Dave Van Ronk
Stackalee
Dave Van Ronk, Folksinger — 1962
Dave Van Ronk, often called the "Mayor of MacDougal Street," was a pivotal figure in the 1960s Greenwich Village folk revival. Known for his gravelly voice and skillful guitar work, Van Ronk had a deep repertoire of traditional folk and blues songs, often reinterpreting them with his unique style.
Van Ronk’s "Stackalee" is rooted in acoustic folk and blues, showcasing his intricate fingerpicking guitar technique. The arrangement is minimalist, allowing the storytelling to take center stage. His gravelly voice and deliberate phrasing imbue the song with a sense of foreboding and inevitability, staying true to the song’s somber narrative.
Van Ronk’s lyrics follow the classic tale of the confrontation between Stagger Lee and Billy Lyons, focusing on the murder and its aftermath. His rendition captures the mythic and brutal elements of the story. By the time Van Ronk recorded "Stackalee," the song had become a staple in American folk and blues traditions. His version reflects his commitment to preserving and reinterpreting traditional music for contemporary audiences.
Dave Van Ronk’s "Stackalee" is a testament to his ability to bring authenticity and depth to traditional songs. It highlights his role in keeping folk and blues traditions alive during a period when they were being rediscovered by a new generation. His performance adds to the rich tapestry of interpretations of the Stagger Lee myth, blending historical authenticity with his own artistic voice.
I remember one September Cold and frosty night Mr. Stackerlee and Billy deLyons Had a great fight When you lose your money Learn to lose Ol' Stackerlee shot six bits Billy Lyons, bet he passed Stackerlee out with his forty-five Says, "You've done shot your last" When you lose your money Learn to lose Lord, a woman comes a running Fell down on her knees Crying, "Lordy Lord, Mister Stackerlee Don't shoot my brother please" When you lose your money... Talk about some gambler Oughta seen my Richard Lee Shot one thousand dollars And he come out on a three When you lose your money Learn to lose Stackerlee got his pistol Lord, he got it fast Shot poor Billy through and through And he broke a looking glass When you lose your money... Well, the deputy says to the sheriff "We want him dead or alive" "How in the world can we bring him in When he totes a forty-five?" When you lose your money Learn to lose Old deputy leaves the office Put his pistol on the shelf "You wanna go and get that bad man Better do it by yourself" When you lose your money... Well, they sent for the militia Wagons come Loaded up with pistols And a great big Gatling gun When you lose your money Learn to lose Well, the judge says, "Mister Stackerlee Mister bad man Stackerlee Gonna hang your body up And set your spirit free" When you lose your money Learn to lose Well, he's standin' on his gallows Head way up high Twelve o'clock, we killed him I was glad to see him die When you lose your money... "There's a great big rumbling underground Mama, what is that?" "Ain't nothin' but old Stackerlee down in hell With his John B. Stetson hat" When you lose your money Learn to lose Well, Stack says to the devil "Devil, lets have some fun You stab me with your pitchfork And I'll shoot you with my gun" When you lose your money Learn to lose Well, Stack says to the devil "Put your pitchfork on the shelf I'm the bad man they call Stackerlee I'm gonna rule hell by myself" When you lose your money Learn to lose