I am very certain her name "Saro" is really "Sara" or "Sarah". I"m from the mtns of West Va. & also have done research. My great uncles were "Irie" and "Orie". I found out when they died, they were "Ira" and "Ora". Still a bit unusual. O's, E's, & A's often get changed to O's, E's & A's in different ways. Tom Dooley from the song was actually Tom Dula, the REAL man the song was about. Name changed to A. It's just the way we talk.I hope that explains a bit to help. She was Sara.My best, Moppet
This song is so touching. I'm a foreigner in the USA. When I heard this song in the movie I cried. I don't know why but I cried. Thank you for posting!
Jude Li... As a citizen of the U.S. since birth and also as a decent human being, I am happy to have a new addition that feels the message in this music. Part of my family has been here since before The Mayflower. Others emigrated directly from Eastern Europe just a couple generations ago. It isn’t always necessary to understand a language to hear the soul behind the music. I’m happy that you do. Although I didn’t make this music myself, I am still thankful that you appreciate these sounds and sentiments. Although they did not originate here, this music evolved to become part of our American heritage. I truly appreciate you embracing us as your people in this way.
What a beautiful song! I am a classically trained musician involved in music for over forty years and this song is so true and beautiful it cuts straight through my soul and makes me cry.
I add comments that I feel might be of help to others. You are aware of the way music travelled. Many are not. My own family and I had a minor 'feud' going on for years, until Johnny Cash mentioned his findings and also the movie The Songcatcher came out. (My own family being from the mountains!) Thanks for your comment though.I appreciate it when people leave messages. It means more involvment.I tag 'mountain music' if you go to my Channel.You can pass the 'history' lesson & just listen, Moppet
Great post. I'm from a place called Bunclody in County Wexford, in the south east of Ireland. There is a song called 'The Streams of Bunclody', the lyrics of which bear a striking resemblance to the above. However, our tune is close to an Irish air called 'The Lakes of Coolfin'. It is amazing how songs have a life of their own and how the same themes emerge in different guises all over the world. Thanks again.
It makes it a lot of sense when you remember the people of Appalachia are descendants of Irish, Scottish, and English settlers. Folk songs are often ancient and have a way of sticking around. It's likely those settlers brought the songs with them from the motherland, and kept them alive in some form or another.
Lori Berncich You are more than welcome. I love it also. I have been re-organizing my Channel. If you go to my actual youtube Channel (MyMoppet52) or click on my name, there is a Soundtrack Playlist where all the videos of The Songcatcher are. I used to have just The Soundcatcher, but I'm getting so many videos I've put the soundtracks all in one. Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed. Very few people do that & it's appreciated. I also have Soundcatcher II videos up. There was an outcry for the original songs & later the company made a cd with great music by the original artists. It is more primitive, but you might enjoy. My best to you, Moppet
David Taylor You are very welcome. I love this album and the movie. It is from where my parents grew up and I still return every year to visit. This music is so special and I'm glad to see others enjoying it also. Thank you for letting me know. It is appreciated! My best, Moppet
Have mercy. Someone just commented on Pretty Saro by Iris Dement. I saw my response to you. I was NOT well when I made that comment. Thank you for listening to IRIS and her song. She does make this song almost unbearable to listen to, it is so sad. I had surgery in late July and am finally doing much better. Hope I can keep my songs straight now. Thank you for listening! My best, Barbara
I am so happy to have found this sound track! I absolutely LOVE this song and all the others too! But this one I can listen too and sing all day every day! Purty Sarah! Love it so much!
Sorry, I typed it wrong. Tom Dooley (Hand Down Your Head Tom Dooley) was Dula in real life. It was spoken & sung with the changing letters. His "A" name of Dula was changed to an "E" sound of Dooley. If you listen to Doc Watson & other old time singers, their songs are the same. When I go back for a visit, I hear it everywhere, even now. So, her name was NOT the same as yours...in reality. My best again, Moppet
@dpstaffo You are more than welcome. I wish my Grandma had known music like this. She knew hymns, which is still nice, but I would have loved some music like this. Especially since she lived in the mountains! Thank YOU for listening and commenting. I am glad you have these memories and this song brought them back for a time! You are right, it is a lovely song and so pure in it's presentation and in it's lyrics also. My very best to you, Moppet (Barbara)
@ddtarra You are very welcome. I missed your comment & have no reason how this happened. I am glad you found this and also that it brings back good memories of your grandfather. Music brings back memories & emotions along with it's beauty. Thank you for your comment. It was truly appreciated! Moppet (Barbara)
@MrTrevciu You are very, very welcome! Come back anytime you wish. Thank you for listening and also commenting. It is much appreciated! My best, Moppet (Barbara)
@pcurrie013 I have become addicted to this style of music. I have grown to love it more and more. It is difficult to find today. I am glad you found this here and also took the time to comment. I do appreciate that very much. My best to you, Moppet p.s. I have Tim O'Brien's "The Blackest Crow" from "Songs from the Mountain" you might like. That entire album is excellent. Also his Farewell Angelina, House of Gold...I just like his music. It is similar in style to this. Pure.
here in the redwood empire we have very unique shtetls along the Lower River. our local (low power) community radio station features hosts. with themed shows. my suggestion is to check out. Ballads with Sadie. her show's on Thursday's from 6-8pm on kggv -the bridge - 95.1 fm. enjoy!
yes. The producers had many complaints about the "star power" on their cd. They made a second cd called Songcatcher II and it had more of the original music from the movie in it. After my first anger, I fell in love with this soundtrack. If you like this style, feel free to check my Old Timey/Mountain Music Playlist on my Channel. Thanks for stopping by, Moppet
@misskatiekelley You are very welcome. The music & movie have a similar effect on my. (My family came from the mtns also.I use photos that I took of these areas in some of my videos). I am sorry it's taken me so long to respond. I appreciate each comment & especially one so heartfelt as yours. Utube didnt' send me some of my notices so I am going through video by video to respond. I have become addicted to this type music. My best, Moppet (Barbara)
@PaganDeathKnight Yes. I love the entire soundtrack. I also love primitive music like this. I do have much thorough out the site. If you like primitive, leave me a message & I can tell you where to look. My best, Barbara
we don't need a history lesson here. the songs and people came from ireland scottland and so on. the got to the hill of tenn, ky, wv and said we're home.
Sorry you didn't like. It just goes to show we all have different tastes. I appreciate you letting me know though. I saw a whole lot of music on your Channel that I liked. I got down past Dolly. Dolly did a song or two on this album you might like better than Iris. Thanks for stopping and maybe you can find something you like better sometime. My best to you, Moppet
+michael w. knowles Yes. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I love this song. I have Doc Watson's version and also Aubrey Haney version if you want to check it out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-n1a42iHM-r0.html
being named Saro and knowing it to be a guy's name, it's kinda awkward to discover a song called "pretty Saro" and used as a woman's name. although this has a different origin from the 1700s from Ireland or England I think ... but it has nice lyrics nonetheless :)
