Introduction
“This Ole House” is a song with a rich history that dates back to the early 1950s. Originally written and recorded by Stuart Hamblen in 1954, the song became a hit and has since been covered by numerous artists across different genres. The Statler Brothers, known for their smooth harmonies and storytelling lyrics, recorded their version of “This Ole House” in 1966 for their album Flowers on the Wall.
Stuart Hamblen, a cowboy, and a Western singer, wrote “This Ole House” after a hunting trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains, where he stumbled upon an old, abandoned cabin. Inside, he found the remains of an old man who had apparently died peacefully. The lyrics of the song reflect on the life of the house as a metaphor for the human body and the aging process, with the “house” becoming dilapidated and worn down over time, much like the man who once lived there.
When The Statler Brothers recorded “This Ole House,” they brought their unique blend of country and gospel influences to the song, adding depth to its message of faith and reflection on mortality. The Statler Brothers’ rendition maintained the upbeat rhythm of Hamblen’s original while imbuing it with their signature vocal harmonies, which gave the song a fresh and timeless appeal.
The song was part of an album that helped The Statler Brothers gain widespread recognition in the music industry. “Flowers on the Wall,” the album’s title track, became a major hit and earned the group their first Grammy Award, further cementing their place in country music history. Although “This Ole House” was not released as a single by The Statler Brothers, it remains a notable track in their catalog, showcasing their ability to take a classic song and make it their own.
In summary, “This Ole House” by The Statler Brothers is a beautifully crafted rendition of a song with deep roots in American music, reflecting themes of aging, faith, and the passage of time through the lens of a decaying old house.