This song was mentioned by fumblefingers on 09-Mar-2007:


SMILING BILL MCCALL
Words and music by Johnny Cash
As recorded by Johnny Cash as a single (Columbia 4-41618, 1960)

Well, the whole town listened to the radio
For the Smilin' Bill McCall Show.
Ev'ryone in Nashville
Was listenin' to Bill.

"I don't want to be layin' in bed
When they pronounce me dead."

He'd stand and breathe in the microphone
With his guitar hangin' to his knee bone.
All the girls just sat and dreamed
When Bill began to sing.

"I don't want my hat to be hung
When my last song is sung."

But he never let fame go to his head
"This is Smilin' Bill McCall," he said.
"Gonna pick and sing a song or two
Y'all listen till I'm through.

"And if you're at the house or in your car,
Tune in this time tomorr'."

To all the boys he was a big hero.
They'd glue their ears to the radio,
Then talk in a most unusual drawl
Imitatin' Bill McCall.

"Daddy, can I get me a guitar?
'Cause I want to be a star."

The girls would say of Bill McCall:
"Why, I bet he's over six feet tall.
Handsomest man in Nashville!"
They said of Smilin' Bill.

He won't be plantin' potato slips
When he cashes in his chips.

Then one day Bill didn't make the show.
Didn't even show up for a week or so.
The station's boss said to City Hall:
"Find Smilin' Bill McCall."

It won't be hard to track him down.
He's got the biggest feet in town.

Well, there's a creek that runs through Nashville
And on the bank they found Smilin' Bill.
He's committin' suicide,
But they grabbed him 'fore he tried.

"Turn me loose, I'm 'onna jump," he screamed,
"'Cause I can't stand that theme.

"Let this be my final breath,
'Cause I'm scared to half to death."

The big brave Smilin' Bill McCall
Is only four feet tall.

"I'd rather be in the river dead
Than to hear 'em laughin' at my bald head."