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 Muleskinner Blues
Bill Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 & The Bluegrass Boys' song "New Mule Skinner Blues" describe the perspective of a mule skinner, or a person responsible for driving mules that pull carts and plows in agricultural settings. The singer is addressing their foreman and boss, asking if they need another mule skinner with a blacksnake whip to control the unruly animals. Throughout the song, the singer asserts their skill and experience as a mule skinner, boasting of their ability to make any mule listen and refusing to accept pay if they fail to do so. They also mention their desire to keep their good woman happy, indicating that their work and trade is vital to their personal and financial stability.
The song highlights the role and importance of mule skinners in rural agriculture, as well as their expertise in controlling mules with a whip. It also touches on the themes of pride in one's work and familial responsibility, as evidenced by the singer's desire to keep their woman happy. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a hard-working, skilled individual who takes pride in their trade and values their relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Good mornin' foreman, good mornin' boss
Greetings to the person in charge of the work and his supervisor
Do you need another mule skinner
With a blacksnake whip to toss
Are you in need of an experienced worker who can control a mule with a whip?
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee
An expression used to add musicality and rhythm to the song
Lord, I been workin' hard
And I feel so bad!
I have been working tirelessly and it has taken a toll on my health
I've got a good woman
And I want to keep her glad
I have a loving partner and I strive to keep her happy and satisfied
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee
An expression used to add musicality and rhythm to the song
I'm an ol' mule skinner, down Kentucky way
I can make any mule listen
Or I won't accept your pay
I am an experienced mule handler from Kentucky, who can make any mule obey me; otherwise, I wouldn't take payment
Yodel lay, ee ee, ay ee ee ee
An expression used to add musicality and rhythm to the song
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: WOODY GUTHRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shodanart
Unmatched hillbilly voice of Bill Monroe! Incredible discipline he demanded on stage of his musicians! Precise, impeccably dressed and professional!
@barrycook6603
This could well be the greatest Bluegrass performance ever recorded. Bill Monroe and Kenny Baker at the top of thier game!
@smonk4473
I would have loved to be one of those eight people who were there to applaud for them.
@ldaick2358
Also written by the most talented woman to ever live?✌️❤️
@susanblack7782
Yes.
@jertzie
Would give anything to be in that audience!
@sirduff7802
Couldn't agree more. My favorite as well
@mollyhickerson1546
I grew up listening to this and I will die listening to this!!!! Greatest music ever made.
@prof5string
Kenny Baker's playing on this tune is the epitome of bluegrass fiddling. He was the greatest.
@jimwoolley53
prof5string will always be damn straight ,no one today is anywhere near is talent or ability hands down!!!!!