The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #3018 Message #3590468
Posted By: Jim Dixon
09-Jan-14 - 04:34 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Stagger Lee / Stack O'Lee / etc.
Subject: Lyr Add: STACK O'LEE BLUES (Johnny Dodds)
The tune on this one is the same as the familiar "Frankie and Johnny."
STACK O'LEE BLUES
As recorded by Johnny Dodds and His Chicago Boys on Decca 1676, 1938.
It was one cold and stormy night.
Stack O'Lee and Billy had a fight.
Stack got his gun, boy; he got it fast,
Shot poor Billy; the bullet broke the glass.
Oh, Stack O'Lee, oh, Stack O'Lee.
Stack O'Lee shot Billy once.
His body fell to the floor.
The can-can dancers rushed for the door.
Billy cried, "Stack, don't shoot me no more."
Oh, Stack O'Lee, mean Stack O'Lee.
Billy cried, "Stack, spare my life.
I've got two babies and a wife."
Stack said, "Bless your children; doggone your wife.
I'm gonna steal your life."
Oh, Stack O'Lee, please, Mister Stack O'Lee,
Stack went to sleep in the jail.
Billy's ghost made an awful wail.
Stack dreamed the devil said, "Hunt your hole,
'Cause I've come to get your soul."
Poor Stack O'Lee, poor Stack O'Lee.
- - -
"Hunt your hole" was new to me, but it seems to have been a common expression meaning "You'd better hide."