The American Spectator : Murder, They Sang

Text Size

Murder, They Sang

Wondering what ever became of murder ballads.

Hearing the song “Lillie Shull” the other day made me wonder whatever became of murder ballads. A century ago there was scarcely a small town murder that wasn’t memorialized in song. This was especially true of the non-literate musically inclined mountain folk of the Border States. It was a trait they carried with them from Scotland, but one that has not survived modernization, which is too bad.

Murder ballads seem to have died out around the time of the Great Depression. The genre underwent a brief resurgence during the '60s folk revival — who hasn’t heard the Kingston Trio’s maudlin version of “Tom Dooley”? — though few new ballads were written. From time to time, murder ballads are dusted off by contemporary singer-songwriters, which is how I learned about “Lillie Shull.”

Murder ballads were cautionary tales, usually taking the point of view of the condemned man on the gallows as he expressed remorse for his awful deed. “Lillie Shull” is typical of the genre with its dire warnings against greed, lust, drink and infidelity.

The titular character was a young woman whose name was actually Lillie Shaw and who lived in Johnson County, Tennessee, at the turn of the 20th century. Lillie’s marriage was an unhappy one, as evidence by her affair with a local man. At some point, Lillie’s husband left her and resettled in Ohio. Lillie, for some reason, moved in with her neighbors, the Prestons. During her stay at the Prestons’ house, she was reportedly visited several times by her lover.

After filing for divorce, this man’s wife allegedly approached Finley Preston with a proposition: she would give him $100 and two acres of land if he would murder Lillie Shaw. Preston was torn. It was a lot of money, but then he had nothing against Mrs. Shaw. The wronged wife kept pestering him, however.

Here things get about as foggy as a Tennessee mountain morning. It could be that Lillie decided to break off her dalliance with her lover and return to her husband. She told Mrs. Preston she hoped to sell one of her guns and a rocking chair to a neighbor and use the cash to buy a ticket to Ohio.

Days passed and there was no sign of Lillie. Search parties were organized and a few personal items were found in the woods next to what appeared to be signs of a struggle. Eventually, on the other side of the mountain, the searchers found the burned remains of a young woman.

Because he lived nearby, suspicion fell on Preston and he was arrested. It wasn’t long before he confessed, to most of the crime anyway. The way Preston told it, he was in the woods tracking a wayward cow when he bumped into Lillie who said she was on her way to the neighbor’s house to sell a gun. The two talked. Preston said he’d like to take a look at the gun. Rather than return it to her he aimed it at her chest and fired.

Later Preston and his father went back and carried the body to the far side of the mountain and burned it.

CHARGES WERE NEVER brought against the cuckolded wife, and Preston was quickly found guilty and sentenced to death. He was the last man hanged in Johnson County, Tennessee.

“The Ballad of Lillie Shaw” skimps on the true crime details and focuses instead on the killer’s remorse:

A great crowd now gathered all around the jail, to see my execution and to hear what I’ve to say.
I am to hang for the murder of Lillie Shaw
You’ll learn who I so cruelly murdered and her body so shamefully burned.
I was taken to prison for the murder I did own, and by the court was sentenced to hang for the murder done.
The cries of poor Lillie again was in my sight.
Her loving form consuming in the fire that burnt so bright.
I bowed down to Jesus in painful grief and prayed.
I prayed that he might save me as he did the dying thief.
God bless my dear parents who now my fate to mourn, likewise my wife and baby who will be left alone.
God care for my baby I’ll never see again.
I pray thee ever keep it from danger, harm and sin.

Murder ballads were written for highly superstitious folk who believed dancing a sin. Not as great a sin as murder, or cheating or drinking, but dancing could certainly lead to those other things. One night you are swinging to a jazz orchestra, the next night you are swinging from the gallows.

Today’s balladeers would likely make Finley Preston into one of society’s victims, and, in the hands of a songwriter like Steve Earle, the song would soon slip into a protest against the death penalty. I’m sure it would be a great song, but it wouldn’t be a murder ballad.

