Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)

Subject: Glue on the Saddle
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 10:13 AM

Looking for the original words of a cowboy song by Genny Haley (who also wrote "The Ballad of the Cowpuncher" which is in the database) which I know as "I Can't Get off of My Horse" which I first heard from the Friends of Fiddler's Green in concert back in the 1970's in Michigan

First verse runs:

I can't get off of my horse, All night I ride among the cattle; I can't get off of my horse, For some dirty bum put glue on my saddle...

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 05:33 PM

This is all I have found for this one. Incidentally, the title is Glue In the Saddle:

From the Bad Boots website which is http://members.tripod.com/~sgreer/badboots.html

Send 16 bucks for CD or 12 bucks for cassette to: Stan Greer 10634 S. 97th W. Clearwater, KS 67026

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 05:43 PM

Thanks for the reference. Does anyone else find such odd songs? By the way it is Ginny Halley who apparently wrote the song.

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 08:52 PM

Don't believe so. I think I heard it back in the early 50s.

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 11:56 PM

I always liked "It's so lonesome in the Saddle Since My Horse Upped and Died."

Rick

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 11:53 AM

Roll 'n Go. This is weird. I attended summer camp in the fifties and my group sang "Glue On My Saddle" at the Closing Day performances. I thought I had imagined it or my counselor had made it up. We sang "Some dirty dog put glue..." Thanks. Another piece of the puzzle drops into place. Plunk!

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 01:33 PM

Well, it's nice to get a response for such a weird song;
You know, such songs become endangered, might become
lost to the culture. My imperfect memory of the verses and
chorus runs as follows:

When I was young I longed to be a cowboy,
Roping and riding on the range so free;
But now I wish I'd never been a cowboy,
For just look what happened to me –

I can't get off of my horse,
All night I ride among the cattle;
I can't get off of my horse,
For some dirty bum's put glue on my saddle!
On my saddle, on my saddle!
Some low down rotton bum's put glue on my saddle!

When I die and go to heaven,
There to meet with our savior true,
Just dig my grave and build a coffin,
But you better make it big enough for two...

There, free at last!

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 04:20 PM

Rick Fielding

I've also been reworking "Ballad of the Cowpuncher"; my last two verses run:

I said,"Oh, no, kind sirs, that could never be
For I am the best cowpuncher upon the whole prairie;
And I would never have it said I gave you a bum steer,
But if you will sit down a spell, I'll rustle up some beer."

I've been lonesome in the saddle ever since my old horse died,
And sometimes when it's late at night, I dream she's by my side;
Them nightmares keep me up all night and caused me for to roam;
I am an old cowpuncher and a long, long way from home.

Thanks for the feedback!

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 11:50 AM

"Glue On The Saddle"

There was glue on the saddle...
And glue all around
And a great big puddle
Of glue on the ground
The cowboy lay in it
All sticky and wan
Like a piece of old bacon
Stuck in a fry pan

"Oh, mah fate it's a cruel one
Ah'm stuck on mahself
And Ah left mah dang guns
Back at home on the shelf
And if someone don't find me
Ah'll die in this glue
All mah friends and mah loved ones
Will cry "boo hoo hoo!"

Now this song's almost over
It's a sticky affair
Ah've got glue on mah saddle
And glue in mah hair
And the one thing that Ah
Wants to know fore Ah'm through
Is who sold them danged injuns
Thet there carpenter's glue????

- LH

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 01:12 PM

Little Hawk

Thanks for your original contribution, or adaptation of "Blood on the Saddle."

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: Little Hawk
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 03:05 PM

You're welcome! The original "Blood On The Saddle" is a really odd song, and I thought of it right away when I saw this thread title....and composed a parody on the spot. It's about as weird as the original song, if a tad less likely.

