Stagger Lee

Beck recorded Mississippi John Hurt’s 1928 “Stagolee” in 1994 in Sun Studios and but didn’t release it until 2001. He has an even deeper connection with the song. He says that his 1996 hit “Devil’s Haircut” was a rewrite of the Stagger Lee myth.

I imagined Stagger Lee… I thought, what if this guy showed up now in 1996. The song had this Sixties grooviness, and I thought of using him as a Rumplestiltskin figure, this Lazarus figure to comment on where we've ended up as people.
-- Beck

Beck, known for his genre-bending musical style, recorded his version as part of the "Harry Smith Project," a tribute to Harry Smith's influential Anthology of American Folk Music. This project saw various artists covering classic American folk songs, and Beck's "Stagolee" was one of the standout tracks.

In Beck's rendition, he stays true to the gritty and dark elements of the story but brings his own unique spin to the music. The arrangement is stripped down, maintaining a raw, acoustic sound that feels both traditional and fresh. Beck's vocal delivery is both expressive and laid-back, capturing the swagger of Stagger Lee while also conveying the darkness of the story. The minimalist instrumentation, primarily guitar, provides a haunting backdrop that enhances the storytelling aspect of the song.

Lyrically, Beck’s version doesn’t stray far from the traditional narrative. However, Beck’s interpretation adds a modern sensibility through his phrasing and musical choices. His version highlights the folklore aspect of the story, presenting Stagolee not just as a violent character but as a figure of legend and myth, embodying themes of pride, rebellion, and defiance.

Beck’s ability to blend elements of traditional folk with a contemporary edge makes his "Stagolee" compelling. It shows his appreciation for American musical heritage while adding his personal touch, which is characterized by genre-blending and experimentation. The version captures the timeless essence of the "Stagger Lee" myth while recontextualizing it for a modern audience.

Overall, Beck's "Stagolee" stands as a unique contribution to the long history of interpretations of this song, showing how the legend of Stagger Lee continues to inspire and be reimagined by artists across generations and genres.