This is really one of the most beautiful songs the Everlys
ever did and the simplicity of its progression shouldn't
belie the beauty of the lyrics and melody.
The gutwrenching homesickness of this song lies in the lilting
Everly harmonies, swooping and diving in and out of the
verses. For the life of me, though, I can't hear more than
two simple chords.
Me and the home folks play it this way...You can probably pull
it off in any key you want. If you want anything else by the Everlys, I'd
be glad to post it here.
James,
Lunar Creek, Ky.
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Kentucky
As recorded by the Everly Brothers.
D
Kentucky... A
You are the dearest land outside of Heaven to me.
Kentucky, D
I miss your laurels and your redbud trees. A
When I die...I want to rest upon your graceful mountains so free.
D
For that is....Where God will look for me.
Kentucky,
I miss the old folks singing in the silvery moonlight.
Kentucky,
I miss the hound dogs chasin' coons.
I know that....
My Mother, Dad, and sweetheart are waiting for me...
Kentucky,
I will be coming soon.
Kentucky....
[out]
All those ellipses indicate a long hold on the note you're singing,
hopefully to show off your fine harmonies. Also, substituting an A7 for
the A's for effect goes off nicely.
I can't recommend highly enough the recording also done by the Louvin
Bros. on Capitol Records long about 1956. It's a touch faster but
ever bit as sweet.
>From the liner notes of the Louvin Bros., "Tragic Songs of Life":
The album started off with "Kentucky", the hit song that had
been popularized by Karl Davis and Harty Taylor, Karl and Harty of
Chicago radio fame. A Kentucky native, Karl had written the song
when he was especially homesick; it later became a national hit
when recorded by The Blue Sky Boys.
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