On the Shores of Tennessee
"Move my arm-chair, faithful Pompey,
In the sunshine bright and strong,
For this world is fading, Pompey,—
Massa won't be with you long;
And I fain would hear the south wind
Bring once more the sound to me,
Of the wavelets softly breaking
On the shores of Tennessee.
"Mournful though the ripples murmur,
As they still the story tell,
How no vessels float the banner
That I've loved so long and well;
I shall listen to their music,
Dreaming that again I see
Stars and Stripes on sloop and shallop
Sailing up the Tennessee.
"And, Pompey, while old Massa's waiting
For Death's last dispatch to come,
If that exiled, starry banner
Should come proudly sailing home,
You should greet it, slave no longer;—
Voice and hand shall both be free
That shout and point to Union colors
On the waves of Tennessee."
"Massa's berry kind to Pompey;
But ole darky's happy here,
Where he's tended corn and cotton
For 'ese many a long-gone year.
Over yonder Missis' sleeping,—
No one tends her grave like me;
Mebbe she would miss the flowers
She used to love in Tennessee.
"'Pears like she was watching, Massa—
If Pompey should beside him stay;
Mebbe she'd remember better
How for him she used to pray;
Telling him that way up yonder
White as snow his soul would be,
If he served the Lord of heaven
While he lived in Tennessee."
Silently the tears were rolling
Down the poor old dusky face.
As he stepped behind his master,
In his long-accustomed place.
Then a silence fell around them,
As they gazed on rock and tree
Pictured in the placid waters
Of the rolling Tennessee;
Master, dreaming of the battle
Where he fought by Marion's side,
When he bid the haughty Tarleton
Stoop his lordly crest of pride;
Man, remembering how yon sleeper
Once he held upon his knee,
Ere she loved the gallant soldier,
Ralph Vervair, of Tennessee.
Still the south wind fondly lingers
'Mid the veteran's silvery hair;
Still the bondsman, close beside him
Stands behind the old arm-chair.
With his dark-hued hand uplifted,
Shading eyes, he bends to see
Where the woodland, boldly jutting
Turns aside the Tennessee.
Thus he watches cloud-born shadows
Glide from tree to mountain crest,
Softly creeping, aye and ever
To the river's yielding breast.
Ha! Above the foliage yonder
Something flutters wild and free!
"Massa! Massa! Hallelujah!
The flag's come back to Tennessee!"
"Pompey, hold me on your shoulder,
Help me stand on foot once more"
That I may salute the colors
As they pass my cabin door;
Here's the paper signed that frees you,
Give a freeman's shout with me—
'God and Union!' be our watchword
Evermore in Tennessee."
Then the trembling voice grew fainter,
And the limbs refused to stand;
One prayer to Jesus—and the soldier
Glided to that better land.
When the flag went down the river
Man and master both were free,
While the ringdove's note was mingled
With the rippling Tennessee.
poem by Ethel Lynn Beers from War Pictures (1864)
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Related quotes
Tennessee River
Words and music by randy owen
I was born across the river in the mountains where I call home.
Lord, times were good there. dont know why I ever roamed.
Chorus:
Oh, tennessee river and a mountain man, we get together anytime we can.
Oh, tennessee river and a mountain man, we play together in mother natures
Band.
Me and my womans done made our plans on the tennessee river, walkin hand in
Hand.
Gonna raise a family, lord settle down where peace and love can still be
Found.
Chorus
Oh, tennessee river.
Chorus
Oh, tennessee river.
song performed by by Alabama
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennessee Jed
Cold iron shackles, ball and chain,
Listen to the whistle of the evenin train.
You know you bound to wind up dead,
If you dont head back to tennessee jed.
Rich man step on my poor head,
When you get back you better butter my bread.
Well, do you know its like I said,
You better head back to tennessee jed.
Tennessee, tennessee, there aint no place Id rather be,
Baby wont you carry me back to tennessee.
Drink all day and rock all night,
The law come to get you if you dont walk right
Got a letter this morning, baby all it read,
You better head back to tennessee jed.
I dropped four flights and cracked my spine,
Honey, come quick with the iodine,
Catch a few winks, baby, under the bed
Then you head back to tennessee jed.
Tennessee, tennessee, there aint no place Id rather be,
Baby wont you carry me back to tennessee.
