In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
New Mule Skinner Blues
Bill Monroe Lyrics
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Do you need another mule skinner
With a blacksnake whip to toss
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee
Lord, I been workin' hard
And I feel so bad!
And I want to keep her glad
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee
I'm an ol' mule skinner, down Kentucky way
I can make any mule listen
Or I won't accept your pay
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee ee
The lyrics to Bill Monroe's song Mule Skinner Blues are about a man who is already feeling exhausted from his hard work and is asking his foreman and boss if they need another mule skinner with a blacksnake whip. The man identifies himself as an ‘ol' mule skinner down Kentucky way,’ confident in his skills to make any mule listen or he won’t accept the pay. After a series of yodels, he mentions that he has a good woman and wants to keep her happy.
These lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, but one possible reading is that the man is stuck in a physically demanding job and longs for a break. He recognizes the skill and discipline required to work with mules, and he is proud of his proficiency in this job. However, he is also aware of the toll it takes on his body and his relationship with his partner, which he values highly. He is asking for a way to balance his work and his personal life similar to how he balances the mule's obedience while on the job.
Line by Line Meaning
Good mornin' foreman, good mornin' boss
The mule skinner is greeting his employers, showing enthusiasm for the day's work ahead.
Do you need another mule skinner
The mule skinner is eager for work and hoping to be hired for a job.
With a blacksnake whip to toss
The mule skinner is confident in his abilities to control and guide the mules, using only his whip but without causing harm.
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee
The mule skinner adds a musical touch to express his joy and love of his work.
Lord, I been workin' hard
The mule skinner acknowledges the difficulty of his work and how much effort he has put in.
And I feel so bad!
Although the mule skinner is physically tired, he still wants to continue working and is passionate about it.
I've got a good woman
The mule skinner has a loving partner who supports and encourages him in his work.
And I want to keep her glad
The mule skinner is motivated to work hard in order to provide for and please his partner.
I'm an ol' mule skinner, down Kentucky way
The mule skinner identifies himself as an experienced worker with a specific geographic location.
I can make any mule listen
The mule skinner is confident in his ability to train and communicate with the mules in order to complete the job efficiently.
Or I won't accept your pay
The mule skinner values his own expertise and skill and will only accept payment if he is allowed to do the job properly.
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee ee
The mule skinner repeats his joyful expression and love for his work.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Jimmie Rodgers, George Vaughn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind