Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
Colonel Buffalo Bill
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who pleases ev'ry woman, man and child?
Who does his best to give the customers a thrill?
-Who?
Colonel Buff'lo Bill
Who's got the show that gets the most applause?
Five hundred Indians and fifty squaws
-Who?
Colonel Buff'lo Bill
Did you ever see a cowboy rope a steer?
-No, we haven't
Or an Indian with feathers throw a spear?
-No, we haven't
Or a marksman shoot an earring from an ear?
-No, we haven't
Did you ever see a hold up?
-No, sir
Then gather closer
And let me give you some of the atmosphere
The hour is midnight and all is still
We see the stagecoach climbing up a hill
Going along a mountain trail carrying passengers and mail
Never suspecting danger as they roll along
The watchful driver is in his seat
His trusty rifle lying at his feet
Some of the passengers inside seem to be dozing as they ride
Never suspecting there is something really wrong
Suddenly there's a shout
-What is it all about?
What is it all about you ask? It's Indians
-Indians!
Indians
-Indians!
Very notable, cut your throat-able Indians
-Indians!
Just when they've taken ev'ryone by force
Who makes an entrance on a big white horse?
Who starts a' shootin' till there's no one left to kill
-Gen'ral Grant?
No! Colonel Buff'lo Bill!
-Certainly this is quite a thrill, better than all the vaudeville
-Let us be on the go and see the show with Buff'lo Bill
The song "Colonel Buffalo Bill" by Irving Berlin is a joyful tribute to William F. Cody, the real-life hero of the American West. The song's opening lines ask the listener, "Who's got the stuff that made the Wild West wild? Who pleases every woman, man, and child?" and the answer comes in the form of Colonel Buffalo Bill. The song praises Cody for his captivating Wild West show, which included "Five hundred Indians and fifty squaws, ten feature acts, and a special feature still." Cody's show, which ran from 1883 to 1913, was a staple of American entertainment and helped to shape the public's imagination of the Wild West.
The song also includes a narrative section where the listener is transported to a dramatic hold-up on a stagecoach. The lyrics ask, "Did you ever see a cowboy rope a steer? Or an Indian with feathers throw a spear? Or a marksman shoot an earring from an ear?" After these questions, the song sets the scene of a stagecoach traveling through the mountains until it is ambushed by a group of Native American attackers. The lyrics describe the chaos of the scene, with some passengers dozing off, unaware of the danger. However, Cody himself arrives on the scene, riding a big white horse and saving the day.
Overall, "Colonel Buffalo Bill" is a tribute to a man who was larger than life and helped to shape popular culture in the United States. By describing his Wild West show and the daring adventures he undertook, the song celebrates the mythology of the American West and the figures who loom large in that mythology.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's got the stuff that made the Wild West wild?
Who was responsible for making the Wild West legendary for its adventurous nature?
Who pleases ev'ry woman, man and child?
Who is loved by everyone regardless of their age or gender?
Who does his best to give the customers a thrill?
Who works tirelessly to provide exciting experiences for his audience?
Who?
The answer is Colonel Buffalo Bill
Who's got the show that gets the most applause?
Who is responsible for putting up the most popular show that receives the loudest ovation?
Five hundred Indians and fifty squaws
The show consists of 500 male indigenous persons and 50 indigenous females
Ten feature acts and there's the special feature still
Apart from the ten main attractions, there is one particular highlight that will leave a lasting impression on the audience
Did you ever see a cowboy rope a steer?
Have you ever witnessed a cowboy capture a steer with a lasso?
-No, we haven't
The audience hasn't witnessed that event
Or an Indian with feathers throw a spear?
Or an indigenous person hurling a spear while wearing feathers?
-No, we haven't
The audience hasn't witnessed that event
Or a marksman shoot an earring from an ear?
Or a master shooter hitting an earring on an ear with a bullet?
-No, we haven't
The audience hasn't witnessed that event
Did you ever see a hold up?
Have you ever witnessed a robbery in progress?
-No, sir
The audience hasn't witnessed that event
Then gather closer
Now, pay attention and listen attentively
And let me give you some of the atmosphere
Allow me to describe the setting and create the right mood
The hour is midnight and all is still
It is 12 o'clock at night, and everything is quiet
We see the stagecoach climbing up a hill
The audience can visualize a carriage moving uphill
Going along a mountain trail carrying passengers and mail
The carriage is traveling on a road that runs through the mountains while carrying passengers and letters
Never suspecting danger as they roll along
At this point, the characters are unaware of any threat to their safety
The watchful driver is in his seat
The coach operator is alert and attentive to his duties
His trusty rifle lying at his feet
His weapon is within reach, resting on the floorboard
Some of the passengers inside seem to be dozing as they ride
Some of the travelers are sleeping during their journey
Never suspecting there is something really wrong
The passengers have no inclination that they are in grave danger
Suddenly there's a shout
All of a sudden, someone screams
-What is it all about?
The passengers and crew are puzzled and asking about the commotion
What is it all about you ask? It's Indians
The cause of the disturbance is indigenous persons
-Indians!
A confirmation of the indigenous persons' involvement
Indians
An admission or declaration that the natives have caused the uproar
-Indians!
A repetition to emphasize their presence
Very notable, cut your throat-able Indians
A play on words, Indians with a reputation for being deadly
-Indians!
An expression of alarm and dismay
Just when they've taken everyone by force
Once the indigenous persons have captured everyone against their will
Who makes an entrance on a big white horse?
Who arrives riding a large white stallion?
Who starts a' shootin' till there's no one left to kill
And starts firing with intent to neutralize the situation until everyone is free from harm
-Gen'ral Grant?
A playful suggestion that the famous General Grant was responsible for rescuing everyone
No! Colonel Buff'lo Bill!
The real and rightful hero who saved the day was Colonel Buffalo Bill
-Certainly this is quite a thrill, better than all the vaudeville
Indeed, the excitement and thrills experienced during the incident were more breathtaking than ordinary live entertainment
-Let us be on the go and see the show with Buff'lo Bill
Therefore, let us go and watch the show with Colonel Buffalo Bill
Writer(s): Irving Berlin
Contributed by Scarlett L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
tejash123
One of the really inspiring songs, wish there was the original video and the song from the movie.
Mardigus Madmardigan
The clean version.
Wellch
We did that version musical in High School.
pONgmasTER phong
this is like A captain America song, that's not about captain America.
Ella Fried
The lyrics in the description are all messed up