FOOTPRINTS IN THE SNOW
(Harry Wright)
Ernest Branch & The West Virginia Ramblers - 1931
Red Foley - 1934
Big Slim The Lone Cowboy - 1936
Ray Noble & His All Star American Orch. - 1936
Cliff Carlisle - 1939
Bogue Ford - 1939
Bill Monroe & His Blue Grass Boys - 1945
Bradley Kincaid - 1947
Roger Miller - 1960
Rose Maddox - 1962
The Willis Brothers - 1962
Flatt & Scruggs - 1963
Doc Watson & Clarence White - 1964
The Osborne Brothers - 1965
Mac Wiseman - 1967
Carl Smith - 1971
Jimmy Martin & Ralph Stanley - 1980
Also recorded by: Buddy Holly & Bob Montgomery;
Dusty Ellison & His Saddle Dusters; Jack Guthrie;
Johnny Duncan & His Bluegrass Boys; Leon Russell;
Ry Cooder; Vernon Dalhart; Marty Robbins.
As recorded by BILL MONROE:
Some folks like the summertime when they can walk about
Strolling through the meadow green, it's pleasant there's no doubt
But give me the wintertime when the snow is on the ground
For I found her when the snow was on the ground
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
I bless that happy day that Nellie lost her way
For I found her when the snow was on the ground
(Instrumental Break)
I dropped in to see her, there was a big round moon
Her Mother said she'd just stepped, but'd be returning soon
I found her little footprints and I traced them through the snow
And I found her when the snow was on the ground
Oh, I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
I bless that happy day that Nellie lost her way
For I found her when the snow was on the ground
(Instrumental Break)
Now she's up in Heaven, she's with the angel band
I know I'm gonna meet her in that promised land
But every time the snow falls it brings back memories
For I found her when the snow was on the ground
Oh, I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
I bless that happy day that Nellie lost her way
For I found her when the snow was on the ground
***********
As recorded by ROSE MADDOX:
Some folks like the summertime when they can walk about
Strollin' through the meadow green, it's pleasant there's no doubt
But just give me the wintertime when the snow is on the ground
For he found me when the snow was on the ground
He traced my little footprints in the snow
He found my little footprints in the snow, Lord
I bless that happy day when I did lose my way
He found me when the snow was on the ground
(Mandolin Solo)
He dropped in to see me, there was a big round Moon
Mother said I'd just stepped out, I'd be returning soon
He found my little footprints, he traced them through the snow
He found me when the snow was on the ground
He traced my little footprints in the snow
He found my little footprints in the snow, Lord
I bless that happy day when I did lose my way
He found me when the snow was on the ground
(Steel Guitar Solo)
Now he's up in Heaven, he's with an angel band
I know I'm goin' to meet him in that happy land
But every time the snow falls it brings back memories
He found me when the snow was on the ground
He traced my little footprints in the snow
He found my little footprints in the snow, Lord
I bless that happy day when I did lose my way
He found me when the snow was on the ground
**********
As recorded by MARTY ROBBINS:
Well, some folks like the summertime when they can walk about
Strollin' through the meadow green, well, it's pleasant there's no doubt
But give me the wintertime when the snow is on the ground
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
I found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
Found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
Bless that happy day that Nellie lost her way
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
(Instrumental Break)
When I dropped in to see her, was a yellow moon
Her Mama said she'd just stepped, be returnin' soon
I found her little footprints and I traced them through the snow
And I found her when the snow was on the ground
I found her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
Bless that happy day that Nellie lost her way, why
Because I found her when the snow was on the ground
Well, now she's up in Heaven with an angel band
I know I'm gonna see her in that promised land
Ev'ry time the snow falls, well, it brings back memories
For I found her when the snow was on the ground
I found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
Found her little footprints in the snow, Lord
Bless that happy day that Nellie lost her way
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
***********
ALTERNATE VERSION:
Some lovers like the summertime, when they can stroll about
Spooning in the meadows may be grand without a doubt
But give to me the wintertime, for the girl I have made mine
Was captured while the snow was on the ground
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I bless that winter's day, when Nellie lost her way
And I traced her little footprints in the snow
I called to see the girl I loved one winter's afternoon
But she had gone out walking, they informed me very soon
They said she'd strolled away, but where they could not say
So I started off to find her in the snow
I saw her little footprint just outside the cottage door
I traced it down a country lane, I traced it to the moor
I found she'd lost her way; there she stood in blank dismay
Not knowing where to steer for in the snow
I called her, she saw me, and as we were walking home
She promised me that never more without me she would roam
I'm happy now for life, for her I've made my wife
Whose footprints I traced plainly in the snow
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I bless that winter's day, when Nellie lost her way
And I traced her little footprints in the snow
**********
As re-written and recorded by RY COODER:
Well, some folks like the summertime, they can walk about
Strolling through the meadow green is pleasant there's no doubt
But to me the wintertime is the best of all
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow
I bless that happy day when Nellie lost her way
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
Now the Ladies Garment Workers walked out last wintertime
One little union kitty was a dear sweetheart of mine
She walked around all winter on the picket line
But I found her when the snow was on the ground
Now the Union strike committee didn't like me hanging round
Don't interfere with sisters while the strike is on
Don't go around behaving like a ring-tailed tom
But I found her when the snow was on the ground
'Cause I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow
And I bless that happy day when Nellie lost her way
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
(Instrumental Break)
She's somewhere out there marching with a union band
We'll get back together when the pension check comes in
But every time the snow falls it brings back memories
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
I traced her little footprints in the snow
I found her little footprints in the snow
I bless that happy day when Nellie lost her way
'Cause I found her when the snow was on the ground
**********
(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - March 2011)
