The author of the song I have chosen is Ola Belle Reed, an American Appalachian folk singer, songwriter and banjo player. She was born in 1916 in Grassy Creek, North Carolina, the fourth of thirteen children. Her family was very musical, and she learned mining songs from her uncle and ballads and songs from her mother and grandmother. When she was in her twenties Reed joined The North Carolina Ridge Runners. She later formed the band, The New River Boys and Girls, with her brother, Alex Campbell. The songs Ola Belle wrote speak of Appalachian life and traditions, and her best known songs have been recorded by mainstream blue grass and country musicians. There is an annual Ola Belle Reed Music Festival in Lansing, North Carolina.
Ola Belle has received many honors. Among them are a University of Maryland, Honorary doctorate in 1978 and Distinguished Achievement Award, International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), first woman so honored in 1988.
Jim Adams, the host of Thursday Inspiration, asked us to respond the this challenge by using the word “drink,” or by means of the song ‘Brutal’, or by going with another song by Olivia Rodrigo, or another song where a person expresses their insecurities, or another song where a person seems to be going through some type of breakdown. I think this song probably fits the “breakdown” description. You have probably already figured out I am a sucker for a sad song. This may be a bluegrass song, but it is very beautiful. I hope you enjoy!
UNDONE IN SORROW
Over yonder in the graveyard
Where the wild, wild flowers grow
Oh, there I laid my own true lover
She’s gone from me forevermore
Fairer than the sweetest flowers
Restless as the wildest wind
Born with a love deep as the ocean
This was the girl that I did win
I left her there, back in the mountain
To see the world, riches to gain
Oh, when I returned, no earthly treasure
Could ease this heart so full of pain
There so high up on that mountain
Beneath that little mound of clay
Oh, the girl that I’d returned to marry
So still among the flowers did lay
I’ll go away and I will wander
Lay aside my earthly gain
And I’ll not envy the man with riches
Undone in sorrow I remain
Undone in sorrow I remain
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Ola Belle Reed
I love this bluegrass song, Lisa. Undone in Sorrow by Ola Belle Reed is featured in a documentary about her life called I’ve Endured: The music and legacy of Ola Belle Reed.
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Oh thank you! I would really enjoy watching the documentary.
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Oh, I forgot to say the band is Crooked Still! Good heavens, sorry.
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A lovely song from a band I really like. Aoife O’Donovan, their lead vocalist, is also a member of I’m With Her, who are also excellent.
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Thank you, Clive. I will definitely listen to them ✨❤️✨
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Until I read your comment, Clive, I didn’t realize that I forgot to say anything about the band!
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Happy to have added something!
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Wonderful write and song, Lisa.
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Thank you, Nancy! I completely forgot to write anything at all about the band that sang the song. I’m a mess these days I guess
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Hope you’re ok, Lisa.
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Lovely Lisa ❤️
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Thank you, Maggie! I just love that song. ✨🧡✨
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It is a good one Lisa ❤️🥰
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Lovely read Lisa and I love your choice of song – perfect ❤️
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Thank you so much, Ange. ✨❤️✨
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I love this genre- so this makes me happy. Thank you for showcasing the wonderful work, and life of this fantastic songwriter/singer/storyteller.
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Thank you so much, Violet and thank you for your lovely comment. 🩵🩵🩵
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The banjo is such an interesting instrument with such an unique sound. Beautiful song.
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I agree, Bridget, it is! Thank you ✨💞
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The title – “Undone in Sorrow” – that almost stands on its own.
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You are right, it is a beautiful title.
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