When Mountains Make Us Sing

When Mountains Make Us Sing

Family, friends, and neighbors are often spread far and wide in the mountains. Any visit is special, especially when the visitor is welcome.

One of the happiest childhood songs is “She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain.” For a snappy tune carried on a rocking, hand clapping rhythm it ranks right up there with “I Been Working on the Railroad.” And while we know Dinah has a banjo-playing friend in the kitchen, obviously the one keeping Dinah from blowing her horn, we don’t have a clue about just who is coming round that mountain.

She is well anticipated for her visit is announced multiple times before the second verse paints a grand picture. She must be rich, what with those six white horses she’s driving. Six. White. Horses. Pulling a carriage? A stage coach? A buckboard? No matter. She’s driving them and they shine in the sunlight, tails flying, nostrils flaring. 

No wonder everyone all comes out to greet her. What a sight. You can just imagine the dust those rolling wheels and twenty-four massive hooves stir up. And while we’re at it, if those roads she drives over are typical—rutted and stone studded—she must be the most amazing driver with well nigh supernatural horses. As you sit there clapping your hands and stamping your feet (for who could forbear?), know that they are flying to keep up with your singing.

Surely they will have a feast, for aren’t we told the old red rooster is to be sacrificed for such a joyous occasion? That killing the rooster is a hard patch to sing, but ah, the reward—all those gathered to greet her are to smack their lips on chicken and dumplings. Now what could be finer? If you haven’t yet had some of that fabled fried/baked/roasted/fricasseed/stewed chicken, head for your favorite chicken emporium. If you’re ever in Charlotte, VA, in Albemarle County, do stop at Michie Tavern for the best old time fried chicken you’ll ever taste. First bite: your eyes will roll back in your head.

Now the shouting of “Hallelujah” when she comes may be a carryover from the old gospel song upon “She’ll Be Coming” is said to be based, but I’ll bet it’s the chicken.