Random Thoughts

In studying the content of country and western songs, we see that certain themes occur over and over again. And although I am a fan of country music, I would not want to be seen as encouraging anyone to participate in any of these activities.

Among these themes seem to be, first and foremost, infidelity and drinking alcoholic beverages. Other subjects include fighting, breaking the law, having one’s heart broken, and a whole array of other negative things that can happen to someone.

Granted, some country and western songs have upbeat messages and positive outcomes. But it seems to me that they are definitely in the minority.

An old joke asks: What do you get when you play a country song backwards? The answer: You get your wife back, get your house back, get your job back, and get your truck back!

Several years ago, I watched regularly a short-lived television police drama series called “Memphis Beat.” In one episode, a person has come to the police station and is telling a detective all of the bad things that have been happening to him to which the officer comments: “We’re just a dead dog away from having a country song.”

So, you ask, what is the name of this country and western song with the great title? Well, before I reveal it, I found another composition to which I feel obligated to give honorable mention status.

It was written by Larry Kingston and Pete Drake, recorded by Little Jimmy Dickens, and peaked at No. 41 on the country music charts in 1966. The title: “Who Licked the Red off Your Candy?”

But the winner is a song written by Wayne Kemp and Warren Robb. Recorded by Kemp, it went to No. 35 on the country music charts in 1981. The perfect country and western song title? “Your Wife Is Cheatin’ on Us Again!”

There may be better songs and song titles out there in the music world. If I find some, I’ll tell you about them!