- LH

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 06:13 PM

When I saw the thread title I had assumed that we were onto a parody of Blood on the Saddle. I was almost wrong!!!!!
GtD

Subject: Lyr Add: I CAN'T GET OFFA MY HORSE (M Amsterdam)
From: harpgirl
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 07:11 PM

Here is the version I know

I CAN'T GET OFFA MY HORSE (Glue on the Saddle)
(Morey Amsterdam)

I always wished that I could be a cowboy
Riding and a-roping where the wind is free
Now I wish that I was not a cowboy
'Cause look what's gone and happened to me

I cant get offa my horse
All day and night I ride among the cattle
I cant get offa my horse
'Cause some dirty dog put glue on my saddle. On the saddle, on the saddle
Some no good onery low down sneaking thieving cussing
cattle rustling dirty dog put glue on my saddle.

She said for me she'd leave her home and mother
I told her I would wed her and we made a date
Now, I think she'd better find another
'Cause for me she'll have an awful long wait.

Cause I cant get... etc

Some day they'll bury me out on the prairie
Out there among the sagebrush where the skys are blue
But, wheb they dig a hole for me to rest in
They'd better dig it big enough for two.

Cause I cant get offa my horse... etc.


I believe this song was actually written by Morey Amsterdam. (The Dick Van Dyke show)

---

Note: harryfox.com has a song titled "I Can't Get Offa My Horse," attributed to Morey Amsterdam.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: harpgirl
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 07:14 PM

Sorry, that wasn't harpgirl..that was Kendall. She's much too young to remember that old thing!

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: SINSULL
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 07:14 PM

Harpgirl's version is the one I sang many years ago with about 15 other little girls. Brings back memories of stale cookies and red Kool-aid (bug juice).

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: GUEST,Roll&Go-C
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 07:15 PM

Harpgirl,

Thanks for the verses. They seem closer to the original
than my faulty memory. Of course without faulty memory
we wouldn't have such a rich variety of folk songs.

Subject: RE: Glue on the Saddle
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 18 May 05 - 10:59 PM

The song that harpgirl posted above is actually called I CAN'T GET OFFA MY HORSE. It was written by Morey Amsterdam and recorded by The Modernaires. Their recording is on "The Complete Modernaires on Columbia, Vol. 2 (1946-1947)," Collectables CD #7470, 2002. allmusic has a sound sample.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Glue on the Saddle
From: Amos
Date: 18 May 05 - 11:18 PM

For those of you willing to venture far afield, an Old Songe Challenge discusses the evils of Super-GLue vis-a-vis the police...


A

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Glue on the Saddle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 May 05 - 08:54 AM

Jim-

Thanks for the additional notes on my old guest thread.

Are the words that Kendall posted above close to the original ones, other than the typos?

I'll now have to order the CD.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Glue on the Saddle
From: kendall
Date: 19 May 05 - 02:53 PM

That's the version I remember, Charlie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Glue on the Saddle
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 May 05 - 08:11 PM

Kendall-

It's probably a lot closer to the original than what I posted above.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: Lyr Add: I CAN'T GET OFFA MY HORSE (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jun 09 - 11:11 AM

I CAN'T GET OFFA MY HORSE
The Korn Kobblers - 1947


I always thought that I would be a cowboy
A-ridin' and a-ropin' where the winds are free
But now I wish that I was not a cowboy
'Cause look what's gone and happened to me.

Oh, I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride among the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'Cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

On the saddle! On the saddle!
Some no good ornery, low down, sneakin', thievin'
Cussin', cattle rustlin', dirty dog
Put glue on the saddle.

Some day they'll bury me out on the prairie
Out there among the sage brush where the skies are blue
But when they dig a hole for me to rest in
They better dig it big enough for two

Oh, I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride among the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'Cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

On the saddle! On the saddle!
Some no good, ornery, low down, sneakin', thievin'
Cussin', cattle rustlin', dirty dog
Put glue on the saddle.

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST,Neil
Date: 26 Jul 09 - 03:05 PM

You should add the verse...

