About the song
Introducing “Rocky Top” by the Osborne Brothers, a quintessential bluegrass anthem that has become synonymous with the spirit of Tennessee. Composed by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, this iconic song has left an indelible mark on the landscape of American music, capturing the essence of the Appalachian region with its lively instrumentation and spirited vocals.
The Osborne Brothers, comprised of siblings Sonny and Bobby Osborne, emerged as prominent figures in the bluegrass genre during the 1960s. Hailing from Kentucky, the duo’s exceptional musicianship and tight harmonies garnered them widespread acclaim, earning them a dedicated following among bluegrass enthusiasts.
“Rocky Top” was first released by the Osborne Brothers on their album “Bluegrass Instrumentals,” but it gained significant popularity when they re-recorded it with vocals on their album “The Osborne Brothers’ Bluegrass Collection” in 1967. While specific chart positions for “Rocky Top” may vary, the song’s enduring popularity has solidified its status as a bluegrass standard.
With its catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics celebrating the beauty of rural life in Tennessee, “Rocky Top” resonated with audiences across the country, earning it widespread acclaim and recognition. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and has become an unofficial anthem for the state of Tennessee, further cementing its place in music history.
Through “Rocky Top,” the Osborne Brothers invite listeners to join them on a journey through the hills and hollers of Appalachia, capturing the timeless spirit of bluegrass music. As a testament to their enduring legacy, this beloved anthem continues to inspire and uplift audiences, ensuring that the Osborne Brothers’ contribution to the genre will be cherished for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Wish that I was on ol’ Rocky Top
Down in the Tennessee hills
Ain’t no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain’t no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink, but sweet as soda pop
I still dream about that
Rocky Top, you’ll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol’ Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Once two strangers climbed ol’ Rocky Top
Lookin’ for a moonshine still
Strangers ain’t come down from Rocky Top
Reckon they never will
Corn won’t grow at all on Rocky Top
Dirt’s too rocky by far
That’s why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar
Rocky Top, you’ll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol’ Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Rocky Top, Tennessee
I’ve had years of cramped-up city life
Trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it’s a pity life
Can’t be simple again
Rocky Top, you’ll always be
Home sweet home to me
Good ol’ Rocky Top
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Rocky Top, Tennessee
Rocky Top, Tennessee