The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Don't 'Spect To See Me At Churchill Downs

 

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band's new record evidently was inspired by reading about the amount of money bet on the race at the track, the song says it was over $200 million! The boys kick ass in a real fast thumpin',  bumpin' jug band arrangement, and Uncle June is in fine fettle as he belts out the lyrics. 

The dobro players, Mert Jernigen, is one of the founders of The Burgoo Boys and he's accompanied by the premiere banjo player of the group, also a founder of The Burgoo Boys, 'Ralston' Purina, have to keep up with a beat kept up by the jug band originals 'Thimbles' McKarry on washboard, 'Thumper' Bottoms on washtub bass, 'Toots' Bridges on jug. Since the two groups joined forces, they've showed the bluegrass and country music community what can be done with all acoustic instruments. And the vocals by Uncle June himself are stellar! He manages to keep up with them, and we don't know where he had much of a chance to catch his breath! 

Read 'bout this years Kentucky Derby race
And I can't hardly believe it!
Was over two hundred million dollars bet
On them beasts! Jest what in the hell!
 
Two hundred million dollars bet on a single race,
 Dust is flying all over the place!
From the high-dollar boxes down to the fence,
Them folks that bet got more money than sense!
They’re waving their tickets and screaming for luck,
 While I'm holding onto my last lonely buck...
 
Favorite horse don't care about the blood,
Be happy to waller like a hog in the mud...
Them greedy gamblers at the trackside bar,
Shore jump on it like ants on a candy bar!
If'n I had all that there ready cash
Wouldn’t waste it on no horse racin' bash...
 
Big ta doo, with ladies pretty, dressed to the nines
Eat cucumber sandwiches and drinkin' fancy wine...
In a good year got so many pretty tulips
An always got the favorite drink, the mint Julep...
Ya'll can pay five thousand for one; ya got money out yer ass!
But ya git to keep the cup, if yer in the upper class...
 
Bet tons of money on a beast that's a runnin'
Don't know what he's thinkin', that ain't no funnin'...
Might a had a bad night,  maybe's got the grip
Track be too wet and he might stumble and slip...
But ya can’t ask the trainer, or jockey of course
And ya shore as hell can’t be askin' the horse...
 
Ya'll can tell I ain't no horse racin' man
Hang on to my money as long as I can...
If I were that refined, rich and didn't cuss
Shore as hell wouldn't spend money on such a fuss!
Course I'd spend a lot on what I want to do
But I bet I'd do more good by the time I was through...
 
Ain't tryin' to be no high and mighty
But can’t rich folks do more than be flighty...
How much money does a person need anyhow?
Why do they not pay taxes like us lowbrows?
Two hundred million dollars ain't chicken feed!
How many hongry folks would all that feed?
 
I know some rich folks give to charity,
But dammit all, they keep forgettin' 'bout me!
Send me some that money, gimme a ration
Help me to improve my situation
But don't 'spect to see me at Churchill Downs
Rather be out huntin' with my hounds!

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - The Hillbilly Tango

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band has branched out into the Argentinean Tango with their song The Hillbilly Tango. How does a bluegrass country band come about to writing and playing a tango? Uncle June himself tells of the genesis of the idea:

The two groups went together and bought an old barn and converted it into a place we can all hang out, rehearse, and come up with ideas. We've got an excellent accordion player that also plays other jug band instruments, and we've been thinking of ideas for songs he can play the accordion on, as he's not played it on a recording yet. His training was on the accordion when he was a kid, and like a lot of accordion students, he made his way through polkas aplenty, as well as some tangoes. One day he was noodling around, and playing snatches of improvised tango tunes. Now The Burgoo Boys original band has a top-notch banjo player, and he began to 'jam' with the accordion, and we liked the sound of it! We put our heads together and come up with the idea for The Hillbilly Tango!

Uncle June takes on the solo vocalizing in the song, and he's become the main vocalist for the group, but they plan on spotlighting some of the other members who have fine voices as well.  Uncle June and John Henry Flort, the two leaders of the combined group, want everyone to have a say in things, and they say so far it's working out great. On the rare occasions when they can't reach agreement, they hold a vote. It's rare for a group that has this many members  The Burgoo Boys have 6 members, Uncle June's group varies from a core group of 5 members to as many as 15 with other players employed for added instruments. 

