Ragtime Cowboy Joe
Jo Stafford Lyrics
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As he swings back and forward in the saddle
On a horse that is syncopated, gaited
And there's such a funny meter to the roar of his repeater
How they run when they hear that fellow's gun
Because the Western folks all know
He's a highfaluting, scooting, shooting son-of-a-gun from Arizona
Fit as a fiddle and ready for love
As he swings back and forward in the saddle
On a horse that is syncopated, gaited
And there's such a funny meter to the roar of his repeater
How they run when they hear that fellow's gun
Because the Western folks all know
He's a highfaluting, scooting, shooting son-of-a-gun from Arizona
Fit as a fiddle and ready for love
The lyrics to Jo Stafford's song Ragtime Cowboy Joe describe a unique and charming cowboy who always sings "raggy" music to his cattle. As he rides back and forth on his syncopated, gaited horse, his repeating gun makes a funny sound that causes the cattle to scatter in fear. But the Western folks know that this cowboy is not to be feared - he's a highfaluting, scooting, shooting son-of-a-gun from Arizona who is always ready for love.
The song speaks to the western cowboy culture of the 1930s and 40s, a time when the myth and romance of the American West still captivated people's imaginations. Jo Stafford's playful lyrics imbue the cowboy with a sense of humor and fun that makes him irresistible. The use of the phrase "fit as a fiddle" also reflects the physical prowess and strength associated with the cowboys of the era.
Overall, the song is a fun and lighthearted celebration of cowboy culture, with a nod to the infectious rhythm and melody of ragtime music.
Line by Line Meaning
He always sings raggy music to the cattle
He sings music with a syncopated, upbeat rhythm to entertain the cattle.
As he swings back and forward in the saddle
While riding on horseback, he swings rhythmically to match the music.
On a horse that is syncopated, gaited
The horse has a unique, rhythmic gait that matches the music.
And there's such a funny meter to the roar of his repeater
The sound of his gun is rhythmic and adds to the overall musicality of the scene.
How they run when they hear that fellow's gun
The cattle are scared and run away when they hear the sound of his gun.
Because the Western folks all know
Everyone in the West is familiar with him and his reputation.
He's a highfaluting, scooting, shooting son-of-a-gun from Arizona
He comes from Arizona and is known for his fancy demeanor, fast movements, and skill with a gun.
Fit as a fiddle and ready for love
He's in good physical shape and ready for any task, including romance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GRANT CLARKE, MAURICE ABRAHAMS, LEWIS MUIR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind