About The Song
In the realm of country music, there are songs that entertain, songs that inspire, and then there are songs that etch themselves into the very fabric of our being, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and souls. Lefty Frizzell’s “Long Black Veil” falls into the latter category, standing as a timeless masterpiece that has captivated listeners for generations.
Released in 1959, this hauntingly beautiful ballad weaves a tale of love, loss, and the agonizing burden of secrets. The song’s narrator, shrouded in a veil of mystery, stands accused of a murder he did not commit. Rather than offer an alibi that would save his life, he chooses to remain silent, bound by a love so profound that it demands his ultimate sacrifice.
As the song unfolds, we are drawn into the narrator’s world of despair, where the weight of his secret bears down upon him like a relentless storm. He watches from afar as the woman he loves, clad in a long black veil, mourns his untimely demise, her silent grief a constant reminder of the love they can never openly share.
“Long Black Veil” is a poignant testament to the power of love, its ability to transcend boundaries and defy even the harshest realities. The narrator’s unwavering devotion to his lover, even in the face of death, paints a picture of love’s purest form, a love that demands selflessness and sacrifice.
Frizzell’s masterful delivery of the song adds an extra layer of depth and emotion. His voice, imbued with a world-weariness that belies his young age, perfectly captures the narrator’s anguish and resignation. The simple yet evocative lyrics, coupled with Frizzell’s heartfelt vocals, create an atmosphere of profound sadness that lingers long after the final note has faded.
The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal. It speaks to the human condition, our capacity for love, and the sacrifices we make for those we hold dear. “Long Black Veil” is more than just a song; it’s a story that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level, reminding us of the power of love, the pain of loss, and the secrets we carry within our hearts.
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Lyric
Ten years ago, on a cold dark nightThere was someone killed ‘neath the town hall lightThere were few at the scene, but they all agreedThat the slayer who ran looked a lot like meThe judge said, “Son what is your alibi?If you were somewhere else then you won’t have to die”I spoke not a word though it meant my lifeFor I had been in the arms of my best friend’s wifeShe walks these hills in a long black veilShe visits my grave when the night winds wailNobody knows, nobody seesNobody knows but meThe scaffold is high, and eternity nearsShe stood in the crowd and shed not a tearBut sometimes at night when the cold wind mournsIn a long black veil she cries over my bonesShe walks these hills in a long black veilShe visits my grave when the night winds wailNobody knows, nobody seesNobody knows but me, nobody knows but me, nobody knows but me