Willis Alan Ramsey — Ballad of Spider John
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Spider John is my name friends.
I'm in between freights and I sure would be obliged
If I could share your company.
I'm on my way to nowhere,
Been running from my past;
Running from the things I used to be.
Now, I know my words sound strange to you,
But, if you wait 'til the song is sung and the story's told
You might come to understand.
Why I'm old and bent and devil sent,
Runnin' out of time;
When I long ago held a royal flush in my hand.
Chorus:
Oh, I was a supermarket fool.
I was a motorbank stool pigeon,
Robbing my hometown.
Thought I'd lost my blues,
Yes, I thought I'd paid my dues.
I thought I'd found the life to suit my style.
And ol' Spider John,
The robber man,
Long, tall and handsome.
Yes, ol' Spider John with a loaded hand,
Taking ransom.
Then one day I met Diamond Lil.
She was the sweetest thing, I declare,
That the summer wind had ever blown my way.
But Lil, she had no idea my illustrious occupation.
She thought I was a saint, not a sinner gone astray.
Spider, he loved his Lily so much
He could not confess his sins,
For he knew if he did, the lady would surely take her leave.
But you know that the word got around and Lily left town
And he never saw her again.
Tossin' and turnin', causin' his heart to grieve.
Chorus:
Oh, I was a supermarket fool.
I was a motorbank stool pigeon,
Robbing my hometown.
I thought I'd lost my blues,
Yes, I thought I'd paid my dues.
I thought I'd found the life to suit my style.
And ol' Spider John,
The robber man,
Long, tall and handsome.
Yes, ol' Spider John with a loaded hand,
Taking ransom.
That is all my story.
Been these thirty years since I took to the road
To find my precious jeweled one.
If you see my Lily, won't you give her my regards.
Tell her ol' Spider got tangled
In the black web that he spun.
You can tell her that Spider got tangled
In the black web that he spun.
I'm in between freights and I sure would be obliged
If I could share your company.
I'm on my way to nowhere,
Been running from my past;
Running from the things I used to be.
Now, I know my words sound strange to you,
But, if you wait 'til the song is sung and the story's told
You might come to understand.
Why I'm old and bent and devil sent,
Runnin' out of time;
When I long ago held a royal flush in my hand.
Chorus:
Oh, I was a supermarket fool.
I was a motorbank stool pigeon,
Robbing my hometown.
Thought I'd lost my blues,
Yes, I thought I'd paid my dues.
I thought I'd found the life to suit my style.
And ol' Spider John,
The robber man,
Long, tall and handsome.
Yes, ol' Spider John with a loaded hand,
Taking ransom.
Then one day I met Diamond Lil.
She was the sweetest thing, I declare,
That the summer wind had ever blown my way.
But Lil, she had no idea my illustrious occupation.
She thought I was a saint, not a sinner gone astray.
Spider, he loved his Lily so much
He could not confess his sins,
For he knew if he did, the lady would surely take her leave.
But you know that the word got around and Lily left town
And he never saw her again.
Tossin' and turnin', causin' his heart to grieve.
Chorus:
Oh, I was a supermarket fool.
I was a motorbank stool pigeon,
Robbing my hometown.
I thought I'd lost my blues,
Yes, I thought I'd paid my dues.
I thought I'd found the life to suit my style.
And ol' Spider John,
The robber man,
Long, tall and handsome.
Yes, ol' Spider John with a loaded hand,
Taking ransom.
That is all my story.
Been these thirty years since I took to the road
To find my precious jeweled one.
If you see my Lily, won't you give her my regards.
Tell her ol' Spider got tangled
In the black web that he spun.
You can tell her that Spider got tangled
In the black web that he spun.
Comments (131)add comment
FamilyMan wrote:
Seems like it was a popular singing style in the early 1970s, but this was released before Springsteen's first album was.
Seems that Mr. Ramsey, here, may be an accomplished graduate of the Bruce Springsteen Academy of Lyric Enunciation. Graduated with honors.