I run into charlie fog,
Blacked my eye and he kicked my dog,
My doggie turned to me and he said,
Lets head back to tennessee jed.
I woke up a feelin mean,
Went down to play the slot machine,
The wheels turned around, and the letters read,
You better head back to tennessee jed.
Tennessee, tennessee, there aint no place Id rather be,
Baby wont you carry me back to tennessee.
song performed by by Grateful Dead
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Memphis, Tennessee
Elvis presley
Long distance information, give me memphis, tennessee.
Help me find the party that tried to get in touch with me.
They would not leave a number, but I know the place to call,
Cause my uncle took a message, and he wrote it on the wall.
Long distance information, get in touch with my marie.
Shes the only one whod phone me here from memphis, tennessee.
Her home is on the south side, high up on a ridge,
Just a half a mile from the mississippi bridge.
Long distance information, more than that I cannot add.
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had.
But we were torn apart because her mom did not agree,
And tore apart our happy home in memphis, tennessee.
Now, last time I saw marie, she was waving me goodbye,
With hurry home drops on her cheeks that trickled from her eyes.
Marie is only 6 years old. information, please,
Try to put me through to her in memphis, tennessee.
Yes, oh, yes, long distance, Ill accept the charge. Ill pay.
But which loved one is calling me? I did not hear you say.
Both are deep within my heart, her mom and my marie.
Its so good to hear your voice from memphis, tennessee.
Oh, you mean so much to me, more than youll ever know.
Surely you have not forgot how much I love you so.
If you would remember, dear, and sometimes talk to me.
Maybe that would reunite our home in tennessee.
Last time I saw you, just before I had to leave.
You didnt want to see me off, and promised not to grieve.
My heart was torn apart, as I looked back at marie.
And there the pieces still remain with you in tennessee.
I guess I should stop talking, after all, you placed the call.
But any way that I can help. you know Ill help you all.
Then her mother told me to come back and see marie,
And live together in our home in memphis, tennessee.
song performed by by Roy Orbison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Rocky Top
Wish that I was on ole rocky top,
Down in the tennessee hills.
Aint no smoggy smoke on rocky top,
Aint no telephone bills.
Once there was a girl on rocky top,
Half bear the other half cat.
Wild as a mink, sweet as soda pop,
I still dream about that.
Rocky top, youll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top tennessee, rocky top tennessee.
Once two strangers climbed on rocky top,
Lookin for a moonshine still.
Strangers aint come back from rocky top,
Guess they never will.
Corn wont grow at all on rocky top,
Dirts too rocky by far.
Thats why all the folks on rocky top
Get their corn from a jar.
Rocky top, youll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top tennessee, rocky top tennessee.
Now Ive had years of cramped up city life,
Trapped like a duck in a pen.
Now all I know is its a pity life
Cant be simple again.
Rocky top, youll always be
Home sweet home to me.
Good ole rocky top,
Rocky top tennessee, rocky top tennessee.
Rocky top tennessee, rocky top tennessee.
Yeah rocky top tennesee eee eee eee.
song performed by by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Memphis
(berry)
Long distance information give me memphis tennessee
Help me find a party tried to get in touch with me
She did not leave her number but I know who placed the call
My uncle took the message and he wrote on the wall
Help me information get in touch with my marie
Shes the only whod call me here from memphis tennessee
Her home is on the south side high up on a ridge
Just a half a mile from the mississippi bridge
Help me information more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the times we had
But we were torn apart because her ma did not agree
She tore apart our happy home in memphis tennessee
Break
Help me information more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the times we had
But we were torn apart because her ma did not agree
She tore apart our happy home in memphis tennessee
Last time I saw marie she was waving me goodbye
With hurry home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
Marie is only six years old, oh information please
Try and put me through to her in memphis tennessee
song performed by by Hollies
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Memphis Tennessee
Long distance information, give me Memphis Tennessee
Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me
She could not leave her number, but I know who placed the call
'Cause my uncle took the message and he wrote it on the wall
Help me, information, get in touch with my Marie
She's the only one who'd phone me here from Memphis Tennessee
Her home is on the south side, high up on a ridge
Just a half a mile from the Mississippi Bridge
Help me, information, more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
But we were pulled apart because her mom did not agree
And tore apart our happy home in Memphis Tennessee
Last time I saw Marie she's waving me good-bye
With hurry home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
Marie is only six years old, information please
Try to put me through to her in Memphis Tennessee
song performed by by Tom Jones
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Memphis, Tennessee
Long distance information
Give me memphis tennessee.
