Words and music by Stuart Hamblen, published in 1954.
Hamblen was supposedly out on a hunting expedition when he and his fellow hunter, actor John Wayne, came across a hut in the mountains. Inside was the body of a dead man. The man's dog still there, guarding the building. This inspired Hamblen to write "This Ole House".
Stuart Hamblen was quite the character in his early career, starting out as a popular singer, composer, and radio show host. He went on to act along side the likes of Gene Autry, Roy Rodgers, and John Wayne. Like many celebrities, he turned to alcohol and his heavy drinking landed him in jail many a time for things like brawling. He was so popular that the radio sponsors kept bailing him out of jail. Then in 1949, at the age of 41 he had a religious experience at a Billy Graham crusade in LA. He was fired by the radio station for refusing to air the sponsor's beer commercials. He then entered Christian broadcasting with full intensity, and has been credited by Mr. Graham as being pivotal in the long-lasting success of the Billy Graham ministries. Despite considerable success in secular music, Stuart is probably most remembered for his many popular religious songs.
My favorite versions of 'This Ole House' - Rosemary Clooney, Shakin' Stevens, and Bette Midler
Lyrics and Chords: (capo 5)
This Ole [G] House once knew my children
This Ole [C] House once knew my wife
This Ole [D] House was home and comfort
As we [G] fought the storms of life
This Ole House once rang with laughter
This Ole [C] House heard many a-shout
Now she [D] trembles in the darkness
When the [G] lightnin' walks about.
CHORUS - But, I ain't gonna [C] need this house no longer
Ain't gonna [G] need this house no more
Ain't got [D] time to fix the shingles
Ain't got [G] time to fix the floor
Ain't got [C] time to oil the hinges
Or to [G] mend no window pane
Ain't gonna [D]need this house no longer
I'm a-gettin' ready to meet the [G] saints.
This Ole House Is a-gettin' shaky
This Ole House it's gettin' old
This Ole House lets in the rain
This Ole House lets in the cold
On my knees I'm gettin' chilly
But I feel no fear nor pain
'Cause I see an angel peekin'
Through a broken window pane.
My ole hound dog lies a-sleepin'
He don't know I'm gonna leave
Else he'd wake up by the fireplace
He'd just sit there an' howl and grieve
But my huntin' days are over
We ain't goin' huntin' any more
Gabriel done brought in my chariot
When the wind blew down the door.