Seems like it was a popular singing style in the early 1970s, but this was released before Springsteen's first album was.
memoryboxer wrote:
My first thought on hearing this "Bernie Taupin write this?".
It hangs together better, as a story, than a lot of BT's work. If this was a painting, it would be a realistic portrait. Bernie's writing tends closer to Cubism - and that's not a bad thing either.
c.
My first thought on hearing this "Bernie Taupin write this?".
c.
Windspirit wrote:
Have since moved back to Michigan...and it is a gray morning with snow flurries...but sill a favorite groove that makes me smile this morning :-)
Nice groove on this beautiful Colorado morning... :-)
And Willis lives just down the road and performs every now and again....
https://www.willisalanramsey.com
Thanks Bill!
Have since moved back to Michigan...and it is a gray morning with snow flurries...but sill a favorite groove that makes me smile this morning :-)
The first time I heard this song was on one Jimmy Buffett's early albums. Great to hear it from WAR
Seems that Mr. Ramsey, here, may be an accomplished graduate of the Bruce Springsteen Academy of Lyric Enunciation. Graduated with honors.
A song that paints a picture.
A portrait which anyone with any regrets, and you live long enough who doesn't have those (?), can understand in a heartbeat.
And curse for so heavily reminding you of things you'd just as not like to forget.
So it goes.
Highlow
American Net'Zen
Wonderful! Thank you!
I love how the Wiki page can take you on an artist's odyssey, and spins off into other epic musicians. W.A.R. has performed with, and been covered by, legendary musicians. Especially like the nod to Champ Hood and Uncle Walt's Band.
I saw the last remaining member of UWB, David Ball, a couple years ago. Warren Hood (Champ's son) and Taylor Hyatt (Walt's son) backed him, along with some guy named Lloyd Maines (Natalie's dad). They put on one of the tightest performances I've ever seen - those guys were just flawless.
I'd love to hear some Uncle Walt's Band on RP...
c.
I saw the last remaining member of UWB, David Ball, a couple years ago. Warren Hood (Champ's son) and Taylor Hyatt (Walt's son) backed him, along with some guy named Lloyd Maines (Natalie's dad). They put on one of the tightest performances I've ever seen - those guys were just flawless.
I'd love to hear some Uncle Walt's Band on RP...
c.
I thought this was Jimmy Buffet's tune. He did it justice, though. But have to say I am enjoying the original. Once again, Bill, thanks for reintroducing me to old songs I thought I knew
ziggytrix wrote:
You've never listened to Tumbleweed Connection? I mean, the voice is different enough, but if you stuck this song in the middle of that album it would barely feel out of place at all, I'd bet.
My first thought on hearing this "Bernie Taupin write this?".
You've never listened to Tumbleweed Connection? I mean, the voice is different enough, but if you stuck this song in the middle of that album it would barely feel out of place at all, I'd bet.
My first thought on hearing this "Bernie Taupin write this?".
Always have to stop and enjoy this little diddy!
Ryan Bingham (who I'd love to hear on RP) takes a lot of influence from this guy's voice and style. Classic roadhouse whiskey and smokes gravel voice.
pinto wrote:
And I thought I had hearing problems.....
You've never listened to Tumbleweed Connection? I mean, the voice is different enough, but if you stuck this song in the middle of that album it would barely feel out of place at all, I'd bet.
And I thought I had hearing problems.....
You've never listened to Tumbleweed Connection? I mean, the voice is different enough, but if you stuck this song in the middle of that album it would barely feel out of place at all, I'd bet.
This song takes me way back. Still have the album, too. Thx RP
Pp
coding_to_music wrote:
And I thought I had hearing problems.....
I thought this was Elton John
And I thought I had hearing problems.....
Ericocean wrote:
Yes it's a great version. I must admit I'm partial to it...have listened to it too many times on that long drive to Key West. Willis Alan Ramsay does it beautifully, though
A long time ago Jimmy Buffett did a nice version of this song.
