There Was Nothing We Could Do
Bill Monroe · Bluegrass 1959-1969 [1999]
From her eyes the light of Heaven shone through
She fell sick one cold winter morning
And there was nothing we could do
She lay on her death bed so bravely
Her face all tired and worn
We knew in our hearts she was leaving
God had called her to His Heavenly home
As she lay on the bed she was smiling
At the people all gathered a-round
It was her only way of saying goodbye
And tomorrow she'd lay 'neath the ground
The fragrance of flowers from her grave
Goes to heaven where she has gone too
Mortal pain shown on all our faces
But there was nothing we could do
When the preacher began to console us
His words rang out clear and true
He said, 'God called her that's the reason
That there was nothing we could do'
There Was Nothing We Could Do
Bill Monroe's 'There Was Nothing We Could Do' stands as a defining recording of early bluegrass, capturing the raw energy and acoustic precision of the 1950s. As part of the 'Bluegrass 1959-1969' collection, this track exemplifies Monroe's signature style, where the fiddle leads with a driving rhythm that propelled the genre toward national prominence. The song reflects the collaborative spirit of the Blue Grass Boys, blending traditional folk melodies with the innovative instrumentation that Monroe pioneered. Its enduring appeal lies in its authentic representation of the era's musical landscape, showcasing how Monroe transformed country music into a distinct and influential art form that continues to resonate with audiences today.