Where did you come from ?
Where did you go?
Where did you come from, Cotton Eye Joe?
For me, it takes me back to high school when I had energy to kick my legs high like the stereotype of a hillbilly drunk on moonshine. Do you know the song I'm talking about?
For those who don't know what I'm talking about, in 1994 a Swedish techno group, appropriately called Rednex had an international hit with a song called "Cotton Eye Joe.
Here it is, if you dare listen:
This song was a staple at High School dances. Hoo Boy did we kick our legs and dance to this song!
So, here's what's interesting about the song I woke up with in my head this morning. It's by incredibly underrated songwriter, Josh Rouse. The title: Cotton Eye Joe. The lyrics? The same as I posted earlier, but a totally different twist on the song, more mellow, more relaxing, more beautiful.
This song comes from Josh Rouse's 2010 album "El Turista." Many of this album's tracks are in Spanish. Rouse was based in Nashville during the peak of his career in the early 2000's, but he married a Spaniard and has been in Spain ever since (as far as I know, I don't follow him as well as I should.) This album is a sort of dedication to his time in Spain. It's a great album! I highly recommend it. Like, really highly. Like really really highly.
"Cotton Eye Joe" is the 8th track on the album and the song stuck in my head this morning:
The video I found is slightly different than the recording than the version on the album, so I guess you'll have to buy it to find out what it really sounds like. You won't regret it. Buy the whole album!
One last word about the song "Cotton Eye Joe." Before today, I thought the song had originated with Rednex, but in fact, I was wrong. Cotton-Eyed Joe is an old American folk song that dates back to before the American Civil War. Did you know that? I sure didn't!
Well this has been fun hasn't it?
A good week to every one.
Brady
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