“The Wandering Cowboy (I)”

Description

A cowboy sadly tells the tale of why he left home: He had killed a childhood friend in a quarrel over a girl: "So that's the reason why I am compelled to roam. A sinner of the darkest strain, Far far away from home"

Notes

The Arthur Miles recording contains one of the few examples of "throat singing" (overtone singing) I've heard in American tradition. The song should not be confused with "The Wandering Cowboy (II)," which is unrelated. - PJS

Cross references

• cf. "The Fugitive's Lament" (plot)

Recordings

• Edward L. Crain, "Cowboy's Home Sweet Home" (Columbia 15710-D, 1932; rec. 1931) (Crown 3250/Melotone [Can.] 93027/Conqueror 8010 [as Cowboy Ed Crane], 1932; Montgomery Ward M-3016/Varsity 5034 [as Cowboy Rodgers], n.d.; rec. 1931)
• Jimmie Davis, "Cowboy's Home Sweet Home" (Victor 23718, 1932; Montgomery Ward M-7359, 1937; on WhenIWas2)
• Arthur Miles, "The Lonely Cowboy (Parts 1 & 2)" (Victor V-40156, 1929; on MakeMe, When I Was1)
• Frank Wheeler & Monroe Lamb, "A Group of Jolly Cowboys" (Victor C-40169, 1929)

References

1. Laws B7, "The Wandering Cowboy"
2. Randolph 190, "The Wandering Cowboy" (3 texts, 2 tunes)
3. BrownII 265, "A Jolly Group of Cowboys" (1 text)
4. Larkin, pp. 144-146, "Wandering Cowboy" (1 text, 1 tune)
5. McNeil-SFB1, pp. 157-159, "The Wandering Cowboy" (1 text, 1 tune)
6. Fife-Cowboy/West 89, "Cowboy's Home Sweet Home" (2 texts, 1 tune)
7. Ohrlin-HBT 66, "Franklin Slaughter Ranch" (1 text, 1 tune)
8. DT 798, WANDCOWB
9. Roud #633
10. BI, LB07