Shel Silverstein

[Carl]

Friend of Songfacts Mitch Myers has a new book out of Shel Silverstein's previously unreleased writings and drawings. With any luck, this will be like Tupac and they'll keep finding new material.

Mitch is Silverstein's Nephew and a terrific author himself. A few years ago he told us some stories about Shel and his songs, including how Johnny Cash ended up doing "A Boy Named Sue." Here's an NPR segment where Mitch covered the new book:

http://www.npr.org/2011/09/20/140566486/shel-silversteins-poems-live-on-in-every-thing

[chutzpah]

very good Carl

"Italian Food"

[Brad_M]

My favorite novelty song by Shel Silverstein is:

"The Great American Smoke-Off"

[Shawna]

I loved Shel Silverstein's "Giraffe and a Half." One of my favorite books when I was little. I thought this interview was interesting in that I never knew he had such a presence in the songwriting world... but it stands to reason that he would.

Even if he does have a "man coat" I still love his stuff.

[Uncle Joe]

One of my favorite Shel Silverstein songs is Three Legged Man...

Lyrics to Three-Legged Man :

Well now friends you'll never guess it so I really must confess it --

I just met the sweetest woman of my long dismal life.

But a friend of mine said, "Buddy, just in case your mind is muddy,

Don't you know that girl you're fooling with is Peg-Leg Johnson's wife.

And that man is big and rough and mean and grim,

And he'll brain you with his artificial limb.

But next morning bright and early I stole old Peg-Leg's girlie,

And I also took his wooden leg just to play it safe.

But there weren't no time for laughter 'cause he started hopping after,

And I keep on running faster but he won't give up the chase.

And I'm running through the mountain with his bride,

And I got his wooden leg here by my side.

I'm a three-legged man with a two-legged woman

Being chased cross country by a one-legged fool.

Though he's huffing and he's puffing and he shows no sign of stopping,

I tell you, boys, this life is hard and cruel.

'Cross the deserts and the valleys and the dark Chicago alleys --

'Cross the mighty Mississippi to the hills of Caroline.

Through the mountains of Montana and the swamps of Louisiana --

Every time that I look back he's JUST one foot behind.

And I know he must be cold and wet and sick,

But in spite of all his woes he can kick.

Now he's ragged and he's filthy, and I'm feeling mighty guilty

'Specially in the evenings when I hear him plead and beg.

He says "In spite of all your stealing friend, I bear you no hard feelings.

You can keep that darned old woman but please give me back my leg."

'Cause although the one you meant to take was wooden

In the dark by mistake you took my good'un.

I couldn't find a version by Shel but here's Ray Stevens' take...

Three Legged Man