Yes it's a great version. I must admit I'm partial to it...have listened to it too many times on that long drive to Key West. Willis Alan Ramsay does it beautifully, though
Watched a Les Blank documentary 'A Poem is a Naked Person' about Leon Russell. It ended with video of a studio session of Willis Alan Ramsey performing in Russell's recording studio. The song was maybe titled 'Swimming Naked in a Lake.'
Great stuff.
Great stuff.
very soothing voice you got there Willis Alan, songs ok too, hey anybody ever mistake you for Dick Van Dyke?
Nice groove on this beautiful Colorado morning... :-)
And Willis lives just down the road and performs every now and again....
https://www.willisalanramsey.com
Thanks Bill!
And Willis lives just down the road and performs every now and again....
https://www.willisalanramsey.com
Thanks Bill!
My little sister saw him in a bar one night when Zeppelin was also in town. He thanked everyone for coming to see him instead of Zeppelin. Funny thing is, my sister does not remember this. She says that's why we are important to each other ... to keep each other's memories alive. Still have my original vinyl. Last I knew he was living around Katy, Tx.
All these years I've been singing " I was a Super Monkey Fool..." and "Robbin' my own Time".... oh well.
Thanks Bill; love to read the lyrics.
Thanks Bill; love to read the lyrics.
I thought this was Elton John
Great memories.....thanks! He just played Music Fest...and I missed it! Damn! https://themusicfest.com/home/
First time hearing. Not bad!
cc_rider wrote:
Perzactly. I was being too kind to Daryl and Toni, whose treatment of a good song borders on the criminal.
That would be the Captain and Toenail.
Perzactly. I was being too kind to Daryl and Toni, whose treatment of a good song borders on the criminal.
That would be the Captain and Toenail.
A long time ago Jimmy Buffett did a nice version of this song.
More Willis would be okay with me.
This is a fine, fine album, even 40 years on...
And I've always wondered if that ex wife was the block.
Sam Bush also does an outstanding version of this. Very true to the original, but with some great additional instrumentation.
Haven't heard this in over twenty years. Washing dishes and could just hear the basic finger picking and melody and thought "He's playing Willis!!?"
Great album. Knew his ex wife who turned me on to his music.
Great album. Knew his ex wife who turned me on to his music.
Never heard of the artist or song ^^
I'm not familiar with this artist -- vocal style reminds me of David Gray ('course should be reverse since David is the younger of the two). Got that raspy-folksy thing going. Nice
kcar wrote:
Given the sad beauty of this ballad, I can only hope that your use of "retooled" conceals an absolute corruption of another good Ramsey song into the unspeakable human rights atrocity known as "Muskrat Love", a toxic sicky-sweet soul killer.
The Captain and Tenille are wanted in 53 countries for that crime against humanity.
Perzactly. I was being too kind to Daryl and Toni, whose treatment of a good song borders on the criminal.
Given the sad beauty of this ballad, I can only hope that your use of "retooled" conceals an absolute corruption of another good Ramsey song into the unspeakable human rights atrocity known as "Muskrat Love", a toxic sicky-sweet soul killer.
The Captain and Tenille are wanted in 53 countries for that crime against humanity.
Perzactly. I was being too kind to Daryl and Toni, whose treatment of a good song borders on the criminal.
cc_rider wrote:
W.A.R. is famous for two reasons: his amazing first album, and maybe the worst case of writer's block in history.
He also wrote 'Muskrat Candlelight', which was retooled as 'Muskrat Love' by a number of notable artists.
Another bunch of performers who don't like to rush into anything are The Flatlanders. Their sophomore effort came out a few years ago, something like 30 years after their first album. But they've been busy working. Mr. Ramsey, not so much.
Given the sad beauty of this ballad, I can only hope that your use of "retooled" conceals an absolute corruption of another good Ramsey song into the unspeakable human rights atrocity known as "Muskrat Love", a toxic sicky-sweet soul killer.
