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Stagger Lee: A Murderous Blues Standard

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Stack O'Lee Shot Billy

It seems that folk and blues songs about otherwise minor historical characters, like Frankie and Johnny and Stagger Lee, make for lasting standards. The history of Stack O'Lee or Stagger Lee dates back to at least 1895, but the song may predate the murder often cited as the inspiration for its lyrics.

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

Stagger Lee

Amazon Price: $0.99 (as of 02/15/2012)Buy Now

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

Through the magic of YouTube, you can watch music videos for Stack O'Lee Blues and Stagger Lee from the talented Sidney Bechet, Ike and Tina Turner, Lloyd Price's doo-wop version and, of course, Mississippi John Hurt. The Elvis Presley version is a naughty little bit of fun, so please be wary about clicking on it is you're at work or with your children. I rounded this set out with the Grateful Dead from 1978 but, though the sound quality is pretty good, you can barely understand Jerry Garcia except when he actually says, "Stagger Lee".
Sidney Bechet - Old Stack O'Lee Blues
by karl02782 | video info

91 ratings | 23,864 views
curated content from YouTube

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.

Which Version Do You Like Best?

Stagger Lee, Stack o'Lee, or Something Else?

If you're a fan of a particular version of this Stagger Lee, please vote for it in the poll below. Don't forget, there are another few dozen versions below so if you're not sure which cover you love most you can always vote later.

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Sample Cover Versions of Stack O'Lee Blues

Wrong 'Em Boyo and Stagger Lee, Too.

New! I've added The Black Keys and their version, Stack Shot Billy to the list. I moved it to the top, since it's new. We've got Pete Seeger, Keb' Mo', Taj Mahal, The Grateful Dead, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Punk Blues Review, Ike and Tina Turner, The Clash, The Rulers, Buck O Nine, and many more. Thanks to Mr. McMillan's comment, below, I've also added the Grateful Dead version of Stagger Lee for your listening pleasure.

Another Version of Stagger Lee

From Wilson Pickett to Neil Diamond

There is another set of versions titled Stagger Lee that have more in common with Wrong 'Em Boyo than they do the traditional lyrics. I've included here versions from The Isley Brothers, Tommy Quickly, Jerry Reed, Wilson Pickett, and Neil Diamond. There's also a clip from the movie Black Snake Moan, with Samuel L Jackson performing a very different version.

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.
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From Frankie and Johnny to Caravan

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