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27 Dec 01 - 01:09 PM (#617069) Subject: the lavender cowboy From: GUEST,banjo pete has anyone out there got the lyrics of the ribald verson of this song |
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27 Dec 01 - 01:17 PM (#617072) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: kendall Didn't know there was one. |
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27 Dec 01 - 01:19 PM (#617075) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Sorcha Somewhere, let me go look. BRB. |
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27 Dec 01 - 01:35 PM (#617087) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Checked "The Whorehouse Bells Were Ringing" and "The Hell-bound Train." No luck. The song, at least in Lomax, sounds like a parody itself. Its "discovery" was rather late, 1937 according to Lomax. Sounds like a western Boy Scouts song. |
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27 Dec 01 - 01:37 PM (#617090) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Sorcha Posted in the forum here. Saved me a lot of typing! |
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27 Dec 01 - 01:39 PM (#617092) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Sorcha Hmm. Just realized the words I have are different. Joe, Jeff, where should I post them? In this thread, the thread linked above or a new one? Help! |
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27 Dec 01 - 01:46 PM (#617100) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Dicho (Frank Staplin) Sure that's the same song, Sorcha? Three hairs rather than two. Not very ribald, either. Now if these hairs were up his... Where's catspaw on this one? Was Paddy Roberts the composer or was his version a "cover?" |
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27 Dec 01 - 02:07 PM (#617108) Subject: Lyr Add: LAVENDER COWBOY From: Sorcha I don't know, Dicho, but here are the ones I have: LAVENDER COWBOY He was only a lavender cowboy The hairs on his chest were two But he wished to follow the heroes And fight like the he-men do But he was inwardly troubled By a dream that gave him no rest That he'd go with heroes in action With only two hairs on his chest First he tried many a hair tonic Twar rubbed on him each night But still when he looked in the mirror Those two hairs were ever in sight But with a spirit undaunted He wandered out to fight Just like an old time knight errant To win combat for the right He battled for Red Nellie's honor And cleaned out a holdup's nest He died with his six guns a smoking With only two hairs on his chest. "The title alone suggests a spoof on the tough hombres that myth insists the cowboys were. This, plus the dream symbolism suggests that it is a late comer among cowboy songs." Melody collector--Dean Emeritus John Donald Robb of the University of New Mexico; text from Bluebird B-8229A Vernon Dalhart and His Big Cypress Boys. Tune to follow......I have to refresh the "abc brain cells". |
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27 Dec 01 - 02:08 PM (#617110) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Stilly River Sage This isn't the version I grew up with. My dad used to sing it. Today it would be considered very un-PC. I didn't think anyone was still interested in it. I don't have access to that stuff now, but I'll keep it in mind for when I unpack his books one of these days. Maggie |
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27 Dec 01 - 04:04 PM (#617176) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Amos I've sung it for yours along the lines of the version above from dear Sorch. One of my favorites. I guess I was pretty young when I learned it, because I never understood the implications of the word "lavender" in thisd context until much later. Well, yippeee ki bloody yi to you too, big boy!!! A |
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27 Dec 01 - 05:29 PM (#617249) Subject: Tune Add: LAVENDER COWBOY From: Sorcha T:LAVENDER COWBOY M:3/4 L:1/8 Ql126 K:E
B,/2B,/2||:E4 EE | G2 F2 E2 | C2 E4-|E4-E B,| E2 E2 E2 | E2-F2 G2 | F6-|F2-F> B,/ | E2 E2 F2 | G2 F2 E2 | C2 E4- | E4-E> C/ | B,2 D2 E2 | D2 E2 -F2 | E6- | E4-E B, :||
Chords are: |
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27 Dec 01 - 07:42 PM (#617343) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: kendall Another jewel to be found on Folk Legacy album FSI 57 |
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27 Dec 01 - 08:27 PM (#617368) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Jimmy C WE used to sing a version similar to the one from Sorca on the other thread, but with this additional verse, One club I played in had a few gay clients, 2 of whom when entering the club would come up to the stage and ask us if we had played their song yet. Here is the other verse. Enjoy !
