Don't This Road Look Rough And Rocky

Flatt And Scruggs · Other Songs - Flatt And Scruggs

Darling, I have come to tell you

Though it almost breaks my heart

But before the morning darling

We'll be many miles apart



Don't this road look rough and rocky

Don't that sea look wide and deep

Don't my baby look the sweetest

When she's in my arms asleep



Can't you hear the night birds crying

Far across the deep blue sea

While of others you are thinking

Won't you sometimes think of me



One more kiss before I leave you

One more kiss before we part

You have caused me lots of trouble

Darling you have broke my heart

Don't This Road Look Rough And Rocky

Flatt and Scruggs' 1947 recording of 'Don't This Road Look Rough And Rocky' stands as a cornerstone of bluegrass history, showcasing the duo's mastery of the banjo and mandolin. Released during a pivotal era for the genre, the track exemplifies their ability to blend traditional folk melodies with the driving energy that would define bluegrass. The song highlights Bill Monroe's melodic leadership and Earl Scruggs' intricate three-finger banjo technique, creating a sound that bridged the gap between Appalachian folk and the emerging country-rock styles of the late 1940s. As one of their most recognizable works, it remains a definitive representation of the music's roots and its evolution into a distinct American art form.