With the warming of the earth and the passing of the winter
Our hearts start to fill with mirth and our minds are filled with laughter
It has been a long time comin' this renewal time of year
And we'll git the banjo strummin’ and awaken our sleepy ears!
 
Singin' the bluegrass tango, dancin' the steps as we go
No time for blues for hummin' hold on tight let's go!
Hillbilly band plays the tango, ain't so strange, not at all
We like all kinds of music, and sang it in a southern drawl!
 
At first we git some strange looks when we play in a tango beat
But we think Argentinean sound is really funky and neat
So we'll play it when we got the urge whether folks understand or not
With the beat that's so familiar the boys will nail on the spot!
 
Singin' the bluegrass tango the steps begin to flow
In and out with the music hold on tight let's go!
Hillbilly band plays the tango, dang, they can do it so well!
We like all kinds of music the tango weaves its spell
 
Hillbilly meets the tango play it subtle, play it proud
Swing the beat like it should, don't play it too loud
Blend the different styles into a brand new genre
Sync with the sound, maybe reach nirvana
 
Singin' the bluegrass tango, tones played sweet and low
In and out with the music played with pick and bow
Hillbilly band plays the tango, try it with yer partner
No need to pigeonhole or be a musical martyr 

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Uncle June Sings! A Big And Tall Records Album

It was early in 2025 when we got the first song by a new group for us here at Big And Tall Records. The group’s name was The Burgoo Boys, and they were a bluegrass band from Kentucky. The name of their first song was The Roadkill Café. We decided to go ahead and release it, and it met with some success. We released a total of 5 songs from the group, with the last one being a political commentary song TheBallad Of Elon. This was in July of 2025. We heard no more from the group, and thought they might be busy playing Kentucky county fairs and such. But even after fair season was over, we still heard nothing. Ended up the group went through a dry spell; they had begun promoting and performing their original songs. But they had only 5 songs, hardly a full songbook to be promoting!

 
We tried to contact the leader, John Henry Flort, but none of our calls or emails was answered. We’ve come to realize that burnout can happen to groups. It’s a tough way to make a living and keep things fresh. We decided to quit contacting, and see what happened.
 
During the holiday season, middle December of 2025, we received a song file, and the credits were The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June’s Jug Band! The song was Kentucky New Year’s Eve. We had just enough time for a limited release before New Years, s owe went through with it, despite never hearing about Uncle June’s Jug Band. But the song was different and fun. We eventually talked to Uncle June himself, June McShary. June told us the two groups were hired to play a New Year’s Eve get-together, and they put their heads together and decided to collaborate on a song  The song did very well, and we encouraged them to write some more!
 
On that firs song, Uncle June didn’t sing, but played the kazoo as well as jaw harp. The next song they did was ‘Possum Livin’ Skills, and Uncle June sang on this one. We instantly knew that his voice was for us! Slightly rough, hoarse, but very musical, and he had a great sense of rhythm and keeping the music moving forward. Uncle June and his group served to inspire The Burgoo Boys to tighten up their music, expand their creativity, and the groups melded together like they’d been playing together for years. And all of them wee proud Kentuckians, and that was reflected in all their songs. The different instruments added by Uncle June’s group has expanded their sound as well.
 
Now our job is to promote and sell songs, and having a group’s name being so long is not in the best interest of that goal. So we held meetings with the two leaders on ways we could consolidate the names, even offered to give each group an individual contract. But they told us flat out, they already took a vote from all the musicians, and everyone including themselves, wanted the name of the group to be: The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June’s Jug Band, so that’s what it is!
 
John Henry approached Uncle June with an idea; would Uncle June like to make an album of The Boys first songs as the lead vocalist! Hence, this 5 song album, Uncle June Sings! John Henry was no longer satisfied with the original versions of four of the songs. He wanted to add different instrumentation and June’s distinctive voice in hopes to make the songs even better. So while writing new songs, the group also revised those 4 songs. Uncle June had recently written a country ballad Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky as an anniversary present for his wife on their 30^th wedding anniversary, and all the musicians agree to include this song as well.
 
