Single Girl, Married Girl

The Carter Family

About Single Girl, Married Girl

Single Girl, Married Girl is a folk song made famous by The Carter Family, about the differences in lifestyle between the two title characters. The song was originally released on Victor Records in 1928 as the a-side of Victor 20937, the Carter Family's second 78-rpm record for the label. It was recorded on August 2, 1927, the second day of their first session with producer and engineer Ralph Peer, and released in January 1928. This version was later included in Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music, Vol. 3. Notably, the song does not feature A. P. Carter, but is instead a solo by Sara Carter playing autoharp accompanied by her cousin Maybelle Carter playing lead guitar (Maybelle used an inexpensive Stella guitar during the August 1-2, 1927 sessions). The song was re-recorded during the last months of Sara and A. P. Carter's marriage, on May 8, 1935, during a 4-day recording session with Ralph Peer. The tempo of this version is much slower, and Sara Carter sings at a much lower pitch. This version was first released on Arc Records, along with the song “No Other's Bride I'll Be,” as ARC 8733. 


Year:
1999
119 
#2

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Single girl, single girl
She's going dressed so fine
Oh, she's going dressed so fine
Married girl, married girl
She wears just any kind
Oh, she wears just any kind

Single girl, single girl
She goes to store & buys
Oh, she goes to store & buys
Married girl, married girl
She rocks the cradle & cries
Oh, she rocks the cradle & cries

Single girl, single girl
She's going just where she please
Oh, she's going where she please
Married girl, married girl
Baby on her knees
Oh, baby on her knees

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The Carter Family

The Carter Family was a traditional American folk music group that recorded between 1927 and 1956. Their music had a profound impact on bluegrass, country, Southern Gospel, pop and rock musicians as well as on the U.S. folk revival of the 1960s. They were the first vocal group to become country music stars. Their recordings of songs as "Wabash Cannonball", "Can the Circle Be Unbroken", "Wildwood Flower" and "Keep On the Sunny Side" made them country standards. more »

6 fans

Written by: A.P. CARTER

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Music Genre
"Single Girl, Married Girl" is a popular country folk song performed by The Carter Family. It is part of the traditional country music genre and American folk revival.
First Appearance
The song first made its appearance in 1927, featuring in one of the Family's first recording sessions.
MOG Pioneer
The Carter Famiy is considered a pioneer of the 'Mother of All Guitar' style, and this song is typically a prime example of this distinctive style.
Song Theme
The theme of the song focuses on the contrasting life experiences of a single girl and a married girl.
Singer Lineup
The original recording features vocals from both Sara and Maybelle Carter, two of the group's founding members.
Impact on Country Music
The song is considered a significant addition to early country music's repertoire. It's one of the pieces that helped to establish The Carter Family as an influential group in the genre.
Played Instruments
In the song, Maybelle Carter, who plays the guitar, showcases her unique "thumb brush" technique.
Multiple Covers
Numerous artists have covered "Single Girl, Married Girl," including the likes of folk musician Doc Watson and the alternative rock band Hurray for The Riff Raff.
Recording Method
The original recording was made using the early, rudimentary recording method where musicians would play live into a horn that etched the sound onto a wax disc.
Legacy
"Single Girl, Married Girl" remains a standard in the genre, retaining popularity and influence decades after its original release. It's considered an essential piece in the canon of traditional American music.
Use in Media
The song has appeared in multiple films and television shows, including the drama series "The West Wing".
Inclusivity
Despite being recorded in the 1920s, the song includes both women's views about their marital status, thus making it ahead of its time.

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