Try to find the party
Trying to get in touch with me.
She would not leave her number
But i know who placed the call.
'cos my uncle took the message
And he wrote it on the wall.
Help me, information,
Get in touch with my marie.
She's the only one who'd phone me here
From memphis tennessee.
Her home is on the south side
Just beyond the ridge,
Just a half a mile
From the mississippi bridge.
Help me, information,
More than that i cannot add.
Only that i miss her
And all the fun we had.
We were pulled apart
Because her mom would not agree.
Help me get in touch with her
In memphis tennessee.
The last time i saw marie
She was waving me goodbye,
With hurry homedrops on her cheek
That trickled from her eyes.
Marie is only six years old,
Information please.
Help me get in touch with her
In memphis tennessee.
song performed by by Beatles
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennessee Christmas
Written by gary chapman and amy grant
Come on weather man give us a forecast snoowy white
Cant you hear the prayers of every childlike heart tonight
Rockies are callin, denver snow fallin
Somebody said its four feet deep, but it doesnt matter
Give me the laughter, Im gonna choose to keep
Another tender tennessee christmas, the only chirstmas for me
Where the love circles arounf us like th gifts around our tree
Well I know theres more snow up in colorado than my roof will ever see
But a tender tennessee christmas is the only christmas for me
Every now and then I get a wanderin urge to see
Maybe california, maybe tinsel towns for me
Theres a parade there, wed have it made there
Bring home a tan for new years eve
Sure sounds exciting, awfully inviting, still I think Im gonna keep
Another tender tennessee christmas, the onyl christmas for me
Where the love circles around us like the gifts around our tree
Well they say in l.a. its a warm holiday, its th only place to be
A tender tennessee christmas, is the only christmas for me
Well I know theres more snow up in colorado than my roof will ever see
But a tender tennessee christmas is the only christmas for me
A tender tennessee christmas is the only christmas for me
song performed by by Alabama
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Memphis
Long distance information, give me memphis tennessee
Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me
She could not leave her number, but I know who placed the call
cause my uncle took the message and he wrote it on the wall
Help me, information, get in touch with my marie
Shes the only one whod phone me here from memphis tennessee
Her home is on the south side, high up on a ridge
Just a half a mile from the mississippi bridge
Help me, information, more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
But we were pulled apart because her mom did not agree
And tore apart our happy home in memphis tennessee
Last time I saw marie shes waving me good-bye
With hurry home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
Try to put me through to her in memphis tennessee
song performed by by James Taylor
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennessee Christmas
Come on weatherman,
Give us a forecast snowy white.
Cant you hear the prayers
Of every childlike heart tonight?
Rockies are calling,
Denver snow falling,
Somebody said its four feet deep.
But it doesnt matter,
Give me the laughter;
Im gonna choose to keep
Another tender tennessee christmas,
The only christmas for me.
Where the love circles around us,
Like the gift around our tree.
Well I know theres more snow
Up in colorado
Than my roof will ever see,
But a tender tennessee christmas
Is the only christmas for me.
Every now and then,
I got a wanderin urge to see
Maybe california,
Maybe tinsel towns for me.
Theres a parade there;
Wed have it made there;
Bring home a tan for new years eve.
Sure sounds exciting,
Awfully inviting,
Still I think Ill gonna keep
Another tender tennessee christmas,
The only christmas for me.
Where the love circles around us,
Like the gift around our tree.
Well they say in l.a.,
Its a warm holiday;
Its the only place to be.
But a tender tennessee christmas
Is the only christmas for me.
(ooooooh, yeah, yeah.)
(ohh, you know I wanna be home.)
(ooo-oooh.)
Well I know theres more snow
Up in colorado
Than my roof will ever see,
But a tender tennessee christmas
Is the only christmas for me.
A tender tennessee christmas
Is the only christmas for me.
song performed by by Amy Grant
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennesee Waltz
I was dancin' with my darlin to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see.
