Rising to prominence in the 1930s, Jimmie Davis is one of the influential icons who popularized country music beyond the Southern audience. With his single “Suppertime,” he has once again proven his velvety vocal voice as an alluring presence to old country lovers. The song was released as a duet with the Anita Kerr Singers in 1953 and was the first track on Davis’ album of the same name, which was released in 1959.
In almost eight decades, Davis has left a trademark in country blues and recorded numerous Southern gospel albums.
Meaning Behind the Song
“Suppertime” by Jimmie Davis and Annita Kerr narrates a powerful message of time’s essence in spending time with family. It reminisces a moment of a boy when he used to play in the evening shadows until his mother called him for supper. This speaks of the inevitability of familial bonds and memories created together. The lyrics “Come home, come home; it’s suppertime, we’re going home at last” signify the fleeting human experience in each passage of time where the particular voice of a mother calling her child home serves as a comforting presence.
For You
The song was originally penned by Ira Stanphill — a gifted musician from New Mexico born in 1914. Stanphill is a singing evangelist, an Assemblies of God pastor, and Gospel singer-songwriter. Although there was no detailed information about Stanphill’s writing process for the song, he is a widely known American gospel musician who has written hymns that are still performed today, such as “Mansion Over the Hilltop” (1949) and “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” (1950). Because of his contribution to the gospel community, he was included in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1981 and published his autobiography entitled “This Side of Heaven” in 1983.
Ultimately, “Suppertime” refers to the significance of cherishing every moment spent with loved ones and family. Having produced several covers, including Johnny Cash (1958), Pat Boone (1973), and Joey + Rory (2016), the classic tune carries a serene melody that can ease your mind from all the chaos outside.
It’s time for a breather and reminisce your childhood memories with Jimmy Davis and Anita Kerr’s “Suppertime.”
