Only Way To Say Goodbye, The
The Stanley Brothers · Other Songs - The Stanley Brothers
Now all that's left are these tears upon my face
I've turned to drinkin' and prayin' that the lord would hear me sayin
take me away from this sad and lonely place
I've got no plans for tomorrow
I'm so ashamed and filled with sorrow
I should have told you that I loved you everyday
The only way to say goodbye is with these tears that fill my eyes
I hear you call me as they fall upon your grave
If I could only be set free from your haunting memory
But still I find that I'm a prisoner of your love
There's nothing left for me to do but in this pain of losin' you
So I am down upon the ground I've had enough
Not knowin where to turn from here
My heart still yearns for you my dear
I can't take this awful pain I'm goin through
I'll take this gun in tremblin hand and hope the lord will understand
There's just no way that I could stay here without you
The Stanley Brothers - Only Way To Say Goodbye, The
The Stanley Brothers delivered a hauntingly beautiful rendition of this gospel-tinged ballad, channeling the raw emotional power characteristic of their 1960s recordings. As pioneers of bluegrass gospel, the brothers blended traditional Appalachian folk with spiritual themes, creating a sound that resonated deeply with audiences seeking both rustic authenticity and profound religious expression. This track exemplifies their ability to transform sacred texts into accessible, moving musical narratives, often featuring intricate fiddle work and resonant harmonies that defined their legacy. Their interpretation of such songs helped bridge the gap between rural church traditions and mainstream folk music, influencing generations of artists who followed. The recording stands as a testament to their skill in capturing the human spirit through acoustic instrumentation and heartfelt vocal delivery.