Distant Drums

Jim Reeves

About Distant Drums

"Distant Drums" is a song which provided US singer Jim Reeves with his only UK No. 1 hit – albeit posthumously – in the United Kingdom in 1966, some two years after his death in a plane crash on 31 July 1964. The song remained in the UK Singles Chart for 25 weeks. The single also topped the US country chart for four weeks, becoming his most successful posthumous single.


Year:
2006
2:51
79 
#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

I hear the sound of distant drums
Far away, far away
And if they call for me to come
Then I must go, and you must stay
So, Mary, marry me, let's not wait
Let's share all the time we can before it's too late
Love me now, for now is all the time there may be
If you love me, Mary, Mary, marry me

I hear the sound of bugles blowing
Far away, far away
And if they call, then I must go
Across the sea, so wild and gray
So, Mary, marry me, let's not wait
Or the distant drums might change our wedding day
Love me now, for now is all the time there may be
If you love me, Mary, Mary, marry me

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Jim Reeves

James Travis "Jim" Reeves (August 20, 1923 – July 31, 1964) was an American country and popular music singer-songwriter. With records charting from the 1950s to the 1980s, he became well known as a practitioner of the Nashville sound (a mixture of older country-style music with elements of popular music). Known as "Gentleman Jim", his songs continued to chart for years after his death. Reeves died at age 40 in the crash of a private airplane. He is a member of both the Country Music and Texas Country Music Halls of Fame. more »

13 fans

Written by: CINDY WALKER

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Song's History
"Distant Drums" is a song recorded by American country singer Jim Reeves. The song was released posthumously in 1966, two years after Reeves' death in a plane crash.
Chart Achievements
Despite being posthumous, the song did amazingly well on the charts. It topped the UK Singles Chart for five weeks and was Reeves' only UK number-one hit.
Lyrics and Music
The song was written by Cindy Walker. Its poignant lyrics and Reeves' smooth delivery make it a timeless classic for country music fans.
Posthumous Success
The success of "Distant Drums" encouraged producers to release more of Reeves' recordings after his death, granting him a significantly longer career posthumously than when he was alive.
Awards
The popularity and success of "Distant Drums" helped Jim Reeves to win the 1966 Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
Controversy
The song sparked controversy in the UK about the selection process for number-one hits. Many believed the song had been given preferential treatment due to Reeves' recent death, leading to changes in how the UK charts were compiled.
Covers
"Distant Drums" has been covered by numerous artists, including country stars Freddy Fender and, more recently, Daniel O'Donnell.
Album
The song is featured on the album of the same name - "Distant Drums".
Influence
The success of the song helped to cement Jim Reeves' legacy in the world of country music. Even today, many country artists cite Reeves as a major influence on their music.
Posthumous Albums
Due to the success of "Distant Drums", Reeves' label released numerous albums of his music posthumously. The singer's voice was even overlaid with new backing tracks for a series of duets with Patsy Cline, who also died in a plane crash.
Distinctive Style
The song showcases Jim Reeves' distinctive style known as the "Nashville sound", which blends traditional country music with pop.
Record Label
"Distant Drums" was released by RCA Victor - one of the oldest and most successful record labels in the history of recorded music.

Discuss the Distant Drums Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Distant Drums Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/16391599/Jim+Reeves/Distant+Drums>.

    Missing lyrics by Jim Reeves?

    Know any other songs by Jim Reeves? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Distant Drums

    6.1M
    19,060     1,076

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #45


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    In which year was the song, "Good 4 U" by Olivia Rodrigo, released as a single?
    A 2018
    B 2021
    C 2019
    D 2020

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Jim Reeves tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    Distant Drums

    »
    • Mad Doctor of Blood Island