Skeeter Davis - One Tin Soldier

Skeeter Davis sings a live version of One Tin Soldier at the Midnight Special on April 6, 1973.
The song was written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter. It was also the theme song for the movie: 'The Legend of Billy Jack'.
Lyric:
Listen children to a story that was written long ago
Bout a kingdom on a mountain and the valley down below
On the mountain was a treasure buried deep beneath a stone
And the valley people swore they'd have it for their very own
Go ahead and hate your neighbor go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of heaven you can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing come the judgement day
On the bloody morning after ooh ooh one tin soldier rides away
So the people of the valley sent a message up the hill
Asking for the buried treasure tons of gold for which they'd kill
Come an answer from the kingdom with our brothers we will share
All the secrets of our mountain all the riches buried there
Now the valley cried with anger mount your horses draw your sword
And they killed the mountain people so they won their just reward
Now they stood beside the treasure and the mountain dark and red
Turned the stone and looked beneath it Peace on Earth was all it said
Go ahead and hate your neighbor go ahead and cheat a friend
Do it in the name of heaven you can justify it in the end
There won't be any trumpets blowing come the judgement day
On the bloody morning after ooh ooh one tin soldier rides away

[@jonathanbarnes3061]

This is a good song and a great yarn.

[@joannerzezniczek7115]

I am 61 years old. We sang this song in grade school. So sad to see that war is still happening over treasures. When Peace On Earth was what the treasure read

[@JoeJoe-jx9vv]

Similar time when you excelled because of your talent . Simpler time in life surly enjoyed the late 60s and the 70s would gladly go back in a minute

[@JodiVerse]

This is what a voice sounds like without the intrusion of auto-tune. I love the earnest delivery, the purity of her voice, not trying hard to be a "star" or anything but a person singing a song from the heart.

[@radixreuel7631]

…..Agreed. I’d like to believe there is a revival of this kind of “brand.” Just raw, low budge & authentic. The need for a super, turbo healing in this Nation has never felt so dire. This song has never felt more relevant than now. It’d be awesome if some band had the courage to revise/remake it. Unfortunately I feel like America’s Heart is way too cynical, & hardened for sentiment. “Yer a sucker if you have empathy.” It’s cool not to care.” 🚑 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. -Ezekiel 36:26

[@AnthonyStJames]

Skeeter did score a worldwide hit in several genres in 1963 with "The End of the World."

[@DeZug]

Old day singer is too strong , maybe today singer is too weak....

[@fritzvolz1640]

She never got the credit she deserves.

[@centerfold8]

This song used to make me sad as a kid it is the story of humanity and our faults. So many people in America did terrible things in the name of heaven but no trumpets blew for them on the judgement day

[@radixreuel7631]

……True dat & so many people terrible things in the name of the almighty SELF 🏆

[@bobmerlington1330]

yes

[@bobmerlington1330]

God is who WE want to be

[@CheezyDewitt]

I grew up with one of Skeeter's nephews and had the honor of knowing her and spending time with her on many occasions. I knew she was a well known artist at the time, however I didn't know it was at this level. She was an extremely sweet woman and there was only one time that I ever saw her get angry and that was on a day that her nephew and I were having a bad friend day I guess you can say. Anyway, I remember making me go home for the day and he got a wack and sent to his room. That's my Skeeter story.

[@donaldewert2402]

SKeeter Davis was the nicest most down to earth person I have ever met.💚

[@dengelking2121]

Oh wow never knew who sang this song I remember it as a little kid.

[@greghawkman]

What a treasure this woman was.

[@musicrocksoffical]

A true country signer. Such a pure voice. One of the best singers the WORLD has ever produced.

[@anoodono1841]

A little bit f Karen Carpenter ?

[@nffclacey]

Her voice is amazing

[@randalbridges3321]

Skeeter belongs in The Country Music Hall Of Fame! Maybe since her long time Friend, Jean Shepard has been inducted, there's hope for Skeeter getting in!

