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Man of Constant Sorrow – Official Video

‘Man of Constant Sorrow’, also known as, ‘The Farewell Song’, is a folk song first published in 1913 by Richard Burnett. The original songwriter is unknown, but it was legally claimed by Ralph Stanley. The song is still considered public domain. Many songwriters have re-written, performed, and recorded their own versions for over a century. Sidney Stephens’ interpretation is based on his personal struggle with alcoholism. Some lyrics were re-written but most original verses work well as a metaphor. The song is steeped in history but still remains timeless and relevant. It has meant many different things to many people.This version is released with great reverence and honor to tradition and the vast power of music combined with the humbled human soul.

The lyrics, “I bid farewell to vice and misery, for my soul would waste away” is a reference to Sidney’s experience. “Once alcoholism took on the characteristics of a disease, it felt like it survived by feeding on my soul. I could feel it killing me from the inside. Something else took over and I didn’t care. Philosophically, it might leave nothing for an afterlife. The only remedy is sobriety. Hopefully, it isn’t too late. I fear for the spirit.” Sidney’s father died of complications due to a lifetime of alcoholism in 1995 and he seemed to be following the same pattern. Now, it’s a temptation struggle and lifelong commitment to sobriety, which most alcoholics and addicts understand.

The album art is a painting by Sharla Schmidt-Baker (Sid’s Cuz). The sunglasses on the sun could represent the sorrow that accompanies the constant sunshine.

Man of Constant Sorrow- Version by Sidney Stephens © BMI

I am a man of constant sorrow
I seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to vice and misery
For my soul would waste away
(For my soul would waste away)

Oh, twelve long years I’d been blinded
No pleasure here on Earth I found
For in this world I’m bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now
(I have no friends to help me now)

It’s fare thee well my old true lover
I never expect to see you again
I’m bound to ride that Northern railroad
Perhaps I’ll die upon that train
(Perhaps I’ll die upon that train)

You can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay
And then you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave
(While I’m sleeping in my grave)

Maybe your friends think I’m just a stranger
A face you’ll never see no more
But there is one promise that is given
I’ll meet you on God’s golden shore
(I’ll meet you on God’s golden shore)