1. What The Hell Is Burgoo? - This song was originally written as The Burgoo Boys 3^rd song, and they wrote it in response to some people commenting on their name and what burgoo was! Original can be heard here : What The Hell Is Burgoo?
 
2. Roadkill Café - The first song sent to us, we were immediately drawn to the humor of the lyrics and the quality of the musical performance. Original can be heard here: Roadkill Café 
 
3. Sweet Belle Of Louisville, Kentucky - This song was written by Uncle June as a gift for his wife on their 30^th wedding anniversary. It’s a slow, country ballad and shows how Uncle June’s voice, while not being the most attractive musically, can be used for genuine heart-felt emotion. Uncle June told us the story: 

Uncle June McShary

Yeah, this be pretty much how it happened. I'm a country boy, used to git all cleaned up once in a spell an' go into Louisville to the picture show. Usually had my brothers and sisters with me, but this time I was by my own self. Don't 'member why, but anyhow, I never seen the girl before then, and there was somethin' 'bout her took my breath away. I were seventeen, had a few gal friends afore, but none of 'em affected me like this! I was kind a shy back then, still amazed I asked her to sit with me, but I did. Even more amazed she said 'yes'! 

Found out later she was a city girl, so we come from two different lifestyles. Took us a bit to get used to the way each other done things, but it was never a case of one bein' better than the other. Just different. Long story short, we've been together ever since. Never had a break up, had our share of disagreements but we hung in there, got married, had four kids that are all growed now, got some Grandbabies too! Life with her has been great! 

4. When Yer Up To Yer Ass In Alligators - Another humorous original, taken from an old country saying of perseverance among unforeseen circumstances. Original was titled Up To Yer Ass In Alligators
 
5. Feed ‘Em Beans! - That The Burgoo Boys can write lively, toe-tapping, (and profane!) songs is shown in this example. The original is also a great example of the virtuoso musicians in the group, as the tempo is quite brisk. Now add that together with the virtuosity in Uncle June’s group, and you’ve got a quite different interpretation! Original can be heard here: Feed ‘Em Beans!

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Country Women Of Kentucky

  What we call our 'supergroup' here at Big And Tall Records has almost an embarrassment of talent.  Not only do they have a large group of talented instrumentalists for traditional bluegrass music, but an incredible access to many instruments from brass to jugband instruments, but many of them are good singers as well. John Henry Flort, leader of the Burgoo Boys is a fine singer, and 'Uncle' June McShary, leader of the jugband has added a lot to the group with his distinctive voice. 'Toots' Jernigan is the soloist on this latest release by the band, and he possesses a rich baritone voice that suits the subject of the song: a tribute to country women of Kentucky. The song is more of a traditional song in the country tradition, with solos by mandolin and dobro. 

Those of us been raised in the rugged mountains
of east Kentucky, or the rollin' plains of the blue grass
of west Kentucky,  know how much the womenfolk are
the bedrock of our culture. So we sang this tribute to all of them
 
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
Look good at a hoe down, or a fancy dress ball
Honest and true blue, country through and through...
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
 
Country women of Kentucky come from sturdy pioneer stock
They look good in blue jeans, or a fancy frock
Can sip a sweet tea, or have a cold beer
Who face their lives, with no threat of fear
 
Country women of Kentucky, we love them spring or fall
Whether wearin' a halter top, or a fancy shawl
Honest and true blue, country through and through...
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
 
The country men of Kentucky, taught us how to be tough
To knuckle down hard, when times get rough
But the women balanced all that with all their love
That surrounded us like a custom made glove
 
Country women of Kentucky, Gramma smokin' her pipe
Mama doin' up cherries, red sweet and dead ripe
Honest and true blue, country through and through...
Country women of Kentucky, such a lovin' type
 
Pa always came across hardy, brave, and strong
He worked all the day, worked hard and hours long
But Mama did too, and had her own inner strength
That kept her drivin' on days of such long length
 
Truth be told, wouldn't have turned out near as good
I f both Mama and Pa wouldn't have done what they should
But we was lucky, we had them both that never took sides
When we needed it, either one could tan our hides!
 
