I’m surprised I didn’t wear out this record!

This is such a fun, strange song.  I used to play it a lot when I was a kid.  I couldn’t figure out a lot of the lyrics so I think I just made them up phonetically.  There are words, but also lots of yodeling and some impressions of farm animals.  I really had no idea what “Mule Skinner Blues” was about, but I loved it just the same.

Doing a little research on it as I prepared to write this blog I discovered that “Mule Skinner Blues” has been recorded many times, originally by country singer Jimmie Rodgers (who wrote it) in 1930.  His version tells the tale of a mule skinner looking for work, bragging to the captain about his skills. 

Good mornin’, Captain

Good mornin’, son

Do you need another mule skinner

On your new mud line?…