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There’s A New Moon Over My Shoulder

November 2, 2025

Today’s post was written by Paul.

collage of pressley family photos

In this week’s “Old Timey Tuesday” I shared the old song “There’s a New Moon Over My Shoulder.” When I was a boy Pap used to sing pieces of the song that he could remember from childhood and I always liked it.

The first time I ever heard the full song was in the late 90s on PBS. The channel we got would often show parts of Merlfest and one year Doc Watson performed the song.

Here’s what Google AI Review had to say about the first recording of this song: “Tex Ritter and His Texans first recorded “There’s a New Moon Over My Shoulder” on November 23, 1943, and released it in October 1944. The song was written by Jimmie Davis, Ekko Whelan, and Lee Blastic, who later recorded his own version which hit number one on the charts.”

Kind of cool that I uploaded the song in October when it was released in October, 81 years ago.

Tex Ritter is famous for several things, such as performing the theme song to the Oscar-winning film “High Noon.” His son, John, had a very successful career in comedic acting, with large roles in the sit-com Three’s Company and the movie Sling Blade, among many other productions.

Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used cd produced by the Smithsonian titled Mountain Music of Kentucky. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends November 6, 2025.

Paul

Original singles released on Spotify.

Original singles on YouTube.

Shepherd of My Soul (Album released in 2016).

The Wilson Brothers Words of Life Album released in the 70s.

Find our cds here.

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42 Comments

  1. I never even knew this CD existed. I’m a Kentucky mountain girl born and raised in these mountains. I’m so thankful to call this place my home. I couldn’t imagine living in the city.

  2. I well remember playing Tex Ritter records when I was a kid in the 1940 & 50s. He had such a mellow voice. His rendition of “Rye Whiskey” was downright funny and “Ghost Riders in the Sky” still sticks in my memory.

  3. Such sweet voices. My husband John and I are celebrating 50 years of marriage on Nov 15th. Lots of songs bring back sweet memories. I need to add this to the collection ❤️❤️
    Carolyn Stephens
    Chattanooga Tennessee

  4. That is such a pretty melody and I also like your voice. The lyrics sort of hit home to me, also, Paul. Thank you!

  5. Thank you, Paul. I enjoy your music very much and really appreciate your explanation and the background information for each entry you do for us “ acorns”. Although I can’t play it in my vehicle anymore, I will find a way to play the CD if I happen to win. God bless you.

  6. Beautiful song and you have a lovely voice. I enjoy hearing you sing with your sweet Mama, also. I hope she is feeling well today!

  7. Although I remembered Gov Jimmie Davis as a singer – songwriter, did not know he had written anything for Tex Ritter. Nice melodic old song, Paul ……

  8. Thank you Paul! These songs remind me so much of my Dad! He could play the fiddle& guitar & tried to teach me “to 2nd on the piano” & could not understand why I just could not get it! It was all in his very being to play & sing! …and boy could he ever yodel & we could harmonize that yodel on an old western own song called “Way Out There.” Sweet times….

  9. As usual I love your in-depth look into a song or singers. You mention Ted Ritter and his son John but did you know that the third generation of the Ritter family is into entertainment. His name is Jason Ritter and he has appeared in some movies and tv shows.
    Being slightly older than you (80) I loved listening to Paul Harvey on the radio. He would do an in-depth look at a person or story and bring you more information on that person or story that you might not know. He always ended his program with “and that’s the rest if the story.” So when I get to read your posts it reminds me of Paul Harvey. Have a blessed day.

  10. I just love this song! Thank you so much for sharing it, I often wish I could speak to my Dad to see if he remembers some of these songs, he was raised in Chicago IL, but music was one of the things that made its way around.

  11. The only version i remember is Tex Ritter. Gonna hafta look it up, it’s been years. I really liked Tex’s voice; High Noon is the one i remember most.

  12. It’s been years since I’ve heard that song. Thanks for choosing it for today’s ole timey song. I know I’ve said it before, but I’m really impressed with your piano playing. I’m wondering if you are teaching yourself or taking lessons. You are so talented. Prayers for Granny on this beautiful November day in Texas.

  13. I start each day with a smile and happy heart after I read and listen to your email each morning while drinking my morning coffee. Your posts bring back many happy memories to me. Thank you.

    1. I’m also sitting here reading and watching this post having my first cup of coffee. It’s a great way to start the day, before I’m awake enough to have my Bible study. Thanks for the song Paul, I wish music was more like this today!

  14. “Many moons have passed and I’m waiting patiently…”. The lyrics are spot on. First time hearing this song and thank you for sharing.

  15. I vaguely remember this song but not well enough to sing along. It’s probably one of those that played over and over on my aunt’s radio while Mom and I lived with my grandparents as Dad was away in the service. Another was Red Foley singing “Smoke on the Water”.

  16. I love the old time music. Pap’s legacy lives on through you, Paul and Tipper, Katie and Corie. I love to hear you and Granny sing together. What a blessing.

  17. I like that you left in the rough patch. We all have a little rough patch once in a while! Great old timey song, and as always, I enjoyed your singing. God bless!

  18. Simpler lyrics for a simpler time–a time when people were more united and cared more for each other. You did a good job on the song, Paul. I enjoyed it. I wish today’s music was like this. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, especially sweet Granny.

    1. Allen, I too long for the simpler times of the past. I know a lot of today’s things make life easier but I believe at the same time some of these things has played a part in changing the character of people. My church had a Fall Festival yesterday that included a car show. They were playing the music of the 50-60’s at the car show. Gosh, it sounded so good!

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