Story Behind The Song

Since 1923, the story of Stagger Lee has been recorded by more than 400 artists-- including Woody Guthrie, Lloyd Price, Neil Diamond, Taylor Swift, Pete Seger, Fats Domino, Mary Wells, Wilson Pickett, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and even Pat Boone... Most of these recordings are in a style of traditional old time blues, folk music or Rolling'1950's blues. Dick Wagner's hits the tune with passionate fire and sizzling rock and roll guitars.

Song Description

Dick Wagner's fiery rock n roll take on Stagger Lee features Wagner's dazzling guitar solos and passionate rock vocals. Stagger Lee, a classic, century old story /song about a gambler and a barfight, has been recorded by dozens of diverse artists -- including Woody Guthrie, Lloyd Price, Neil Diamond, Taylor Swift, Pete Seger, Fats Domino, Mary Wells, Wilson Pickett and more -- nearly all in the style of traditional old time blues, folk music or Rolling'1950's blues. Dick Wagner's Stagger Lee takes the tune to sizzling new heights of rock 'n roll heaven.

Lyrics

STAGGER LEE
The night was clear and the moon was yellow
And the leaves came tumbling down

I was standing on the corner
When I heard my bulldog bark
He was barkin' at the two men
Who were gamblin' in the dark
It was Stagger Lee and Billy
Two men who gambled late
Stagger Lee threw seven
Billy swore that he threw eight

Stagger Lee told Billy
Can't let you get away with that
You have won all my money
And my brand new stetson hat

Stagger Lee went home
And he got his forty-four
Said, I'm goin' to the barroom
Just to pay that debt I owe
Just to pay that debt I owe
I said, Go Stagger Lee

[Instrumental Interlude]

Stagger Lee went to the barroom
And he stood across the barroom door
He said, nobody move
And he pulled out his forty-four

Stagger Lee, cried Billy
Oh, please don't take my life
I've three little children
And a very sick little wife

Stagger Lee shot Billy
Oh, he shot that poor boy so bad
Till the bullet came through Billy
And it broke the bartender's glass.