Comments on: Self-referential song by Mason Williams?

Question: Self-referential song by Mason Williams?

jchinique — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:54:08 -0800

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.

By: milestogo

milestogo — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:59:51 -0800

Made me think of Hook. Was that it?

By: jchinique

jchinique — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:22:22 -0800

Thanks but no, the entire song lyrics were like a novelty, just straight descriptions of the parts. Also doesn't fit the date criteria.

By: ManInSuit

ManInSuit — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:31:37 -0800

Maybe Generic Up-Tempo Folksong by The Limeliters ? (1960's self-referential funny folk song) Video here.

By: peacrow

peacrow — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:37:30 -0800

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!

By: peacrow

peacrow — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:43:35 -0800

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.

By: PhoBWanKenobi

PhoBWanKenobi — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:59:59 -0800

Just came in to suggest Signed Curtain.

By: Lorin

Lorin — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:57:21 -0800

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.

By: BillMcMurdo

BillMcMurdo — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:03:02 -0800

Yes, "My Rag," John Hartford. The later recording on "Catalogue" is a bit less hectic and is easier to follow. Great singer/songwriter.

By: jchinique

jchinique — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 20:55:49 -0800

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.