The Captain and Tenille are wanted in 53 countries for that crime against humanity.
W.A.R. is famous for two reasons: his amazing first album, and maybe the worst case of writer's block in history.
He also wrote 'Muskrat Candlelight', which was retooled as 'Muskrat Love' by a number of notable artists.
Another bunch of performers who don't like to rush into anything are The Flatlanders. Their sophomore effort came out a few years ago, something like 30 years after their first album. But they've been busy working. Mr. Ramsey, not so much.
Given the sad beauty of this ballad, I can only hope that your use of "retooled" conceals an absolute corruption of another good Ramsey song into the unspeakable human rights atrocity known as "Muskrat Love", a toxic sicky-sweet soul killer.
The Captain and Tenille are wanted in 53 countries for that crime against humanity.
Lovely. Just lovely.
spindrift wrote:
True...exactly! I was taken aback by how gorgeously one complemented the next.
Interesting segue from Ane Brun to this man. A little of the old yin and yang.
True...exactly! I was taken aback by how gorgeously one complemented the next.
cc_rider wrote:
W.A.R. is famous for two reasons: his amazing first album, and maybe the worst case of writer's block in history.
He also wrote 'Muskrat Candlelight', which was retooled as 'Muskrat Love' by a number of notable artists.
Another bunch of performers who don't like to rush into anything are The Flatlanders. Their sophomore effort came out a few years ago, something like 30 years after their first album. But they've been busy working. Mr. Ramsey, not so much.
Austin lore has it that when Willis Alan was asked when he would release another album he replied... 'Why? Wasn't that one good enough?' or something along that track.
W.A.R. is famous for two reasons: his amazing first album, and maybe the worst case of writer's block in history.
He also wrote 'Muskrat Candlelight', which was retooled as 'Muskrat Love' by a number of notable artists.
Another bunch of performers who don't like to rush into anything are The Flatlanders. Their sophomore effort came out a few years ago, something like 30 years after their first album. But they've been busy working. Mr. Ramsey, not so much.
Austin lore has it that when Willis Alan was asked when he would release another album he replied... 'Why? Wasn't that one good enough?' or something along that track.
Oooo, been too long since I've heard this. Great. Thank you!
JerseeeGirl wrote:
You are right
Guess that I purchased in 1971 & '72 and still possess both rhose fine albums.
You are right
Guess that I purchased in 1971 & '72 and still possess both rhose fine albums.
Nice to wake up to this album while sipping my coffee... something I did 39 years ago after I purchased this album.
Wow... Beautiful
Truly a sad song.
Just beautiful.
fine recording all the way through. I have it on CD. i got it about 10 years ago
btt wrote:
it's my 2nd time, i think. and i really like it.
This is the first time I`ve ever heard this - a whopping 39 years after its release . The song has aged better than I have .
it's my 2nd time, i think. and i really like it.I saw Michael Hedges a few times back in the mid-80's and at least once he played 'Watermelon Man.' He introduced it as being by W.A.R., "one of his favorite songwriters." The album was impossible to find, but somewhere we came up with a tape of the LP and we wore that thing out. Great album from beginning to end - play more, Bill!
snoodle wrote:
Sure, but it's still a nice story. My knowledge of this song comes from Jimmy Buffett, who covered it faithfully. I like the original better now though.
I have this on vinyl. Found in bargain bin, in the second hand record store under what is now Whitcoulls on Queen St, Auckland, it has the price - 50c - written on the cover. This is the only place I have ever heard this record played. Except maybe the good old Border Radio show on Bfm years back. (I know, you didn't need to know all this)
Sure, but it's still a nice story. My knowledge of this song comes from Jimmy Buffett, who covered it faithfully. I like the original better now though.
stunix wrote:
W.A.R. is famous for two reasons: his amazing first album, and maybe the worst case of writer's block in history.
He also wrote 'Muskrat Candlelight', which was retooled as 'Muskrat Love' by a number of notable artists.
