American Songs 2 Sneak Preview: Oh Sister

Today is a very exciting day for me because I just sent off all the components of my new CD off to the manufacturer! Carter Little and I have been working hard all summer on a new collection of traditional American folk songs, and really hope you are going to enjoy it. We certainly had a lot of fun making it!

So, over the next few weeks while the disc is being pressed, I thought I'd post a few "sneak preview" tracks that you can download and listen to for free. The first of these is Oh Sister. Simply click on the song title, and you can listen to it or download it for free (by clicking "download") from my MySpace page. (UPDATE 10/15: The song is now available for download on my website for those who have technical difficulties with MySpace.) Next Wednesday, I'll post another song for you to preview.

If you like the song, please send the link on to others who might enjoy it. As I always say, word of mouth makes all the difference to independent artists.

Here's a quick preview:


Story behind the song: I have 5 sisters and a brother, and all of us have had various difficult struggles throughout our lives. I was sitting in my car at a stoplight one day, thinking about how easy it is for us to feel like we're alone in this world. We try so hard not to bother anyone else with our burdens, and try to soldier on alone, carrying it all ourselves. But we don't have to go it alone. Even if we don't quite believe it, there truly are others around who would be happy to shoulder a little weight. It was then that I started hitting out a rhythm on the steering wheel and singing the first chorus to this song until the light turned green.

Song lyrics:

Oh Sister by Josephine Cameron & Anthony Walton

Oh sister, oh sister
Why you got the whole world on your shoulders?
Why you got to carry it around?

Your brother, he went off to an old man's war
And your mother and your father are on distant shores
But I'll be here with an open door
If you ever need a hand to hold

Oh father, oh father
Why you got the whole world on your shoulders?
Why you got to carry it around?

Your daughter, she went off with another man
One by one, your sons shook off the dust of this poor land
But they'll be back with a helping hand
If you hold your pride and call them home

Oh brother, oh brother
Why you got the whole world on your shoulders?
Why you got to carry it around?

You had to leave your family to get on your way
And you're worried we don't love you 'cause you stayed away
But we'll just be glad to see your smiling face
There's a welcome table waiting here at home

Oh mother, oh mother
Why you got the whole world on your shoulders?
Why you got to carry it around?

In the cold, blue dark of night
When you're weary, frozen with fright
Lift those burdens you're holding so tight
Lift them up, the sun will rise