Topic: Blind Connie Williams Lyrics

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Blind Connie Williams' rendition of "Stopped By The Woodside" comes from his Testament album, "Philadelphia Street Singer--Blind Connie Williams". He played the song in Vestapol tuning, as he did all of the songs that he accompanied on guitar (he also played accordion). His sound in Vestapol was unique, with a greatly expanded chordal vocabulary, a strong backbeat and exciting use of a slide for many of his solos. He was such a dynamic singer, too, ranging from a gentle sound when not pushing his voice to excited shouting.

I don't know the provenance of this song and assume it to be his own composition, but it might not be. I'd appreciate help with any bent bracketed portions of the lyrics or other places I have wrong. Here is "Stopped By The Woodside":



Well, stopped in the woodside to get my wind
I heard the sticks a-breakin' and I started again
No disgrace for me to run, when I get scared

Four or five miles I run, without [bein' 'fraid]

Well, I stopped in the woodside, get my wind
Heard the sticks a-breakin' and I started again
No disgrace for me to run, when I get scared

SOLO

Four or five miles I run, with [all bein' brave]

Well, I stopped in the woodside to get my wind
Heard the sticks a-breakin' and I started again
No disgrace for me to run, when I get scared

I remember one night in June
I could not get out too soon
Had a little journey to make, and I
Had to be on my way

Four or five miles I run, with [all bein' prayed]

Well, I stopped in the woodside to get my wind
Heard the sticks a-breakin' and I started again
No disgrace for me to run, when I get scared

CODA

All best,
John




 

[Old Man Ned]

Hi John,
I'm hearing what you have written in the bracketed portions of the lyrics.
All the Best,
Ned

[Johnm]

Thanks for the help, Ned. It's odd to sing the same line three times, each with a different ending, but it really does sound like what he sang. I'll go with what I have, subject to revision if a more convincing alternative is suggested.
All best,
Johnm

[Blues Vintage]

I guess that Connie does sing the same line three times but I can't give a decent suggestion.

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Connie Williams accompanied himself on accordion for his version of the hymn "I'll Fly Away". He does some groovy harmonization that I'm not accustomed to hearing on most peoples' version of the song. I wonder if Pete Welding, who was recording him, requested this number, because Connie Williams sounds as though he remembered the melody but only had a vague recollection of the lyrics.  Here is "I'll Fly Away":



Some glad morning, when this life is over, I'll fly away
Some glad (accordion continues), I'll fly away

REFRAIN: Children, now I'll, (accordion continues), oh glory, I'll fly away
(Accordion concludes refrain)

REFRAIN: Children, now I'll (accordion continues), oh glory, I'll flied away
Some glad morning, when this life is over, I'll fly away

CODA

All best,
Johnm