Choctaw Bingo
James McMurtry
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Strap them kids in Give 'em a little bit of vodka in a cherry coke We're going to Oklahoma to the family reunion for the first time in years It's up at uncle Slayton's cause he's getting on in years You know he no longer travels but he's still pretty spry He's not much on talking and he's just too mean to die And they'll be comin' down from Kansas And from west Arkansas It'll be one great big old party like you never saw Uncle Slayton's got his Texan pride Back in the thickets with his Asian bride He's got a Airstream trailer and a Holstein cow He still makes whiskey 'cause he still knows how He plats that Choctaw bingo every Friday night You know he had to leave Texas but he won't say why He owns a quarter section up by Lake Eufala Caught a great big ol' blue cat on a driftin' jug line Sells his hardwood timber to the shipping mill Cooks that crystal meth because the shine don't sell He cooks that crystal meth because the shine don't sell You know he likes his money he don't mind the smell My cousin Roscoe Slayton's oldest boy from his second marriage up in Illinois He was raised in East St. Louis by his momma's people Where they do things different Thought he'd just come on down He was going to Dallas Texas in a semi truck called from that big McDonald's You know the one they built up on that great big ol' bridge Across the Will Rogers Turnpike Took the Big Cabin exit stopped and bought a couple of cartons of cigarettes At that Indian Smoke Shop with the big neon smoke rings In the Cherokee Nation hit Muskogee late that night Somebody ran a stoplight at the Shawnee Bypass Roscoe tried to miss 'em but he didn't quite Bob and Mae come up from little town Way down by lake Texoma where he coaches football They were two A champions now for two years running But he says they won't be this year no they won't be this year And he stopped off in Tushka at that "Pop's Knife and Gun" place Bought a SKS rifle and a couple a full cases of that steel core ammo With the berdan primers from some East bloc nation that no longer needs 'em And a Desert Eagle that's one great big ol' pistol I mean .50 caliber made by bad ass Hebrews And some surplus tracers for that old BAR of Slayton's Soon as it gets dark we're gonna have us a time We're gonna have us a time Ruth Ann and Lynn come down from Baxter Springs That's one hell raisin' town way up in Southeastern Kansas Got a biker bar next to the lingerie store That's got them Rolling Stones lips up there where everyone can see 'em And they burn all night you know they burn all night you know they burn all night Ruth Ann and Lynn they wear them cut off britches and those skinny little halters And they're second cousins to me Man I don't care I want to get between 'em With a great big ol' hard on like a old bois d' arc fence post You could hang a pipe rail gait from Do some twisted sisters 'til the cows come home And we'd be havin' us a time Uncle Slayton's got his Texan pride Back in the thickets with his Asian bride He's cut that corner pasture into acre lots' He sells 'em owner financed Strictly to them that's got no kind of credit 'cCause he knows they're slackers When they miss that payment Then he takes it back He plays that Choctaw Bingo every Friday night Drinks that Johnny Walker at that Club 69 We're gonna strap them kids in give 'em a little bit o' Benadryl And a cherry coke we're goin' to Oklahoma Gonna have us a time
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Written by: James McMurtry
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Genre"Choctaw Bingo" is a song that falls under the Americana, Alt Country, and Folk Rock genres.
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Album NameThe song is an integral part of the album "St. Mary of the Woods."
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Release InformationIt was released as a single track in the album "St. Mary of the Woods" in October 2002.
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Song LengthIt runs for a duration of about 9 minutes and 6 seconds, making it one of the longest songs in McMurtry's discography.
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Songwriting"Choctaw Bingo" was written and performed by James McMurtry, who is also known for his storytelling through his lyrics.
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InspirationIt is a story song about a wild and crazy extended family that gathers at a patriarch's mobile home in Oklahoma to play Choctaw Bingo.
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Mood and ThemeThe song establishes an atmospheric mood of a midwestern family, capturing the essence of blue-collar lifestyle and rural corruption.
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Target AudienceIt generally appeals to an audience that enjoys narrative-driven songs and storytelling in music.
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Live PerformancesIt is particularly well-loved during live performances due to its lengthy instrumental jam sessions and engaging lyrics.
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Popular Reception"Choctaw Bingo" is one of McMurtry's most popular songs, earning the praise of fans and critics alike.
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Song InterpretationThe song metaphorically depicts the multiple layers of American society such as poverty, corruption, family, and hope among them.
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Music and InstrumentationThe song features a slow-building arrangement highlighted by fiery slide guitar solos.
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Unique StyleMcMurtry is known for his distinct narrative style, which is evident in "Choctaw Bingo," combining humor with an observant examination of complex family dynamics.
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Radio PlayDespite its lengthy duration, the song received significant radio play on Alternative country stations.
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Song CoverThe song was also covered by other music artists, including Ray Wylie Hubbard.
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Regular Rotation"Choctaw Bingo" is a staple in McMurtry's live shows, being a favorite among fans.
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Critical AcclaimSome music critics call it one of the best tracks written by James McMurtry.
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Notable LyricsThe song features numerous memorable lines and has a chorus that ends with the phrase, "We're gonna get high high high."
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Repetition in MusicThe song uses repetition effectively to build tension and anticipation throughout its lengthy runtime.
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Parallel Narratives"Choctaw Bingo" incorporates multiple storylines that run in parallel, a trait that exemplifies McMurtry's storytelling skill.
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Citation
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"Choctaw Bingo Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14734376/James+McMurtry/Choctaw+Bingo>.
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