Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show
Stagolee
Pleasure & Pain: The History of Dr. Hook — 1996
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, the quirky and genre-defying band known for their blend of rock, country, and humor, included their version of Stagolee on compilation album Pleasure & Pain: The History of Dr. Hook. The band, led by Ray Sawyer (with his distinctive eyepatch) and Dennis Locorriere, was celebrated for their theatrical performances and offbeat takes on traditional material.
Their rendition of Stagolee is a playful, irreverent reimagining of the classic folk tale. In typical Dr. Hook style, they approach the song with a mix of humor and musical charm, adding a fresh, comedic spin to the dark and violent legend of Stagger Lee and Billy Lyons. The narrative remains recognizable, focusing on the conflict and Stagger Lee’s larger-than-life persona, but the delivery veers into the absurd, with exaggerated vocals and dramatic flourishes.
Musically, the track features the band’s characteristic loose, rollicking style, combining elements of country-rock with a touch of blues. The arrangement includes lively instrumentation, playful harmonies, and an infectious sense of fun, making it less about the tragedy of the tale and more about its entertainment value.
Dr. Hook’s version of Stagolee is emblematic of their ability to take traditional material and infuse it with their unique brand of humor and irreverence, creating something both familiar and wholly original. It’s a fascinating contrast to more somber or serious interpretations of the song, highlighting the versatility and adaptability of the Stagolee narrative across genres and artistic styles.
Stagolee
Stagolee he's a big bad man and he's gonna do you wrong Now they say he shot his own sweet wife 'cause she cooked his eggs too long Then Stagolee he gave the devil his soul and the devil he gave him his hat He said "Ain't no-one can do you no harm just as long as you're wearing that" Stagolee went to the police station he told that deal that'd gone down He gave the police a dollar a piece and an hour to get out of town What you gonna do about Stagolee, what you gonna do about that You know that boy won't never die just as long as he's wearing that hat Stagolee does any damn thing he choose If you go against him you know you've got to lose In everybody's pocket, in every ladies bed Long as he got that spooky old hat sittin' on top of his head Stagolee put on his brand new hat, took his gal for a ride Get out of the way you chippies and chumps the devil is on my side Stagolee went to the sporting house locked it with a key Said "All you whores don't you open your doors by nobody else but me" Stagolee does any damn thing he choose If you go against him you know you gotta lose In everybody's pocket, in every ladies bed With that spooky old devil's hat sittin' right up on top of his head All the girls love Stagolee but Suzy loved him the best She told him to lay right down and take himself some rest Stagolee took off his big black boots, took off his long black tie But I won't take off my big black hat 'cause I ain't about to die Suzy snuggled up to Stagolee, lift'd the hat right off of his head And up she come with the gattling-gun and shot that poor boy dead Stagolee went down to the devil, devil he sat and smiled Said "Boy you went and a lost your hat now you're gonna fry awhile" Stagolee does any damn thing he choose If you go against him you know you gotta lose In everybody's pocket, in every ladies bed With that spooky old devil's hat sittin' right up on the top of his head