Another bunch of performers who don't like to rush into anything are The Flatlanders. Their sophomore effort came out a few years ago, something like 30 years after their first album. But they've been busy working. Mr. Ramsey, not so much.
did Bill just say something like
"his first release and he has been working on a followup album since its release ..... in 1972!"
I almost choked on my coffee!
"his first release and he has been working on a followup album since its release ..... in 1972!"
I almost choked on my coffee!
W.A.R. is famous for two reasons: his amazing first album, and maybe the worst case of writer's block in history.
He also wrote 'Muskrat Candlelight', which was retooled as 'Muskrat Love' by a number of notable artists.
Another bunch of performers who don't like to rush into anything are The Flatlanders. Their sophomore effort came out a few years ago, something like 30 years after their first album. But they've been busy working. Mr. Ramsey, not so much.
did Bill just say something like
"his first release and he has been working on a followup album since its release ..... in 1972!"
I almost choked on my coffee!
"his first release and he has been working on a followup album since its release ..... in 1972!"
I almost choked on my coffee!
btt wrote:
Same here.......
This is the first time I`ve ever heard this - a whopping 39 years after its release . The song has aged better than I have .
Same here.......
Randomax wrote:
He went to highschool in San Antonio. I have a friend that went to school with him. As said below, he wrote all these songs in his senior year and has had writer's block since. He has become known as a writer's writer and quite the iconic figure in that world. He is hermiting around in Wimberley, Texas with his wife (a great singer in her own right). He's a neighbor. There's another great singer/songwriter living there: Susan Gibson. She wrote 'Wide Open Spaces', and The Dixie Chicks have sent her a LOT of money for it. I saw her recently at the dedication of an AA meeting place, she is a great musician, writer and performer.
He went to highschool in San Antonio. I have a friend that went to school with him. As said below, he wrote all these songs in his senior year and has had writer's block since. He has become known as a writer's writer and quite the iconic figure in that world. He is hermiting around in Wimberley, Texas with his wife (a great singer in her own right). He's a neighbor.
I have this on vinyl. Found in bargain bin, in the second hand record store under what is now Whitcoulls on Queen St, Auckland, it has the price - 50c - written on the cover. This is the only place I have ever heard this record played. Except maybe the good old Border Radio show on Bfm years back. (I know, you didn't need to know all this)
Great artist. Don't hold Muskrat Love against him. His version makes sense.
Never heard of, a great tune, thanks RP!
This is the first time I`ve ever heard this - a whopping 39 years after its release . The song has aged better than I have .
I thank my uncle for teaching me all these great Ramsey songs - he used to play them when I was a kid. He lived out in Idaho and was the coolest uncle I knew.
He also taught me guitar.
He also taught me guitar.
k_trout wrote:
Northeast women standing up, beat the other lyin' down...
Willis actually went to high school in Dallas and I believe he was the original composer of this song - I love a lyric from his song "Northeast Texas Women"......with their cotton candy hair
rock on
rock on
Northeast women standing up, beat the other lyin' down...
What a great song!
Interesting segue from Ane Brun to this man. A little of the old yin and yang.
I agree
strick wrote:
strick wrote:
Buffett's is far better than the original, IMO.
badgerv wrote:
badgerv wrote:
Jimmy Buffett has a pretty good version of this song
k_trout wrote:
He went to highschool in San Antonio. I have a friend that went to school with him. As said below, he wrote all these songs in his senior year and has had writer's block since. He has become known as a writer's writer and quite the iconic figure in that world. He is hermiting around in Wimberley, Texas with his wife (a great singer in her own right). He's a neighbor.
Willis actually went to high school in Dallas and I believe he was the original composer of this song - I love a lyric from his song "Northeast Texas Women"......with their cotton candy hair
rock on
rock on
He went to highschool in San Antonio. I have a friend that went to school with him. As said below, he wrote all these songs in his senior year and has had writer's block since. He has become known as a writer's writer and quite the iconic figure in that world. He is hermiting around in Wimberley, Texas with his wife (a great singer in her own right). He's a neighbor.
