My friend Al Hawkes from Maine is recording a new CD of all songs about Maine. He's a fine mandolinist, guitarist, songwriter, bluegrass and country pioneer who started Event Records in Maine back in the 50's.

One song he wishes to include on the album is a song his mother-in-law used to sing. Since Al is about 80, this is a pretty old song. I told him I would try my luck finding it's origins, since Al would like to give credit and obtain licenses where they might be due. If anyone has any information about this song, I'll pass it along to him. Here's a verse and a chorus as remembered by Al's wife Barbara:

The Rose On The Hillside
Copyright 2009 Barbara L. Hawkes, Arranged by Allerton H. Hawkes
                                                                            Key G
                           1.
There's a rose on the hillside, said she
Will you climb and get it for me
And the boy then said this, if you promise a kiss
That rose next to your heart soon will be
And he heard a voice call, look out dear you might fall
It won't be the first time, said he.

                      Chorus
I took my first fall when a baby
And I fell from my dear mother's knee
I took my next fall when a school boy
And I fell from that old apple tree
Then one day I fell into manhood
And I fell for two soft eyes of blue
And I took my last fall, t'was the best fall of all
When I fell in love with you.