Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'

Subject: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 10:28 AM

Hi people. Remember the great movie "In The Heat Of The Night", with Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger? There was a brief scene in a sleazy little diner where someone was talking to the guy who worked behind the counter (he was the guy who turned out to be the murderer, by the way...). There was a radio going in the diner, and it was playing a hilariously redneck song called "Bow Wow On The Prowl", a thinly disguised metaphor for young men who wander around at night looking for action. This song was a classic, but I have never heard it again anywhere nor found it on any recording. Does anyone know where I can find it? It might be on the soundtrack album of the movie, but I haven't been able to locate that album. I gotta find this song. The chorus is indelibly printed in my mind. It's very funny. Please help me out on this one.

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 12:07 PM

Yeah, I remember it well, and that's one of my favorite movies. The song had that same sound of one that was popular around that time, "Little Red Riding Hood" which I think was by Sam the Sham and the Pharoaohs maybe?

I think the easiest thing to do would be to rent the movie and transcribe it.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 12:11 PM

I don't know if it would be on here or not, but CD soundtrack for sale here . No luck on the lyrics yet.

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Sorcha
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 12:33 PM

OK, try again-- here?

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 12:15 AM

Ah, thanks, folks...here I am back here on Saturday night...or is it Sunday morning? I could rent the movie...only trouble is I don't think the whole song is there, just a piece of it. I will check out that CD soundtrack and see what the story is on that. Thanks again. I have got to get some sleep now, so good night.

Little Hawk (George Coventry)

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Clifton53
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 12:54 AM

Maybe I'm wrong but I think the song is actually titled " Foul Owl on the Prowl". It's been years since I've seen the flick but I can recall what an odd lyric it was.

Clifton

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 01:42 AM

You're right Clifton!!!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Joe Offer
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 01:58 AM

Hmmm. Could it be Glen Campbell singing "Bowlegged Polly"? You'll find a sample of the song here (click).

Well, a bowlegged Polly and a knock-kneed Paul
Well, a bowlegged Polly and a knock-kneed Paul
Well, a bowlegged Polly and a knock-kneed Paul
They can't get together at all.
Just like the worm in the corn field said to his brother
"Yeah, go in one ear and out the other."

Ba-ba Ba-pa-bah (singing like Roger Miller)

...

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 02:05 AM

No Joe.....Different song. That one is playing while Sam Wood the deputy (Warren Oates) drives through town at night on his small transistor radio hanging from the mirror of his Plymouth Police Cruiser. He switches off the radio as he approaches the Purdy house where he switches off the lights and coasts up in front so he can check out Delores Purdy nekkid!

Spaw......cantsleepandisboredstiff

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Clifton53
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 04:27 PM

This song is playing in a diner scene when I think Sidney Poitier enters and the counterman is leary of serving a black man.

One line I can recall is, talking about the owl on the prowl, "If you hear him hoot, scoot".

Clifton

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Jul 00 - 09:37 PM

No Kidding! Foul Owl on the Prowl? Wall, shucks, don't that jest beat awll! Now Ah'm gone hafta see thet there movie agin...gawrsh all hemlock...thanks, Clifton.

George (Little Hawk)

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Mrrzy
Date: 31 Jul 00 - 10:00 AM

I always heard it as Foul Owl, too, but was perfectly willing to believe I was the one who'd heard it wrong! What a great film!

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: GUEST,ideal2k
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 05:53 PM

I've been looking for this song for years, and just from google found this thread.
Yes, it does read "foul owl on the prowl", but I can't figure out who sings it or even if it has ever been released on CD.

Does anyone know? Please e-mail me at [e-mail]

4-year-old thread, oh my God :) please reply anyway!