And when they had him surrounded
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28 Dec 01 - 11:16 AM (#617607) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: Stilly River Sage Though still conspicuous in its meaning, the version I grew up with was more subtle than the verses posted here, but I can't remember them well enough to string any together so they'll scan. It was sung to one of those utilitarian tunes recycled through many songs, such as happens with Rosen the Bow (not that one, however). |
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28 Dec 01 - 10:02 PM (#617892) Subject: RE: the lavender cowboy From: WFDU - Ron Olesko I can't put my finger on the LP right now, but didn't Ed McCurdy sing this song as well? If not Ed perhaps it was another folksinger from the 50's or 60's. Anyone remember? Ron |
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17 Mar 07 - 12:34 PM (#1999519) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: GUEST,Corey He was only a lavender cowboy And the hairs on his chest were but two But he wanted to be a real hero And do as the real heroes do Herbicinis and other hair lotions He woould rub on his chest every night But when he awoke in the mornin' Not a new hair was in sight Well, he fought for Red Nellie's honor And he cleaned out a whole robber's nest He died with his six guns a'smokin But with only two hairs on his chest And they buried he out on the prairie Where the coyotes howl every night And in the place where his bones lay two cacti have grown into site (unrecorded performance of Burl Ives) |
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17 Mar 07 - 01:29 PM (#1999554) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Bill D Really? That's quite different from his recorded version....I'll have to contemplate whether I want to absorb anything 'different' after 40 years. |
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17 Mar 07 - 03:47 PM (#1999632) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Charley Noble Ah, the memories this song brings back! We used to have hysterics when someone sang it during my college years. I've never heard more than a GP-rated version. Charley Noble |
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17 Mar 07 - 05:15 PM (#1999709) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Rowan The version I've heard of this song, in Australia, was brought to us by Dave Alexander, a wonderful mountain of a man who's no longer with us. More's the pity. I don't have the words to hand but my recollection of the opening verse is; He was only a lavender cowboy He'd only three hairs on his chest And he rode on a filly Called Daffy Down Dilly The sexiest horse in the West Tra la la The sexiest horse in the West It got to the stage where that verse was used as a chorus but each verse ended with the Tra la la refrain. It also included the verse posted by JimmyC (above) and copied here with appropriate modification. And when they had him surrounded The sheriff stood up and he said I'm coming to get ya - Oh goody I'll let ya The lavender cowboy replied. Tra la la The lavender cowboy replied. Cheers, Rowan |
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18 Mar 07 - 12:19 PM (#2000248) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Anglo I remember Rowan's opening verse as being from the version sung (and presumably rewritten) by Paddy Roberts - several threads on him here at Mudcat - the only difference being "…the 'prettiest' horse on the west," at least as I recall it. |
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19 Mar 07 - 10:03 AM (#2001055) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: bradfordian So just to review, there appears to be 2 versions. The Harold Hersey version (1923)was the original and the Paddy Roberts version refered to by Sorcha (above) presumably a later parody. Very enjoyable! |
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19 Mar 07 - 10:19 AM (#2001073) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: iancarterb The recorded version of Burl Ives reported by Corey is exactly that text minus the last verse. 10" Columbia lp - cl 6144, More Folk Songs by Burl Ives. Carter B |
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19 Mar 07 - 04:40 PM (#2001404) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Rowan Bradfordian, I just checked your link(s) and found that, while very enjoyable, your statement "The Harold Hersey version (1923) was the original and the Paddy Roberts version refered to by Sorcha (above) presumably a later parody", while apparently referring to two versions, is actually referring to only one version, according to Wikipedia. The version I gave the opening to would appear to be different, much later, and a parody of the one associated with Harold Hersey, Paddy Roberts and Burl Ives. Now all we need is the background/author/etc of the parody. The words and melody too. Cheers Rowan |
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08 Aug 07 - 10:23 AM (#2121665) Subject: Actual Hersey version From: Abby Sale It's 30 years since I've listened to my source for singing this, McCurdy, on The Folk Singer, Seeck - LP, 1957 (no texts). I've sung "Perpeside and many hair tonics" but every current web text or other hearing of I've had gives approximately "Red, green, many color hair tonics." I finally have in front of me Singing Rawhide; a book of western ballads, by Harold Hersey (with illustrations by Jerry Delano). Copyright 1923-1926 Ace-High Magazine, etc. Edition copyright (&, I assume printed) 1926. In the illustration, the lavender cowboy stands with his back to the saloon bar, his two guns drawn cross-chest but not threatening. The look on his face is hard to see but I'd say 'whimsical.' He is emulating a painting behind the bar of "Wild Bill Hickup In Action" [sic], his guns similarly cross chest but having shot at least three individuals with each. Hersey was a well-known character & intellectual of the era with many publications, some relating to sex and some to cowboys & some hard comment. The four verses as printed on p. 13 - (not so different from those above) No