Camptown Races
Chanticleer Lyrics


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Well, I came down there with my hat caved in
Oh I'll go back home with my pocket full of tin oh doo-dah day
Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.

Well, the Camptown ladies sing this song doodah doodah
Ah the Camptown race track's five miles long oh doo-dah day
Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.





Overall Meaning

In Chanticleer's song "Camptown Races," the lyrics describe the singer's experience at a horse race. The first verse depicts the singer arriving at the race with a "hat caved in," likely indicating that he has spent all his money on betting. However, he is optimistic about winning and confidently states that he will return home with "pocket full of tin." The second and third lines of the verse establish the rhythm and mood of the song with the repetitive refrain "doo-dah day." The second verse introduces the "Camptown ladies" who sing a song about the race track and its length of "five miles long," also with the "doo-dah day" refrain. The chorus repeats the lines that the singer bets on the "bobtail nag" and calls for others to place bets on the "bay."


The song's lyrics emphasize the excitement and joy of the horse race experience. The repetition of the "doo-dah day" refrain throughout the song creates a simple and infectious melody that is easy to sing along to. The singer's optimism and confidence to bet on the "bobtail nag" creates a sense of camaraderie among the bettors, inviting others to join in on the fun. The song's repetitive structure and catchy melody have made it a popular and enduring American folk song.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I came down there with my hat caved in
I arrived at Camptown in a state of defeat, with my head hung low


Oh I'll go back home with my pocket full of tin oh doo-dah day
But I will leave Camptown with my pockets full of winnings, feeling victorious


Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
The race is going to last all day and all night, with non-stop action


I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.
I am confident in my choice of the bobtail nag and am placing my bet, while someone else is placing their bet on the bay


Well, the Camptown ladies sing this song doodah doodah
The women of Camptown are celebrating the race and singing along to this song


Ah the Camptown race track's five miles long oh doo-dah day
The Camptown race track is a long five miles, but the participants are ready to tackle the challenge with enthusiasm




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEPHEN FOSTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Ryan Austin


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