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: GUEST,ideal2k
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 05:58 PM

Looks like I'm about to answer my own question:
Quincy Jones (vocal Boomer & Travis) - Foul Owl (ST In The Heat Of The Night)

Subject: RE: Looking for 'Bow Wow On The Prowl'
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 08:49 PM

According to allmusic.com, FOUL OWL was written by Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, and Quincy Jones. It is included on a double soundtrack album that covers both "In the Heat of the Night" and "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs," Beyond CD #578255, 2002; also Rykodisc CD #10712, 1998.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST,bigbob
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 06:25 PM

to me it sounds like Buck Owens singing

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 11:16 AM

And the lyrics?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST,Wow
Date: 15 Feb 05 - 12:22 PM

I can't believe this thread is still going on. I just saw the movie this weekend on TV1 and my wife and I have been talking about this song since Saturday. It's now Tuesday. Thank you all so much for the information.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Feb 05 - 03:04 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST,The Big Bopper
Date: 01 Mar 05 - 01:27 AM

Just saw "In the heat of the night" for the umpteenth time and now
I know where that song came from. It was really nice to hear Ray
sing the theme song. I also miss him and Rod Steiger, who with Sidney
Poitier made this a true American folk classic. Maybe this thread will
be around into the next millennium. We'll be all dead but "Foul Owl" will still be around. Maybe it'll make a comeback then with Anthony James (the counter man) dancing around for the MTV video. He will of course be computer generated. Hang in there thread, only 95 more years to keep this 'thing' alive and well!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST,Scott
Date: 13 Mar 05 - 07:50 PM

The song was done by a duo called "Boomer & Travis". So far unable to find a mp3 or any recorded verion other than the short bit on the movie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From:
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 04:16 PM

found it on limewire

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From:
Date: 25 Nov 05 - 02:44 PM

The artist sounds like Jonny Cash to me. I would really like to know who sang it in the movie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Dec 05 - 03:17 PM

Not Johnny Cash--

Boomer & Travis aka Lewis & Clarke.

I am transcribing th lyrics, and I'll even throw in the chords!!!!

Subject: Lyr Add: FOUL OWL (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Dec 05 - 03:21 PM

Courtesy Script-o-rama:
http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/i/in-the-heat-of-the-night-script.html

FOUL OWL (from 'In the Heat of the Night')

All you little birds better lock up tight
'Cause there's a foul owl on the prowl tonight.
Hey, little lark, get outta the dark.
Foul owl on the prowl.
Cute little jay, stay outta his way.
Foul owl on the prowl.
You just might be the quail he'll tail.
Foul owl on the prowl.
You just might be the swallow he'll follow.
Foul owl on the prowl.
If you hear him hoot, scoot.
If you pass his tree, flee.
If you catch his eye, fly.
Don't wait to say goodbye.

It's in Em. Circle of 5th chorus. Post if you need help with the changes.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Dec 05 - 12:09 AM

Did anyone ever find a full version of a recording of Foul Owl? The movie only has a portion. Does anyone know if the soundtrack of the movie has a full version? I hate to buy the soundtrack just for the one song or a partial song, although Quincy Jones music is good, so maybe worth it. Anyone know anything about the duo that sang it (Boomer & Travis)? One person said they are aka Lewis & Clarke, but I don't find anything on the net until either group name.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,Jerry Gambrel
Date: 01 Jan 06 - 12:49 PM

I have "Foul Owl On The Prowl". I recorded it off off a music downloading site called "RealRhapsody.com". I also used to think they were singing "Bow Wow" On The Prowl until I got the song for myself. It will cost you 79 cents "I think" to record any song you want or at least can find. I couldn't believe they had that song. I also got hooked on that crazy song after watching "In The Heat Of The Night" once on television. Remember, if you go to "RealRhapsody.com" you will find it. Hope this helps everybody.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,DiCat
Date: 05 Feb 06 - 12:41 AM

Boomer and Travis aka Lewis and Clarke sang the song in the movie. I was able to find a website for Boomer, who is a "singing cowboy" and still seems to have a career. He is now known as Michael Martin Murphey. Here is his website: http://www.michaelmartinmurphey.com/bio.htm
But what is weird is on his website he doesn't mention anything about this song. Does anyone want to write to him and tell him that this song has a cult following?? It really sticks in your head after you hear it. Kind of drives ya nuts, but it's a cool song. If anyone writes to this guy, please let us know what he says.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,DiCat
Date: 05 Feb 06 - 12:50 AM

CORRECTION: Michael Martin Murphey was not known as Boomer, he was Travis. Owen Castleman was known as Boomer. Sorry for the mixup.

