gold. Just as simple as that.

[@jimbo9580]

A HUGELY UNDERRATED TALENT............NOT SEEN ENOUGH OUTSIDE OF THE STATES...........I CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF DOC WATSON

[@seekthetruthuk]

incredible guitar skills beyond a joke

[@VIEW-ut3bu]

A fellow airport lounger gave me this, thaks Caron!

[@MyGrassIsGreenest]

What a great tune. I wish I had gotten into Doc while he was alive so I could've went and seen him live.

[@clarencewertziii4268]

i met him through the nitty gritty dirt band ,they gave us all doc and the bluegrass 4years after easy rider ,the circle will not break

[@kenthillery1385]

I saw him twice close up at a small club in Chicago about 1970. He was with Merle and they were in their prime.....so happy in their lives at that time and what a gift to have seen them. If there has ever been a smoother singer, I have not heard them....sings so solid and picks so fast. Rest in Peace Doc and Merle...you earned it.

[@StringForJoy]

Great pictures! Love the one of Doc with Mississippi John Hurt.

[@rockers2rockers616]

What a fantastic song

[@christopherdavison652]

Love Doc. I play many of his tunes.

[@WoutervanTiel]

Musicians, there is something magical about them.

[@pearlmarley3833]

God bless this legend and one of the most real and pure men that this world has ever seen. Others include: Bob Ross, Fred Rogers, and Gene Wilder. R.I.P such wonderful people!

[@hawthorneguy]

Super slideshow, lots of my faves thruout! I also learned to play this piece when I was starting out.

[@hayesmz]

Great! Thanks. Great songs can be played a million ways and still sound great!

[@quirtdrozario856]

Fantastic. Amazing.

[@SKYGUY1]

Hi Wilson. Terry Ketron here. I recognized the opening slide in your video in a heartbeat. It is a photo I made of Doc warming up on his Gallagher "Ol' Hoss" backstage at P.B. Scott's in Blowing Rock NC (circa 1985-86). The fellow w/ the tie is Tim Bullard, the reporter I was working with that night. We worked for the Watauga Democrat in Boone. Tim and I sat on Doc's front porch while he played on another occasion a year or two after that.... Don't worry... I'm not going to turn you in for using my photo. Just going to thank you for putting another of Doc's songs up.

[@wilsonmcphert]

Thanks Terry.

[@jakesinclair7266]

Incredible.. im from the Hickory area and I couldn't imagine getting to sit on Doc watsons front porch. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. Color me green with envy good sir.

[@rebelliousredneckvlogs]

one of the great finger pickers, right up with ole Merle Travis

[@vonholland64]

He’s a flat picker

[@alonzogarbanzo]

@@vonholland64 You might want to familiarize yourself more with Doc's work. Besides this one, there's Deep River Blues, Tickling the Strings, The Train That Carried My Girl from Town, and many other classic Doc tunes, all fingerpicked. A lot of my fingerpicking ability comes from watching him play in my teen years. He used a plastic thumb pick and a single finger pick. He was one of the greatest fingerpickers, as well as one of the greatest flatpickers, banjo players, autoharpists, and harmonica players.

[@vonholland64]

@@alonzogarbanzo my mistake

[@tylerbarker4763]

Zues floating up in the air firing a lighting bolt up in his hand, was a personal moment. Probbly describe to artist such as a kid or girlfriend shared in a way that they would look awesome. "just make me look awesome if your going to paint it" TGB I would say.

[@tylerbarker4763]

Personel moment shared.

[@tylerbarker4763]

For instance, 40,00 years ago on island well built. A god it sitting around a long evening sunrise sunset at midday, he's thinking, I need something to do, something to teach and add to my statues ( something to involve everybody the whole family), he ends up only getting 3 of them together and its three he thought didnt like him. (the art's smart ones). So he says im going to tell you some stories, ask you some question, get you ready to lead, or may than that so you can make you own island, goes on for 10 minutes how the wonders are to make your own island how he fought this great battle and right when he went to ask me some question or the guy was tougher than that, A fuckin Marciupial just floated of a piece of drift wood that was the size of sea otter Comes jogging up full speed, he grabs the weapon hand (left) he never told them to use against a enemy and jumps up 10 feet in the air. You get the zues painting from this. occurance

[@g.saintlouisddeanhardin2089]

I am a music lover/musician, etc. since bout 1952 and I have heard the name many times but never seen any pictures or heard recordings I can remember - it is going to take a while but I'm going to check out a lot of it that is available here - seems like Doc may be the predecessor or less commercial root of Chet Atkins, john Hartford and some of the other "best of the best" of the last century.... God Bless all involved in posting and sharing this historic and wonderful music... A Dios compadres...

