I am a Man of Constant Sorrow Lyrics - The Soggy Bottom Boys

"I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow," sung by The Soggy Bottom Boys in the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", is a song full of eulogistic re-creations from the touchstones of hardship, wandering, and pining for redemption. The song is a firm chunk of American folk music and it very well provides the quintessence of a burdened soul: moving with sorrow and striving to find comfort amidst this merciless world.

Its authorship is a bit mysterious too, going all the way back to the early part of the 20th century, with some sources attributing authorship to Burnett. The fact that the true origins may lie even further back is a subtle overlap into the hymns and spirituals from the early 1800s. Ralph Stanley of the Stanley Brothers is one who helped to bring an old song back to life, give it new life then make sure it stayed with us.

The lyric speaks of a person who has known trouble all his life, says goodbye to his home state, and acknowledges this life process with difficulty and loneliness. There are repeated references to travel and loss within the lyric, which are replaced with an eventual peace on "God's golden shore"; it rings of redemption and hope beyond suffering.

The reach of "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" into "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" put the song in so many people's minds as part of present culture. The performance was fronted on the lead vocal by Dan Tyminski and brought new dimensions that mixed tradition with modernity. The song "I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow" goes beyond time, with its poignant lyrics and mournful melody—a testimony to the human condition that classes of people all over and of many generations share: the quest for sense amidst the life cauldron of trial. Such is its legacy that it keeps speaking to new listeners, just like it continues to remind us of the growing power of folk music in communicating deep emotional truths.