Country women of Kentucky, we love them all
Look good at a hoe down, or a fancy dress ball
Honest and true blue, country through  and through...
Country women of Kentucky...
We love them all!

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - The Hillbilly Beast Of Kentuck

Must be a trend for songs about legends. We at Big And Tall Records just released a song by Chuck Wagon Calhoun about The Phantom Train No. 5, and now the Burgoo Boys and Uncle June's Boys send along a song about The Hillbilly Beast of Kentuck! As legends go, there can be a particle of truth in them, and in the case of Chuck Wagon, it'd be more like a molecule! While there are legends floating around about phantom or ghost trains, the details he relates in his song are not reliable. Let's just say he's a known spinner of tall tales strictly out of his imagination.  The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band is more of an unknown example. Of course they are more than capable of telling a 'whopper', but we did Googlefy their legend, and there is some info about it found here. The song is somewhat tongue in cheek, with the band playing the appropriate low sounds with a tuba and trombone, with Uncle June's distinctive voice telling the tale!

Daniel Boone

The beast has also been called the Bigfoot of Kentucky, and is comparable in many ways. Many folk lores from different cultures and countries have their own folklore of a giant creature that lives in the forest. The Hillbilly Beast traces its origin (as much as it can be traced) back to pre-colonial times with Native American tribes. These myths were passed down to colonists, and were influenced by their own cultures.  Daniel Boone, the early settler, explorer and statesman in Kentucky (who is a legendary figure himself) allegedly shot one to death when it charged his camp. The creature was immediately (and conveniently) buried so as not to cause alarm and fear with others in the camp. This story spread and was retold, and as humans like to one-up each other when telling a story, grew to mythical proportions. 

In the Eastern part of Kentuck
The foothills of Appalachia
Lives a horror in the forest
Out in the boondocks of nature
 
Some say it is just a myth
A legend of the hill folk
 I ain't seen one, oh no never
For some the myth ain't no joke!
 
The Hillbilly Beast of Kentuck!
Horrible stink with yeller eye
Hoots and growls in the forest
All hairy and ten foot high
 
It weighs over 800 pound
Daniel Boone himself kilt one!
It's a horror passed down the line
From Grampaw, to father, to son!
 
Uses its hairy fist to bang on trees
Can smell it a mile away!
 I ain't seen one, oh no never
Thems seen it, won't go away
 
The Hillbilly Beast of Kentuck!
Horrible stink with yeller eye
Hoots and growls in the forest
All hairy and ten foot high
 
Ya'll can believe that if ya want
But for me that just can't be
Go sit at night in the forest
No tellin' what yer gonna see
 
Could be a local hill folk
Dressed in a hairy suit to fit
Or maybe an ol' black bear
Fixin' to take a big shit!
 
But it makes for a good yarn
'Round a campfire fur the young'uns
To pass on all the folklore
To yer daughters and yer sons...
 
The Hillbilly Beast of Kentuck!
Horrible stink with yeller eye
Hoots and growls in the forest
All hairy and ten foot high
 
Whether ya'll call it the Hillbilly Beast,
Sasquatch, Yeti, Abominable Snowman,
Or Bigfoot, every culture's got a tale that
 amounts to the same thing...
A figmentation of the imagination!
 
The Hillbilly Beast of Kentuck!
Horrible stink with yeller eye
Hoots and growls in the forest
All hairy and ten foot high 

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - The Ol' Fishin' Hole (Near The Oak)

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band is quite a mouthful of a name for a band, but that's the way the two bands decided to list themselves when they joined forces late last year. Both bands played traditional and original songs at their gigs, but the leaders of both bands wanted to do more original songs. It takes time writing songs, what with lyrics, music, trying them out, rehearsals and all. So to join forces made sense for both of them in that sense, as well as both groups expanding their instrum-entation and sound palette. 

The Burgoo Boys are primarily a Bluegrass band, and Uncle June's as the name says, a Jug Music band. both genres aren't that far apart music-wise, as there's considerable overlap. But the ideas are flowing, and their recordings are gathering momentum. 