My uncle Max from Cheyenne is as honest as the sun
Worked six months in a bath house and never took a one
The sheriff finally caught him, no more will uncle roam
They found him working in a bank and taking samples home

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST,George
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 10:52 AM

Harpgirl listed the lyrics as I remember them. I would play this over and over on my Grandfather's record player. This was in late 40['s and early 50's.

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:53 AM

Looks like it was written by Morey Amsterdam, and the Korn Kobblers, "America's most nonsensical dance band" (also this) and the Modernaires both recorded it around 1946-'47.

~ Becky

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Aug 09 - 03:31 PM

www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2hD2fHV7co

Good version on youtube

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST,Happy Possum in Georgia
Date: 20 Nov 09 - 04:22 PM

The first time I heard the song was in the Palladium Ballroom, CA in 1949. The band performing was Russ Morgan. I've always remembered the first verse as:
"I can't get off of my horse,
I've been out all day a punching cattle;
I can't get off of my horse;
Cause some dirty dog put glue in my saddle."

Who knows?

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 10:33 PM

I learned this song from my high school shop teacher in 1968 and have been performing it ever since. My cowboy band, The Home Rangers, has recorded it on our CD "Bad Boots." Find out more at www.thehomerangers.com . I'd be happy to sell you a CD. It should also be up on iTunes in a couple of months. Our big hit from the CD is "William Tell Overture." If you've never heard William Tell on banjo and mandolin, you've missed out. Johnny Western (Paladin) uses it as the theme on his local radio show on KFTI.

Ranger Stan Greer
Wichita, KS

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST,ezwryder
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 12:39 PM

I first hear this song in 1949. A verse I haven't seen posted here goes like this......

I used to be a lady killin' Dandy The girls they liked my huggin' and my kissin' too. I used to bring them lots of flowers and candy, I love those gals but, what can I do?

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Ho
From: Charley Noble
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 12:56 PM

Another verse is always welcome.

Charley Noble

Subject: Lyr Add: I CAN'T GET OFFA MY HORSE (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST,MIKE
Date: 20 Feb 11 - 11:10 PM

back in the fifties my Grandma had this record on a 78. My brothers and I would play it over and over. here are the words


I always thought that I would be a cowboy
A-ridin' and a-ropin' where the winds are free
But now I wish that I was not a cowboy
'Cause look what's gone and happened to me.

Oh, I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride among the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'Cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

On the saddle! On the saddle!
Some no good ornery, low down, sneakin', thievin'
Cussin', cattle rustlin', dirty dog
Put glue on the saddle.

I use to be a lady killin dandy.
The women loved my huggin and my kissin too.
I always brought the gals flowers and candy.
I loved the gals but what can I do.

Oh, I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride among the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'Cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

Some day they'll bury me out on the prairie
Out there among the sage brush where the skies are blue
But when they dig a hole for me to rest in
They better dig it big enough for two

Oh, I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride among the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'Cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

On the saddle! On the saddle!
Some no good, ornery, low down, sneakin', thievin'
Cussin', cattle rustlin', dirty dog
Put glue on the saddle.

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Feb 11 - 10:25 AM

Mike-

Never ran across the middle verse:

"I use to be a lady killin dandy..."

Thanks!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Req: Glue on the Saddle/I Can't Get Offa My Horse
From: GUEST,fizbeeglee
Date: 17 Mar 11 - 08:50 AM

I grew up in the '60s listening to my mom's 78 records (some made in red plastic) and I remember some of the words to "I Can't Get Off of My Horse". Wouldn't you know it, I've been working in several boring jobs where my thoughts take me back to songs we played on the phonograph! No it's not remembered enough by me, that's why I looked it up on Google. Glad you posted your comments, and glad I found this site! I wanted you all to know it wasn't written after 1950!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST,Guest Judith
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 07:05 PM

Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!! I've been looking for these words for the last few years.

