More memories popped up

This morning on my walk, I was listening to Zydeco music on Pandora. This song came up that they were singing in Cajun French, so I didn't understand the words, but the tune brought back a flush of memories. The tune was "The Bully of the Town". I can't tell you how many times I heard that song while growing up. If it wasn't at the square dances we attended with mom and dad where dad often was the "caller", it was mom singing it. My guess is that very few people who might happen to read this have ever heard the song or have any idea of what I'm talking about, so of course, here is your education for this session. I'm writing this in my blog, but will also try to copy it to Facebook for a wider audience. For those who do know the song, enjoy the memories. The first link I'm posting is Jerry Reed from "Jerry Reed rides again".  Hard to beat Jerry Reed (in my opinion). The second is some guy singing it. Not very "professional", and he forgets some words, but it's a start. Actually the link "Guitar only" has some words. I wonder how many versions of the lyrics there are out there. Then I'll add some instrumental versions.   The only response I would really like is to get a recording of my sister singing this song while accompanying herself on mom's accordion. Enjoy.

Jerry Reed Bully of the town 

Bully of the town sung.

I forgot to mention that in this version (above) there is a "washtub bass" which is a one string "stand up" bass made of a washtub turned upside down, a fork or shovel handle tied together with a heavy string (preferably a real "bull fiddle" string) The guy (called Jerry) on the left with the Hopalong Cassidy cowboy hat is playing it. We have one of these in our basement that my dad made years ago to be played along with our many impromptu "jam sessions around the piano. Our boys used to play this when they weren't tall enough to reach the top. 

Bully of the town Don Norman

Bully of the town Guitar only

Bully of the town Goins Brothers

And here's one more site with a set of lyrics. Could preach a sermon on these alone.
Bully of the town lyrics

OK, that's enough, you get the idea. If you can remember dancing to this tune, let me know.... 

If you still do dance to this song, I would love to hear about that also.


And then another memory old song popped up the next morning.
More old song memories.
Another one of the songs that mom used to sing as well as was played at square dances, usually at the "round dance interludes" Was: "There is a tavern in the town"... SO here are a couple of sites including a version of the song being sung by Rudy Vallee.
MMM have I lost all those under 70???? 
Rudy Vallee singing Tavern in the town (laughing version)
Info on the song Tavern in the town
Sheet music Tavern in the town