I looked at his (Murphey's) site at imdb.com and no mention is made of that song in the movie. Maybe they didn't get credit because they didn't write it?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 07 Feb 06 - 09:47 AM

The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) gives "Boomer and Travis" credit for performing FOUL OWL, (see the entry for "In the Heat of the Night" soundtrack).

I see where allmusic.com says that Michael Martin Murphey performed under the name Travis Lewis as part of a band called The Lewis & Clarke Expedition, and that another member of that group was "Boomer Clarke." "Boomer Clarke" is cross-referenced to Owen Castleman. However, allmusic has no entry for "Boomer and Travis" as such.

It looks like IMDb doesn't credit Murphey for FOUL OWL because they haven't figured out that Murphey and "Travis" are the same person.

Small wonder that a person who has worked under several names doesn't get credit for everything he does.

Subject: Lyr Add: FOUL OWL
From: GUEST,Corey F.
Date: 08 Feb 06 - 04:23 PM

I found these lyrics (and the musical chording to play the song yourself) on this site under tab 1 files: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.masterman/QY100/QY100.htm

All you little birds better lock up tight
'Coz there's a foul owl on the prowl tonight.
Hey, little lark, get out of the dark.
Foul owl on the prowl.
Cute little jay, stay out of his way.
Foul owl on the prowl.
You just might be the quail that he'll tail.
Foul owl on the prowl.
You just might be the swaller he'll foller.
Foul owl on the prowl.
If you hear him hoot, scoot.
If you pass his tree, flee.
If you catch his eye, fly.
Don't wait to say 'goodbye'.
He's got a yen for a purty little hen.
Foul owl on the prowl.
He's hungry for a chick, so get home quick.
Foul owl on the prowl.
Foul owl on the prowl.
Foul owl on the prowl.
Foul owl on the prowl.
Foul owl on the prowl.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Ni
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 06 - 11:29 PM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,Brian
Date: 31 Aug 06 - 12:44 AM

Great Song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,Guest ,Matt
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 12:26 AM

When I first saw this movie last fall (05) I loved it, and this song really stuck in my mind. It just reeks pure 60's country/folk and is a awesome song!!! I cant find a CD cheap enough on Ebay, hardly anyone in the US anyway, sells one. I guess this was kind of a one hit wonder........but enough for me to go out and look for the CD mainly for this song. Amazing that for such a odd and minor song in this movie that so many peaple (and me) love it that much that we talk about it. Keep the ( FOUL OWL on the PROWL )

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 01:17 AM

It's a wonderful movie. I picked up a used CD of it a few weeks ago and have been watching it again tonight...imagine my surprise when I take an intermission and see that this this thread has shown up again on the forum. Talk about synchronicity!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Sep 06 - 09:07 PM

Far out.....I'd forgotten entirely about this old thread.......I still watch Heat a lot. A great old movie, well acted, well directed, well written. Thanks for getting those lyrics and to all of you who have helped out since Hawk and I got this thing going!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Sep 06 - 06:25 PM

I to got these lyrics stuck in my head. Thanks for the correct title of the song, although "Bow Wow on the Prowltonight," makes the song sound more interesting.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,Guest, John
Date: 02 Oct 06 - 11:54 AM

the name was "Owens Castleman"...I don't know what ever became of him, but I remember listening to these guys play at Owens' house when I was in junior high in Dallas back in the sixties...it was years before I figured out that the "Mike" that I used to hear was "Michael Martin Murphy"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,Gareth
Date: 28 Oct 06 - 11:00 AM

I have recently bought In The Heat of the Night and relived seeing the film again, my son also thinks its a cult movie. I now have the soundtrack and I purchased it off the Internet specifically for the Foul Owl song but you simply cant deny the excellent title song from Ray Charles, simply brilliant! I could get most of the lyrics from listening to the song but thanks for the other lines guys.

