Troublesome Waters
Flatt And Scruggs · Other Songs - Flatt And Scruggs
They're rockin' my boat and wreckin' my soul
Loved ones are driftin' and livin' in sin
The treacherous whirlpools are pullin' them in
When troublesome waters are rollin' so high
I lift up my voice and to heaven I cry
Lord I am trustin' give guidance to me
And steady my boat on life's troubled sea.
Troublesome waters are blacker than night
Hiding from view the harbor light bright
Out on the ocean I seem as a speck
Awful sea monsters are waiting my wreck
Gently I feel the touch of his hand
Guiding my boat to that better land
Leading way to heaven's bright shore
Troublesome waters I'm fearing no more
Troublesome waters around me now roll
Rocking my boat and tempting my soul
Loved ones are drifting and living in sin
Treacherous whirlpools are pulling them in
Sin waves are tossing and dashing so high
Over this noise you hear my sad cry
Lord I am trusting show mercy to me
Steady my lifeboat while I am at sea
Troublesome Waters - Flatt and Scruggs
Flatt and Scruggs' "Troublesome Waters" stands as a quintessential example of bluegrass storytelling, blending the resonant acoustic guitar of Bill Monroe's son with the driving fiddle of Earl Scruggs. Recorded in the late 1950s, the track exemplifies the duo's signature sound, characterized by intricate fiddle runs and a rhythmic drive that propelled them to the forefront of the genre. The song reflects the era's fascination with Appalachian folk narratives, capturing the mood of rural life and the complexities of human relationships through a polished studio arrangement. As a staple of their discography, it showcases the collaborative chemistry between the two musicians, cementing their legacy as pioneers who brought traditional mountain music to a national audience while maintaining its authentic roots.