About the Author

Christopher Orlet writes from St. Louis.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (66) | Leave a comment Leave a comment

Robbins Mitchell| 9.3.10 @ 6:14AM

He was born and raised around Jacksonville
A nice young man not the kind to kill
But the jealous fight and the flashing blade
Sent him on the run through the Everglades
Runnin' like the dog through the Everglades

Well the Posse went in and it came back out
And said he'll die and there ain't no doubt
It's an eye for eye so the debt is paid
He won't last long in the everglades
A man can't live in the everglades

Chorus
Where a man can hide and never be found
And have no fear of the bayin' hound
But he better keep movin' and don't stand still
If the skeeters don't get him then the gators will
If the skeeters don't get him then the gators will

~The Kingston Trio~

Jim M. | 9.4.10 @ 3:14AM

I like the KT just fine (including "Tom Dooley," an arrangement I would hardly call 'maudlin' - but for some folks, if it ain't Doc, it ain't nuthin') - but credit here where credit is due. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Harlan Howard wrote "Everglades."

Alan Brooks| 9.4.10 @ 10:51PM

Led Zeppelin did a good version of Gallows Pole, including a banjo.

Dave | 9.3.10 @ 7:08AM

In answer to the poster above, I too have a copy of The Kingston Trio's song - Everglades. It's a "murder song" classic folk tale. And one with an ironic ... ending.

There's also another song that isn't quite as dark in lyric, and one that's (if possible) a bit more upbeat about the "condemed man's" looming future in the afterlife. It was (if memory serves me) originally a country hit for Porter Waggoner and later remade into a more 60's produced pop hit for Tom Jones. To be honest, when the Jones version first hit -- I thought it might be about the soul of a soldier who's been killed in Viet Nam (or some other war) and was spiritually coming home one last time. It wasn't until a few years ago when I'd heard some country western singer, discussing the recent passing of Waggoner, that I finally realized that "Green, Green Grass of Home" was the mournful tale of a prisoner who committed the ultimate crime and was recalling some of his life's highlights just before he's ... sent into the light by the local authorities.

The Tom Jones version always made my momma cry.

Robbins Mitchell| 9.3.10 @ 7:49AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....r_embedded

Appleby| 9.3.10 @ 7:20AM

I was at Bible College in Tennessee when *Tom Dooley* was popular. When they got to the line *Hadnt have been for Grayson/I d have been in Tennessee* everyone in hearing would say, *You should count your blessings!* and laugh loudly. 85% of us were from New York and New Jersey hiding from either the draft or the atom bomb we expected to smack the Northeast amidships, and most of us were homesick.

My own favourite Murder Song was called *Miss Otis Regrets Shes Unable to Dine Today*.

Appleby| 9.3.10 @ 5:32PM

Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today, Madam,
Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today,
She's so sorry to be delayed,
But last evening down in Lover's Lane she strayed, Madam,
Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today, madam,

When she woke up and found that her dream of love had gone, Madam,
She ran to the man who led her so far astray,
And from under her velvet gown,
She drew a forty-four pistol,
And she shot that dirty rascal down, Madam,
Now, Old Lady Otis regrets she's disabled and she can't lunch today.

And the moment before she died,
She lifted her lovely head and cried, "Oh, Madam,
Miss Otis regrets she's unable to lunch today."

Will| 9.3.10 @ 7:53AM

Mr. Orlet-

While not an American, do check out the extensive works of Nick Cave. He's made a handsome career of the genre.

DON| 9.3.10 @ 8:50AM

I Hung My Head by: STING, performed by Johnny Cash
Early one morning with time to kill
I borrowed Jeb's rifle and sat on the hill
I saw a lone rider crossing the plain
I drew a bead on him to practice my aim
My brother's rifle went off in my hand
A shot rang out across the land
The horse he kept running, the rider was dead
I hung my head, I hung my head

I set off running to wake from the dream
And my brother's rifle went into the stream
I kept on running into the salt lands
And that's where they found me, my head in my hands
The sheriff he asked me "Why had I run"
Then it came to me just what I had done
And all for no reason, just one piece of lead
I hung my head, I hung my head

Here in the courthouse, the whole town is there
I see the judge high up in his chair
"Explain to the courtroom what went through your mind
And we'll ask the jury what verdict they find"
I said "I felt the power of death over life
I orphaned his children, I widowed his wife
I beg their forgiveness, I wish I was dead"
I hung my head, I hung my head

Early one morning with time to kill
I see the gallows up on the hill
And out in the distance a trick of the brain
I see a lone rider crossing the plain
He's come to fetch me to see what they done
We'll ride together til Kingdom come
I pray for God's mercy for soon I'll be dead
I hung my head, I hung my head

Colt| 9.3.10 @ 1:43PM

The bluegrass band Blue Highway did an excellent version of this song prior to Mr. Cash. It was on their 1999 self-titled album. Highly recommended for those who like good music.

AndaO| 9.3.10 @ 8:53AM

The fine singer, Chris Knight's "Down to River" is a murder song, but w/ no remorse.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U2Px5OR0eA
Actually, I think if you tuned into XM's Outlaw Country you could hear several examples!