John Henry Flort is the leader/soloist/songwriter for The Burgoo Boys, and  Uncle June McShary is the same for The Jug Band, and on this recording they both take turns singing until the end when the whole gang joins in.  The song tells of the favorite fishin' hole of the men. In the part of Kentucky where it's at (like good fishermen, they don't reveal the location of their favorite hole!) the water stays open most of the time in the winter, but with no leaves on the oak tree near the hole, it isn't the same. They give a good visual for us Northerners of a warm Kentucky day, lazily fishin' under the shade of that oak tree with a sack of sandwiches and a jug to wet yer whistle!

The ol' fishin' hole near the oak
That spreads out givin' ya shade
On a warm Kentucky day
Toss out yer bait, ya got it made!
 
Many a day I spent fishin'
Underneath that big, tall oak tree
With a bag of sandwiches
And a jug that's jest fer me
 
Times them fish 'bout jumped on the bank
Other times they jest disappeared
Whether ya'll caught somethin' or no
Yer disposition will be cheered
 
The ol' fishin' hole near the oak
That spreads out givin' ya shade
On a warm Kentucky day
Toss out yer bait, ya got it made!
 
Now up north, ya'll fish through the ice
Gets colder than hell up there
But not here in Kentucky
Can go fishin' most anywhere
 
The ol' fishin' hole ain't the same
Oak done shed leaves I do believe
You can’t have one without t'other
Fishin' hole ain't the same with no leaf!
 
The ol' fishin' hole near the oak
Summertime givin' ya shade
Wait for a warm Kentucky day
Toss out yer bait, ya'll have it made!
 
So many that go fishin' there
To prevent squabbles and rifts
Us fellers have a lottery
And we abide fishin' in shifts!
 
Now they's a big ol' blue cat
Likes to hang out in the slew
Got bets who's a gonna catch him
And land that fish we call Big Blue!
 
I almost caught him couple times
He likes meanderin' to the ol' fishin' hole
Water's deep and cool in the summer
He don't never sleep, and I gots the night shift!
So I got the stinkin'est, rottennest, most disgustin' cat fish bait
Ya ever locked yer nose on! I'm a gonna git Big Blue by hook or crook!
 
The ol' fishin' hole near the oak
That spreads out givin' ya shade
On a warm Kentucky day
Toss out yer bait, ya got it made!

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - Kentucky Shine

The Burgoo Boys and Uncle June's Jug Band are at it again; this  time in a song that mentions many of the things Kentucky is known for, with the main item being Kentucky Shine, or moonshine. Uncle June himself is the soloist in his unique voice.  The Boys like the variety of instruments and players Uncle June has access to, and they plan to collaborate much more in the future. 

The term moonshine was given to illegal corn whiskey that was many times made at night to try and avoid detection. There are many legal distillers of moonshine, but there is still a small group that do it on the sly illegally to avoid the costs of licenses and the expense of a distillery that is subject to state inspection and regulation. Despite some states having laws that permit a limited amount of moonshine made for personal use, there remains a federal law against it. 

Uncle June

Making moonshine can be dangerous on different levels. Straight alcohol creates vapor which is highlyflammable, especially in an enclosed space and can explode, so adequate ventilation is needed. Even static electricity can ignite the vapors. Then there's toxic substances that can contaminate the alcohol. Lead can come from using the wrong items to make a still, for example. Then there's the liquid that comes directly after the initial product of the still, called the Head. It contains traces of toxic materials such as acetone and formaldehyde and should never be consumed. The byproducts of fermentation that are contained in the aftershot, or very last liquid from the still are also toxic and should not be consumed. Seems to us that there's more danger in the stuff than it's worth! After all, like Uncle June says: But if ya'll can't handle the stuff, we all wanna reassure, use it fer cleanin' car engines, makes a damn good degreaser! But make sure you do it in a well ventilated area and don't smoke! 

