Lonesome Valley

Kitty Wells · Queen of Country Music [Bear Family (Germany)] [1994]

(A.P. Carter)



Hark the voice of Jesus calling

Come and work for him today

The fields are white and the harvest falling

Come and work for him today.



You've got to walk that lonesome valley

You've got to go there by yourself

There's no one here can go there with you

You've got to go there by yourself.



--- Instrumental ---



My mother told me when she was dying

Just before her breath was gone

My darling one puts trust in Jesus

For I'll leave you here alone.



You've got to walk that lonesome valley

You've got to go there by yourself

There's no one here can go there with you

You've got to go there by yourself.



--- Instrumental ---



Some people say John was a Baptist

Others say he was a Jew

But the Holy Bible tells us

That he was a preacher too.



You've got to walk that lonesome valley

You've got to go there by yourself

There's no one here can go there with you

You've got to go there by yourself...

Lonesome Valley

Kitty Wells' 1960 recording of "Lonesome Valley" stands as a defining moment in country music history, marking her transition from a gospel singer to a mainstream pop star. Released on her debut album, the track showcases her distinctive vocal style, blending a soft, melodic tone with the emotional depth characteristic of the era. As one of her earliest commercial successes, the song helped establish her reputation as a versatile artist capable of navigating both religious and secular themes. Its enduring appeal lies in its simple yet poignant composition, which resonated with audiences across the nation during the early 1960s. Today, it remains a staple in collections dedicated to the golden age of country music, celebrated for its role in shaping the sound of the genre.