“The Colorado Trail”

Description

"Eyes like the morning star, Cheeks like a rose, Laura was a pretty girl, God almighty knows. Weep, all ye little rains, Wail, winds, wail, All along, along, along The Colorado trail."

Notes

Lee Hays added several verses to this beautiful little tune, and many singers have recorded them, or added others of their own. The only traditional lyrics, however, are those given above, taken from a horse wrangler who was hospitalized in Duluth, Minnesota and printed by Sandburg. And even those were slightly dubious until confirmed by the Poplin recording. - RBW

The Poplin recording has a chorus which is almost identical to the verse of "Colorado Trail," and to a verse from Bradley Kincaid's recording of "Liza Up in a Simmon Tree." The rest of the song, however, is completely different; I put it here because I couldn't find a better place. - PJS

Recordings

  • Poplin Family, "Eyes Like Cherries" (on Poplin01, mixing verses of "The Colorado Trail," "Liza Up in a Simmon Tree," and others)
  • Pete Seeger, "Colorado Trail" (on PeteSeeger30)

References

  1. Sandburg, p. 462, "The Colorado Trail" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. Scott-BoA, p. 262, "The Colorado Trail" (1 text, 1 tune)
  3. Lomax-FSNA 211, "Colorado Trail" (1 text, 1 tune)
  4. Silber-FSWB, p. 45, "The Colorado Trail" (1 text)
  5. DT, COLORADT*
  6. Roud #6695
  7. BI, San462

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1927 (Sandburg)
Keywords: love beauty nonballad
Found in: US(MW)