What’s it all About?
“Sourwood Mountain” is a song about two people courting (to be seeing someone romantically) and the feelings of being far away from a lover. Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) is also a tree that is native to the southern Appalachians. Many versions have been recorded, including one from Earl Johnson of Georgia, who taught it to LD Snipes of Lumpkin County, who then taught it to Ray Knight of Lumpkin County.
References:
Sourwood Mountain 45 bpm
Sourwood Mountain 60 bpm