Expert: Mel Priddle - 5/31/2009

Question
In the early 60's, there was a song entitled "The Picture".  Part of the lyrics referred to "the picture on the bar room floor".  I definitely remember the 45 single had a red label, but it was not Columbia.  I would like to find out who sang it and where I might find the lyrics or even a copy.
Thank you.

Answer
Hello Trent,

"The Picture" was a 1960 country hit for Ray Godfrey. It was first issued on a small record label (J&J 001) in May 1960, and then re-issued on the larger Savoy label (Savoy 45-3021) in July of that year.

I've checked everywhere that I can think of, but the record no longer seems to be available anywhere.

On a brighter note, here are the lyrics.......


In a Colorado town called Central City
You can hear a story there will fill your heart with pity
You can see the proof there as you enter the door
It's a beautiful painting on a barroom floor

A beautiful girl with long black hair
The man told a story as he painted there
How is loved one had left him and how his heart was torn
So he painted her picture on the barroom floor

Yes, people they'd come from ev'rywhere
Just to see the girl with the long black hair
Yes, many still pass through that door
To see the purty picture on the barroom floor

(Instrumental Break)

As the picture was finished, these words he said
"I can never love another one," and then he was dead
The picture's still there painted on the floor
But the man who put it there will never paint no more

Yes, people they'd come from ev'rywhere
Just to see the girl with long black hair
Yes, many still pass through that door
To see the purty picture on the barroom floor


Glad to be of help. Cheers.........Mel.