Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms

Lester Flatt, Nashville Grass

About Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms

"Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" is an American traditional song. It seems to have developed from lyrics in the cowboy song "My Lula Gal", itself a development of bawdy British and Appalachian songs generally known as "Bang Bang Rosie" or "Bang Away Lulu. The Flatt & Scruggs version was first released as a single by Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys, on December 14, 1951. Buck Owens released his cover version "Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms" in August 1971 as the second single from his album Ruby. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It also reached number 1 on the RPM Country Tracks chart in Canada. 


Year:
1982
79 
#1

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I ain't gonna work on the railroad
I ain't gonna work on the farm
Lay down the shack 'til the mail train comes back
And I'll roll in my sweet baby's arms

Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Lay around the shack 'til the mail train comes back
And I'll roll in my sweet baby's arms

Now where were was you last Friday night?
While I was lying in jail
Walking the streets with another man
Wouldn't even go for my bail

Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Lay around the shack 'til the mail train comes back
And I'll roll in my sweet baby's arms

I know your parents don't like me
They drove me away from your door
Had my life to live over
I'd never go there any more

Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Lay around the shack 'til the mail train comes back
And I'll roll in my sweet baby's arms

Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Roll in my sweet baby's arms
Lay around the shack 'til the mail train comes back
And I'll roll in my sweet baby's arms

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Lester Flatt

Lester Raymond Flatt (June 19, 1914 – May 11, 1979) was a bluegrass musician and guitarist and mandolinist, best known for his membership in the Bluegrass duo The Foggy Mountain Boys, also known as "Flatt and Scruggs," with banjo picker Earl Scruggs. Flatt's career spanned multiple decades; besides his work with Scruggs, he released multiple solo and collaboration works. Flatt also served as a member of Bill Monroe's band during the 1940s. more »

0 fans

Written by: LESTER FLATT

Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" is classified as a bluegrass and country song.
Original Artist
Notably, while Flatt & Scruggs are widely associated with the song, it was initially written and performed by Charlie Monroe.
Release Date
The version by Flatt & Scruggs was recorded and released in 1951.
Song Duration
The runtime of "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" by Flatt & Scruggs is approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
Musical Instruments
In the Flatt & Scruggs version of the song, the primary musical instruments include banjo (played by Earl Scruggs), guitar (Lester Flatt), and fiddle.
Association with Earl Scruggs
Earl Scruggs is revered as a pioneer in bluegrass music and was widely noted for the distinct three-finger banjo playing style he displayed in this song.
Lester Flatt's Contribution
Lester Flatt was a key contributor to the song as well, often being highlighted for his 'flatt pick' guitar style and trademark vocal deliverance.
Charts and Performance
Flatt & Scruggs's version of "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" did not chart upon its initial release; however, it has been recognized and celebrated in retrospect as a critical classic in bluegrass music.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by countless artists in various genres over the years, including Buck Owens, Del McCoury, and Leon Russell, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
Album Inclusion
The song was included in the 2005 compilation album, "Earl Scruggs & Friends", consisting of 14 tracks performed by Scruggs with well-known musicians from a variety of genres.
Significance in Bluegrass
The song's vibrant mix of melodious fiddle, high-energy banjo, and distinctive vocal harmonies are often regarded as a benchmark for traditional bluegrass music.
Live Performances
One of the most memorable performances of the song took place during the Flatt & Scruggs appearance at the 1962 Newport Folk Festival.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of the song depict a story of an unfaithful lover, a common narrative in both country and blues music.
Impact on Country and Bluegrass Music
Given its standard status and popularity within-and-beyond the genre, "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms" has made an immense impact on the evolution of both country and bluegrass music.

Discuss the Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3101845/Lester+Flatt/Roll+in+My+Sweet+Baby%27s+Arms>.

    Missing lyrics by Lester Flatt?

    Know any other songs by Lester Flatt? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms

    265
    6     0

    more tracks from the album

    Greatest Bluegrass Hits, Vol. 1

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Some nights I stay up, cashing in my bad luck, Some nights, I call it a ______."
    A draw
    B loss
    C win
    D flaw

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Lester Flatt tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!