PJ Doland | 9.3.10 @ 8:58AM

I also thought of Sting's "I Hung My Head." The original version also probably has the distinction of being the only murder ballad written in 9/8 compound time (2+3+2+2).

Douglas Fletcher| 9.3.10 @ 9:13AM

Well, here's an idea if you want to write a contemporary murder ballad.

A few years back here in AZ a guy had a dispute with his neighbor over a the neighbor's noisy dog. Rather than shoot the dog, he shot the neighbor, and fled up to Camelback Mountain (up where the "rich people" live) where he was eventually found dead from a fall in a ravine.

I guess the lesson is, shoot the dog, don't shoot the man.

Norman Conquest| 9.3.10 @ 9:19AM

Come my love let's take a walk
Just a little way away
While we walk along we'll talk
Talk about our wedding day

(chorus)
Only say that you'll be mine
And in our home we'll happy be
Down beside where the waters flow
Down on the banks of the Ohio

I drew my knife across her throat
And to my breast she gently pressed
Oh please, oh please, don't murder me!
For I'm unprepared to die you see

I taken her by her lily white hand
I let her down and I made her stand
There I plunged her in to drown
And watched her as she floated down

Returning home 'tween twelve and one
Thinking of the deed I'd done
I murdered the girl I love you see
Because she would not marry me

Next day as I was running home
I met the sheriff standing in the door
He said young man come with me and go
Down to the banks of the Ohio

Jim Zeirke| 9.3.10 @ 9:22AM

There is an old bluegrass song called "Poor Ellen Smith"
Poor Ellen Smith, how was she found
Shoot through the heart lying cold on the ground
Her body was mangled and cast all around
And blood marks the spot where poor Ellen was found.

KyMouse| 9.3.10 @ 3:48PM

I have an old record album (vinyl!!) of the Kossoy Sisters, a close-harmony duo who were part of the folk music movement of the 1950s. It has "Banks of the Ohio," "Poor Ellen Smith" and similar murder songs.

By the way, The Kossoys' vintage cover of "I'll Fly Away" is heard in the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" but it isn't the one on the CD soundtrack.

Norman Conquest| 9.3.10 @ 9:25AM

The Knoxville Girl

I met a little girl in Knoxville
A town we all know well
And every Sunday evening
Out in her home I'd dwell
We went to take an evening walk
About a mile from town
I picked a stick up off the ground
And knocked that fair girl down;

She fell down on her bended knees
For mercy she did cry
Oh, Willie dear, don't kill me here
I'm unprepared to die
She never spoke another word
I only beat her more
Until the ground around me
Within her blood did flow.

I took her by her golden curls
And I drug her 'round and 'round
Throwing her into the river
That flows through Knoxville town
Go down, go down, you Knoxville girl
With the dark and roving eyes
Go down, go down, you Knoxville girl
You can never be my bride.

I started back to Knoxville
Got there about midnight
My mother she was worried
And woke up in a fright
Saying, ""Dear son, what have you done
To bloody your clothes so?""
I told my anxious mother
I was bleeding at my nose.

I called for me a candle
To light myself to bed
I called for me a handkerchief
To bind my aching head
Rolled and tumbled the whole night through
As troubles was for me
Like flames of hell around my bed
And in my eyes could see.

They carried me down to Knoxville
And put me in a cell
My friends all tried to get me out
But none could go my bail
I'm here to waste my life away
Down in this dirty old jail
Because I murdered that Knoxville girl
The girl I loved so well.

JoeJazz2000| 9.3.10 @ 1:41PM

Norman, these are my two favorite murder ballads, and I was going to recommend them until I saw that had. Also, Frank Proffit's version of Tom Dooley, slightly rougher edged, is a good one. Doc Watson does an excellent one called, "Little Sadie," that I don't know the origin of.

Robbins Mitchell| 9.3.10 @ 9:47AM

And of course what will probably be remembered as the all time quintessential murder ballad....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn3JB51NH_M

Louis Jenkins| 9.3.10 @ 10:15AM

Well, for one thing they seldom execute a man for murder, and when they do they're faced with a shortage of sodium pentathol. Modern music just can't glorify the death of a criminal by injection.

Notary Sojac| 9.3.10 @ 10:28AM

"If It Hadn't Been For Love" by the Steeldrivers is a great recent murder ballad. Reading the lyrics does not convey the spinechilling delivery on the CD...