Anyone yet found any other album that Foul Owl is on or done by Boomer and Travis?
Gareth

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST,mozartspony
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 07:50 PM

I'm still looking for this song!
even at this late date
so many days after the beginning
of this thread.

I found this thread through google.
Thanks everyone, I thought I was the
only one that was crazed for this song.

LOL

BTW: the "little red riding hood" song
by Sam the Sham is almost as crazed.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Bow Wow on the Prowl (Foul Owl)
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Nov 06 - 08:08 PM

Just found "Foul Owl"
on Limewire

artist: Quincy Jones

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: strigiology_don
Date: 25 Dec 06 - 11:54 PM

howdy,
what a wealth of information this little mini-forum has provided me on this song.
indeed, it does seem to have a cult-following; being this one song was the impetus for a thread that started in 2000!
any hoot (no pun intended), it is good to know what the real song is, who wrote it, whence one can get a pirated copy or a bona-fide one, and what the full lyrics are.
now all we need is a 'fowl owl' get together where we can all dance like that cafe guy did in the movie.
thanks for the info, folks.

(by the way, i am an amateur strigiologist, a person who studies owls. i didn't know this song was owl related until i came across this thread, thinking all these years, now, this song was "bow wow on the prowl").

merry Christmas, and loads-a-cheer into the new year.
don

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Dec 06 - 08:18 PM

And just to wrap up.......The cafe guy or counterman in the movie was played by Anthony James, a journeyman actor who portrayed guys much like Ralph the Counterman thru his whole career. He retired at age 50 after playing a weirdo cowboy in Clint Eastwood's "The Unforgiven."He'd popup on something every once in awhile and I'd be, "HEY LOOK!!! It's the FOWL OWL GUY!!!"

Spaw

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,Bryan S
Date: 27 Jan 07 - 04:36 AM

This is really quite amazing, as just today I corrected someone who thought the lyric was Bow Wow, and told him it was Foul Owl! I have an original copy of the LP from ITHOTN, however there is nothing to play it on, LOL.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 05:52 AM

all those who had no luck tracking down the ITHOTN ost should try this link, straight frpm vinyl:

http://rapidshare.com/files/13762145/16_Boomer___Travis_-_Foul_Owl.mp3.html

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST,WhooWhooLane
Date: 07 Feb 07 - 01:04 AM

I think Carol Doda (world famous stripper from the world famous Condor Club in San Francisco) had an act at the Condor where she would dance naked on top of a shabby, old piano and a recorded version of "Fowl Owl On The Prowl" would be played. If I remember correctly it was on a reel to reel tape system piped through the clubs sound system. I sure do miss the Condor Club. Carol Doda was the greatest thing to happen to the North Beach (Broadway) District!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: strigiology_don
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 10:35 AM

hey GUEST, thanks for providing the link for downloading our club's (ie., this forum's) national anthem.
now, were any of us to go on that dreadfully popular tv show 'american idol' we have something to practice with as we kareoke our way all the way up to the finals (if that's what they're called).
at the least, after morning prayers we sing this to give our day a good & funny start. you got to do that 'counter-man' dance with it, just to give it funny-as-hell flavor.
maybe someone can upload an excerpt of the scene so we can practice the steps. i'd love to see a video of that lady dancer mentioned above.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 05:32 PM

"http://rapidshare.com/files/13762145/16_Boomer___Travis_-_Foul_Owl.mp3.html "

After going thru all the hoops it tells me that the file is not on the server.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 03:58 PM

This is weird... I saw this movie for the first time when I was about fifteen (i'm 33 now) and I was totally fascinated by the song. I saw it again when I was 25 and tonight, for some reason, i Googled this song and discovered this thread. Funny that I'm not the only one who's mesmerized by this song.
Thanks for the Rapidshare link!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Foul Owl (from 'In the Heat of the Night'
From: Little Hawk
Date: 17 Feb 07 - 05:40 PM

It's the ultimate of a certain type of song from a certain genre. It simply reeks with sleazy redneck lust. That's why it's so memorable.

Man, I think I'll get that DVD out and watch it again tonight.