[@joeray2008]

Randal Bridges so true

[@donaldfrierson743]

I think she may have been one of the first country singers to cross over to the pop charts. She also had a top five or top ten rhythm and blues charts "The End of the World". I was a big fan of hers. Loved this song and "I Can't Stay Mad at You."

[@andrewgraves3529]

My heart has been broken. What a voice

[@margielyons6282]

Always gave me chills. Too much like the reality of this world. 🌹🌳🌹🌳

[@daktariusa]

Her voice was so pure. If there was a singer that simply projected natural down to earth it was Skeeter Davis.

[@doubleghod]

she made a mistake at 0:29 when she sang "...and the valley far below" the actual lyrics are "....and the valley folk below"

[@BudTheDrummer]

I was 15yo in 1973 when this song was released. I'm right now crying. Greed fuels so much of our Nation's ill and all over the World. People slain because someone wanted more beyond what was rightfully theirs.

[@9secondsflat]

The songs of the 70's were epic, telling stories with heart felt meaning last a lifetime....the crap written today is done all for the name of a quick buck and will soon be forgotton...This song brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it....

[@joechapman2981]

It's nice to listen to music

[@jimyplayeshendrix]

theres so much truth in this song...love and peace to ya all

[@mcleodmikemcleod9798]

This song will always remind me of Billy Jack.....Always !!

[@saraho4831]

She done great

[@cynthiaedwards6706]

I always loved this song but didn’t know it was Skeeter Davis singing.

[@waynepetralia8105]

The version by Original Caste was popular for a minute 50 years ago.

[@stevenlauridsen9183]

It's wonderful that Sasha Stone found this recording and brought it to many people's attention. Meet the Real "Insurrectionists"

[@johnrobinson1140]

damn, I love her voice. must be that touch of country in there. ☝️😊❤

[@paulgekides6608]

Angelic face, beautiful eyes

[@김동혜-h2z]

,Muslc! 감상 잘하네요.십대에 무슨 뜻인줄도 못르고 듣다가 번역이되어 가사 내용을 알고 듣으니 이해의 폭도넓고 50년이 훨씬 지난후에들으니 감회도깊고 다가오 는 마음도 깊이있게 옵니다. 노래가 한시 대를 많은 사람들의 심금을 두두리는것도 주님이 사람들의 마음을 헤아리는 것이 아닌가 하는 생각도하고 감상 잘합니다.^^

[@davideastwood7648]

I saw Skeeter David in concert in 1978 when she opened for Bobby Bare. She was cute then too. I still have the ticket stub for the concert... R.I.P ma'am!!!

[@emilytodd1999]

What an angel... She was so beautiful, and sung beautiful, too. 💙💙

[@GilaMonster971]

Haha...she wasn’t an angel. She is an occultist. I am not kidding, her bands name was Coven. Listen to their other songs...Satanic Mass, and Black Sabbath are good one’s.

[@N.i.E.M.O]

@Gila Guy You're referring to Jinx, the lead singer of the band Coven, which did their own cover of this song (arguably more popular than the original by The Original Caste). Skeeter Davis has no connection to either band.

[@GilaMonster971]

@@N.i.E.M.O ahhhh....you are correct. I thought they were the same person. Thanks!!

[@ventues9751]

I love it !!!!

[@gretchenhughes414]

Simply beautiful. RIP pretty😔😔

[@redhotnblue9954]

She can sing anything and make it sound so awesome!

[@GilaMonster971]

Yep, listen to Coven’s other songs, they are satanistic...but amazing.

[@crobarus]

This song as simple as it is , says it all

[@MarkSnyderWriterTVRadioHost]

Had the immense pleasure of interviewing Skeeter in studio live in Boston radio! i have a signed CD and record. :)

[@manypearls7193]

While only a modest hit for Skeeter in the USA (#54) it made the top ten country in Canada as well as going #2 on their easy listening chart and earned Skeeter her fifth Grammy nomination. It's always been one of my favorite tracks of hers and should have been a major hit in the USA but probably too anti-war for the American country market.

