Self-referential song by Mason Williams?

August 7, 2012 1:54 PM

Self-referential song by Mason Williams or Smothers Brothers 60's 70's; lyrics about the song structure, ex: "this is the bridge, it takes you to the end of the song", verse, chorus, etc., all in appropriate places. Saw it performed on U.S. television in that era.
posted by jchinique to media & arts (9 answers total)

Made me think of Hook. Was that it?
posted by milestogo at 1:59 PM on August 7, 2012

Thanks but no, the entire song lyrics were like a novelty, just straight descriptions of the parts. Also doesn't fit the date criteria.
posted by jchinique at 2:22 PM on August 7, 2012

Maybe Generic Up-Tempo Folksong by The Limeliters ? (1960's self-referential funny folk song) Video here.
posted by ManInSuit at 2:31 PM on August 7, 2012 [1 favorite]

The lyrics and time period ('71, '72) fit Matching Mole's Signed Curtain, but that is a totally different sound from the Smothers Bros. or Mason Williams!
posted by peacrow at 2:37 PM on August 7, 2012

Oh, and I definitely have a recollection of the Smothers Brothers singing a self-referential verse in the middle of a traditional folk song, but it wasn't the entire song. I want to say it was "Boil 'Em Cabbage Down", but I just looked on the 'Tube and can't find that version. I saw it recently-ish, since I watched a bunch of SB videos after seeing them on Craig Ferguson.
posted by peacrow at 2:43 PM on August 7, 2012 [1 favorite]

Just came in to suggest Signed Curtain.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 2:59 PM on August 7, 2012

John Hartford was a regular performer on the Smothers Brothers show, and there's a section of his song "My Rag" that might be it. The lyrics are basically a description of the song itself, its chord progression etc. Check it out.
posted by Lorin at 3:57 PM on August 7, 2012

Yes, "My Rag," John Hartford. The later recording on "Catalogue" is a bit less hectic and is easier to follow. Great singer/songwriter.
posted by BillMcMurdo at 4:03 PM on August 7, 2012

Wow, great stuff. Signed Curtain comes closest lyrically but now that @peacrow mentions it, "Troubador Song" by SB might be what I was thinking of, but I cant find a version with the verse mentioned.
posted by jchinique at 8:55 PM on August 7, 2012