| "Man of Constant Sorrow" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Dick Burnett | |
| Published | 1913 |
| Recorded | 1927 (unreleased) |
| Genre | Folk |
| Label | Columbia |
| Songwriter(s) | Traditional |
"Man of Constant Sorrow" (also known as "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow") is a traditional American folk song first published by Dick Burnett, a partially blind fiddler from Kentucky. It was titled "Farewell Song" in a songbook by Burnett dated to around 1913. A version recorded by Emry Arthur in 1928 gave the song its current titles.
Several versions of the song exist that differ in their lyrics and melodies. The song was popularized by the Stanley Brothers, who recorded the song in the 1950s; many other singers recorded versions in the 1960s, including Bob Dylan. Variations of the song have also been recorded under the titles of "Girl of Constant Sorrow" by Joan Baez and by Barbara Dane, "Maid of Constant Sorrow" by Judy Collins, and "Sorrow" by Peter, Paul and Mary. It was released as a single by Ginger Baker's Air Force with vocals by Denny Laine.
Public interest in the song was renewed after the release of the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, where it plays a central role in the plot, earning the three runaway protagonists public recognition as the Soggy Bottom Boys. The recording used in the film, with lead vocal by Dan Tyminski, was featured on the highly successful, multiple platinum-selling soundtrack, from which this song won a Grammy for Best Country Collaboration at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards in 2002. (The entire soundtrack, and other individual songs and performers on it, also won Grammys.)[1]