Never woulda hitch hiked to Birmingham
if it hadn't been for love
Never woulda caught the train to Louisian'
if it hadn't been for love
Never woulda run through the blindin' rain
without one dollar to my name
if it hadn't been
if it hadn't been for love

Never woulda seen the trouble that i'm in
if it hadn't been for love
Woulda been gone like a wayward wind
if it hadn't been for love
Nobody knows it better than me
I wouldn't be wishing I was free
if it hadn't been
if it hadn't been for love

Four cold walls against my will
at least I know she's lying still
Four cold walls without parole
Lord have mercy on my soul

Never woulda gone to that side of town
if it hadn't been for love
Never woulda took a mind to track her down
if it hadn't been for love
Never woulda loaded up a forty four
put myself behind a jail house door
if it hadn't been
if it hadn't been for love

Four cold walls against my will
at least I know she's lying still
Four cold walls without parole
Lord have mercy on my soul

Never woulda hitch hiked to Birmingham
if it hadn't been for love
Never woulda caught the train to Louisian'
if it hadn't been for love
Never woulda loaded up a forty four
put myself behind a jail house door
if it hadn't been
if it hadn't been for love

if it hadn't been for love

David Carr| 9.3.10 @ 10:29AM

Modern alt.country and American singers still sing murder ballads. These are the lyrics from L.A. County by Lyle Lovett, circa 1988 (full lyrics can be found at http://www.cowboylyrics.com/ly.....-868.html:

One year later I left Houston
With an old friend by my side
Well it did not say much
But it was a beauty
Of a coal black .45

So I drove on all the day long
And I drove on through the night
And I thought of her a'waiting
For to be his blushing bride

And as she stood there at the altar
All dressed in her gown of white
Her face was bright as stars a'shining
Like I'd dreamed of all my life

And they kissed each other
And they turned around
And they saw me standing in the aisle
Well I did not say much
I just stood there watching
As that .45 told them goodbye

Mr. Lovett performs it live http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related

Cecil Sharpe| 9.3.10 @ 10:33AM

Oh my name it is Sam Hall
Sam Hall
And I hate yoou one and all
Damn Your eyes.
I see Mollie in the crowd
Damn her Eyes
So I hollar right out Loud
Hey Mollie aint you Proud?
Damn Your Eyes
As many verses as you want
Damn Your eyes!

Robbins Mitchell| 9.3.10 @ 11:04AM

"When I was just a baby,
My momma told me,'Son,
Always be a good boy,
Don't ever play with guns',
But I shot a man in Reno,
Just to watch him diiiieeeee,
And when I hear that whistle blownin',
I hang my head and cry."

"Folsom Prison Blues"
~Johnny Cash~

David Carr| 9.3.10 @ 11:16AM

Many other examples exist that have been written in the last 30 years. Perhaps the point is that the subject of murder is too politically incorrect for mainstream music, although pop music is full of shamelessly lude lyrics about oral sex, gang rape, ...

Some other recent examples of the murder ballad from more recent times are:

"Sonora's Death Row", Kevin "Blackey" Farrell (1975)

"Road Goes on Forever", Robert Earl Keen, Jr. (1989)

"Whenever Kindness Fails" - Robert Earl Keen (1993): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz47SXpbYdw

"Letter to Laredo" - Joe Ely (1995 ), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related

And perhaps the song that best illustrates my point:
"Ain't No Top Forty Song", Terry Allen from the album Salivation (1999):

Well they found her dead
Face down in a ditch
And they chased and caught
That son of a bitch
Ain't no top 40 song
They put him on trial
He killed her with a wrench
Sentenced him to die
But he didn't flinch
Ain't no top 40 song
His lawyer tried
But he'd never tell
Said he'd rather die
Go sing in Hell
Ain't no top 40 song
.
.
.
Judge said son
Now you gotta pay
For what you done
You got anything to say?
Ain't no top 40 song
Just looked at the judge
An then he smiled
Her family raged
His family cried
Ain't no top song
Said ain't nothin to me
I'm glad she's dead
An you'd be too
If you knew what she did
Ain't no top 40 song

Colt| 9.3.10 @ 1:45PM

To add to your list, how about "Loving County" and "Magnolia" by Charlie Robison?

Tim*| 9.3.10 @ 12:15PM

I Shot The Sheriff.

However , No Way Did I Shoot The Freakin' Deputy.

I Think That Crazy Chinaman Over At Discovery Channel Did That One .

Oh Yeah , I Forgot .
I Once Shot A Man In Reno , Just To Watch Him Die .

