About the song
## Tom Dooley: A Folk Ballad for the Ages
**The Kingston Trio – 1958**
The haunting melody of “Tom Dooley” has resonated with audiences for decades, its timeless appeal rooted in a tragic tale of love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of the American frontier. This iconic folk song, popularized by The Kingston Trio in 1958, continues to captivate listeners with its poignant lyrics and infectious rhythm.
The song’s narrative centers around the infamous figure of Tom Dooley, a young man accused of murdering his lover, Ann Foster, in North Carolina during the 1860s. While the historical accuracy of the events remains debated, the song’s lyrical power lies in its ability to evoke a sense of empathy and intrigue for the central character.
The Kingston Trio’s rendition of “Tom Dooley” is characterized by their signature three-part harmonies and a driving banjo accompaniment. The group’s ability to blend traditional folk elements with contemporary influences created a sound that resonated with a wide audience. The song’s popularity was further fueled by its inclusion in the 1958 film “The Big Country,” where it served as a pivotal scene-setting piece.
The lyrics of “Tom Dooley” are filled with vivid imagery and poetic language. The song paints a picture of a man haunted by his past, struggling to reconcile his actions with his conscience. The refrain, “Hang down your head, Tom Dooley, hang down your head and cry,” captures the sense of despair and inevitability that permeates the story.
Beyond its tragic narrative, “Tom Dooley” also offers a glimpse into the social and cultural landscape of the American frontier. The song’s references to lynching and the legal system reflect the challenges faced by marginalized communities during this period.
In conclusion, “Tom Dooley” is more than just a popular folk song; it is a timeless piece of storytelling that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The Kingston Trio’s iconic rendition of the song has cemented its place in the American musical canon, serving as a testament to the enduring power of folk music.
Video
Lyrics
This one next tells a story of a lot of different people
We would like to have a sing along, this one if you’re through with your dinner
If you’re not through just spray along, folks it’s alright
Everybody, sing good and clear
We’ll be all on air on the Andy Williams show next year
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
I met her on the mountain
There I took her life
Met her on the mountain
Stabbed her with my knife
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
This time tomorrow
Reckon where I’ll be
Hadn’t been for Grayson
I’d-a been in Tennessee
Well now, boy
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (oh, boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Well now, boy
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
This time tomorrow
Reckon where I’ll be
Down in some lonesome valley
Hangin’ from a white oak tree
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Well now, boy
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Hang down your head and cry (poor boy)
Hang down your head, Tom Dooley
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die
Poor boy, you’re bound to die