The Dave Brubeck Quartet was an American modern jazz group formed in San Fr… Read Full Bio ↴The Dave Brubeck Quartet was an American modern jazz group formed in San Francisco in 1951 by jazz pianist Dave Brubeck (1920-2012). In what became known as the band's classic line-up, the band featured Joe Morello (1928–2011) on drums, Eugene Wright (1923-2020) on bass, and Paul Desmond (1924-1977) on saxophone. The band remains best-known for their use of odd time signatures, and were a premier group in the cool jazz movement. They produced several standards, including Take Five and Blue Rondo à la Turk.

Throughout the years, and changing line-ups, the group maintained a strong fan-base among jazz fans of all ages.

Camptown Races
The Dave Brubeck Quartet Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

The Dave Brubeck Quartet's rendition of "Camptown Races" is a jazz-infused version of the well-known folk song. The song tells the story of a man who goes to the Camptown races with very little money, but bets it all on the "bobtail nag" horse. The tune is lively and upbeat, fitting the theme of the race, which is a popular American pastime. The use of the word "doo-dah" also adds to the playful and light-hearted tone of the song.

Line by Line Meaning

Well, I came down there with my hat caved in
I arrived with a beaten and discouraged mindset

Oh I'll go back home with my pocket full of tin oh doo-dah day
I'll return home with a wealth of fortune and happiness

Goin' to run all night, goin' to run all day
I'll be exerting myself constantly for the race

I'll bet my money on the bobtail nag, somebody bet on the bay.
I am confident in my decision to bet on the underdog horse, while someone else has bet on the favorite

Well, the Camptown ladies sing this song doodah doodah
The women of Camptown are joyfully singing this tune

Ah the Camptown race track's five miles long oh doo-dah day
The distance of the race track is long, but we'll stay cheerful throughout the journey

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAT IRWIN, STEVEN FOSTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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