The Sun Shines Bright

If you are fortunate enough to live in Kentucky, have visited The Bluegrass State, or even watched The Kentucky Derby on television, you will be familiar with My Old Kentucky Home by Stephen Foster. This classic was adopted as the official state song in 1928.

Now I either dreamed this or actually recall to memory my late grandmother shedding a tear during the performance of the song during a Kentucky Derby party many, many years ago. At the time, I didn't understand her reaction. But as I grow older, I too admit getting a little misty-eyed hearing the tune (although, I do declare that my tear ducts were officially removed at some point during my 20's).

Recently, I was looking after a friend's farm while he was away. I was feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, and taking in the beautiful sounds of The Hickman Creek and the sites of the Kentucky countryside under the glow of the setting sun. I had a few extra minutes, so I popped my drone up above the green pastures and took a quick photo of the sunset. When I looked at the photo later that week, I was immediately reminded of this song that the citizens of our Commonwealth hold so deeply in their hearts. We truly live in a state blessed by natural and historic sites that need to be seen. So get off your butt Kentucky, get outside in this beautiful state, and weep no more!

The sun shines bright in My Old Kentucky Home, 'Tis summer, the people are gay; The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor, All merry, all happy and bright; By 'n' by hard times comes a knocking at the door, Then My Old Kentucky Home, good night!

Chorus

Weep no more my lady Oh weep no more today; We will sing one song For My Old Kentucky Home For My Old Kentucky Home, far away.