I introduced him to my darlin' and while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me.
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin' the night they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
Now I wonder how a dance like the Tennessee Waltz
Could have broken my heart so complete
Well I couldn't blame my darlin', and who could help fallin'
In love with my darlin' so sweet
Well it must be the fault of the Tennessee Waltz
Wish I'd known just how much it would cost
But I didn't see it comin', it's all over but the cryin'
Blame it all on the Tennessee Waltz
She goes dancin' with the darkness to the Tennessee Waltz
And I feel like I'm falling apart
And it's stronger than drink and it's deeper than sorrow
This darkness she left in my heart
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Cause I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin' the night they were playin'
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz
song performed by by Emmylou Harris
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennessee Waltz
(redd stewart/pee wee king)
I was dancin with my darlin to the tennessee waltz
When an old friend I happened to see.
I introduced him to my darlin and while they were dancin
My friend stole my sweetheart from me.
I remember the night and the tennessee waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes, I lost my little darlin the night they were playin
That beautiful tennessee waltz
Now I wonder how a dance like the tennessee waltz
Could have broken my heart so complete
Well I couldnt blame my darlin, and who could help fallin
In love with my darlin so sweet
Well it must be the fault of the tennessee waltz
Wish Id known just how much it would cost
But I didnt see it comin, its all over but the cryin
Blame it all on the tennessee waltz
She goes dancin with the darkness to the tennessee waltz
And I feel like Im falling apart
And its stronger than drink and its deeper than sorrow
This darkness she left in my heart
I remember the night and the tennessee waltz
Cause I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin the night they were playin
That beautiful tennessee waltz
song performed by by Emmylou Harris
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Memphis Tennessee
(words & music by chuck berry)
Long distance information give me memphis, tennessee
Help me find the party trying to get in touch with me
She could not leave her number but I know who placed the call
My uncle took the message and he wrote it on the wall
Help me information to get in touch with my marie
Shes the only one whod phone me here from memphis, tennessee
Her home is on the southside, high upon a ridge
Just a half a mile from the mississippi bridge
Help me information more than that I cannot add
Only that I miss her and all the fun we had
But we were pulled apart because her mom did not agree
Tore apart our happy home in memphis, tennessee
The last time I saw marie she was waving me goodbye
With hurry home drops on her cheek that trickled from her eye
Marie is only six years old, information please
Try to put me through to her in memphis, tennessee
song performed by by Elvis Presley
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennessee Owns My Soul
Orbison dees
Talk about troubles, I tell you I got em shovellin sand on the mississipi bottom
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
I killed me a man in shelby county, they turned me in for the government bounty
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Tennessee owns my soul, that little georgia gal just wouldnt listen
She tried to run away with stoney lee I caught him and I put him six feet under
I wonder if he misses me? tennessee owns my soul
Rottin in a cell I try to forget her, wishin like hell Id never ever met her
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Gotta get away, gotta see my baby, gotta leave tonight, shes drivin me crazy
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Tennessee owns my soul, if I can get as far as lookout mountain
Highway twenty four will carry me to the girl I killed another man for
Even then I know I wont be free, tennessee owns my soul
I make it to the top of the twenty foot wall, the guard - Im hit, and I think Im gonna fall
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah
Laying on a broken back and cryin, everythings goin black and Im dyin
Yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah tennessee owns my soul, tennessee owns my soul
song performed by by Roy Orbison
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Dallas
(alan jackson/keith stegall)
Dallas packed her suitcase
And drove off in the brand new car I bought her
She made leaving me look easy
I wish shed made it look a little harder
I took her out of texas
When she was just a girl
But old tennessee and me
Couldnt take texas out of her
On how I wish dallas was in tennessee
If I could move texas east
Then shed be here with me
Then nothin else would come between the two of us
If dallas was in tennessee
By now shes leaving memphis
And everything we had behind her
Lord I hope the gold band on her hand
Will serve as a reminder
That true love is a treasure
Thats very seldom found
But you cant stay together if theres no common ground
Oh how I wish dallas was in tennessee
If I could move texas east
Then shed be here with me
Then nothin else would come between the two of us
If dallas was in tennessee
Oh if dallas was in tennessee
Dallas packed her suitcase
And drove off in the brand new car I bought her
song performed by by Alan Jackson
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennessee Waltz
I was dancing with my darlin
to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
I introduced him to my loved one
and while they were waltzing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me.
