Wildwood Flower
Hank Thompson · Hank Thompson & His Brazos Val [2003]
With the roses so red and the lilies so fair And the
myrtles so bright with emerald dew The pale and the
leader and eyes look like blue.
Oh, I'll dance, I will sing and my laugh shall be gay
I will charm ev'ry heart, in his crown I will sway
When I woke from my dreaming,
idols were clay All portions of love then had all flown
away. Oh, he taught me to love him and promised to
love And to cherish me over all others above How my
heart now is wond'ring misery can tell He's left me
no warning, no words of farewell.
Oh, he taught me to love him and called me his flow'r
That was blooming to cheer him through life's dreary
hour Oh, I'm longing to see him through life's dark
hour He's gone and neglected this pale wildwood flower.
Wildwood Flower
Hank Thompson's 'Wildwood Flower' stands as a quintessential example of country balladry, capturing the melancholic essence of the American South. Recorded for his 2003 compilation 'Hank Thompson & His Brazos Val,' the track exemplifies Thompson's signature style, blending acoustic guitar with a haunting vocal delivery that emphasizes themes of lost love and rural isolation. Released during the late 20th century, the song reflects the enduring appeal of the honky-tonk and country folk genres, resonating with audiences who appreciate the raw emotional honesty found in classic country recordings. As a staple of Thompson's discography, the composition has been widely recognized for its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and quiet sorrow, cementing its place in the broader landscape of country music history.