Maple on the Hill
"Maple on the Hill", also known by its original title of "We Sat Beneath the Maple on the Hill" is a country and western standard, written by Gussie Davis in 1880.
The song was Davis's first published song. Davis published it himself, paying a local printer $20, and sold enough copies to make his money back plus a little more.[1] In it, the singer recalls sitting with his love under the maple on the hill. Now, as he is dying, he bids her not to forget him.[2]
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Vernon Dalhart, The Carter Family, Hank Locklin, and The Tumbleweeds. Many of these later versions were recorded with an amended tune,[3] possibly by Addison Cole, who is cited in some sources as the song's writer.[4]
The song has also spawned several responses, with names such as "New Maple on the Hill", "Answer to Maple on the Hill", and "Maple on the Hill – Part 2".[2]
References
- Jasen, David A.; Jones, Gene (2013). Spreadin' Rhythm Around: Black Popular Songwriters, 1880–1930. Routledge. pp. 17–21. ISBN 978-1-135-50972-9.
- Waltz, R. B., and Engle, D. G., "Maple on the Hill," fresnostate.edu Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- "We Sat Beneath the Maple on the Hill," secondhandsong.com. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
- e.g., "Maple on the Hill," classic-country-song-lyrics.com Retrieved 13 July 2022.