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin
The night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz.
She comes dancing through the darkness
To the Tennessee Waltz
And I feel like Im falling apart
And its stronger than drink
And its deeper than sorrow
This darkness shes left in my heart.
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin
The night they were playing
That beautiful Tennessee Waltz.
song performed by by Leonard Cohen
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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This Aint Tennessee
Its a big estate
With wrought iron gates
And palm trees standin tall
Fancy mirrors and chandeliers
Comfort wall to wall
And the ocean air is so crisp and clear
And they rave about our view
But there aint no mountain breeze
And there aint no hickory trees
And this aint tennessee
And she aint you
Theres a bedroom suite
Where she comes to me
And as her fingers touch my face
I close my eyes and I fantasize
Of another time and place
What she feels is so warm and real
And I know her love is true
And she tries so hard to please
Still I think sometimes she sees
That this aint tennessee
And she aint you
Its not that its not good enough
And its not that Im not man enough
Theres just somethin easy goin that I love
About you and tennessee
So I made up my mind to learn my lines
And try to play the part
But part of me is in tennessee
And deep down in my heart
I miss my smoky mountain home
And I miss your lovin too
And its deep inside of me
And its always gonna be
Cause this aint tennessee
And she aint you
song performed by by Garth Brooks
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Gypsy Belle
Well I got me a southern lady.
She's my gypsy belle from Tennessee.
She's got long dark hair and skinny legs.
Lord she sets my spirit free.
Well she knows I like that good ol' whiskey,
and she knows what I'm lookin' for.
She's the finest lookin' little lady.
Well a man could never wish for more.
Gypsy Belle you know I love her.
She's my lady from Tennessee.
And I know I'm always thinking of her.
Gypsy Belle you're the one for me.
Yes I know I ain't got much money,
but she makes me feel rich at heart.
Living with this kind o' lady
make any man reach the top.
Yes I know it ain't comin' easy
Lord I ask "Who's to tell"?
If I ever make a lot o' money,
well I'd give it to my Gypsy Belle.
Gypsy Belle you know I love her.
She's my lady from Tennessee.
And I know I'm always thinking of her.
Gypsy Belle you're the one for me.
Gypsy Belle you know I love her.
She's my lady from Tennessee.
And I know I'm always thinking of her.
Gypsy Belle you're the one for me.
song performed by by 38 Special
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennesee Homesick Blues
New york city ain't no kind of place
For a country girl with a friendly face
If you smile people look at you funny
They take it wrong
The greenest state in the land of the free
And the home of the grand ole opry
Is calling me back to my smoky mountain home
I wish i had my old fishin' pole
And was sitting on the banks of the fishing hole
Eating green apples and waiting for the fish to bite
Life ain't as simple as it used to be
Since the big apple took a bite out of me
And lord, i'm so tennessee homesick that i could die
Chorus:
But i ain't been home in i don't know when
If i had it all to do over again
Tonight i'd sleep in my old feather bed
What i wouldn't give for a little bitty taste
Of mama's homemade chocolate cake
Tennessee homesick blues running through my head
Mama you can fluff my feather bed
Just as soon as i can i'm gonna head
Back to the tennessee hills and it better be soon
Daddy you can load the rifles up
We're gonna load them dogs on the pickup truck
And take off to calhoun country and catch us a coon
Repeat chorus
Eatin' grits and gravy and country ham
Go to church on sunday with dinner on the grounds
Tennessee homesick blues are runnin' through my head
Repeat chorus
Good lord have mercy on a country girl
Tryin' to make a living in a rhinestone world
It's hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world
With tennessee homesick blues runnin' through my head
I've got those tennessee homesick blues runnin' through my head
Tennessee homesick blues
song performed by by Dolly Parton
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Tennesee Waltz
I was dancin' with my baby to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I just happened to see
I introduced her to my loved one
And while they were dancin'
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
And I knew just how much I had lost
I have lost my little darlin'
The night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
And I knew just how much I had lost
I have lost my little darlin'
The night they were playing
The beautiful beautiful Tennessee Waltz
The Tennessee Waltz
song performed by by Norah Jones
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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