Whoa! Instant time machine to age 15, when the Cosmic Cowboy sound was all over college AOR radio. Sorry to hear that Jimmy Buffet tainted this classic, but fortunately I've not been exposed.
if he wrote "muskrat love" he can afford to be a hermit.
ilovemusic wrote:
i've been listening for about five years and this is my first time hearing Willis, love it instantly. welcome to RadioParadise friend, i think you'll like it here
A friend turned me on to Mr. Ramsey back in '75. I found myself singing the Ballad of Spider John yesterday, trying to remember all the words. I still have the album, but no way to play it. So I looked it up on youtube and found my way to this site. Not many people knew about Willis Alan Ramsey in the greater Detroit area back in those days, so I always felt privileged to be part of the select few. Good to know there are others out there who appreciate Willis.
i've been listening for about five years and this is my first time hearing Willis, love it instantly. welcome to RadioParadise friend, i think you'll like it here
Everyone named Willis is cool in my book. This song is good too.
Did he say "running from my pants"?
Willis actually went to high school in Dallas and I believe he was the original composer of this song - I love a lyric from his song "Northeast Texas Women"......with their cotton candy hair
rock on
rock on
Buffett's is far better than the original, IMO.
badgerv wrote:
badgerv wrote:
Jimmy Buffett has a pretty good version of this song
Jimmy Buffett has a pretty good version of this song
A friend turned me on to Mr. Ramsey back in '75. I found myself singing the Ballad of Spider John yesterday, trying to remember all the words. I still have the album, but no way to play it. So I looked it up on youtube and found my way to this site. Not many people knew about Willis Alan Ramsey in the greater Detroit area back in those days, so I always felt privileged to be part of the select few. Good to know there are others out there who appreciate Willis.
SDBob wrote:
Willis wrote all these songs in high school (san antonio) then had writer's block....for years!!! Plus, performing live was never his fave. He is practically a hermit in Wimberley Texas these days...produces and sometimes performs here and there...can be spotted at many a backyard bbq.
Ever since I got reminded about this artist (thank you Bill) I have be fascinated about just what happened to this guy. This album received well deserved critical acclaim when it was released in 1972. Since then nothing!? What happened? I have read a few excerpts about how much of a recluse this guy is but I just can't get my head around someone with this much talent can just stop. Sounds like a good story line for a book or documentary.
Willis wrote all these songs in high school (san antonio) then had writer's block....for years!!! Plus, performing live was never his fave. He is practically a hermit in Wimberley Texas these days...produces and sometimes performs here and there...can be spotted at many a backyard bbq.
Again, I'll toot the Wimberley horn...
Ever since I got reminded about this artist (thank you Bill) I have be fascinated about just what happened to this guy. This album received well deserved critical acclaim when it was released in 1972. Since then nothing!? What happened? I have read a few excerpts about how much of a recluse this guy is but I just can't get my head around someone with this much talent can just stop. Sounds like a good story line for a book or documentary.
Looking at the album cover, I think Willis knows something that we don't.
go_ski_mully wrote:
I used to think this was one of Mr. Buffet's songs too: his was the only version I'd ever heard. Always loved this song, regardless.
c.
Forgot how much I loved this Jimmy Buffet song! ..whoever this dude is I like the cover muchly! ...I shall raise a rum filled tropical drink to the my lips (as long as the boss ain't watch'n?) in support of covering an early Jimmy classic!
I used to think this was one of Mr. Buffet's songs too: his was the only version I'd ever heard. Always loved this song, regardless.
c.
horstman wrote:
Wow,
This guy sounds just like Elton John, circa Tumbleweed Connection!
