Today’s post was written by Paul.
Today’s video is track 1 from the Wilson Brothers first album “Words of Life” recorded in 1973. This is one of the original songs from the album written by Pap (Jerry Wilson). Stay tuned till the end of the video for a neat story involving Uncle Henry Wilson’s guitar, which he used on this track and all other songs on the album.
This song is not being posted as any type of political commentary on our current situation or government, and it was composed in the early 70’s if not the late 60’s. I am only trying to share a beautiful song that is well sung and played.
When I uploaded “O Why Not Tonight?” from this album, one YouTuber asked if the rhythm guitar that could be heard was Pap playing the Dove. On this album, Uncle Ray’s rhythm playing is more prominent. In this song, which is in the key of F major, you can hear Ray, who is playing in C position with a capo, make a falling run from C major position into A minor position. He did this on the A string (second from top), and it can be heard several times, such as just before the last line in each verse.
The only time that I hear the Dove in the song is at the very end of the song, when Pap, who was playing with a capo in the D major position, can be heard hitting the last 4-5 “bass” notes on the D and A strings, which seemed to harmonize nicely with the steel guitar and Uncle Henry’s electric guitar.
As I’ve said before, I don’t know the steel player on this album, but I really like his work, even though he is playing in the 1960’s style, which I don’t generally like as much as the Hank Williams style or the way steel was played in the 50’s. He was a friend or acquaintance of Uncle Henry’s.
Pap’s voice and Uncle Ray’s voice were much more alike back then, so if you’re having trouble telling them apart, this might help: Pap leads both verses then switches to high harmony when the chorus starts. Ray sings the solo line in the Chorus, ‘This land where our Christian fathers once trod…” That line rings like a bell and is some of the best lead I’ve ever heard him sing.
I absolutely love all of Uncle Henry’s playing on this album. My favorite part of his playing in this song is how he concludes his break in the middle and extends it into the second verse. As the song travels from F major to B flat major, he strings together a beautiful run that covers 8-10 measures or beats, depending on where you start counting. 🙂
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this song. I filmed the giant American flag along the interstate between Knoxville and Chattanooga. The siren just happened to be in the background for part of it. The footage of Madalyn O’Hair is public domain taken from YouTube.
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I hope you enjoyed Paul’s post and the song. Whenever I hear any of the songs on the “Words of Life” album I feel like I’m a skinny freckle faced little girl standing behind Pap or Granny’s legs.
The return of Uncle Henry’s guitar is something that’s being talked about far and wide in our area. A wonderful thing indeed.
Tipper
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Very, very nice. Enjoyed the voices, words, music…and the flag against the blue sky. Thanks.
Beautiful song == words and music. This country NEEDS this so much today
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This is a magnificent post, Paul, and must have taken a lot of time to compile. It is much appreciated. Your commentary is especially appreciated. My hearing is such, nowadays, that I have lots of trouble understanding the lyrics (on any song). I so wish I had the written lyrics so I can get it all. Thanks for a job well done!
Hi, Kenneth.
Here are the lyrics:
In a land that is blessed with great riches, and free from the dictator’s strife,
We have the great God-given freedom to live a Christian life;
Yet traveling across this great nation, there’s so much that’s sad to behold.
We’ve almost forgotten God’s blessings. A shame but yet it is so.
America, Oh what a shame. We’ll stand before God to Blame.
This land where our Christian father’s once trod has almost forgotten God.
Our schools today have their troubles.
They’ve broken almost every rule.
It seemed it all started just after
They took the prayer from our schools.
Repeat Chorus
Great to have lyrics printed out! So many of us don’t hear well enough to get all the words. Thanks, Paul!
The Wilson Brothers music is a great way to start a Sunday. The title of the song was so appropriate when Pap wrote it during a time of war, drugs and rebellious actions. Sadly, fifty years later, nothing has changed.
Tipper have you thought about copying the songs on the album WORDS OF LIFE to a cd? I would like to hear all of the songs that your dad & uncles sang. that is the kind of music I grew up listening to the 50 60 & 70,s music was much better than most of todays music.
Thank you Paul! It’be a beautiful song made better with the details you provide. The story about the lost guitar makes it even richer. Henry is looking really good in the pictures!
Enjoyed the Song very much, and fits the times we’re living in so much, being drug down in the way things are today is also a quick reminder “Christ is still on his Throne”, and in his word we were told troubled times would come, we must hold fast our faith in him and his ability to meet our needs until the day of redemption and continue to share this with others as we are instructed to do. Wow, being able to track down the guitar is just awesome, I’m really glad for the family.