OFF TO WAR I'M GOING (trad./THE CAROLINA TWINS -- GWEN FOSTER/DAVE FLETCHER) (1928)

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Although [Gwen] Foster was widely recorded -- both on his own and as a member of several groups -- little of his history is known... After leaving the [CAROLINA] TAR HEELS, Foster recorded with... Dave Fletcher, one of the original members of the Four Yellowjackets. These were credited to 'Fletcher and Foster' -- Gennett, and 'The Carolina Twins' -- Victor...
Gwen Foster's importance lies not in some great ability to create original songs, but in his innovation and improvisation in dealing with basically traditional material, and his fine musicianship...
Another waltz from the Carolina Twins. Probably this one dates back top the American Civil War. The Song is interesting because Fletcher and Foster have added a yodel which would never have been present in more traditional versions.
Mike Paris, liner notes for "Singers of the Piedmont,", Bear Family Records/Folk Variety (FV 15505; no date) (1970s).

Lyrics as recorded by Gwen Foster and Dave Fletcher (as "The Carolina Twins"), Feb 20, 1928; as reprinted ibid.

I hear the whistle blowing;
I hear the whistle blowing;
I hear the whistle blowing;
Goodbye, sweetheart, goodbye,

The train is at the station,
The train is at the station,
The train is at the station,
Goodbye, sweetheart, goodbye.

It's off to war I'm going,
It's off to war I'm going,
It's off to war I'm going,
Goodbye, sweetheart, goodbye.

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