The Prisoner's Song

Vernon Dalhart

About The Prisoner's Song

"The Prisoner's Song" is a song copyrighted by Vernon Dalhart in 1924 in the name of Dalhart's cousin Guy Massey, who had sung it while staying at Dalhart's home and had in turn heard it from his brother Robert Massey, who may have heard it while serving time in prison."The Prisoner's Song" was one of the best-selling songs of the 1920s, particularly in the recording by Vernon Dalhart. The Vernon Dalhart version was recorded on Victor Records in October 1924 and marketed in the hillbilly music genre. It was likely one of the best-selling records of the early 20th century. Although contemporary data show that Victor pressed slightly over 1.3 million copies during the record's peak years of popularity, anecdotal accounts sourced from a 1940s promotional flyer report sales as high as 7 million. The song's publisher at the time, Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., reportedly sold over one million copies of the song's sheet music. It was later performed by, among others, Hank Snow, Bill Monroe, and Brenda Lee. The first verse was sung by Liberace at the end of an episode of the 1960s television show Batman in which Liberace played the double role of twin criminal brothers, both of whom ended the episode behind bars. 


Year:
2003
3:17
30 

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Oh, I wish I had some-one to love me 
Some-one to call me their own 
Oh, I wish I had some-one to live with 
'Cause I'm ti-red of liv-in' a-lone 

Oh, please meet me to-night in the moon-light 
Please meet me to-night all a-lone 
For I have a sad sto-ry to tell you 
It's a sto-ry that's nev-er been told 

I'll be car-ried to the new jail to-mor-row 
Leav-ing my poor dar-ling all a-lone 
With the cold pris-on bars all a-round me 
And my head on a pil-low of stone 

Now I have a grand ship on the o-cean 
All mount-ed with sil-ver and gold 
And be-fore my poor dar-lin' would suf-fer 
Oh! that ship would be an-chored and sold 

Now if I had wings like an an-gel 
O-ver these pri-son walls I would fly 
And I'd fly to the arms of my poor dar-lin' 
And there I'd be wil-ling to die 

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Vernon Dalhart

Vernon Dalhart (April 6, 1883 – September 14, 1948), born Marion Try Slaughter, was a popular American singer and songwriter of the early decades of the 20th century. He is a major influence in the field of country music. more »

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Written by: GUY MASSEY

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Vernon Dalhart's Contributions
Vernon Dalhart recorded "The Prisoner's Song" in 1924. - It was one of the first country records to sell over a million copies. - Dalhart was originally an opera singer and it was his transition to country music with "Prisoner's Song" that shot him to fame.
The Song's Origin
The song's lyrics originated from a tune called "The Prisoner's Lament," which dates back to the Civil War era. - There are versions suggesting that Dalhart's cousin, who was a prison warden, gave him the idea for the song when he was visiting him in prison.
Bill Monroe's Version
Bill Monroe, the father of bluegrass music, also covered "The Prisoner's Song." - His version was recorded and released as a single in 1949. - Monroe's rendition highlighted the genre's high-lonesome sound, contributing to the song's ongoing popularity.
Hank Snow's Interpretation
Legendary country singer Hank Snow covered "The Prisoner's Song" in 1959. - Snow's cover is characterized by his distinctive voice and yodeling, which adds a distinctive flavor to the song. - Snow's rendition was a hit and it reintroduced the song to a new generation of country music fans.
Impact and Legacy
"The Prisoner's Song" played a significant role in establishing country music as a popular genre in the American music industry. - The enduring popularity of "The Prisoner's Song" has made it a classic, covered by multiple artists beyond Monroe, Snow, and Dalhart. - In 1930, the song served as the inspiration for a Fleischer Brothers animated short film, further evidencing its broad cultural impact.
Song Lyrics and Themes
The song's lyrics tell a poignant and heartfelt story, reflecting the feelings of a prisoner who longs to be with his love but knows he probably never will due to his imprisonment. - This theme of heart-breaking separation due to imprisonment resonates with many people, thus leading to the song's widespread popularity.
Recognition and Awards
In 1970, "The Prisoner's Song" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its qualitative and historical significance.

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