Abner Vance was a Hardshell Baptist preacher in Abingdon, Virginia. He was hanged in 1897, for the killing of Dr. Louis Horton, who had seduced one of his daughters and harassed his family. After killing Louis, Vance took off for the wilderness and lived as a fugitive for about three years, and then gave himself up. He was sure that the judge, Johnson, would find a way to save his life because Vance had been on the jury a few years ago that had acquitted the judges son-in-law, Elliott, then on trial for murder.
He was sentenced to hang anyway. It is said that a reprieve arrived moments after he was hung. While awaiting in prison he wrote this song and gave it to Rev A.M.Lunsford who then gave the song to a printer. A more complete version of the song is given by D. K. Vance, a great grandson of Abner Vance, and can be found in "West Virginia Song Bag"
I first learned the song from Bruce Greene and Lloy McWirter, musician friends from North Carolina, and although I have since become familiar with additional verses I felt that the mentioning of names detracted from the songs mysterious beauty. My version has taken on melodic influence from Maggie Hammons' version. The song conjures up that wild region along the sandy River where the Hatfields and McCoys feuded for 40 years. It was a place so rugged and lawless that a man could disappear into the wilderness and not be found for years.
lyrics
Vance no more
green are the woods where Sandy flows
and peace it dwelleth there
in the valley the Bear they lie secure
the red buck roams the knobs
but Vance no more will Sandy behold
nor drink of its Crystal waves
the partial judge has pronounced my doom
the hunter has found his grave
Daniel Horten and Bob and Bill
a lie against me swore
they've taken away my happiness
by destroying my family
it was by McFarland
Judge Johnson did me call
he's taken me from my native home
confined me in a stone wall
my persecuters have gained their request
their promise to make good
they oft times swore they never could rest
till they had gained my hearts blood
but they and I together must meet
where all things are unknown
and if I shed the innocent blood
I hope there's Mercy shown
bright shines the sun on Clinches Hill
and soft the West wind blows
the valleys covered all over in blooms
perfumed by the red rose
but Vance no more shall sandy behaold
nor smell of its sweet perfume
this day his eyes are closed in death
his body confined in a tomb
fare you well my children dear
I bid you all farewell
the love the I have for your precious souls
no human toungue can tell
fare you well my loving wife
I bid you now adieu
and if I reach fair Canaan's shore
I hope I'll be with you
credits
from Green Are The Woods,
released June 13, 1999
From a recording of Maggie Hammons
Great playing and choice of tunes. No apologies needed for your interpretations of the tunes as far as I'm concerned.
I'm a player and not an ethnomusicologist or historian.
I probably re-interpret every tune I learn to make it mine.
I have no problem with anyone else doing the same.
We wouldn't have regional styles if it this personalizing were't part of the folk process from the getgo. Paul Gitlitz
Great choice of music, expertly played and sung. Nicely produced. I hope to see The Onlies live, asap. This is an album I listen to over and over. Karamogo
This album is an education in the power of choosing the perfect amount subtle drone. So calming. So easy to listen over and over again. I hope there will be a Vol. 2! Cyndy
The Alabama duo's fifth album exults in dusty Americana, showcasing rich vocal harmonies alongside blissful folk instrumentation. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 31, 2024
More contemplative folk from the Minnesota singer-songwriter, sustained by raw full-band arrangements and philosophical lyrics. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 28, 2024
Irish singer-songwriter Oisin Leech's acoustic folk music is characterized by its muted beauty and intimate, solitary quality. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 16, 2024