“Howard Carey”
Description
The singer, Howard Carey, recalls his happy youth. But he left home and parents and, despite his mother's warnings, turns to a dissolute life. Blaming his fate on whiskey and bad women, he kills himself
Notes
Ives-DullCare is unequivocal about the author being Joe Scott. - BS
Manny/Wilson attributes it without hesitation to Scott as well. They note, however, what appear to be allusions to British material. Their background notes that this is described as "the true story of Howard Carey (variously spelled Kerrick, Currie, Carrick...) who was born in Grand Falls on the Upper St. John River. Howard led a wandering life, went to the bad, and finally hanged himself in Rumford Falls, Maine." - RBW
Historical references
- May 5, 1897 - "Howard Carrick, a woodsman, aged 33, hanged himself in his room at Annie Siddal's boarding house in Rumford, Maine..." (source: Ives-DullCare)
References
- Laws E23, "Howard Carey"
- Dibblee/Dibblee, pp. 59-60, "Howard Kerry" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Ives-DullCare, pp. 131-132,247, "Howard Carey" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Manny/Wilson 22, "Howard Carey" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT 834, HOWCAREY*
- Roud #9191
- BI, LE23