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.
White House Blues
Bill Monroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doc said, "McKinley I can't find the cause
You're bound to die, you're bound to die"
Doc told the horse, he'd throw down his rein
He said to the horse, "You gotta outrun the train
From Buffalo to Washington"
He said, "Mr McKinley better cash in your checks
You've bound to die, you're bound to die"
Look here, you rascal, you see what you've done
You shot my husband and I've got your gun
I'm carrying you back, to Washington
Roosevelt's in the White House, he's doing his best
McKinley's in the graveyard, he's taking his rest
He's gone, for a long time
The song "White House Blues" by Bill Monroe is a poignant and thought-provoking composition that tells the story of the assassination of former US President William McKinley. The lyrics are emotional and raw, providing a powerful account of the events leading up to McKinley's death, as well as the aftermath of the tragedy.
The opening lines set the stage for the rest of the song, with McKinley "hollering" and "squaling" with no clear cause of his illness. The attending physician is unable to find the cause of McKinley's symptoms and pronounces that he is "bound to die". The song then takes a dramatic turn as McKinley's wife confronts the assassin, informing him that she has his gun and will be taking him to Washington for punishment.
The final verse of the song is particularly moving, as it speaks to the legacy of McKinley's presidency and the impact his death had on the nation. We see President Theodore Roosevelt doing his best to lead the country, while McKinley is "taking his rest" in the graveyard. This verse provides a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting consequences of our actions.
Overall, "White House Blues" is a remarkable composition that uses vivid imagery and strong emotion to paint a picture of a historical event that continues to resonate with people today.
Line by Line Meaning
McKinley hollered, McKinley squalled
McKinley cried out in pain and distress
Doc said, "McKinley I can't find the cause
The doctor said he couldn't determine the source of McKinley's ailment
You're bound to die, you're bound to die"
The doctor predicted that McKinley would not recover from his illness
Doc told the horse, he'd throw down his rein
The doctor instructed his horse to keep running without him
He said to the horse, "You gotta outrun the train
The doctor urged the horse to run as quickly as possible
From Buffalo to Washington"
The doctor had to travel a long distance to reach the nation's capital
The Doc came a-running, he took off his specs
The doctor arrived in a hurry and removed his glasses
He said, "Mr McKinley better cash in your checks
The doctor warned McKinley that his time was running out
You've bound to die, you're bound to die"
The doctor repeated his prediction that McKinley would not recover
Look here, you rascal, you see what you've done
The victim's spouse blamed the killer for the tragedy
You shot my husband and I've got your gun
The victim's spouse had obtained the killer's weapon
I'm carrying you back, to Washington
The killer would be taken to the nation's capital to face justice
Roosevelt's in the White House, he's doing his best
The new president was doing his utmost to govern the country
McKinley's in the graveyard, he's taking his rest
The deceased president had been laid to rest
He's gone, for a long time
The president was dead and could never return
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bill Monroe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ron-vq3zl
Sure is/was smokin!! Rudy Lyle really had a HECK OF A RIGHT HAND!! Had a heck of a left hand too, by the sound of it!! 😊
Too bad that the Gibson company destroyed the tone of that banjo, a year or two after this recording was made!
According to various books I've read, & video interviews I've watched, with fellow Bluegrass artists who knew him; Rudy sent his Banjo to Gibson, to have a new Head installed, & I think fret work, or something as well, and that was ALL that Rudy had requested!!
For whatever reason though, Gibson, (WITHOUT Rudy's PERMISSION), refinished his Banjo, plus; inexplicably drilled extra holes, in the banjo's Tone Ring, forever changing the banjo's "voice!!"
It's been written that Rudy was gravely disappointed, and nearly distraught, over the BADLY ALTERED sound of this banjo!
This, coupled with the fact, that after returning from his military stint, Rudy felt that he couldn't play as well anymore, greatly diminished his desire to want to play his Banjo anymore AT ALL!!
WHAT A SHAME, FOR ALL OF US, who REALLY LIKED his work, on recordings like this one!!
Rudy Lyle went on to play Electric Guitar, (I think), in the bands of few Country Stars of the 1950's & '60's & then, basically retired from the music business.
Rudy Lyle passed away, in 1985.
@randyfox7000
By far the most expressive mandolin player of all time
@richardbain8746
All time classic Bill Monroe!
@hughyager701
this is my favorite version of this tune by far, not even close. Jimmy Martin , Rudy Lyle & Monroe were really in their prime on this cut.
@Lamvesp
It's taken me twelve years to find this. Thanks for posting it.
@alan4sure
Shoulda used the search feature😄
@stevesizemore6274
One of his best.
@kc8923
Nobody should be allowed to play that fast! 😂
@HouseOfThe8Strings
Maybe the best mandolin solos of all time in this song.
@woolywoodrep
love it
@thendrjazz
Great version of a Charlie Poole tune.