Carrie Brown
Steve Earle · The Mountain [1999]
The first time I saw Carrie Brown
She was so young and fair
A voice like spring rain fallin' down and sunlight in her hair
I'd never seen her face before so I asked all around
Her daddy owns a grocery store and she lives in Bristol town
Carrie darlin' Carrie Carrie Brown I cry
If I can't marry Carrie Brown believe I'd rather die
I laid my last ten dollars down
Though I didn't need a thing
Just to touch sweet Carrie Brown
When she handed me my change
I hung around 'till closin' time I scarce believed my eyes
My darlin' walkin' arm in arm
With a boy named Billy Wise
I walked around in Bristol town a bitter broken man
A heart that pined for Carrie Brown and a pistol in my hand
We met again on State Street poor Billy Wise and me
I shot him in Virginia and he died in Tennessee
Now I'm down in the Bristol jail and all I do is cry
'Cause the jury found me guilty and the judge says I must die
I'm just a poor young mountain boy
Ain't never been to town
And I've come to ruination for the love of Carrie Brown
She was so young and fair
A voice like spring rain fallin' down and sunlight in her hair
I'd never seen her face before so I asked all around
Her daddy owns a grocery store and she lives in Bristol town
Carrie darlin' Carrie Carrie Brown I cry
If I can't marry Carrie Brown believe I'd rather die
I laid my last ten dollars down
Though I didn't need a thing
Just to touch sweet Carrie Brown
When she handed me my change
I hung around 'till closin' time I scarce believed my eyes
My darlin' walkin' arm in arm
With a boy named Billy Wise
I walked around in Bristol town a bitter broken man
A heart that pined for Carrie Brown and a pistol in my hand
We met again on State Street poor Billy Wise and me
I shot him in Virginia and he died in Tennessee
Now I'm down in the Bristol jail and all I do is cry
'Cause the jury found me guilty and the judge says I must die
I'm just a poor young mountain boy
Ain't never been to town
And I've come to ruination for the love of Carrie Brown
Carrie Brown
Steve Earle's "Carrie Brown" stands as a poignant centerpiece on his 1999 album, The Mountain. Rooted in the folk-rock tradition, the track exemplifies Earle's signature blend of storytelling and social commentary, delivered with a raw, acoustic intensity. The song explores themes of personal loss and resilience, characteristic of his work during the late 1990s. With its distinctive vocal delivery and melodic structure, the recording captures the essence of American folk music, resonating with listeners who appreciate lyrical depth and authentic musical expression. It remains a defining track in Earle's discography, reflecting his commitment to addressing human experiences through his art.