I Want A Lawyer .

Mark| 9.3.10 @ 12:31PM

Charley Pride's version of Miller's Cave:
Way down in the state of Georgia through the swamps and the everglades
There's a big ol' hole in Tiger Mountain
God help the man who gets lost in Miller's Cave
I had me a girl in waycross Georgia but she had unfaithful way
She made me feel I was unwanted like the birds and the bears in Miller's Cave
I couldn't stand the way she did me couldn't take her lowdown ways
Before I'll stay with the cheatin' woman I'll go and live with the bears in Miller's Cave

Caught her out one Sunday morning with some guy they call Big Dave
The meanest man in waycross Georgia I'd rather fight a mountain lion in Miller's Cave
I said you'll pay both you and Davy I'm a gonna see you in your grave
They laughed at me and then I shot 'em
I took their cheatin' schemin' bones to Miller's Cave
That woman made me feel unwanted but I guess I showed her I was brave
The most wanted man in the state of Georgia
But they'll never gonna find me cause I'm lost in Miller's Cave

Mark| 9.3.10 @ 12:36PM

Claude King, 1962:
Wolverton Mountain

They say don't go on Wolverton Mountain,
if you're looking for a wife.
Cause Clifton Clowers has a pretty
young daughter,
he's mighty handy with a gun and a knife.

Her tender lips are sweeter than honey....
And Wolverton Mountain protects her there.
The bears and birds tell Clifton Clowers
If a stranger should wander there.

All of my dreams are on Wolverton Mountain.
I want his daughter for my wife.
Ill take my chances and climb that mountain
Though Clilfton Clowers, he may take my life

Her tender lips ....

I'm going up on Wolverton Mountain,
It's too lonely downhere below.
It's just not right to hide his daughter
From the one who loves her so.

Her tender lips ...

But I dont care about Clifton Clowers,
I'm gonna climb up on his mountain,
I'm gonna take the girl I love.
I dont care about Clifton Clowers,
I'm gonna climb up on his mountain,
I'm gonna take the girl I love.

uncle curmudgeon| 9.3.10 @ 12:58PM

Check out "Pendulum" by Morgan O'Kane on You Tube: "I ain't no killin' man, but killin's what I done..."

Ampleforth| 9.3.10 @ 12:57PM

Always one of my favorites, and althought Tom T. Hall set the ballad in post World War II, the song is based on a murder in Carter County, Kentucky, following World War I.

Turn it on, Turn it on, Turn it on.
by Tom T. Hall

Johnny got up one morning; he went down to the company store
Got him a big box of bullets to fit into his .44
The store man said, son, are you gonna work? you know you owe me too much to stop.
John said, I got a little workin’ to do but I ain’t goin’ by your clock.

People said john was a slacker, ’cause he wouldn’t fight in their war
A man wasn’t much if he wouldn’t fight back in 1940 and 4
The doctor said john was just too sick to go, but the people said that he was a coward
And one of the men makin’ fun of him was a fellow named milton howard

Milton was down at the cold spring, a-drinkin’ from a mason jar
He said, john, you better get yourself to work or you’re gonna fool around ’til you get fired.
John blew the dust from his old .44, put two holes in milton’s head
When johnny walked off to get some more shootin’ done, that ol’ cold spring was a-runnin’ red

Next guy he met was a stigall boy, and the boy had a hammer in his hand
John said son, you should’ve built yourself a box, ’cause you’re a headed for the promised land.
Stigall fell down to his knees to pray, and he cried lord, johnny please don’t shoot!
Before he got halfway to saying amen, well old johnny shot him out of his boots

Word went out through the county, that old john had lost his head
The people were runnin’ and screamin’; there were seven of ’em lyin’ there dead
Johnny hid out in a farmhouse; he had satisfaction in his eyes
He said I know they’re coming to get me, boys, but they ain’t a-gonna take me alive.

People gathered ’round that old farmhouse; it was the relatives of all them dead
Now john said, if the sheriff comes through that door I’m gonna fill him plumb full of lead.
The sheriff kicked down that old farmhouse door, but old john’s gun would not shoot
Johnny just smiled at the sheriff and said, the lord must think a lot of you.

They took old john to the jailhouse; he entered in a guilty plea
The judge said death in the electric chair, ’cause it’s murder in the first degree
John’s last meal was a lot of fried chicken, cold beans and baby squash
He ate every bite that they brought him, then he smiled and said, I thank you all a lot.

