Molly and Tenbrooks

Bill Monroe

About Molly and Tenbrooks

"Molly and Tenbrooks," also known as "The Racehorse Song," is a traditional song of the late 19th century. One of the first recordings of the song was the Carver Boys' 1929 version called "Tim Brook." The song was recorded by Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys on October 28, 1947 but not released until 1949. In 1948, The Stanley Brothers released a recording of it in the Blue Grass Boys' style, marking the first recorded adoption of the bluegrass style by a second band. The song was also recorded by Steve Gillette on his self-titled debut album in 1967 in the folk style and a very different adaptation, by Gillette and Linda Albertano. Their version was later recorded by the well-known Canadian folk duo Ian and Sylvia for their album, Play One More. 


Year:
1990
41 
#2

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Run O Molly run, run O Molly run
Tenbrooks gonna beat you to the bright shinin' sun.
To the bright shinin' sun O Lord to the bright shinin' sun

Tenbrooks was a big bay horse he wore that shaggy mane
He run all around Memphis he beat the Memphis train
Beat the Memphis train O Lord beat the Memphis train

See that train a-comin' it's comin' round the curve
See old Tenbrooks runnin' he's strainin' every nerve
Strainin' every nerve O Lord strainin' every nerve

Tenbrooks said to Molly what makes your head so red?
Runnin' in the hot sun puts fever in my head
Fever in my head O Lord fever in my head

Molly said to Tenbrooks you're lookin' mighty squirrel
Tenbrooks said to Molly I'm a-leavin' this old world
Leavin' this old world O Lord leavin' this old world

Out in California where Molly done as she pleased
Come back to old Kentucky got beat with all ease
Beat with all ease O Lord beat with all ease

The women all a-laughin' the child'n all a cryin'
The men all a-hollerin' old Tenbrooks a-flyin'
Old Tenbrooks a-flyin' O Lord old Tenbrooks a-flyin'

Kyper Kyper you're not A-ridin' right
Molly's beatin' old Tenbrooks clear out sight
Clear out of sight O Lord clear out of sight

Kyper Kyper Kyper my son
Give old Tenbrooks the bridle let old Tenbrooks run
Let old Tenbrooks run O Lord let old Tenbrooks run

Go and catch old Tenbrooks and hitch him in the shade
We're gonna bury old Molly in a coffin ready made
Coffin ready made O Lord coffin ready made

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Bill Monroe

William Smith Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) was an American musician who created the style of music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for Monroe's home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as The Father of Bluegrass. more »

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Written by: BILL MONROE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Molly and Tenbrooks," also known as "The Racehorse Song," is categorized under the genre of Bluegrass music, a subcategory of country music. It's a prime example of Bill Monroe's classic work.
About the Songwriter
The song was written and performed by Bill Monroe, who is often referred to as the "Father of Bluegrass."
Released Date
Bill Monroe released the song in 1947, marking one of his earliest hits after forming his band "Bill Monroe and the Blue Grass Boys."
Original Story
The song is a musical narration of a horse race between two famous 19th-century racehorses, Molly McCarty and Ten Broeck, and is believed to be based on a real-life event.
Popularity
The song has been covered by various artists such as "The Stanley Brothers," "Tony Rice," and "Sam Bush."
Historical Significance
The song is considered a major influence on the development of the bluegrass genre.
Critical Acclaim
Through "Molly and Tenbrooks," Bill Monroe was praised for his fast-tempo mandolin playing and high-pitched vocals, which have become defining characteristics of the bluegrass genre.
Authorship Disputes
While Bill Monroe is often credited as the writer of "Molly and Tenbrooks," the origins of the song are disputed. Some believe the song has roots in traditional American folk music and that Monroe only popularized it.
Sound
This song is a prime example of the "high, lonesome sound" often associated with bluegrass music – a term coined by Monroe himself.
Iconic Song
Due to its wide acceptance and influence among other country and bluegrass musicians, "Molly and Tenbrooks" is considered a standard in the bluegrass genre.

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