Keep on the Sunny Side – The Carter Family

“Keep on the Sunny Side” is one of the most enduring and beloved songs associated with The Carter Family, often regarded as the “first family of country music.” Originally written in 1899 by Ada Blenkhorn (lyrics) and J. Howard Entwisle (music), the song found a new life in 1928 when the Carter Family recorded it during one of their early sessions in Camden, New Jersey. With Sara Carter’s clear, earnest vocals, Maybelle Carter’s innovative guitar picking, and A.P. Carter’s steady presence, their version helped cement the song as an anthem of hope and perseverance during tough times—particularly resonant during the Great Depression.

Lyrically, “Keep on the Sunny Side” offers a simple yet powerful message: no matter the difficulties life presents, there is always a brighter, more positive way to face them. The song uses the metaphor of a “sunny side” of life, encouraging listeners to focus on light rather than darkness, good rather than bad. It reflects both the religious undertones common in early American folk and gospel music and the deep-rooted optimism that helped people endure hard times.

Musically, the song features the Carter Family’s signature blend of tight harmonies and Maybelle’s “Carter Scratch” guitar style—where she played melody on the bass strings with her thumb while rhythmically strumming with her fingers. This innovative approach influenced generations of country and folk musicians and gave the song a distinct rhythmic warmth that complemented its uplifting message.

Over the decades, “Keep on the Sunny Side” has become more than just a Carter Family classic—it’s a cornerstone of Americana. It has been covered by countless artists, featured in films like O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and even adopted as a kind of family theme song by the Carters themselves. Its legacy endures not only because of its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics but because its message remains timeless: in the face of adversity, keep your spirit on the sunny side.