Stack O'Lee Shot Billy
Like Frankie and Johnny, Stagger Lee tells the story of a nefarious character that shoots an acquaintance and is then brought to justice. In this case, a well-known pimp, Lee Shelton, argues with his friend Billy Lyons over a hat and ends up shooting him. He's later caught and convicted of the crime. One would think this an unremarkable example of the ills of drink. The incident was, however, immortalized in song and is still recorded to this day.
The Lyrics for Stack O'Lee Blues
Stagger Lee as Mississippi John Hurt Sang It
People have been recording cover versions and interpretations of Stack o'Lee Blues for decades, but the best-known recording came from Mississippi John Hurt in 1928. The lyrics for that version, which had Stagger Lee hung rather than dying prison as Lee Shelton actually did, follow. Other covers include much more embroidering on the basic facts.Police officer, how can it be?
You can arrest everybody but cruel Stagolee
That bad man, cruel Stagolee
Billy Lyons told Stagolee, "Please don't take my life
I got two baby children and a darling, loving wife"
That bad man, cruel Stagolee
"What'd I care about your two babes and darling, loving wife?
You done stole my Stetson hat, I'm bound to take your life."
That bad man, cruel Stagolee
Stagolee stood on the gallows, head way up high
Twelve o'clock, they killed him, we were all glad to see him die
That bad man, cruel Stagolee
My Favorite Version of Stagger Lee
Taj Mahal, Again and Of Course
Stagger Lee
Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 12/21/2009)
If you've visited my other blues lenses, you'll know what a huge Taj Mahal fan I am. It should come as no surprise that the blues maestro has a trick or two up his talented sleeve when it comes to Stagger Lee, as well. I've included the album version from "Giant Step" in the sample set below, which is essentially identical to this one. Take a listen to the various versions and let me know if you agree that Taj Mahal's cover stands up to the rest.
Music Videos for Stagger Lee
And Stack O'Lee, too
Guitar Tabs for Stack O'Lee Blues
The Mississippi John Hurt Version
Repeat these chords for each verse. The notes for these tabs indicate that the recording sounds like Stagger Lee was played with a capo on the first fret.
Sample Cover Versions of Stack O'Lee Blues
Wrong 'Em Boyo and Stagger Lee, Too.
Another Version of Stagger Lee
From Wilson Pickett to Neil Diamond
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds re-imagined Stagger Lee in a very foul-mouthed version that you can see here. As with Mr. Presley above, use caution in clicking on this video if you're somewhere that nasty language will offend or get you in trouble.
In addition, Stagger Lee and Billy appeared in a song titled Wrong 'Em Boyo that was originally performed by a Jamaican ska band called The Rulers but was most famously covered by The Clash on their "London Calling" album and at many a live show. The two songs give you a great peek at the evolution of ska from the Jamaican roots to more modern, horn-based ska. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a video for the Buck-O-Nine version that completes the evolution to ska punk. You can, however, sample the song above.
Which Is Your Favorite Version of Stagger Lee
Are You a Stack O'Lee Purist?
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Reply
- Demaw Demaw Nov 28, 2009 @ 11:00 am
- I was introduced to Stagger Lee and Billy from the Lloyd Price song and Wilson Pickett's version. I also read Julius Lester's folklore account of the larger than life super bad anti hero. He tells us Stag lived to be very old and even whipped the angel of death who came for him. 5*
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- kyle mcmillan kyle mcmillan Nov 25, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
- hey no mention of the greatful dead version? what type of stagger lee web site are we running here anyway? Well I do know my best friend, megan, would be angry its not on here. if you need help finding a version let me know. thanks alot
- a fellow stagger lee lover
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Reply
- Not-Pop Not-Pop Jul 17, 2009 @ 3:47 pm | in reply to 2Eklectik
- Thank you so much for that. I've got a whole new video module just to include other versions, now.
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- 2Eklectik 2Eklectik Jul 16, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
- As blasphemous as this may be to a purist, The Clash use the first chorus of Stagger Lee as an intro to 'Wrong 'em Boyo' on their double album London Calling. The remainder of the song loosely references the 'original' version. Had no idea the songs roots went back so far. Wonderful lens.5 Stars.
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Reply
- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Dec 20, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
- I LOVED Stagger Lee. I was a little kid when it was popular and it fascinated me. ***** stars to you. Glad you will be in my Giant class.
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Reply
- Margo_Arrowsmith Margo_Arrowsmith Dec 20, 2008 @ 10:40 pm
- I LOVED Stagger Lee. I was a little kid when it was popular and it fascinated me. ***** stars to you. Glad you will be in my Giant class.
Other Blues and Jazz Standards to Enjoy
From Frankie and Johnny to Caravan
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Frankie and Johnny: A Murderous Folk Music Standard
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Rock Me, Baby: A Blues Crossover Standard
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Ain't Nobody's Business
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Would you believe that there are three songs, all having been recorded for decades, expressing identical sentiments that it "ain't nobody's business" what the performer does? While Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do and Ain't Nobody's Business But My Ow...
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Summertime By George Gershwin: The Greatest Cover Song Ever
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Everbody who's anybody in the music world has covered George Gershwin's Summertime at one point or another. From mournful, operatic versions true to the original aria to Janice Joplin's throaty shout-blues to Billy Stewart's exuberant scat, Gershwin'...
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Caravan: A Jazz Standard
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Although the original recording of Caravan was made in 1936 by Barney Bigard And His Jazzopators, Duke Ellington composed the music for this jazzy cover song recorded it many times. Then again, Irving Mills wrote the lyrics and the song was based on...
by Not-Pop
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