Moonlight and Skies
Hank Snow · The Singing Ranger, Vol. 3 [Bear Family (Germany)] [1994]
Oh, come hear my story of heartaches and sighs
I'm a prisoner who's lonely for his moonlight and skies
I have a sweetheart who's waiting for me
Back in old Oklahoma I'm not far from Shawnee.
Her lips like the cherries her little heart cries
Daddy please come back to your moonlight and skies
My pal's name was Blacky a lad with true heart
A robbery we'd planned so decided to start.
I went to my darling with tears in her eyes
She said daddy don't leave me your moonlight and skies
I laughed at her pleading youth must have it's way
And said I'll be back in a couple of days.
--- Instrumental ---
The next scene was fatal with a shot through his heart
Old Blacky died sending love to his sweetheart
Go tell her go tell her I send her my love
I'll meet her in heaven with the angels above.
That night I was captured out under the stars
Now I have life to linger behind these iron bars
You'll find me at my window as the day slowly dies
I'm dreaming of my darling and my moonlight and skies.
Oh, pale moon is shining it's shining so bright
And lovers are strolling by my window tonight
Their laughter so merry brings heartaches and sighs
To a prisoner who's lonely for my moonlight and skies...
Moonlight and Skies
Hank Snow's 'Moonlight and Skies' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery in country and western storytelling. Recorded during the late 1940s, the track exemplifies the 'Singing Ranger' persona that defined his career, blending traditional yodeling with a warm, acoustic delivery. The song reflects the era's focus on romantic longing and the open road, themes central to Snow's discography. Featured on compilations such as 'The Singing Ranger, Vol. 3,' the recording showcases his ability to craft intimate narratives that resonated deeply with audiences across the United States. As a staple of his catalog, the song remains a testament to his influence on the genre and his enduring legacy in American music history.