Family Tradition - Bob Johnson Song

This song was written by Robert "Bob" Johnson, son of William Payne Johnson and Sally Tackett. He was born May 15, 1809 and died on January 17, 1895. He is buried at Speight, Pike Co., KY. Apparently some event in his life has inspired him to write this song. It could have been his brother or playmate that the song was written about. Several verses are listed below. I have been told that there are several more. Presently these are all the verses I have. My Grandmother, Caldonia Johnson, was able to sing and remember several of these verses in the late 60's. She was the daughter of Lorenz and Elizabeth (Collier) Johnson's. Also Cynthia, Thelma and Vina, all could sing and remember the tune well. "The Bob Johnson Song" is the only title I have ever seen with the song. There could have been another and through the years it has been dropped and to simply identify the writer of song.

The Bob Johnson Song

I once approached the dying bed, of a blooming gay young man.
And all his friends appeared in dread, while around his bed they stand.

When I approached this solomon scene, I felt, I cannot tell you how.
It seemed that death had fixed its seal, upon his youthful brow.

The bed of this dying young man, lay down upon the floor.
And the next request that he did make, was to keep out of the door

I turned my back around on him, and those words he did express,
"It's not your back I want to see, I want to see your face."

The sun was lingering on the hill, he rolled his head about.
"Just look at yonders pretty sun, if I could just be out."

His mother was weeping around his bed, a loud for mercy she did cry.
"My darling son I've give you up, are you prepared to die?"

"Now Mother dear, you need not fear, my sins are all forgiven,
I soon will meet my Father dear, right in the gates of heaven."

"Where me and him with praise can sing, around the bright and dazzling throne.
And leave the rest in sad distress, to weep, to sigh, and mourn."

"And there is my poor brother dear, who languished by his side.
This seems to be the hardest task, that ever I have tried."

"But mother dear pray listen here, my order to fulfill,
Go kneel and pray every day, on yonder cemetery hill."

Some hollow rattles they took place, which caused a doomful sound,
It seemed to be a sad distress, to the friends that stood around.

His eyes were sunk, his nail were dark, and he was beating hard for breath.
Then the wide ocean did embark, he sank into the arms of death.

But he is gone I know not where, and there's no human tongue can tell,
But if charity can save the soul, I know he will fair well.

You can hear my Grandmother, Caldonia Johnson, sing "The Bob Johnson Song" by clicking below. This tape was made about 1968-69 at her home in Hemphill, KY.

Click here to hear the first line/first verse of the song.
Load time - 3 Min. Click HERE!

Click here to hear the first line/second verse of the song.
Load time - 3 Min. Click HERE!

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