8/19/2021
Episode #110 “Cows”
Today, we’re talking about cows, and the steaks are high. Many images of cattle show up in folklore stories, like that of the bull, or the ox. Probably the most famous ox would have to be Paul Bunyons Big Blue Ox named Babe. Today, I’ll be talking about some of these Paul Bunyon stories and more, including some cowboy ballads along with a whole hour of cow related songs inspired by today’s topic. Moo.
Today’s Playlist
Cows Around – Corb Lund
Cow Cow Boogie – Ella Fitzgerald
Milk Bucket Boogie – Red Foley
Milk Cow Blues – Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
I’m an Old Cowhand – Roy Rogers
Night Herding Song – Colter Wall
The Dying Cowboy – Cisco Houston
Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys – Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson
The Cows Came Home – Joe Diffie
Big Ball’s In Cowtown – Bob Willis
Cattle Call – Eddy Arnold
Milkcow’s Calf Blues – Robert Johnson (talk, story)
Restless Cattle – Marty Robbins (ending song)
Tune the Old Cow Died On – John Kirk and Friends
Intro and theme music Omie Wise (feat. Kalia Yeagle) by Hasee Ciaccio
Background instrumental music by Brittany Haas, Produced by Darol Anger. All traditional old-time tunes. 2004.
Resources and Additional Materials
Folk Music of the United States: Cowboy Songs, Ballads, and Cattle Calls from Texas
How Now Brown Cow? Folklore Thursday
Ox, cow and bull in folklore imagery and tales
Babe the Blue Ox