Stagger Lee

Dr John

Stack-A-Lee

Dr John's Gumbo

Dr. John's version of "Stagger Lee" is a unique and funky rendition of the infamous murder ballad. Dr. John, known for his blend of New Orleans-style funk, blues, and jazz, gave the traditional song a distinctive flair when he recorded it on his 1972 album Dr. John's Gumbo. This album is a tribute to the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, with covers of classic songs from the region.

Dr. John's rendition features a heavy New Orleans R&B groove, incorporating piano, brass, and a rhythm section that gives the track a laid-back but rhythmic feel. His raspy, swampy vocals add a gritty texture to the song, perfectly matching the dark and violent theme of the story. The arrangement highlights Dr. John's signature piano playing, combining it with funky horns and tight drumming, creating a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. It straddles the line between blues, funk, and New Orleans jazz.

Dr. John's interpretation stands out because it blends the historical roots of the song with the modern sounds of his era, making it a memorable version in the long line of Stagger Lee interpretations.

Stack-a-Lee shot Billy Lyons
He shot that boy so fast
The bullet went through Billy
It broke the bartender's glass

Stack-a-Lee went around the corner
Where they shot Stack in his side
Stack-a-Lee went stumbling
In his mother door

He said, "Mother, oh, mother
Won't you turn me over slow?
I've been jabbed in my left side
With a police .44"

When all the ladies heard that Stack
Oh, Stack-a-Lee was dead
Some come dressed in orange colors
Some came dressed in red, oh, play it for him now

Stack-a Lee went to the Devil
To identify poor Billy's soul
But the poor boy, he was absent
He had went down to shove coal

Now the Devil heard a rumbling
A mighty rumbling under the ground
He said, "That must be Mr. Stack pointing Billy
Upside-down"

Now it seems that old Devil
On top of his Devil chair
He said, "If you want Mr. Stack, boy
Then get him by yourself," yes

Now I told y'all my little story
And sang y'all my little song
'Bout Stack-a-Lee and Billy Lyons
They both dead and gone