Carroll County Accident
Porter Wagoner · Super Hits [2007]
Carroll County's pointed out as kinda square
The biggest thing that happens is the county fair
I guess that's why it seemes like such a big event
What we all call the Carroll County accident.
The wreck was on the highway just inside the line
Walter Browning lost his life and for a time
It seemed that Mary Ellen Jones would surely die
But she lived long enough for her to testify.
Walter Browning was a happy married man
And he wore a golden wedding ring upon his hand
But it was gone nobody knew just where it went
He lost it in the Carroll County accident.
Mary Ellen testified he flagged her down
Said he was sick and could she drive him into town
No one even doubted what she said was true
,Cause she was well respected in the county too.
I went down to see the wreck like all the rest
The bloody seats the broken glass the tangled mess
But I found something no one else had even seen
Behind the dash in Mary's crumpled up machine.
A little matchbox circled by a rubber band
And inside the ring from Walter Browning's hand
It took a while to figure out just what it meant
The truth about the Carroll County accident.
By dark of night I dropped the ring into a well
And took a sacred oath that I would never tell
The truth about the Carroll County accident
,Cause the county ordered Dad a marble monument.
I lost him in the Carroll County acciden...t
Carroll County Accident
Porter Wagoner stands as a defining figure in country music, renowned for his distinctive high tenor and elaborate stage presence. This recording captures his signature blend of traditional country and gospel influences, showcasing the emotional depth that characterized his extensive discography. Wagoner's career spanned decades, during which he became a staple on the Grand Ole Opry and a frequent collaborator with Dolly Parton. The song reflects the storytelling tradition central to his work, offering a narrative approach typical of the genre's golden era. As part of his broader catalogue, this track highlights his ability to convey poignant themes through straightforward, evocative arrangements. His contributions remain a vital part of country music history, influencing generations of performers who followed in his footsteps.