Stagger Lee

n

The Bluegrass Alliance

Stagolee

Newgrass — 1970

The Bluegrass Alliance
The Bluegrass Alliance

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