[@rosskstar]

It's pushed down in searches too - to much morals for Gnostics to handle

[@jdmans]

Skeeter Davis was greatness and beauty

[@ralphmoore69er]

A true singer a true star. One of my favorites ever. So sorry she is no longer with us. Miss you Skeeter.

[@Monster_Mover_Stocks]

Skeeter Davis RULES!

[@WILDEMARTY]

THE WONDERFUL SKEETER.

[@karlklondike6400]

I met her backstage at the GRand old opry , git pics with her , fabulous women.

[@lokismig]

I love this woman!

[@TheFredismShow]

What a beautiful voice.

[@christophersmith8674]

I love this song thanks for shearing.

[@gregorypulju4714]

Was a favorite song of mine in 70s.

[@davycrockett111]

Country Hall of Fame needs to wake up

[@kodijames6277]

Oh...TRUST ME...the 'Country Hall of Fame'...is WIDE AWAKE. That is why Skeeter will 'never' be INDUCTED ('into' it)!

[@davycrockett111]

how figure

[@kodijames6277]

+Dave Crocker See KODI JAMES comment...starting with the (words)..."THIS song is 'proof'..."

[@addicktedtocharlton1167]

This is very poor compared to The Original Caste and the Coven versions. It's even worse than Cher's.

[@khalil9611]

Addickted toCharlton ...

[@sokar2343]

Great song!

[@mimosf]

Saw her perform at the Grand ole Opry. She actually sang this song

[@steveryan1799]

Just fabulous!

[@brwnyes56]

Another Song I Truly Love.

[@mikewalsh1682]

Most excellent singing, Mary Frances.

[@frankbullitt4556]

very good version

[@carlaaustin6054]

I remember the movie this was the theme song for. Tom Laughlin was the main character. A woman named Delores was his wife and she was in the movie.

[@MickScarborough]

RIP Skeeter :(

[@isabelsummers8017]

Mick Scarborough I'm missing her so much for this song is my favorite song

[@Dan-vt3nk]

Beautiful!

[@autumn_in_myheart]

👍👍👍 love her voice.

[@donnacarmolli4109]

Amazing!!

[@jessykapower]

The Governments of the world have declared war on the masses, with this song to guide us, WE THE PEOPLE WILL PREVAIL

[@willem5148]

Skeeter, never forget you

[@brianjohnson6114]

Nice. And it doesn't look like she is lip-syncing. A real performance!

[@tomevans4402]

Sad war is still a thing. Peace and love all

[@isabelsummers8017]

this is favorite song and I'm having this song

[@all4musica]

OMG...I had not heard this Song since way...back

[@Dtrain-kq8kd]

very nice,...

[@unico_pelos_parados_1]

Skeeter is missed.

[@SmokeBojangles]

Damn! I Forgot about her doing this!!!!I am so old :(

[@kathrynvh]

Love the Gunne Sax Dress!

[@JB-yf1ke]

I had a Gunne Sax dress for my junior prom. ❤️

[@quickchris10]

Karen Carpenter reminds me of Gunne Sax. (She didn't have to get so thin to rock them.)

[@dianepinkyharman1346]

Love this song.

[@jo-annebellamy5983]

Primative and wild, she appears magnificently portrayed...

[@stv111play]

Mountain Beauty!

[@kurnanova295]

I love skeeter davis

[@seventhstar]

I like the Jinx Dawson version of this too. In fact, I do believe Jinx sings the version used for the movie

[@adrina911]

I seen this chours sing this when I was teenager.

[@mythtree]

FYI This song was written by two men of The Original Caste who first recorded this song in 1970, was simply a band from Canada, with folk roots & country ties playing with acts like Glenn Campbell.

[@Dustwitch]

OMG! She is NOT in the Country Hall of Fame? That is a travesty that must be corrected.