They put old john in the electric chair; they shaved his ankles and his head
The preacher said, son, have you got something to say; in a minute you’re a-gonna be dead.
John said, I ain’t no coward, and the people know that I won’t run.
Then johnny smiled up at the warden and said, turn it on, turn it on, turn it on!

Listen to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An6aoi03K8E

Al Adab| 9.3.10 @ 1:34PM

Long Black Veil
They're Hangin' Me Tonight

Robbins Mitchell| 9.3.10 @ 2:21PM

"Well they're building a gallows outside my cell I've got 25 minutes to go
And the whole town's waitin' just to hear me yell I've got 24 minutes to go
Well they gave me some beans for my last meal I've got 23 minutes to go
But nobody asked me how I feel I've got 22 minutes to go
Well I sent for the governor and the whole dern bunch with 21 minutes to go
And I sent for the mayor but he's out to lunch I've got 20 more minutes to go
Then the sheriff said boy I gonna watch you die got 19 minutes to go
So I laughed in his face and I spit in his eye got 18 minutes to go
Now hear comes the preacher for to save my soul with 13 minutes to go
And he's talking bout' burnin' but I'm so cold I've 12 more minutes to go
Now they're testin' the trap and it chills my spine 11 more minutes to go
And the trap and the rope aw they work just fine got 10 more minutes to go
Well I'm waitin' on the pardon that'll set me free with 9 more minutes to go
But this is for real so forget about me got 8 more minutes to go
With my feet on the trap and my head on the noose got 5 more minutes to go
Won't somebody come and cut me loose with 4 more minutes to go
I can see the mountains I can see the skies with 3 more minutes to go
And it's to dern pretty for a man that don't wanna die 2 more minutes to go
I can see the buzzards I can hear the crows 1 more minute to go
And now I'm swingin' and here I go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o! "

"25 Minutes To Go"
~Shel Silverstein~

ray gagner| 9.3.10 @ 2:29PM

Long Black Veil - Murder, sex, honor, and ghosts!

Ten years ago, on a cold dark night
There was somebody killed near the town hall light.
The people who saw, they all agreed
that the killer who ran looked a lot like me.

The judge said, Son, what is your alibi,
If you was somewheres else, then you won't have to die.
I said not a word, though it meant my life,
for I'd been in the arms of my best friends wife.

She walks these hills in a long black veil.
Visits my grave when the night winds wail.
Nobody knows. Nobody sees.
Nobody knows but me.

The scafold is high, Eternity near.
She stands in the crowd. She sheds not a tear.
But sometimes at night, when the cold winds moan,
In a long black veil, she cries o'er my bones.

Now THAT's Southern Mountain!

disdainedconstituent| 9.3.10 @ 2:43PM

Steely Dan, Folks!

With a Gun
Do it Again

http://www.steelydan.com/lyricsalpha.html

Patzer| 9.3.10 @ 8:09PM

You forgot "Don't Take Me Alive."

Tom| 9.3.10 @ 3:27PM

Springsteen's "Nebraska" - it's a good one....

Martin Treptow| 9.3.10 @ 5:06PM

Ah, yes... the Ode to Charles Starkweather. Born and raised in Lincoln... my parents were in their teens (about Charlie's age) when it happened. Terrible time. Great song.

Karen B.| 9.3.10 @ 3:31PM

In the unrepentant-murderer genre: "Wanna Rock and Roll" on Cross Canadian Ragweed's album Soul Gravy.

Last night I went down to the railroad tracks
To watch that train roll by
99 cars screaming into the dark
I heard the lonesome whistle cry
With her name on my arm, and the rain coming down
I kissed her for the very first time
I took her down to the railroad track ,and her red, red lips touched mine

She said I wanna rock and roll
Wanna hoochie coo
Shake that thing
Baby love me do

The woman’s got a walk to make a man cry, throw back his head and howl
Ruby red lips, liquid hips, more than the law will allow
If I told her once, I told her twice
I must of told her a thousand times
I got a red hot mind and a cold black heart
I am the jealous kind
The woman just laughed and said sweet daddy
You know you are the only one
You’re my smooth lover boy my heart ache and joy
Come on let’s have some fun

She said I wanna rock and roll
Wanna hoochie coo
Shake that thing
Baby love me do

It was early last night I went downtown
To a place called Johnny’s Last Stand
Through the blues and the smoke
I saw her on the dance floor
She’s with another man
The dead man’s name was Louie Dupree
I pushed the little button on my knife
I walked up and said hello boys and girls
Have you enjoyed your life