My thought, exactly!This guy sounds just like Elton John, circa Tumbleweed Connection!
ramsey the person is actually the epitome of the moody, temperamental, egotistical and disorganized songwriter/artist common to everyone's stereotype. almost a decade ago a friend hired him to do a show for a private event and ended up 9 months later disappointed, disillusioned, and some thousands of dollars poorer because on my recommendation he'd offered to help finance the recording of the so-called "second" willis alan ramsey album;
it was obvious to me at the time that he has made a small industry out of producing this second album; many of the new original songs in it are decades old; he even once announced that it had a title or name; "gentilly" or something similar; that was over 7 years ago and the album is still unreleased and in post-production. shortly thereafter i ran into one of ramsey's financiers here in austin, a well-known older fellow who took ramsey under his wing, and i asked him when the album was coming out, and he commented that it had better come out soon;
guess he's still waiting
it was obvious to me at the time that he has made a small industry out of producing this second album; many of the new original songs in it are decades old; he even once announced that it had a title or name; "gentilly" or something similar; that was over 7 years ago and the album is still unreleased and in post-production. shortly thereafter i ran into one of ramsey's financiers here in austin, a well-known older fellow who took ramsey under his wing, and i asked him when the album was coming out, and he commented that it had better come out soon;
guess he's still waiting
Huey wrote:
Yes, me too.
At first I thought this SUCKED...but then I got into it....very fuckin good
Yes, me too.
This entire album is a classic. In songwriter circles Ramsey is considered a god....He's back writing again and performing some...but mostly another Wimberley hermit....we've got lots of them...makes it a GREAT place to live!
Jackson_Hart wrote:
"Ballad of Spider John" was written by Willis Alan Ramsey. Not all of Jimmy Buffet's recordings are penned by him, and this one is amongst the ones that weren't.
Yep, not enough difficult (and often cheesy) rhymes to be a Buffet original ;-) Not a slam, actually a paraphrase from Buffett (from the book Pirate Looks at Fifty I think).
For the Buffett haters, he may not be Hemingway but I have fond memories of Dr. Seuss too. Classic and sometimes just what you need to bring a smile to your face. Fins up!
Holy smokes. I haven't heard that in ages, I'd almost forgotten him. I picked that gem up on vinyl about a million years ago. It is just packed with great tunes. If I remember correctly, reading the list of studio musicians and their instruments is an absolute hoot.
horstman wrote:
Wow,
This guy sounds just like Elton John, circa Tumbleweed Connection!
Gotta pick this up.
Thanks Bill.
Horstman
For the first half of the song I thought it was Elton. Great song!
I've never heard a song more full of mythos. There's a remarkable poetry here.
lionirons wrote:
I'm still at the "first I thought it sucked" stage.
Me, too. Say, Huey -- which barbituate ultimately enabled you to get into him?
redtex wrote:
Yeah, I fortunately have the vinyl (and the ability to play it) which came out in the mid 70's...so when is he gonna put out that second album?
My boyfriend saw him a few years ago in Austin. When asked about releasing a "second album", Willis replied "Why? Didn't I get the first one right?"
I've never heard this, or of him...thanks RP.
Not too many songs called "Ballad of ..." that work for me other than "... John and Yoko."
Huey wrote:
At first I thought this SUCKED...but then I got into it....very fuckin good
I'm still at the "first I thought it sucked" stage.
Wow, I thought this was David Gray for a minute. Then I realised that I could understand the words, so it couldn't be.
yogaboat wrote:
wow the only version of this I've heard is Monsieur Buffett's. Did this guy write this, or did Jimmy?
"Ballad of Spider John" was written by Willis Alan Ramsey. Not all of Jimmy Buffet's recordings are penned by him, and this one is amongst the ones that weren't.
ruthless wrote:
I had forgotten about this one! Just ordered it...
My personal guarantee...You will not be disappointed.
I had forgotten about this one! Just ordered it...
Thanks Bill
Listened to this a lot when I ran a record store back in the late 70s.
At first I thought this SUCKED...but then I got into it....very fuckin good
I f'in love this song!