I sang this song when I went to first grade in 1946. My teacher made me quit singing it as she wasn't fond of some of the language. My aunts had the 78 in their collection and they lived with my grandparents. I thought Phil Harris or Frankie Laine sang it as I remember Mule Train and Darktown Poker Club were also popular at the same time (looking in the wrong places). Now that I have the words the entire tune comes back too! Guest Mike has all of the words just the way I remember them.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: Jon Corelis
Date: 18 Feb 12 - 11:43 PM

Getting somewhat off topic, but since the subject is being stuck on a horse, does anyone know the name of the Bob and Ray routine about two cowboys who can't get off their horse? I heard it on the radio once and thought it was one of the funniest things ever created by the human mind, but I've never been able to track down a recording of it.

Jon Corelis
Kaleidoscope: Great Poems Set to Music

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: Iona
Date: 30 May 12 - 01:12 AM

Dennis Day sang "I Can't Get Off My Horse", in the 40's. I don't know when he recorded it, but it aired on his "Day in the Life of Dennis Day" show episode titled "Railroad Property", on September 24, 1947. The lyrics to his version run as follows:

I Can't Get Off My Horse

I always wished that I could be a cowboy
A-ridin' and a-ropin' where the wind is free
But now I wish that I was not a cowboy
Cause look what's gone and happened to me

Chorus:
I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride a-mong the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

Some day they'll bury me out on the prairie
Out thar among the sagebrush where the skies are blue
But when they dig a place for me to rest in
They'd better make it big enough for two, 'cause:

Chorus:
I can't get offa my horse
All day and night I ride a-mong the cattle
I can't get offa my horse
'cause some dirty dog put glue on the saddle

On the saddle! On the saddle!
Some no good, ornery, low-down sneakin' theivin'
cussin' cattle rustlin' dirty dog put glue on the saddle!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: kendall
Date: 30 May 12 - 02:37 AM

This is the type of song that lends itself to more verses being added.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 May 12 - 07:28 AM

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 09 Jan 19 - 09:52 PM

My Dad loved this song, so I grew up with it. I remember he loved to belt out the line about the "lady-killing dandy."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 07:30 PM

Smoky Dawson sings I CAN’T GET OFF MY HORSE on his album “Wild Colonial Boy: Smoky Dawson Sings Australian Country Favorites” (2013), which you can hear on YouTube. Unfortunately, the recording is marred by a couple of record-skips. (Remember those?)

You can also hear Dennis Day’s recording on YouTube--see Iona’s description above.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 12 Jan 19 - 07:39 PM

Nice to have this old thread revived.

Cheerily,
Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST,Paul F. Anderson
Date: 10 Apr 19 - 06:05 PM

1947 Recording
https://archive.org/details/78_i-caint-get-offa-my-horse_eddy-howard-and-his-orchestra-eddy-howard-morey-amsterda_gbia0012737a

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Mar 20 - 08:40 PM

My son is an elementary school music teacher and I would love to get the piano music to this if anyone has it available. I think the kids would love learning this old classic!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 05 Mar 20 - 09:24 AM

This may be a really stupid question, but here goes. Was this Morey Amsterdam the same as the Morey Amsterdam who played the part of Buddy on the old Dick van Dyke show??

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: cnd
Date: 05 Mar 20 - 12:59 PM

Part of the difficulty in finding sheet music for this is that the sheet music (and some recordings of the song) were sold under the title "I Cain't Get Offa My Horse"

You can see which libraries have it publicly available on Worldcat here, but from my perusing that list is not entirely complete, so you may find one nearer to you - for example, Tulsa library has it.

If you'd like to buy it outright, you can acquire it for about $30 here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: EBarnacle
Date: 05 Mar 20 - 01:40 PM

Yes, one Morey Amsterdam is enough.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Mar 20 - 04:58 PM

Wonderful!

Charlie Ipcar, aka Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Can't Get Offa My Horse (M Amsterdam)
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 05 Mar 20 - 05:13 PM

Thanks, EB.