"Down in the Valley" used to be a song that everybody knew, in some form or other. If it is new to you, we hope that it will become one of your family favourites as well. It may not be quite as old as many traditional folk songs, though.
According to Wikipedia, it was written by a "moonshiner" named Jimmie Tarlton when he was jailed (in Birmingham, Alabama) in 1925. The song was recorded by Jimmie Tarlton and Tom Darby in 1927.
However, other sources say that the song is much older. This article says, "It is part of the English, Irish, and Scottish courting song traditions that persisted in the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains throughout the nineteenth century. The melody may be derived from J.C. Beckel's "The Happy Home Waltz," published in 1850. Alternately, "Down in the Valley" may be an older tune that inspired Beckel's composition." The early versions are more like courting songs, and don't include the references to jail.
In any case, Tarlton's version inspired many other recordings, as well as performances in movies and television.
Lyrics (these are typical, but there are many variations)
Down in the valley valley so low
Hang your head over hear the wind blow
Hear the wind blow dear hear the wind blow
Hang your head over hear the wind blow.
Roses love sunshine violets love dew
Angels in heaven know I love you
Know I love you dear know I love you
Angels in heaven know I love you.
If you don’t love me love whom you please
Throw your arms ’round me give my heart ease
Give my heart ease love give my heart ease
Throw your arms round me give my heart ease.
Build me a castle forty feet high
So I can see him as he rides by
As he rides by love as he rides by
So I can see him as he rides by.
Write me a letter send it by mail
Send it in care of Birmingham jail [or, "You can address it, Birmingham jail"]
Birmingham jail love Birmingham jail
Send it in care of Birmingham jail.
Recommended Video Links
The Browns (trio). Description includes lyrics.
Faye Tucker, from the album "Belly Up To the Bar: Country and Western Classics to Drown Your Sorrows." Despite the title, this is a good and fairly slow version to learn with.
Clip from the Andy Griffith show. Slightly different tune.
Here is Burl Ives' classic version.
"Birmingham Jail" by Leadbelly
Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, from the album "Shady Grove"
A live performance by Glen Campbell.
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