In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.
In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.
Stack & Billy
Fats Domino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It was Stacker Lee and Billy, arguing in the dark
Stacker Lee told Billy, "You killed my best friend Jack"
If you want to go on living, don't be here when I get back
Billy asked Stacker Lee not to take his life
He got three little children and a poor little helpless wife
Stacker Lee told Billy "I'll let you go with that
I was standing on a corner, I thought I heard a bulldog bark
Stacker Lee and Billy was arguing in the dark
Stacker Lee told Billy, "You killed my best friend Jack"
If you want to go on living, don't be here when I get back
Billy asked Stacker Lee not to take his life
He got three little children and a poor little helpless wife
Stacker Lee told Billy "I'll let you go with that
But if you want to go on living give me my Stetson hat"
Fats Domino's song Stack & Billy revolves around the tale of two men, Stacker Lee and Billy, who are arguing in the dark. The argument seems to stem from an alleged murder. Stacker Lee accuses Billy of killing his best friend Jack, and threatens to take his life if he's still there when he gets back. Billy pleads for mercy, stating that he has three little children and a helpless wife. Stacker Lee relents but demands that Billy return his money and his new Stetson hat. The song repeats these lyrics, emphasizing the tension and drama of the scene.
The song is a retelling of the famous folk tale of Stagger Lee, also known as Stack O' Lee, Stagolee, or Stack-a-Lee, which has been adapted in many forms by different artists. The tale originated in the late 19th century and has since become a popular story in multiple music genres, including blues, rock, and hip hop. The story usually revolves around two gamblers, Stagger Lee and Billy, who get into an argument that eventually leads to a violent confrontation. The tale has been interpreted in many ways, and some believe it contains references to slavery, racism, and other social issues.
Line by Line Meaning
I was standing on a corner, I thought I heard a bulldog bark
Fats Domino was in the vicinity and heard a loud noise
It was Stacker Lee and Billy, arguing in the dark
There were two men named Stacker Lee and Billy having a heated argument in the dark
Stacker Lee told Billy, 'You killed my best friend Jack'
Stacker Lee accused Billy of murdering his best friend Jack
If you want to go on living, don't be here when I get back
Stacker Lee threatened Billy's life if he remained where he was
Billy asked Stacker Lee not to take his life
Billy pleaded with Stacker Lee not to kill him
He got three little children and a poor little helpless wife
Billy mentioned his family as a reason to spare his life
Stacker Lee told Billy 'I'll let you go with that
Stacker Lee agreed not to kill Billy on the condition that he returned some of his possessions
But give me back my money and my brand new Stetson hat'
Stacker Lee demanded the return of his money and recently purchased hat
But if you want to go on living give me my Stetson hat
Stacker Lee reiterated that he wanted his hat returned in order for Billy to stay alive
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVE BARTHOLOMEW, ANTOINE DOMINO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
1lenny
I've been looking for this song by Fats for a long time. Thanks a million for posting it :-)