[@theendofmytether]

Killdozer do a brilliant cover of this song. 😊

[@sebziez]

She is my idol. I Hope ill be just as perfect as her.

[@redcan5254]

Never underestimate Skeeter (!) ...

[@bradleyframes2074]

Sing Sing it Skeeter.

[@VinDcator]

Man, could she s-i-n-g!

[@jacksonthienle2721]

Very good

[@gilbertorojas5157]

South Texas ❤❤❤

[@willdaley8742]

This was done in Toronto in 1971.My brother Wayne who filled in on drums as her drummer took sick and couldn't do the show.It was actually done to promote the song as it was just released

[@yedon68]

this song was a big hit in Canada---

[@mthivier]

It actually appears to be a performance from the "Midnight Special" TV show.

[@Zacomonta]

This was actually from the Midnight Special, a 1973 performance. Skeeter was among the musical guests of the show's guest host for that show, the Bee Gees. The Gibb brothers had been fans of Skeeter and her music growing up in Australia. Barry Gibb said in a recorded interview Skeeter's best known hit, "The End of the World," was the inspiration for their song, "How Can You Mend a Broken Heart." Skeeter also recorded a Bee Gees song from around the same time as she recorded "One Tin Soldier," the Barry and Maurice Gibb song "Don't Forget to Remember," which was also inspired by the late Jim Reeves. The brothers were very much country music fans. As they themselves said, growing up in Australia, they soaked up every musical genre there was and they loved every genre there was and the artists they became fans of.

[@WilliamSmith-fz9lw]

She wasn't the classic "looker" but she sang like an angel. And from most accounts she was a very nice woman. RIP Skeeter Davis.

[@casrdinks865]

yes, 100%

[@clicklyes]

well worth the visted

[@purplerage1005xxx]

you are missed mom

[@raypeanick917]

purplerage1005xxx hello how are you? I am sorry about your mom and your loss.My name is ray and the spelling of the last name is a little different. My dad which his name is William Franklin told me that skeeter was his first cousin before he died. I suppose what i am asking is if you could text me at 314 561 1794 to talk about family history. If you don't want to that is ok. God bless you and your mom and the rest of your family.

[@peterhudson5748]

So unusual that almost every comment is about the singer, not the song. So indicative of the current cult of personality. Messages seem to bev a far second place to who said what, not what they said. So sad.

[@md999999]

Donk, One Tin solider was written by two members of a group named The Original Caste and first performed by The Original Caste then later Coven covered their song!!!!

[@rogercase6043]

Good bye my friend

[@rogercase6043]

I was the one tin soldier

[@janethalley2154]

Indeed. All that she is missing is a sun bonnet and an apron full of paw paws.

[@TheProhetess]

Jinx and Kenny

[@phillpower7124]

I remember this the song was about the Vietnam war

[@gregorys.kharmalki7053]

Why can't we listen to the complete song of Skeeter Davis without this bloody interruption or butting! We are not copying .....

[@doubleghod]

she made a mistake at 0:29 when she sang "...and the valley far below" the actual lyrics are "....and the valley folk below"

[@mthivier]

I forgot that she did a cover of this song. Nice version. But did she borrow the dress from the wardrobe department on "Little House on the Prairie"?

[@manypearls7193]

"Granny dresses" were very much in style in 1972 - many girls at school wore them.

[@MrHacker111]

why did this song remind me of america?

[@sheriwilliams8942]

Where is the voice of the person singing???..

[@ryandavis7593]

This song should be translated to Russian.

[@tj1990]

songs used to have meaning...wow. it was a story. Read the lyrics. its still relevant, its sad, Its crazy how long the same stupid issues of greed, and doing things in the name of heaven (radical islam) have plagued the human race. The people at the bottom, from the valley, were aggressive because they were at the bottom, and the mountain people at the top. They hated them just because they had wealth. so sad that we cant come together as a species.