Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (11) First Song - I Ain't A'Worrin'

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (11) First Song - I Ain't A'Worrin'"

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Sons of the Pioneers 46-xx-xx (11) First Song - I Ain't A'Worrin'

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, a period when families gathered around their radio sets to enjoy beloved programs such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. The focus of this installment is the Sons of the Pioneers, a legendary Western music group, featuring iconic members like Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer. The episode delves into the rich tapestry of American Western songs and spirituals, showcasing performances, behind-the-scenes conversations, and reflections on the significance of their music.

Opening Performance: "I Ain't A'Worrin'"

The episode opens with a brief advertisement for Expedia’s Trip Planner [00:00], quickly transitioning to the musical performance by the Sons of the Pioneers. Bob Nolan introduces the group, highlighting the dual heritage of American music—Western songs and spirituals.

Bob Nolan:
"You know, two kinds of music, at least, were born in America. Western songs and spirituals." [00:21]

Tim Spencer, renowned for his Western compositions and spiritual interpretations, leads the performance of "I Ain't A'Worrin'", a song that blends the soulful depth of spirituals with the rugged charm of Western tunes.

Lyrics Highlight:
"I ain't a worryin', 'Cause the Lord am a comin' to take all my troubles away." [01:07]

The heartfelt delivery by Lloyd Perryman emphasizes themes of faith and hope, resonating with listeners through its spiritual undertones.

Behind the Scenes: Reflections and Banter

Following the performance, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, offering insights into their collaborative process and personal anecdotes.

Bob Nolan:
"Well, thank you, Bob. I tried to say something there that I figure needs to be said in this day and time." [02:51]

Tim Spencer jokes about philosophical musings, leading to playful exchanges about their songwriting experiences.

Tim Spencer:
"Hey, fellas, don't start calling each other names." [02:56]

Bob Nolan:
"Foghorn, when Bob and I start calling each other names, you can pull out my tongue and use it for a saddle gird." [03:02]

These interactions highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect among the group members, providing listeners with a glimpse into the personalities behind the music.

Special Highlight: "Cool Water"

Bob Nolan proudly announces an upcoming performance of "Cool Water," a song celebrated for its historical significance. He reveals that the Congressional Library in Washington D.C. has selected this piece for its historical archives, an honor that underscores the song's cultural impact.

Bob Nolan:
"I think the listeners will be interested to know that this song has been especially selected by the Congressional Library in Washington D.C. for its historical archives." [03:29]

This acknowledgment serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sons of the Pioneers and their contribution to American music.

Sponsored Segment: Lloyd Perryman's Performance

The episode transitions to a sponsored segment featuring Lloyd Perryman, both a songwriter and a vocalist. Perryman delivers a moving performance that underscores the emotional depth of the group's repertoire.

Lloyd Perryman:
"Night seemed so endless, days were too long, life seemed so friendless, no thrill, no song..." [06:55]

The poignant lyrics reflect themes of longing and love, resonating deeply with listeners and showcasing Perryman's lyrical prowess.

Harmony and Classic Favorites

Returning to the main program, the group performs "Bonnie Eloise," an old favorite that exemplifies their signature harmony and melodic richness.

Bob Nolan:
"But sweeter, dearer yes, dearer far than these who charms where others won..." [08:58]

The seamless harmonization between Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer, Lloyd Perryman, and Foghorn captivates the audience, demonstrating their unparalleled musical synergy.

The Song of the West: "Cool Water"

As promised, the Sons of the Pioneers present "Cool Water," a quintessential Western song that paints a vivid picture of the desert's challenges and the relentless quest for water.

Tim Spencer (Narration):
"The desert is the man killer of the West. Its weapons are sand and sun and heat and thirst. It's a devil in disguise..." [10:44]

The song's narrative captures the perilous nature of the frontier, intertwining themes of survival and hope.

Chorus Highlight:
"Water, cool water, clear water, Water, water, water, keep a movin'." [13:07]

The repetitive yet evocative chorus emphasizes the essential quest for water, a lifeline in the harsh desert landscape.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a heartfelt sign-off from Bob Nolan, expressing gratitude to the listeners and reaffirming the group's commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Western music.

Bob Nolan:
"This is Bob Nolan signing off for all the Sons of the Pioneers. Play with us again, won't you? Our song of the west will be home on the Range." [14:13]

Notable Quotes

• Bob Nolan on Music Heritage:
  "You know, two kinds of music, at least, were born in America. Western songs and spirituals." [00:21]

• Reflection on "Cool Water":
  "I think the listeners will be interested to know that this song has been especially selected by the Congressional Library in Washington D.C. for its historical archives." [03:29]

• Closing Sentiment:
  "This is Bob Nolan signing off for all the Sons of the Pioneers. Play with us again, won't you? Our song of the west will be home on the Range." [14:13]

Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends nostalgic performances with insightful conversations, offering both a tribute to the Sons of the Pioneers and an exploration of their musical legacy. Through engaging performances like "I Ain't A'Worrin'" and "Cool Water," alongside candid dialogues among the group members, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the group's enduring influence on American Western music. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their sound, this episode serves as a rich and engaging homage to an iconic era in radio history.

Transcript

[Expedia]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia made to travel.

[Bob Nolan]

See.

[Tim Spencer]

Them tumbling down. Ado. This is Bob Nolan and all the sons of the pioneers. You know, two kinds of music, at least, were born in America. Western songs and spirituals. Now, Tim Spencer happens to be a writer of both. His Western songs are known the world over. And he also has the rare knack of being able to interpret the spirit of a spiritual. So here's all the pioneers to sing. Timmy's I Ain't a Worryin' I ain't a worryin' Caud.

