Ballads covered every subject, including incarceration.
A favorite ballad in the Dark Corner was not written about life in the region. Its popularity here came from its being played often on radio shows and its being a staple of the Grand Ole Opry from WSM, Nashville for many years.
A traditional ballad, it has been known by two names through decades of its popularity: “Down in the Valley” and “Birmingham Jail.” Many well- and lesser-known singers in folk, country and popular music fields have recorded it, and it has been featured or used as background music in movies and TV productions.
Yet, equally memorable renditions of the haunting refrain of “Birmingham Jail” have been captured by many accomplished and woodshed singers throughout Glassy Mountain hills and hollows. On a few occasions, the ballad’s other title, “Down in the Valley,” has been sung at funerals.
Birmingham Jail
Down in the valley, valley so low,
Hang down your head and hear the wind blow.
Hear the wind blow, love, hear the wind blow;
Hang down your head and hear the wind blow.
Write me a letter, send it by mail,
Send it in care of Birmingham Jail;
Birmingham Jail, love, Birmingham Jail,
Send it in care of Birmingham Jail.
Roses love sunshine, violets love dew;
Angels in heaven know I love you;
Know I love you, dear, know I love you,
Angels in heaven know I love you.
Build me a castle 40 feet high,
So I can see him as he rides by;
As he rides by, love, as he rides by,
So I can see him as he rides by.
Down in the valley, valley so low;
Hang down your head and hear the wind blow;
Hear the wind blow, love, hear the wind blow,
Hang down your head and hear the wind blow.