Kisses Sweeter Than Wine

The Weavers

About Kisses Sweeter Than Wine

"Kisses Sweeter than Wine" is a popular love song, with lyrics written and music adapted in 1950 by The Weavers. The tune was adapted from Lead Belly's "If It Wasn't for Dicky" (1937), which in turn was adapted from the traditional Irish folk tune "Drimindown / Drumion Dubh". The Weavers first released the song in 1951 as a Decca single, which reached #19 on the Billboard chart and #20 on the Cashbox chart in 1951. The song was also a hit for Jimmie Rodgers in 1957 and Frankie Vaughan in 1958.  


Year:
2005

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Oh kisses sweeter than wine
Oh kisses sweeter than wine

When I was a young man never been kissed
I got to thinkin' it over how I had missed
I got me a girl and I kissed her and then
Oh, lord, well I kissed 'er again

Oh kisses sweeter than wine
Oh kisses sweeter than wine

He asked would I marry and be his sweet wife
Then we'd be so happy for the rest of our life
He begged daddy, pleaded like a natural man
And then, oh lord, I gave him my hand

Oh kisses sweeter than wine

I worked my day hard and so did my wife
Workin' hand-in-hand to make a good life
With corn in the field and wheat in the bins
Then, oh lord, I was the father of twins

Oh

Our children numbered just about four
They all had a sweetheart knockin' on the door
They all got married and they didn't hesitate
I was, oh lord, the grandfather of eight

Oh kisses sweeter than wine

Now that I'm old and ready to go
We get to thinkin' what happened a long time ago
We had a lot of kids, trouble and pain
But, oh lord, we'd do it all again

Oh kisses sweeter than wine
Oh kisses sweeter than wine

Oh

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The Weavers

The Weavers were an American folk music quartet based in the Greenwich Village area of New York City. They sang traditional folk songs from around the world, as well as blues, gospel music, children's songs, labor songs, and American ballads, and sold millions of records at the height of their popularity. Their hard-driving string-band style inspired the commercial "folk boom" that followed them in the 1950s and 1960s, including such performing groups as The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul, and Mary. more »

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Written by: FRED HELLERMAN, HUDDIE LEDBETTER, LEE HAYS, PETE SEEGER, RONNIE GILBERT

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Songwriters and Artists
"Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" is a popular song that originated in the United States. Prominently, the song is associated with two names: Jimmie Rodgers, a country singer who had a successful career in the 1950s and 1960s; and The Weavers, a folk music quartet who were popular from the late 1940s to early 1960s.
Origin Story
The melody of the song was derived from an old Irish folk song known as "Drimindown / Drumion Dubh". This shows the influence of traditional folk music on the popular music of the time.
The Weavers' Version
The Weavers recorded their version of the song in 1951 with lead singer Pete Seeger. Their rendition rose to no. 2 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart and marked one of the early crossover hits from folk to pop.
Song Credits
Although Jimmie Rodgers and The Weavers are credited for the song, the original writing credits go to The Weavers' Lee Hays and Pete Seeger. They adapted the lyrics to a traditional tune, re-interpreting an older song.
Jimmie Rodgers' Version
Jimmie Rodgers released his recording of "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" in 1957. His version peaked at no. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 chart and no. 3 on the Country chart.
Cover Versions
The enduring popularity of "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" has led to numerous cover versions by other artists. These include Boney M., Peter, Paul and Mary, Jackson Browne, and even the author of the lyrics, Pete Seeger.
Recognition and Influence
"Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" has lived on past its initial release. It is recognized as a classic example of a popular song with folk roots and has influenced a variety of artists, becoming a staple in American music history.
Song's Theme
The song tells a story of a young man's life from his first kiss to his impending old age. This theme of universal human experience and progression of life adds to the song's wide-ranging appeal.
Performance Styles
While Jimmie Rodgers' version leans towards pop and country influences, The Weavers' version has clear folk overtones. This distinction illustrates the song's versatility and adaptability to different musical styles.
Song's Legacy
Despite its age, "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" continues to hold a strong legacy in pop culture. It has been referenced in literature, film, and television, demonstrating its enduring influence and universal appeal.

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