[@nobodynobody7452]

Anytime I can listen to this I'm settin.....Doc sing the rest!!

[@sebring1960]

Such a awesome guitar player! RIP Mr. Watson

[@rosegregg8350]

Love Doc!!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheBuck1283]

The true keeper of the history of Amricana music!

[@clockguy2]

I should be working right now, but can't help listening to this.

[@AbandonedNorthJersey]

Saw him in NYC back in like 90 . Heavy show !He was in his prime .

[@joannb104]

One of my fave old songs...love Doc Watson too...!!!

[@BigPaddyFan]

He is the best guitar picking man I every heard. Awesome.

[@pbrninja19]

I hadn't heard this song. It reminded me a lot of a Charley Patton song, and Wikipedia confirms it: apparently Patton's "Some Summer Day" is a variation of this.

[@sightsizemethod]

Him and Travis man, superb. That is one great photo with Mississipi john Hurt too. Blind Blake is another one I like.

[@irishfield1]

This so great ever mighty will stand time thank you

[@rogerholder1008]

Doc was one of a kind (as we all are but he was great) I'm just a little a hole.

[@stephenjones102]

Never heard this guy before today......dying........sounds like a REAL musician.......i'm enjoying listening to this (signed - a Led Head kinda rocker....)

[@jt9mechanic]

Saw him at the old Ark in Ann Arbor, Mich years ago. Man that man could play guitar.

[@martinaxman2033]

That was just excellent! From what I've heard here on YT this is the best version. Gotta love Doc!

[@jayrice5156]

Epic. A heartfelt work of Art.

[@palmpedal]

Doc was my idol, and my mentor and one of the finest persons I have ever known.

[@skatetodeath666]

Cant beat these no schooled players. They just have it. Cant say anything more about it.

[@roberttuss5349]

Beautiful rendition of this great Howlin' Wolf tune. Evocative slide show too.

[@jbee6986]

Play this at my funeral whenever the hell that may be

[@watsjd1]

Sometimes I can get a lick that sounds a little like him by playing with thumb and one-finger like he does, but he is the master of masters. And that's not to even mention that he is tops of all flat pickers.

[@isjerryzkid]

Thank you

[@snoopy6294]

good , wholesome, talented family you had Rachel Bentley, I love Doc :)

[@jonathansistrunk6260]

Man this mutha fuckin song got me threw when a lady I was in love with left me r.i.p my nigga Doc Watson

[@JeromeW9]

My favourite version of this song. So good.

[@kye3849]

Instant fan; love it1

[@saywhat4314]

Keep in mind this is one guitar player singing and picking on this track. That’s it! No overdubs just a man and his guitar and you get this incredible sound all the pop stars in the world couldn’t recreate.

[@MO-qd6tm]

You can't convince me their isn't 3 guitar players. Idk how he did it

[@MechNinji]

I really like this song!!!

[@charliejustice5483]

Earl Scruggs and doc Watson

[@tactteam00]

great compilation

[@dangerfeild4Life]

Love the video. Recently discovered Doc and am enthusiastically enjoying exploring his catalogue.

[@jamesbueker11]

Now I know where Jorma Kaukounan learned his post-Airplane sounds.

[@randalmcmurphy1893]

love the slide show

[@wilsonmcphert]

Thanks Harry. Glad you like it. Just trying to spread the word.

[@bigduke6ix846]

Billy Strings brought me here

[@wilsonmcphert]

It's worth a lot. Thanks Mark.

[@wilsonmcphert]

@smashball96 That's Gaither Carlton (February 3, 1901 - June 24, 1972). He was an American Old-time fiddle player and banjo player. He is best known for his appearances accompanying his son-in-law Doc Watson during the folk music revival of the 1960s (from Wikipedia).

[@clarencewertziii4268]

i met earl darlin on a bus stop bench in L A one year ,we talked and talked ,after a few hrs ,we realized no bus came ,they were on strike..he was on of the parents to lester flat and earl scruggs on the beleverly hillbillys

[@clarencewertziii4268]

eric darlin

[@jayrice5156]

Flawless. Genius.