John Hartford - Lorena

This is apparently the same recording as the video version, but has an extra verse and runs about 50 seconds longer.
Written by J. P. Webster and Rev. H. D. L. Webster 1856

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Hartford
• Lorena
• Webster
• Bluegrass
• Banjo
• American
• Civil
• War

[nlmathomam]

One of the more beautiful songs written. It is even more poignent to think of the times that this song reached popularity---during a time when hundreds of thousands of men were fighting and drying on battlefields.

Truly heart breaking.

[TheDeadhead56]

beautiful song from a tragic time. john hartford does this well

[Schnitzelschitzen]

This was a sad time in our history with the challenge as to whether we would remain a free and complete Nation. At the same time, there was a great Souix Indian war being waged in the Minnesota territory. This test of endurance from those who inherited this time in history, revealed the type of resolve We Americans Have. Songs like Lorena became much like a drum beat to instill courage, yet also created a deep longing for their loved ones. So many young men never returned to fufill that love.

[rorigiles]

Logging in from Wellington, New Zealand. Bobby Bare sings a great version of this. He recorded it way back in 1963 as a track on his first album if I remember correctly.

[ScottLynck]

I first saw him do this song on An A&E special,a d it was the best version ever. I just "Googled" and "wiki''ed John Hartford. I didn't know he died back in '01 I just said "OHhhhNO!"

[Hughganaught]

I miss John. He was a great histroian, a givited musicasion, and a great entertainer. I love acustic stringed music.

[hiwayhypnosis]

I had the pleasure of meeting John. He was still going by his real name: Harford. He played a bluegrass jamboree in College Grove, San Diego CA. he played a song for my daughter she wanted to hear. Such a sweet man.

[MrJbaker7]

Beautifully played by John...Jack Baker NYC

[oesrescueveteran]

I hope I can sit and pick with John when I die and go where he resides. John, beautiful song, well done. See you!

[rushsps250]

Why cant all of yall just shut yer mouths, you all just shot this song a number of times, and i happen to.love a number of mexican songs so back of what helped form modern music man.

[CharmySC]

This Civil War era song was banned by both the North and South from being played due to the fact that it made soldiers desert and flee homeward.