The pressley girls undone in sorrow

The Pressley Girls 2011

The girls recently made a video that I really liked. The song they sung, “Way Back in the Hills,” is one we’ve been doing for ages, and before us Pap and Paul did it. Bob Amos wrote the song and all though I don’t believe he is from Appalachia, the lonesomeness found in the song as well as the words in the lyrics surely fits.

I hope you enjoyed the video as much as I do. It reminds me of another video from way back in 2011. We had so much fun filming that one—a day spent literally way back in the mountains with good friends.

So much has changed since 2011: Chatter and Chitter are much more experienced performers not to mention adult women.

Hearing the girls sing the old lonesome songs from the videos reminds me of dusty gravel roads at close of day; of deep blue mountains towering in the distance; of shady coolness under the laurels by the creek; of tired feet encased in worn boots propped on the railing of the porch while kids play in the yard as dusky dark falls. I think of my people: those who went before me and showed me the way and those who walk beside me now in the glory of summer in Appalachia.

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19 Comments

  1. I know you’re a proud momma! You’ve got every right to be. Props to you and your husband for rearing two sweet, beautiful, and talented young ladies.

  2. This is just beautiful! I love the setting, and of course, the harmony is just wonderful. The girls look so pretty, and their dresses add so much to the charm and feel of the video. Amazing job, as always! God bless all you dear ones.

  3. What a touching song , sung so well , and in such a beautiful setting. Enjoyed❣️That song is wonderful for harmonizing. Listened to the 2011 post and enjoyed that too .. You feel the sadness though in the story .It’s still been cool here in Kentucky we are in the midst of Graduations ,High School ,and College celebrating their days and achievements. Even in the midst of Covid . What a change that made in their school year , also last year.

  4. We BP&A readers have been watching the girls grow up. I was a late-comer as I think I found you all just about the time they went off to college and our girl was gone and far away. I tended to want to adopt every teenage girl I saw ’cause I was missing our girl (who has not been one for awhile). As a parent I know what it is like to marvel at the adults our children become. They are a sweet mystery; somewhat like each of us and yet so distinctly different.

    All of you all (readers to) are a blessing.

  5. Way Back In The Mountains reminds me of my childhood home. Lonesome reminds me of my childhood home. The girls did a great job on the old song as usual.

  6. I sure enjyed this song. It took me back to when I was a child roaming around in the woods where I grew up.
    Tipper your introduction to the song was great. You sure have a talent for describing things.

    Dennis Morgan

  7. I thought the girls did a beautiful performance of this song and I can’t tell you why but there were several moments the old tears stirred. It’s a moving song that invokes a lot of love and memories of love. Both Corey and Katie are indeed talented musicians and lovely young ladies. Here’s to wishing you both a wonderful and joy filled life. God bless you Pressley.

  8. Tipper, I bet you have heard the song I was thinking about before watching the vid…and the girls could do a great job on it..It started out, “Way back in the hills, a boy I first wandered, very deep in the grave lies the girl that I love” . I can’t remember who did it. Might have been Roy Acuff….1940’s. I do love to one the girls did…beautiful!!!

  9. I remember that song….my mother used to go around the house singing it…long time ago…I am 78 now..

  10. Katie and Corie play and sing so beautifully together. The Pressley girls are something special.

  11. Although no longer living close to the mountains of East Tennessee, we can now see a good sized ridge in the distance. When driving into Hanover and viewing it, I always think of home. Those distant hills, especially at dawn and dusk, do remind me of the old days as well. Some might say that you shouldn’t live in the past, but I think we should revere those who have passed from our lives and into the next.

  12. Tipper your girls have become very polished musicians I’m sure you are very proud of them.

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