The Carter Family, known as the First Family of Country Music, originally included A.P. Carter, his wife Sara, and her cousin Maybelle.
Active in the 1920s and ’30s, they helped shape country and folk music by recording traditional Appalachian songs.
A.P. collected the songs, Sara sang lead, and Maybelle Carter’s scratch guitar style became popular.
Their impact lives on through Maybelle’s daughter, June Carter Cash, and their lasting legacy in American music history.
About the Song
Wildwood Flower is one of The Carter Family’s most enduring and beloved songs. The song started as a 19th-century parlor ballad, but when the Carters recorded it in 1928, they turned it into a well-loved folk tune.
The lyrics are poetic and slightly surreal, with vivid imagery of blooming flowers and unrequited love.
Maybelle’s intricate guitar picking creates a haunting yet timeless sound that still relates to listeners today.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 1927 |
| Album | Volume 2: 1935-1941 |
| Writers | A.P. Carter |
Wildwood Flower Lyrics by The Carter Family
Verse 1
Oh, I’ll twine with my mingles and waving black hair
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
And the myrtle so bright with the emerald dew
The pale amanita and eyes look like blue
Verse 2
I will dance, I will sing, and my loft shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in his crown I will sway
When I woke from my dreaming my idol was clay
All portion of love had all flown away
Verse 3
Oh, he taught me to love him and promised to love
And to cherish me over all others above
How my heart is now wondering no misery can tell
He’s left me no warning, no words of farewell
Verse 4
Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his flower
That’s blooming to cheer him through life’s dreary hour
Oh, I long to see him and regret the dark hour
He’s gone and neglected this pale wildwood flower
Wildwood Flower by June Carter Cash
June Carter Cash was a singer, songwriter, and actress born into the legendary Carter Family. She blended traditional country with modern styles and found success both solo and alongside her husband, Johnny Cash.
Known for her wit and heartfelt performances, June carried her family’s musical legacy into new generations and remains a cherished figure in country music.
About the Song
Wildwood Flower was a signature piece for June Carter Cash, tying her directly to her family’s musical roots.
While the song dates back to the 19th century and gained fame through The Carter Family, June’s later renditions brought a personal and emotional sense that honored her heritage.
The lyrics’ poetic imagery of lost love and blooming flowers became even more poignant through June’s voice.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 9 September, 2003 |
| Album | Wildwood Flower |
| Writers | A.P. Carter |
| Producer | Johnny Cash |
Wildwood Flower Lyrics by June Carter Cash
Verse 1
I will twine mid my ringlets and waving black hair
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair
And the myrtle so bright with the emerald hue
The pale amaryllis and violets like blue
Chorus
I will dance, I will sing, and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in this crown I will sway
But I long to see him then regret the dark hour
He’s gone and neglected this frail wildwood flower
Verse 2
Well, he taught me to love him and promised to love
And to cherish me over all others above
Now my heart is now wondering, oh, misery can tell
He’s left me no warning, no words of farewell
Chorus
But I will dance, I will sing, and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in this crown I will sway
But I long to see him then regret the dark hour
He’s gone and neglected this frail wildwood flower
Verse 3
Well, he taught me to love him and he called me his flower
That was blooming to cheer him through life’s scary hour
And my heart is now wondering, oh, misery can tell
He’s left me no warning, no words of farewell
Chorus
But I will dance, I will sing, and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm every heart, in this crown I will sway
But I long to see him then regret the dark hour
He’s gone and neglected this frail wildwood flower
Similar Songs Like Wildwood Flower
Here are songs similar to Wildwood Flower, performed by The Carter Family and June Carter Cash, that show the feelings and emotions they bring out:
- Keep on the Sunny Side: A hopeful anthem with soothing harmonies that encourage strength, brighten sorrow, and lift the spirit in tough times.
- Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Spiritual and mournful, this song honors lasting family bonds, blending grief and hope with a belief in reunion after loss.
- The Far Side Banks of Jordan: Tender and emotional, this duet shares a peaceful message of eternal love, showing that soulmates will reunite even after death.
Similar Artists Like The Carter Family
These artists share roots in traditional country, folk, or Americana music, drawing on the heartfelt, acoustic-driven style of the Carter legacy:
- Johnny Cash
Genre: Country, Folk, Gospez
Top Album: At Folsom Prison (1968) - Emmylou Harris
Genre: Country, Americana, Folk
Top Album: Pieces of the Sky (1975) - Doc Watson
Genre: Folk, Bluegrass, Country
Top Album: Southbound (1966) - Gillian Welch
Genre: Americana, Folk, Bluegrass
Top Album: Time (The Revelator) (2001)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meaning of Wildwood Flower?
It symbolizes lost love and fading beauty, using floral metaphors to show longing, sorrow, and the emotional pain of romantic disappointment.
Is the Song Based on a True Story?
No, it’s not based on a specific event. It’s a traditional song adapted from a 19th-century parlor ballad with universal themes.
Why is Wildwood Flower so Popular?
Its haunting melody, imagery, and deep emotional tone—combined with the Carter Family’s influence—make it a cornerstone of American folk music.