It’s time to rock and roll
Wanna hoochie coo
Shake that thing
Baby love me do

Last night I went down to the railroad tracks
To watch that train roll by
99 cars screaming into the dark
I heard the lonesome whistle cry
With her name on my arm, and the rain coming down
I kissed her for the very last time
I took her down to the railroad track, and her dead, red lips touched mine

I wanna rock and roll
Wanna hoochie coo
Shake that thing
Baby love me do

Rock and roll
Hoochie coo
Shake that thing
Baby love me do

Aztec| 9.3.10 @ 4:28PM

Wanna Rock and Roll is written by the great Ray Wylie Hubbard, his live version contains Folsom Prison Blues. Ray Wylie says that Ralph Stanley killed more people in song than Ice T - a true statement.

Patzer| 9.3.10 @ 8:12PM

Steve Earle managed to not be overly preachy on "The Devil's Right Hand," which was covered by Webb Wilder and the Beatnecks.

Ace| 9.4.10 @ 12:23AM

Cant believe no one has mentioned "El Paso" by Marty Robbins

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl.
Night-time would find me in Rosa's cantina;
Music would play and Felina would whirl.

Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina,
Wicked and evil while casting a spell.
My love was deep for this Mexican maiden;
I was in love but in vain, I could tell.

One night a wild young cowboy came in,
Wild as the West Texas wind.
Dashing and daring,
A drink he was sharing
With wicked Felina,
The girl that I loved.

So in anger I

Challenged his right for the love of this maiden.
Down went his hand for the gun that he wore.
My challenge was answered in less than a heart-beat;
The handsome young stranger lay dead on the floor.

Just for a moment I stood there in silence,
Shocked by the FOUL EVIL deed I had done.
Many thoughts raced through my mind as I stood there;
I had but one chance and that was to run.

Out through the back door of Rosa's I ran,
Out where the horses were tied.
I caught a good one.
It looked like it could run.
Up on its back
And away I did ride,

Just as fast as I

Could from the West Texas town of El Paso
Out to the bad-lands of New Mexico.

Back in El Paso my life would be worthless.
Everything's gone in life; nothing is left.
It's been so long since I've seen the young maiden
My love is stronger than my fear of death.

I saddled up and away I did go,
Riding alone in the dark.
Maybe tomorrow
A bullet may find me.
Tonight nothing's worse than this
Pain in my heart.

And at last here I

Am on the hill overlooking El Paso;
I can see Rosa's cantina below.
My love is strong and it pushes me onward.
Down off the hill to Felina I go.

Off to my right I see five mounted cowboys;
Off to my left ride a dozen or more.
Shouting and shooting I can't let them catch me.
I have to make it to Rosa's back door.

Something is dreadfully wrong for I feel
A deep burning pain in my side.
Though I am trying
To stay in the saddle,
I'm getting weary,
Unable to ride.

But my love for

Felina is strong and I rise where I've fallen,
Though I am weary I can't stop to rest.
I see the white puff of smoke from the rifle.
I feel the bullet go deep in my chest.

From out of nowhere Felina has found me,
Kissing my cheek as she kneels by my side.
Cradled by two loving arms that I'll die for,
One little kiss and Felina, good-bye.

Robbins Mitchell| 9.4.10 @ 12:43AM

Actually I did...I even posted the URL for the YouTube of him singling it...see my above post..."all time quintessential murder ballad"

jrod| 9.5.10 @ 10:46PM

Marty Robbins has more; I don't have the full lyrics, but he sings a song about a man killing his wife and her lover: "I took the life of pretty Flo and that good-for-nothing man," and the refrain is "they'll bury Flo tomorrow, but they're hanging me tonight."

Max H. Schwartz| 9.4.10 @ 6:39AM

Anyone who posted here would probably enjoy the message board for Kingston Trio Place.

Put this in your search engine and join the fun.

Max

Ace| 9.4.10 @ 10:22AM

To: Robbins Mitchell
Well, you didn't NAME the tune nor identify the singer so....

Longplay| 9.4.10 @ 12:50PM

Then there's always "Down in the Willow Garden" done by many including Art Garfunkel here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQo26Uz4bCg

Longplay| 9.4.10 @ 12:53PM

... written by Tim O'Brien ...

Radioman777| 9.5.10 @ 12:07AM

Hey Joe, where ya' goin' with that gun in your hand?

