This song is based on a true story, and has been passed down through the generations. I learned it as "Omie Weiss", but most of the recordings I've come across are "Omie Wise" or "Naomi Wise".
This is great version by Ida Harper and the Coon Creek Girls:
Here is an early version by Roscoe Holcomb:
This version is by Doc Watson:
And of course Bob Dylan:
This is the modern version by Newtown:
Of course I go straight to the wiki.
ReplyDeleteInteresting reading! The different threads and shadings of the story remind me of Kurosawa's Rashomon.
My turn for wiki! I haven't seen that film, but it looks interesting!
DeleteIt's worth watching just to understand fully what the Rashomon Effect is all about... because it's an essential element of the human condition.
DeleteRoshomon is by my favourite director. I’m sure someone has made a modern version of that.
ReplyDeleteThe three films I posted about my favourite actor were directed by Kirusawa. And Shimura was in Roshomon, too.
http://theconservativekitchentable.blogspot.com/2010/05/actors-art.html
(I can’t believe that post was 8-1/2 years ago.)
The story also reminds me of An American Tragedy.
ReplyDelete