“Watermelon on the Vine” began as a minstrel and parlor song, written by Thomas P. Westendorf and copyrighted in the 1880s as “The Watermelon Smiling on the Vine.” Henry Whitter made the first recording in 1925, and old-time acts such as the Skillet Lickers soon followed.
The song is a lighthearted courting piece. Its verses circle around a sweetheart and the simple pleasures of country life, with the ripe watermelon on the vine standing in for summer, sweetness, and young love.
The song stayed alive among old-time and bluegrass string bands.
Assisted by AI.
Spot something off? Help us fix it.