[Lloyd Perryman]

The Lord am a comin to take all my troubles away.

[Bob Nolan]

I ain't a.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Worryin called the Lord am a comin to take all my troubles away There.

[Foghorn]

Was hongry people and they weren't no.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Bread that's bad the wine it done.

[Tim Spencer]

All run down that's very, very bad.

[Foghorn]

But the presto change of the Lord My Savior fed the hungry people that.

[Tim Spencer]

Shouted Goliath thought he was the giant of giants and my little David he.

[Foghorn]

Was small but the right proof and.

[Tim Spencer]

He won the fighting when he slew dad, I'm so tall oh, I ain't.

[Lloyd Perryman]

A worrying called the Lord Am a comin to take all my troubles away.

[Bob Nolan]

I ain't a worryin Cause the Lord.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Am I coming to take all my.

[Tim Spencer]

Troubles away There were crippled chilling and they could won't der hearts were heavy and blue but de Lord he taught and de cripple wal and de blind folks they told to Lord I ain't.

[Lloyd Perryman]

A word called de Lord am a comin to take all my troubles away I ain't a word called the Lord Am I coming to take all my.

[Foghorn]

Troubles away oh, yes, the Lord's gonna take all my troubles away oh, hell.

[Tim Spencer]

Spiritual life. That's quite a song, Tim.

[Bob Nolan]

Well, thank you, Bob. I tried to say something there that I figure needs to be said in this day and time.

[Tim Spencer]

Well, that makes you a philosopher. Hey, fellas, don't start calling each other names.

[Bob Nolan]

Foghorn, when Bob and I start calling each other names, you can pull out my tongue and use it for a saddle gird.

[Tim Spencer]

That's right. Tim and I have worked together, fought together, and written songs together. Yep.

[Bob Nolan]

And my only regret is that we didn't tumble tumbling tumbleweeds. And I wouldn't have minded sharing a small pitcher of cool water with this songwriting Bob. Nolan?

[Tim Spencer]

Well, yes, I wouldn't have minded cutting a little timber with you either, Tim.

[Bob Nolan]

Okay, but while I've got the floor. Bob, I know you wouldn't say it yourself, but in just about 10 minutes we're going to sing Cool Water. I think the listeners will be interested to know that this song has been especially selected by the Congressional Library in Washington D.C. for its historical archives. Yes siree, and the pioneers are almighty proud of Bob Nolan for this special honor.

[Tim Spencer]

Thank you, Timmy. I I Foghorn, let's do that instrumental number here.

[Expedia]

Okay, Bo.

[Tim Spencer]

And now a message from our sponsor. Lloyd Perryman here writes a song just about as well as he sings it, and that's pretty good. So any day that Tim Spencer and I start talking about the songs that we write, Lloyd needs to be included in too. So here he is, Lloyd Perryman. And. And his own number. All at once.

[Foghorn]

Night seemed so endless Days were too long Life seemed so friendless no thrill, no song A storm on an ocean the wind in the.

[Bob Nolan]

Trees.

[Foghorn]

Brought no emotion to this stubborn heart in me Then all at once I felt your spell All I know is how I fell Stars that shine in heaven above Seem to form the words I love you I believe they.

[Bob Nolan]

Understand.

[Foghorn]

This yearning burning soul of mine and if they do they surely know it's you for all at once I felt in love.

[Tim Spencer]

Oh, thank you, Lord. And now, boys, let's switch over now to a little old fashioned harmony. The Pioneers Quartet and an old old favorite, Bonnie Eloise.

[Bob Nolan]

But sweeter, dearer yes, dearer far than these who charms where others won Morning, morning, Yellow hill of the Mo O.

[Foghorn]

Sweet is the vale where the Mohawk gently glides on its clear, winding way through the se. And dearer than all storied streams on the earth besides Is this bright rolling river to me.

[Bob Nolan]

But sweeter, dearest, nearer far than these who charms where others. Morning is blue eyes, the bell of the Mo.

[Tim Spencer]

Time now for our Song of the West. And in answer to your many requests. It'll be Cool Water, but first let's all listen to a message from our sponsor. The desert is the man killer of the West. Its weapons are sand and sun and heat and thirst. It's a devil in disguise. The disguise of a mirage that tempts and teases and tantalizes with a promise that is always just ahead. The promise of water.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Keep a movin.

[Tim Spencer]

Dan.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Don't you listen to him, Dan. He's the devil, not a man. And he spreads the burning sand with water.

[Tim Spencer]

Dan, can you see that big green.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Tree where the water's running free and.

[Tim Spencer]

It'S waiting there for me and you with water all day I paced a barren waste without the taste of water.

[Bob Nolan]

Cool water Water O Dan and I.

[Foghorn]

With throat burn dry and foes that.

[Bob Nolan]

Cry for water Water cool water clear water Water water water keep a movin.

And don't you listen to him then.

[Lloyd Perryman]

He'S the devil, not a man and.

[Tim Spencer]

He spreads a burning sand with water.

[Lloyd Perryman]

Then can you see that big green.

[Tim Spencer]

Tree where the water's running free and.

[Lloyd Perryman]

It'S waiting there for me and you.

[Tim Spencer]

Dan's feet are sore he's yearning for just one thing more than water cool.

[Bob Nolan]

Water.

[Foghorn]

Like me I guess he'd like to rest where there's no quest or.

[Bob Nolan]

Water Water cool water clear water Water.

[Foghorn]

Clear water.

[Tim Spencer]

This is Bob Nolan signing off for all the Sons of the Pioneers. Play with us again, won't you? Our song of the west will be home on the Range. So.

[Bob Nolan]

Naming.