I Tried to Sing at Ralph Stanley's Funeral

I had it all prepared
the somber notes were shared,
to fill his last request
for all who came as guests.

He asked for one to sing
at life’s last gathering,
for who will sing a song
to bid farewell along.

Chorus:
The glamor folks did wail
the family atoned,
they turned from me and went
the words, my mouth, were spent.

I cried a bitter tear
‘cause of the welcome here,
I tried to meet the call
that Ralph had sung for all.







Verse 2

I ran to beat the crowd
the throng that gathered there,
on top of mountain graves
among those souls were saved.

They held me at the gate
I tried to say a word,
but “No one in!” they cried
my song, it was denied.

Chorus:
The glamor folks did wail
the family atoned,
they turned from me and went
my words, my mouth, were spent.

I cried a bitter tear
‘cause of the welcome here,
I tried to meet the call
that Ralph had sung for all.









Verse 3

So now I’ll carry on
and sing my mountain song,
for those of us who knew
the voice, it’s roaming hue.

We’ll carry banner strong
as we who sing his song,
and now will do our best
to sing his last request.

Chorus:
The glamor folks did wail
the family atoned,
they turned from me and went
my words, my mouth, were spent.

I cried a bitter tear
‘cause of the welcome here,
I tried to meet the call
that Ralph had sung for all.