The Death of Floyd Collins
Formats: Digital Release
For licensing info. Email: info@paletterecords.net
Spatial Audio files can be played the same as you would any standard stereo file. For the best immersive experience, listen on headphones or earbuds.
$2.29
The Death of Floyd Collins is a poignant folk ballad that tells the tragic story of Floyd Collins, a Kentucky cave explorer who became trapped in Sand Cave in 1925. Floyd’s plight captured the nation’s attention for over two weeks as rescuers fought valiantly to save him while reporters and radio broadcasters brought live updates to an anxious public. This emotional song captures the bravery and determination of the rescuers and the heartbreak of his final days.
Available for download in MP3 format and Dolby Atmos, this haunting ballad brings history to life through its heartfelt lyrics and evocative melody, providing an immersive listening experience.
Scroll Down for to view Videos, Lyrics & Credits
The Death of Floyd Collins
Written by: Rev. Andrew Jenkins & Mrs. Irene Spain
Verse 1:
Oh Floyd, cried his mother, don’t go my son don’t go
‘Twould leave us broken-hearted if this should happen so
Verse 2:
Oh, come all you young people and listen while I tell
The fate of Floyd Collins, a lad we all knew well
His face was fair and handsome
His heart was true and brave
His body now lies sleeping in a lonely sandstone cave
Verse 3:
How sad, how sad the story, it fills our eyes with tears
The memory too, will linger for many, many years
A brokenhearted father, who tried his boy to save
Will now weep tears of sorrow at the door of Floyd’s cave
Verse 4:
Oh, mother, don’t you worry; dear father, don’t be sad
I’ll tell you all my story in an awful dream I had
I dreamed I was a prisoner, my life I could not save
I cried, “Oh, must I perish within this silent cave?”
Verse 5:
The rescue party labored, they worked both night and day
To move the mighty barrier that stood within the way
To rescue Floyd Collins, this was their battle cry
“We’ll never, no, we’ll never let Floyd Collins die”
Verse 6:
But on that fatal morning, the sun rose in the sky
The workers still were busy, we’ll save him by and by
But, oh, how sad the ending, his life could not be saved
His body then was sleeping in the lonely sandstone cave
Verse 7:
Young people, oh, take warning from Floyd Collins’ fate
And get right with your Maker before it is too late
It may not be a sand cave in which we find our tomb
But at the bar of judgement, we, too, must meet our doom
Meet our doom … me or you
Meet our doom …
Produced, Arranged, Engineered, Mixed & Mastered* in Dolby Atmos 7.1.4/Spatial Audio by:
Jeff Silverman at Palette Music • Studio • Productions (MSP)
Mount Juliet / Nashville, TN
www.palettemusic.com
www.VirtualStudioNetworks.com
*Jeff Silverman/Palette Studio is a Certified Apple Digital Masters Mastering House, Approved by Apple, Inc.
MUSICIANS:
Lead & Background Vocals – Debra Lyn
Bass, Percussion – Jeff Silverman – www.palettemusic.com
Acoustic Guitars, Dobro, Banjo – David Flint – David Flint (Facebook)
Harmonica – TJ Klay – www.tjklay.com
Pipe Organ – Paul Rucker – www.musicscapes.net
About Floyd Collins
On January 30, 1925, Kentucky cave explorer Floyd Collins ventured into Sand Cave during the height of the Kentucky Cave Wars. This was a time of fierce competition among local cave owners striving to attract tourists visiting nearby Mammoth Cave. Although Floyd and his family owned Great Crystal Cave, it was too far from the main tourist routes, leaving him determined to find a new cave closer to the road to boost his commercial success.
Tragically, while working to enlarge a tight passage 55 feet underground, a 26.5-pound rock fell, pinning his leg and trapping him inside Sand Cave. What followed was one of the most dramatic rescue attempts in history. For over two weeks, rescuers fought to save Floyd as the nation listened through live radio updates. Despite their efforts, he could not be freed in time.
Today Floyd Collins has become a legend—his bravery and determination are immortalized in caving history. His story has been memorialized in numerous books and has even inspired a Broadway musical.
Having lived in Kentucky and now working with the American Cave Conservation Association, this tragic story resonates deeply with me. That’s why Jeff and I decided to release a new version of “The Death of Floyd Collins.” This has been recorded by many artists—most notably by John Prine. The original recording in 1925 by Vernon Dalhart sold over 300,000 copies so I have some interesting acts to follow. I hope you enjoy my version and the video.