The Songs He Sang
Stagolee: Lyrics
As performed by Cisco Houston
Traditional
Appears on:Well, I remember one September, On one Friday night, Stagolee an' Billy Lyon Had a great fight. Cryin', when you lose your money, learn to lose. Ol' Billy Lyon shot six bits, Stagolee bet he'd pass, Stagolee out with his forty—five, sayin' "You done shot your last." When you lose your money, learn to lose. Well, a woman come a-runnin', Fell down on her knees, Cryin' 'Oh Mr. Stagolee, Don't shoot my brother, please.' When you lose your money, learn to lose. It was way down in the gamblin' hall Fightin' on the floor, Old Stagolee pulled the trigger Of that smokin' forty-four When you lose your money, learn to lose. Well, you talkin' 'bout some gamblers, You oughta seen Richard Lee, He bet one thousand dollars, Then he come out on a three. Cryin', when you lose your money, learn to lose. Old Billy Lyon said to Stagolee "Please don't take my life I got two little babes And a darlin' lovin' wife." When you lose your money, learn to lose. "Now, what I care 'bout your two little babes And your darlin lovin wife? Boy, you done took my Stetson hat And I'm bound to take your life. When you lose your money, learn to lose. Gentlemen of the jury What you think about that? Ol' Stagolee killed Billy Lyon About a five dollar Stetson hat. When you lose your money, learn to lose. Well, the judge said "Mr. Stagolee, Mr. Stagolee I'm gonna lock your body up And set your spirit free." When you lose your money, learn to lose.
Of note:
Certainly among the most recorded songs, though since versions vary so much it is hard to call them the same song. See: Here for a thorough discussion of the variations.
Cisco's version is wonderfully sung, with a small but tasty guitar solo buried in the middle. A favorite vocal of mine. He just captures the pathos and violence wonderfully, with the "If you play, be prepared to pay" refrain that I've not heard elsewhere. (Though I sure haven't listened to all the versions listed on the above link.)
See a long and fascinating review, with a good word about Cisco, Here.
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