tune indicated. Scansion would be slightly pushed to fit the usual tune. The Lavender Cowboy He was only a lavender cowboy, The hairs on his chest were two.... He wished to follow the heroes Who fight as the he-men do. Yet he was inwardly troubled By a dream that gave no rest; When he read of heroes in action, He wanted more hair on his chest. Herpiside, many hair tonics Were rubbed in morning and night.... Still, when he looked in the mirror No new hair grew in sight. He battled for "Red Nell's" honor Then cleaned out a hold-up nest, And died with his six-guns smoking.... But only two hairs on his chest. "Newbro's Herpicide Will Do It No woman should have poor, thin, scraggy hair, and no man need become bald. Poor hair and final baldness are due to the dandruff germ. Newbro's Herpicide will destroy this little germ and stop the hair from falling." See http://www.hairraisingstories.com/Products/NEWBRO.html Sadly, Herpicide is long off the market but you can easily buy a product today with the same claims. Just drift on over to http://www.restorationhair.com/rhdev/RF4/ for a '100% guaranteed' product making the identical claims. Oddly, I can't find any actual product name on the website. But I'm sure it will work and not only regrow your hair but make you a hero. |
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08 Aug 07 - 11:15 AM (#2121691) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: artbrooks Seamus Kennedy, back in his youth, recorded the version Sorcha linked to. |
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08 Aug 07 - 12:11 PM (#2121737) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Seamus Kennedy No - Seamus Kennedy didn't record it. Billy Carson did, on an album on which I played backup. I'll post the words we did a little later. Seamus |
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08 Aug 07 - 12:33 PM (#2121762) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Seamus Kennedy Okay, here we go. The Lavender Cowboy Chorus: He was only a Lavender Cowboy; He had only 3 hairs on his chest. And he rode on a filly called Daffydowndilly, The sexiest horse in the West. Every morning they'd ride out together, While others looked on in dismay, For he rounded up cattle while riding sidesaddle, Because he was funny that way. Chorus: He was only a Lavender Cowboy, The other cowpokes used to tease, So he went on a bender and shot a bartender Because he said "Smile sweetie, please!" (Sung with a lisp) Chorus: They sent out a posse to get him, To bring him back dead or alive, And they knew as they went they were hot on his scent, By the smell of Chanel Number 5. Chorus: When they finally had him surrounded, The sheriff stepped forward and said "I'm coming to get ya" - "Oh goody! I'll let ya." The Lavender Cowboy he said. Chorus: The sheriff he went for his six-gun, He took aim and he could not miss, But our hero was quicker and quick as a flicker, He blew the brave sheriff.............a kiss! Chorus: |
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08 Aug 07 - 12:34 PM (#2121764) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: artbrooks Oops...sorry |
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08 Aug 07 - 02:43 PM (#2121879) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Cluin A band I joined said they used to do this song (with the lyrics Seamus posted above) but that they stopped after someone complained that it was offensive. Shrugs all around. |
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08 Aug 07 - 02:47 PM (#2121884) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Cluin Oh, and I remember they told me their version included the "Tra la la"s. They sang it for me once. |
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08 Aug 07 - 04:16 PM (#2121968) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: kendall I got this one from Buryl Ives and I recorded it just as he sang it. |
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08 Aug 07 - 05:24 PM (#2122022) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Seamus Kennedy No problem, Art. Guilty by association. The tune Billy Carson used was 'Botany Bay'. Nobody got upset back in the early '70's, but you'd be taking a chance doing it nowaays. Seamus |
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08 Aug 07 - 06:35 PM (#2122075) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: Rowan Thanks, people. The words posted by Seamus (with added tra la las) are as I recall them in Oz as introduced (I think, but certainly performed widely) by Dave Alexander in the late 70s early 80s. Cheers, Rowan |
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16 Jun 10 - 01:40 PM (#2929213) Subject: RE: Lyr Req: the lavender cowboy From: GUEST The version I grew up to was very similiar to the one posted by Seamus with a few minor changes and an additional final verse: The Lavender Cowboy Chorus: He was only a Lavender Cowboy; Only 3 hairs on his chest. And he rode on a filly called Daffodil-dilly, The sexiest horse in the West. (Bar-Um) Each morning they rode out together, To all the other cowboys' dismay, And he rounded up cattle while riding sidesaddle, Because he was funny that way. Chorus: He was only a Lavender Cowboy, All the other cowboys would grin, 'Til he went on a bender and shot the bartender And stole all the Strawberry Gin Chorus: So the posse they rode out to get him, To bring him back dead or alive, And they knew as they went they were hot on his scent, By the smell of Chanel Number 5. Chorus: Well the posse, they had him surrounded, When the sheriff stepped forward and cried (Next 2 lines spoken with a break in the music). "Come on out or we're 'a comin' to get ya" - "Lovely, I'll be waitin'" (Spoken with a lisp). (Music restarts). The Lavender Cowboy replied. Chorus: The sheriff he went for his six-gun, He took aim and he could not miss, But our hero was quicker and quick as a flicker, He blew the brave sheriff.............a kiss! Chorus: So they shot The Lavender Cowboy And they laid his poor body to rest. They said, "You're better off now b'y, You can't be a cowboy With only 3 hairs on your chest." Chorus: |