Yeah, I wonder where that second album is? I saw him live in a hole-in-the-wall in Dallas, about 10 years ago. Guess what was in the set... the entirety of this album and no new material. That's OK though - this album is in my top ten lifetime list.
Wow. Just wow. I can't believe I'm hearing this.
redtex wrote:
so when is he gonna put out that second album?
He's still getting royalties from "Muskrat Love" That pays the bills.
Sat 5 feet away from Willis Allan - just on a barstool with a guitar. F'ing awesome.
horstman wrote:
Wow,
This guy sounds just like Elton John, circa Tumbleweed Connection!
Gotta pick this up.
Thanks Bill.
Horstman
You are right
Wow,
This guy sounds just like Elton John, circa Tumbleweed Connection!
Gotta pick this up.
Thanks Bill.
Horstman
Can't recall hearing this song, but I like it.
Buzzardcheater wrote:
Legendary here in Austin, spoken of in revered tones by some of the best (Lovett, Keen, Gilmore, Walker). Good stuff, thanks.
Yeah, I fortunately have the vinyl (and the ability to play it) which came out in the mid 70's...so when is he gonna put out that second album?
go_ski_mully wrote:
'kay it looks like I should have read the posts below before I posted ...so this dude is the writer not Buffet ...got it, love both versions and I'll raise that rum filled glass yet again!
Always a highlight of a Sam Bush show as well. Sammie really brings the soul out on this one. I don't hear this version much. I thought it was a Sam Bush tune for a long time....
'kay it looks like I should have read the posts below before I posted ...so this dude is the writer not Buffet ...got it, love both versions and I'll raise that rum filled glass yet again!
Forgot how much I loved this Jimmy Buffet song! ..whoever this dude is I like the cover muchly! ...I shall raise a rum filled tropical drink to the my lips (as long as the boss ain't watch'n?) in support of covering an early Jimmy classic!
Nice to hear this again. I had forgotten about this track. RP rocks...well they folk, actually.
Ceck out Sam Bush's version. Excellent.
Wow, did Jim Croce ever have a contemporary in Willis. Loved 'em both, glad we still have one left. Most excellent flash-back.
SDBob wrote:
I hadn't heard this song is such a long time. I have always had found memories of this song and the times when I first heard it. What pleasant surprise to hear it again after all this time. Well done Bill/Rebecca! This is one of the main reasons I love RP.
I hadn't heard this song is such a long time. I have always had found memories of this song and the times when I first heard it. What pleasant surprise to hear it again after all this time. Well done Bill/Rebecca! This is one of the main reasons I love RP.
bairdc wrote:
Brings me back to the Exit Inn in Nashville in the mid-seventies - he was an incredible solo presence on stage. Overlooked and underappreciated - I still play the vinyl...
I was also in Nashville at all of Willis' frequent visits to the Exit Inn in early-mid seventies. So much more than 'Muskrat Love' , but I guess that was the Texas sense of humor coming out. I'm glad he is still around, especially now that Townes is gone.
runnin' jumpin' standin' still...if you get this reference..very cool...
Middleton wrote:
I must admit I've not heard of Ramsey or this song before ... but does this song have anything to do with Spider John Koerner (MN blues artist)... or vice versa?
I was wondering the same thing, being from the artic hinterland myself. Spider John is up there in years, but could he put on a show in his day.
I must admit I've not heard of Ramsey or this song before ... but does this song have anything to do with Spider John Koerner (MN blues artist)... or vice versa?
mgoldman wrote:
One of my favorite recent Willis tunes is on Lyle Lovett's album "Joshua Judges Ruth" recorded in 1991 and early 1992. The song North Dakota is cowritten by Lyle and Willis with background vocals by Ricki Lee Jones.
Huh - thanks for making the connection. I've always loved that song.
You've never listened to Tumbleweed Connection? I mean, the voice is different enough, but if you stuck this song in the middle of that album it would barely feel out of place at all, I'd bet.
good call!