Burl Ives and The Head and the Heart come from different times, but both left a mark on folk music in their own way. Their styles, though unique, share a love for storytelling through song.
Burl Ives was a beloved folk singer and actor who was known for his calm voice and classic songs. He helped make folk music popular in America during the mid-1900s.
Meanwhile, another artist, The Head and the Heart, is a modern folk-rock band known for its rich harmonies and emotional lyrics. Their music connects to today’s generation while holding onto folk roots.
Both of them shaped the music in their own style and genre.
Down In The Valley by Burl Ives
Down In The Valley is a traditional folk song sung by Burl Ives with a gentle, soothing tone. The song tells a simple story about love and longing, conveying the feeling of missing someone special.
Its calm melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless favorite in American folk music.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | 1946 |
| Album | Historical America In Song VI: Songs Of Expanding America |
| Writer | traditional |
Down In The Valley Lyrics
Down in the valley the valley so low
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow
Hear the wind blow love, hear the wind blow
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow
Roses love sunshine, violets love dew
Angels in heaven, know i love you
If you don’t love me, love whom you please
Put your arms round me, give my heart ease
Give my heart ease love, give my heart ease
Put your arms round me, give my heart ease
Write me a letter, send it by mail
Send it in care of, the Birmingham Jail
Birmingham Jail love, Birmingham Jail
Send it in care of, the Birmingham Jail
Build me a castle, forty feet high
So I can see her, as she rides by
As she rides by love, as she rides by
So I can see her, as she rides by
Down in the valley, the valley so low
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow
Down in the Valley by The Head and the Heart
A modern folk-rock song with emotional and reflective lyrics. It discusses the search for comfort and connection during difficult times.
The heartfelt vocals and rich harmonies create a warm, hopeful atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | April 19, 2011 |
| Album | The Head and the Heart |
| Writer | Josiah Johnson, Jonathan Russell, Charity Rose Thielen, Kenny Hensley, Chris Zasche, and Tyler Williams |
| Producer | Steven James Aguilar, Shawn Simmons, and Kevin Matley |
Down in the Valley Lyrics
I wish I was a slave to an age-old trade
Like ridin’ around on railcars and workin’ long days
Lord have mercy on my rough and rowdy ways
Lord have mercy on my rough and rowdy ways
Call it one drink too many
Call it pride of a man
But it don’t make no difference if you sit or you stand
Cause they both end in trouble and start with a grin
Yeah they both end in trouble and start with a grin
We do it over and over and over again
We do it over and over and over again
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
I know there’s California, Oklahoma
And all of the places I ain’t ever been to but
Down in the valley with
Whiskey rivers
These are the places you will find me hidin’
These are the places I will always go
These are the places I will always go
I am on my way
I am on my way
I am on my way back to where I started
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
One more for the stars and the eyes of the walls
I saw your face, I heard you callin’ out
I saw your face in the crowd and you came out
Just like the sun and the moon and the stars at night
There was a sign on the door and it reads to me
Just like the sun and the moon and the stars at night
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
Oh-oh, Oh-oh, Oh-oh-oh-oh, Oh-oh
I am on my way
I am on my way
I am on my way back to where I started
California, Oklahoma
And all of the places I ain’t ever been to but
Down in the valley with
Whiskey rivers
These are the places you will find me hidin’
These are the places I will always go
These are the places I will always go
So I wish I was a slave to an age-old trade
Lord have mercy on my rough and rowdy ways
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Burl Ives Even Win Any Major Awards?
Yes, he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Grammy Award for Best Country and Western Recording.
What Genre is The Head and the Heart?
Their music blends indie folk, pop, and Americana influences.
Are The Head and the Heart Still Active?
Yes, The Head and the Heart continue to tour and release new music.
