Man of Constant Sorrow

Clinch Mountain Boys, The Stanley Brothers

About Man of Constant Sorrow

"Man of Constant Sorrow" (also known as "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow") is a traditional American folk song first published by Dick Burnett, a partially blind fiddler from Kentucky. The song was originally titled "Farewell Song" in a songbook by Burnett dated to around 1913. An early version was recorded by Emry Arthur in 1928, which gave the song its current titles. There exist a number of versions of the song that differ in their lyrics and melodies. The song was popularized by The Stanley Brothers, who recorded the song in the 1950s, and many other singers recorded versions in the 1960s, most notably by Bob Dylan. Variations of the song have also been recorded under the titles of "Girl of Constant Sorrow" by Joan Baez, "Maid of Constant Sorrow" by Judy Collins, and "Sorrow" by Peter, Paul and Mary. In 1970 the song was recorded by Ginger Baker's Air Force, with vocals by Denny Laine, and reached No. 85 on the Billboard Chart. Public interest in the song was renewed after the release of the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, where it plays a central role in the plot, earning the three runaway protagonists public recognition as the Soggy Bottom Boys. The song, with lead vocal by Dan Tyminski, was also included in the film's highly successful, multiple-platinum-selling soundtrack. This recording won a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002. 


Year:
2008
37 
#1

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I am a man of constant sorrow 
I've seen trouble all my days 
I bid farewell to old Kentucky 
The place where I was borned and raised 
(The place where he was borned and raised) 
For six long years I've been in trouble 
No pleasure here on earth I find 
For in this world I'm bound to ramble 
I have no friends to help me now 
(He has no friends to help him now) 
It's fare thee well my own true lover 
I never expect to see you again 
For I'm bound to ride that northern railroad 
Perhaps I'll die upon this train 
(Perhaps he'll die upon this train) 
You can bury me in some deep valley 
For many years where I may lay 
Then you may learn to love another 
While I am sleeping in my grave 
(While he is sleeping in his grave) 
Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger 
My face you'll never will see no more 
But there is one promise that is given 
I'll meet you on God's golden shore 
(He'll meet you on God's golden shore)

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The Stanley Brothers

The Stanley Brothers were an American bluegrass duo made up of brothers Carter and Ralph Stanley. more »

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Written by: Traditional, John Allen, Scott Mills, Victor Carrera

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


4 facts about this song

Bob Dylan Version
1. Bob Dylan's version of "Man of Constant Sorrow" was recorded for his self-titled debut album in 1962. 2. Notably, Dylan was still a relatively unknown folk singer at that point in his career, making his take on the song one of the initial instances of him interpreting traditional folk material. 3. Dylan's version features just him on guitar and harmonica, which was typical of his early folk sound. 4. The singer has stated in many interviews that he was heavily influenced by folk tradition, and his decision to put "Man of Constant Sorrow" on his debut album reflects this early influence.
Judy Collins Version
1. Judy Collins featured the song on her 1961 album "Golden Apples of the Sun". 2. This version is remarkably different, in that it includes a full band arrangement, featuring banjo, upright bass, and guitar. 3. Collins’s rendition of the song is noted for its haunting, melancholic sound that seems to capture the song’s themes of sorrow and hardship elegantly.
Peter, Paul, and Mary Version
1. The iconic folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary included their rendition of "Man of Constant Sorrow" on their 1962 self-titled debut album. 2. Their version stands out for being more upbeat and folksy than the other versions, with prominent three-part harmonies and a finger-picked, fast-paced guitar part. 3. This version is also distinct due to Peter Yarrow’s lead vocals and the crystal-clear harmonization effects, aimed at achieving an emotional resonance that gives the song a unique dimension.
The Stanley Brothers Version
1. The Stanley Brothers' version of "Man of Constant Sorrow," recorded in 1950, is arguably one of the most famous and influential bluegrass versions of this song. 2. Their haunting rendition introduced the song to many who had never heard it before and it quickly became a standard of the bluegrass repertoire. 3. The Stanley Brothers’ interpretation of this song is filled with raw emotion and features all of the classic elements of bluegrass music, such as rousing banjo and sharp-yet-tight harmonies. 4. This version is also notable because it helped popularize the song outside of the Appalachian region, where it originated.

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