Brown Mountain Light
The Kingston Trio · Other Songs - The Kingston Trio
Spoken: In the hills of North Carolina,
since the times of the early settlers, a strange light has
been witnessed near the top of Brown Mountain.
To this day, no one can explain the mystery of
the Brown Mountain Light.
Chorus:
High on the mountain and down in the valley below.
It shines like the crown of an angel and fades as the mist comes and goes.
Way over yonder, night after night until dawn.
A faithful old slave, come back from the grave (searchin')
For his master who is long, long gone.
In the days of the old covered wagon,
when they camped on the flats for the night
With the stars growing dim on the old high gorge rim,
they would watch for the Brown Mountain Light.
(Chorus)
Long years ago a southern planter came hunting in this wild land alone,
And here, so they say, the hunter lost his way and
never returned to his home.
His trusty old slave brought a lantern and searched,
but in vain, day and night.
The old slave is gone but his spirit wanders on and
the old lantern still casts its light.
(Chorus)
Brown Mountain Light
The Kingston Trio's recording of 'Brown Mountain Light' stands as a testament to their mastery of American folk traditions. The song draws from the rich folklore of the Appalachian region, recounting the legend of a mysterious light seen atop Brown Mountain in North Carolina. This track exemplifies the group's signature harmonies and their ability to elevate regional stories into enduring popular music. As part of their extensive discography, the recording captures the trio's early commitment to storytelling through song, blending historical narrative with melodic accessibility. The performance remains a defining example of how the group helped popularize folk music during the mid-20th century, introducing listeners to the haunting tales and cultural heritage of the American South through their polished vocal arrangements.