I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my baby down
I shot her down and away I run...

albert constantine, jr.| 9.5.10 @ 8:17PM

Many great hits from classic country and western music qualify as murder ballads, including the aforementioned "El Paso"," Miller's Cave", "Cocaine Blues", etc, along with my karaoke favorite "The Green, Green, Grass of Home". No list would be complete without "The Cold Hard Facts of Life" and "Life to Go". What seems most characteristic of these classic murder ballads, though, is that it was necessary for the perpetrator to accept personal responsibility and punishment for the foul deed either at the hand of God, the law or at the very least, a significant lifestyle interruption ("Indiana Wants Me" or "I'm a Lonesome Fugitive"). While I am much less familiar with the songs of Ice T or others in the genre, I don't recall any lyrics that support the idea that homicide is a bad thing or the performer merits punishment at the hands of either God or man.

jacksonkenny| 9.6.10 @ 9:02AM

Seven Curses, recent release, entire CD including Sonora's Death Row cover. Mark Erelli & Jeffrey Foucault.

Stephen Browne | 9.6.10 @ 9:28AM

As a side note, 'Long Black Veil' is said to be about IWW organizer Joe Hill.

The unromantic reality is the Wobbly martyr was most probably guilty of the murder he was executed for. But towards the end of his trial, obviously losing, his lawyer told the jury his client could easily exonerate himself, but wouldn't because it would involve compromising a lady.

Lame.

wbheff| 9.6.10 @ 11:57AM

"He played a tune and he danced a tune,
Below the gallows tree."
From "MacPherson's Lament," all about a man who played his fiddle jsut before they hanged him. Oh, and he was innocent, and had been reprieved, but "they pu the clock an hour before and hanged him from a tree."

soljerblue| 9.6.10 @ 10:39PM

I can't believe nobody mentioned that classic, "Frankie & Johnny"

Frankie and Johnny were lovers,
Lordy, oh how they could love;
Swore to be true to each other,
True as the stars above.

He was her man, but he was doin' her wrong.

Frankie went down to the bar room,
To get her a glass o' that beer,
Said to the man, 'Mr. Bartender,
Has my Johnnie dear been here.

He was her man...etc.

'Ain' gonna tell you no story,
'Ain' gonna tell you a lie,
Johnnie was here about an hour ago,
Makin' love to Nelly Bly.

"He was her man...etc.

Frankie went over to Johnny's,
Packin' her old Forty-four,
Rooty-toot-toot, three times she shot,
Right through that hardwood door...

He was her man, etc.

They carried Johnny to the graveyard,
All in a rubber-tired hack,
Eleven men went down to the graveyard,
But only ten of 'em were comin' back

She shot her man, cause he was doin her wrong.

This story has no moral,
This story has no end,
All this story goes to show,
Is there ain't no good in men.

She shot her man, etc.

Then there was Marty Robbins' song, "Big Iron" -- 'bout a gunman who got his just desserts from an Arizona Ranger.

Leon| 9.7.10 @ 12:22AM

Reading through all the murder ballad titles and lyrics brought a Garth Brooks song to mind. It's "Mama's In The Graveyard, Papa's In The Pen."
"The Thunder Rolled" could be another one, I suppose.

Sam Spear| 9.7.10 @ 4:05PM

"Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner" and "Excitable Boy" from the late Warren Zevon could be on this list.

Joanna | 6.6.11 @ 5:34AM

I agree with most of these comments too.
UTI Treatment

Latest Headlines

We Will Remember

Roger Kaplan|27 comments

Real Immigration Reform Requires Free Markets

Ross Kaminsky|80 comments

Enough With the Bipartisanship

Matt Purple|45 comments

The United States of El Norte

Larry Thornberry|60 comments

Vodka = Vodka = Vodka

Daniel J. Flynn|94 comments

Laying Down My Pen

Quin Hillyer

Tornado Chasers

Claire Healey|35 comments

The Chinese Waltz

George H. Wittman|2 comments

The Spectacle Blog

The #FreeKate Narrative Melts Down: Lies Exposed in Florida Teen Sex Case

Robert Stacy McCain | 5.25.13

Jimmy Wray, R.I.P.

Aaron Goldstein | 5.25.13

The Spectator’s Spectacular: May 18-May 25

Patrick Ryan | 5.25.13

Updated: NBC News: Holder Personally Approved Fox Reporter Warrant

Ross Kaminsky | 5.24.13

Felonious Attorney General?

Kaylin Bugos | 5.24.13

Did the Boy Scouts Cave to Pressure?

Claire Healey | 5.24.13

BBC World Survey Ranks Israel Near Bottom in Global Popularity

Aaron Goldstein | 5.24.13

Obamacare is a Big and Growing Problem for Democrats