The Bluegrass Alliance
Stagolee
Newgrass — 1970
The Bluegrass Alliance, a progressive bluegrass group known for its innovation in the genre, recorded their version of "Stagolee" in 1970. This rendition retains the narrative's traditional themes while incorporating the Alliance's signature blend of tight harmonies and instrumental mastery. Their interpretation of "Stagolee" features a lively arrangement, blending banjo, mandolin, and fiddle in a dynamic bluegrass style that brings new energy to the classic tale. The song is emblematic of their adventurous approach to bluegrass music, influencing future acts in the genre.
Stagolee
I remember, last September, on one Saturday night Billy Lyons and Stackolee had a great big fight, He was a bad man, oh, cruel Stackolee Now talk about your gamblers, y'oughta seen old Stagolee He shot a hundred dollars and came out on a three He was a bad man, oh, cruel Stagolee Now Billy Lyons shot a six [?], Stagolee thought he'd pass Billy Lyons said, Stagolee, you done shot your last He was a bad man, oh, cruel Stagolee Oh, Mr Stagolee, please don't take my life I've got 3 children and a darling loving wife He was a bad man, oh, cruel Stagolee Now, the law'll take care of your children, I'll take care of your wife You shot my Stetson hat and I'm gonna take your life He was a bad man, oh, cruel Stagolee Now, next Tuesday morning, on the gallows high People came from miles around to see Stagolee die He was a bad man, oh, cruel Stagolee Bad man, oh, cruel Stagolee