schlange - Posted - 05/23/2014:  12:16:04

The Carter Family Ladies

This week's tune was written by Ada Blenkhorn in 1899, with music by J. Howard Entwisle. It was popularized by the Carter Family's 1928 recording, and saw a resurgence in recent years when it was part of the "Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (performed by The Whites, see their video below).

According to Wikipedia: "In 1899 Ada Blenkhorn was inspired to write the Christian hymn by a phrase used by her nephew. Blenkhorn's nephew was disabled and always wanted his wheelchair pushed down "the sunny side" of the street. The Carter Family learned of the song from A. P. Carter's uncle who was a music teacher, and they recorded the song in Camden, New Jersey in 1928. "Keep on the Sunny Side" became their theme song on the radio in later years. A.P. Carter's tombstone has a gold record of the song embedded in it."

Usually played somewhere between G and C, although when Flatt and Scruggs played it (Earl played guitar) they did it in F.

Lyrics:

There's a dark and a troubled side of life

There's a bright and a sunny side, too

Though we meet with the darkness and strife

The sunny side we also may view

Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side

Keep on the sunny side of life

It will help us every day, it will brighten all the way

If we keep on the sunny side of life

Though the storm in its fury break today

Crushing hopes that we cherished so dear

Storm and cloud will in time pass away

The sun again will shine bright and clear

Let us greet with a song of hope each day

Though the moments be cloudy or fair

Let us trust in our Savior alway

Who keepeth everyone in His care

From the Carter Family's version

Learn the Tune

• Hear It: If you aren't familiar with the tune, be sure to listen to the versions I've included in the playlist to the right, and in the videos below.


• Casey Henry has posted a Murphy Method lesson for this tune--only $6 thru the end of the week.​ Get it here >


• John Boulding has posted a backup video lesson for this tune--only $5. Get it here >


• Backing Tracks: Band in a Box tracks are included below at various speeds for your practicing pleasure


• Tabs: here's a good one from Jack Baker

Share!

I (and others) would love to hear (and see!) you play your version of this tune--post it in a reply below!

Keep On the Sunny Side Backing Track (G) 60BPM	Keep On the Sunny Side Backing Track (G) 80BPM	Keep On the Sunny Side Backing Track (G) 100BPM	Keep On the Sunny Side Chord Chart
VIDEO: Johnny Cash; The Carter Family - Keep On The Sunny Side (click to view)	VIDEO: Mother Maybelle & The Carter Sisters - Keep On The Sunny Side (click to view)	VIDEO: The Whites : Keep On The Sunny Side. (click to view)	VIDEO: 'Keep On The Sunny Side' (click to view)
VIDEO: Sunny Side Of Life - Excerpt from the Custom Banjo Lesson from The Murphy Method (click to view)

Jack Baker - Posted - 05/23/2014:  14:22:10

Eric,

You posted a sound file of Earl's guitar version which is great. You've just posted my banjo tab and I also just sent you the guitar version which is in one of your sound files...this is a great tune by Earl...Jack

Edited by - Jack Baker on 05/23/2014 14:35:53

Jack Baker - Posted - 05/23/2014:  14:46:23

Hi Eric,

Randy is a chip off the old block. He plays this song just great on the Flat Top guitar and Earl plays a great solo also. I think the one you posted is a banjo version I tabbed out from an earlier recording but Earl didn't seem to change either his guitar or banjo version very much over the years...Jack

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Originally posted by Jack

Edited by - Jack Baker on 05/23/2014 14:54:43