The Cry of the Wild Goose

Tennessee Ernie Ford

About The Cry of the Wild Goose

"The Cry of the Wild Goose" is a 1950 song written by Terry Gilkyson. Originally performed by Frankie Laine, the song was the third of three consecutive number-one hits for him, following the previous year's hits "That Lucky Old Sun" and "Mule Train". The song was released as a 78 rpm vinyl record in early 1950 by Mercury Records with a catalog number of 5363. The Laine version spent two weeks at number-one on the Billboard Most Played by Jockeys music chart in March 1950. The song was later covered by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Brian Setzer covered the song on 2003's Nitro Burnin' Funny Daddy, changing the title and lyrics to "wild wind" rather than "wild goose." 


Year:
1998
3:13
115 

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Tonight I heard the wild goose cry
Wingin' north in the lonely sky
Tried to sleep, but it ain't no use
'Cause I am the brother to the old wild goose

My heart knows what the wild goose knows
And I must go where the wild goose goes
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best
A wanderin' foot or a heart at rest

The cabin is warm and the snow is deep
And I've got a woman, she lies asleep
When she wakes at tomorrow's dawn
She'll find, poor critter, that her man is gone

My heart knows what the wild goose knows
And I must go where the wild goose goes
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best
A wanderin' foot or a heart at rest

My woman was kind and true to me
Thinks she loves me, the mournful she
She's gotta learn that it ain't no use
To love the brother to the old wild goose

My heart knows what the wild goose knows
And I must go where the wild goose goes
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best
A wanderin' foot or a heart at rest

Spring is comin' and the ice will break
And I can't linger for a woman's sake
She'll see a shadow pass overhead
She'll find a feather beside my bed

My heart knows what the wild goose knows
And I must go where the wild goose goes
Wild goose, brother goose, which is best
A wanderin' foot or a heart at rest
Wild goose

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Tennessee Ernie Ford

Ernest Jennings Ford (February 13, 1919 – October 17, 1991), better known as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was an American recording artist and television host who enjoyed success in the country and Western, pop, and gospel musical genres. Today, he is best remembered for his hit recording of "Sixteen Tons". more »

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Written by: TERRY GILKYSON

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Origin
"The Cry of the Wild Goose" was written by Terry Gilkyson, who was well-known for his contributions to the popular folk group, The Easy Riders.
Laine's Success
The song was rerecorded and released by Frankie Laine in February 1950, and it became his third consecutive number one hit on the Billboard charts.
Tennessee Ernie Ford's Version
Later, the song was covered by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Released in 1951, his version also gained significant popularity.
Laine's Signature Song
"The Cry of the Wild Goose" is considered one of Frankie Laine's hallmark songs, enhancing his popularity as a significant singer of the 1950s.
Chart Success
The song held the Number 1 position for two weeks on the U.S. Billboard chart and was also charted in the UK where it peaked at Number 10.
Folklore Influence
The song encapsulates a strong folk theme, with an allegory of a man compared to a wild goose that just needs to roam.
Blend of Genres
The song seamlessly incorporated elements of folk, country, and popular music, which was a testament to both the songwriting and the timeless performances of both Laine and Ford.
Laine's Performance
Laine's version is most remembered for his extraordinary belting of the tune, demonstrating his significant vocal power.
Song Theme
The song presents a profound theme of wanderlust and the tension between domestic life and the untamed call of the wilderness and freedom.
Popularity Across Media
Apart from its chart success, the song was also included in various movies and television soundtracks, enhancing its reach and significance in popular culture.
Influence on Music Scene
"The Cry of the Wild Goose" significantly spread the trend of fusing folk and pop music in the contemporary music scene of the early 1950s.

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