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

The Great State of Kentucky  
Is known for many things
Bluegrass music keeps the state
Smilin' happy as it sings

Got horses a plenty too
And the famous Derby race 
Louisville slugger baseball bats
Help the batters keep a pace

Kentucky Fried Chicken as well 
That's known around the world 
And the finest bourbon whiskey
In glasses of ice that's swirled

And don't forget the classic dish
We'll mention special stew
A really long cooked tasty bowl
Of home cooked thick Burgoo 

But there’s still one thing that's left
We wanna mention 'fore we're through
Pistol packin', wallopin'
Gullet burnin' mountain dew!

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

Home brewed in them thar hills
By bootleggers young and old
Tradition has fruit jars filled
With clear alcoholic gold

A quart'll last ya a while
But damn, take it nice and slow
A little bit'll make ya smile
But too much'll make ya crow!

Proof numbers in triple digits
Don't git it near no open flame!
Treat it right or ya'll be sorry 
Gits away it'll be hard to tame!

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

First time drinkers will think it's like
Suckin' on a fire burnin' match 
It'll scorch yer mouth, torch yer craw
In heat that'll be hard to match

But if ya'll can't handle the stuff
We all wanna reassure
Use it fer cleanin' car engines
Makes a damn good degreaser

Taint got no fancy bottle 
Or frilly label neither
Don't drink too much or it might
Knock you out like a snort of ether

The Burgoo Boys featuring Uncle June's Jug Band - 'Possum Livin' Skills

The discovery of Uncle June's Jug Band by The Burgoo Boys has given Big And Tall Records another group of artists that we love; the relatively unknown artist that deserves to be heard more widely. And the word 'discovered' only pertains to the group being recorded. Uncle June has played for weddings, dances, all kinds of local events and is widely known in his area of Kentucky. 

Uncle June himself is the soloist in this song, 'Possum Livin' Skills, and he has a voice that isn't what you'd call pretty, but it is assuredly distinctive. With a little bit of a growl, a touch of hoarseness, and an ability to put a lot into the lyrics of a song. But we do advise that listeners follow along with the printed lyrics, as Uncle June's accent combined with his voice timbre can leave some words hard to understand. But it is worth the effort, as Uncle June is the author of them, and they contain Kentucky country wisdom as well as good humor. 

We talked to the leader of The Burgoo Boys, John Henry Flort, and he told us their group was playing the same gig as Uncle June's and they liked their sound, started jamming with them after the gig, and they ended up playing until morning! John Henry said that the group gives them an added dimension besides bluegrass. He also told us that the entire group is the happiest bunch they've ever met. Not a sourpuss in the bunch! He gave us Uncle June's phone number, so we gave him a call.

His good will and humor came across the phone just talking to him, and he had some things to tell us about himself:

Yeah, we been playin' for quite a few years. Played all kinds of events, even had a bar mitzvah scheduled once, but they cancelled! Man, The Burgoo Boys like they been playin' with us fer years! Hit it right off, blended good. They like all the oddball instruments my guys can play. You name it, these guys done played it! We're lookin' forward to playin' with The Boys lots more. They told us we could prolly get a contract from ya'll on our own, but nah, we'll stick with The Boys. They's recorded before, got more experience. Truth be told, me and my boys don't want the bother of it all. We jest wanna play! 'Sides, lot of the guys got other jobs, good payin' one too, hard to come by this day and age in this here part of the country, so this is jest a sideline for 'em. 

Uncle June

As fer myself, hell I'm not only REtired, I'm STILL tired! Don't let my looks fool ya, I'm older than I look! As for the 'Possum Livin' Skills song, I been mullin' that over in my head fer quite a spell. Seen lots of 'possums 'round these parts, and got to thinkin' how they get along so well, some of them in town to boot. 'Possums just adapted to modern times I reckon. The music was a group effort fer sure. Our trombone player, 'Boner' Stewart came up with the trombone parts and brought some of his other 'bone buddies and a tuba blower also to help out. The guy's been playin' the 'bone for longer than I know, and he's real good! Course gotta have the washtub bass and washboard for the bottom of the song! Gotta tell ya, at the recording, I thunk up the last line of the song I'd rather be well fed and alive than purty and dead, on the spot. When I said it at the end, we also spoiled the recording because my guys started crackin' up!  That and when I said the word 'omnivore' the first few takes, the band cracked up too. They didn't kn ow what it meant, jest thought it sounded funny and too hifalutin for a song we was recording! That's the only trouble we got with recording; we have so much fun playin' t'gether, we crack up and cain't keep goin'. Come to a dead stop gigllin' and carryin' on!

Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya'll can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by

'Possum plays dead, but not all the time
Sometimes he just saunters off
Other times he'll hiss like a snake
Sometimes stand his ground get pissed off!

So pick your battles carefully
Sometimes jest puff up say no!
Others raise up your hackles
Others ya just gotta let go

Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya'll can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by

When persimmon trees are in fruit
The 'possum gets his belly full
On a branch, feedin' hisself
Enjoyin' ever sweet mouthful!

Find out what your persimmons are
Oh yeah, seek it and ya'll will find
Find what gives ya satisfaction
Gives ya a sense of peace of mind

Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by

Live on the cheap you'll be surprised
How little can keep ya alive
Not always, but when ya have to
Keep an even keel to survive

We all need money to get by on
But don't be gettin' the notion
To work your ass off wreck your health
To try and make a big fortune

Times is hard for a lot of us
So here's some things ya can try
We call it 'possum livin' skills
All kind a tricks to get by

Don't neglect the dark of night
Ol' 'possum is a night critter
On a clear night go outside
Get a chair be a night sitter

Darker the night, the better
Light can be a distraction
Let your mind go, have a think
Take peace in your inaction

But thar's somethin' ya needs to know
Ol' 'possum is an omnivore
Nice way of sayin' he eats anything...
I wouldn't do that...OH NO!

Times is hard for a lot of us
Been that way through history
Maybe 'possum livin' skills
Can help keep ya happy and free!

'Possum livin' skills
Oh yeah!
'Possum livin' skills
Ugly ol' 'possum
Knows where it's at!
He be ugly, but he don't starve
I'd rather be well fed and alive than purty and dead.
 

The Burgoo Boys (featuring Uncle June's Jug Band) - Kentucky New Year's Eve

We haven't heard anything from The Burgoo Boys  for a while, and now that we have they've picked up some more musicians along the way. Uncle Junes' Jug Band is a group that plays the rounds in Kentucky and are known for their use of traditional jug band instruments like kazoo, jaw harp, washtub bass, washboard, and of course the jug. Jug bands began years ago and were primarily back musicians that played in urban areas of the south, as well as medicine shows. They are a part of the history of the blues, and played many styles of music like jazz, ragtime, and the blues. Kentucky New Year's Eve is a happy song, an invitation to ring in the New Year with some home-spun music and traditional Kentucky and Southern food. 

Some of the jug band instruments can be heard throughout like the washtub bass and washboard. The middle instrumental interlude spotlights some of them, and includes a solo by Uncle June himself, who is a virtuoso on the kazoo. 

 Gonna have a good New Years Eve

Get together and nip some shine

Jug player

 

Stay a while, don't ya'll leave

The eats gonna be mighty fine

A Kentucky New Years Eve
Starts real early in the day
Goes all the way to next light
Overnight we're gonna stay

Bring yer Get-fiddles and dobros
Banjoes, mandolins as well
We'll start playin' and eatin'
Raise us some mighty hell!

Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…

Gonna have real fried chicken
None of that KFC stuff
Cay at fish, Chow-Chow, Frog legs
So good you can't get enough!

We gonna have a jug band too
Jaw harp, kazoo, washboard as well
We'll start playin' and eatin'
Raise us some mighty hell!

Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…

What the hell you done asked me?
We gonna have any Burgoo?
Kentucky New Years Eve without it?
What in hell is wrong with you?

We gonna have Derby pie
Bourbon balls, Modjeska, as well
Just take it easy with the shine
It'll make ya drunker than hell!

Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…

There's gonna be all kinds a ladies
And men as well, that is true
C'mon and daynce, sing and play
They's bound to be partner for yew

We gonna ring in the New Year
Hope it's lots better than the last
Be nicer to all yer neighbors
Keep all the hate in the past

Gonna have a good New Years Eve etc…