Origins of Twang

Today's blog may cause a bit of controversy. I realize some of you are country music fans, and there's nothing wrong with that. I just prefer other styles of music like classical, soft rock, some jazz, and classic hits from groups like: BTO, Journey, Supertramp, etc. Call me a product of the 70's, those glory days when country music was frowned upon. =)

Enough said, without further ado, here is the saga of Cowboy George. (Incidentally, the illustration for this particular poem was sketched by one of my talented sisters, Heather J. Littell.)

Cow-Times on the Open Plains
(Or the Origins of Country Twang)

Cowboy George sat pondering upon his faithful steed—
Blissfully he was aware, cow-herding fulfilled his every need.
He’d named them all, it was his way, each cow was precious to his sight,
He ever strived to please them, morning, noon, and night.

He wrote a poem, the cows were bored, he tried to paint instead—
The cows, they merely turned their backs, the cowboy hung his head.
He read them books, they turned away; he danced, they scoffed and smirked,
No matter what our hero tried, nothing seemed to work.

"Oh, woe is me," he sadly cried, "Oh, woe and woe again!"
The cows’ ears perked, they were impressed, by sounds of nasal twang.
They gathered enraptured at his feet, imploring him to sing,
He beamed at his discovery; he’d invented a wondrous thing.

And so at night, and oft times day, he strummed his wood guitar—
Adding, of course, his nasal voice, to thrill cows near and far.
His fame soon spread, the passion grew, his style was copied and often shared,
Country music had been born, cow relationships were repaired.

The years have passed, changes have come, new styles of music persist—
But bestill our hearts, no need to fear, country twang still lies within our midst.
And so we say, upon reflection, our hearts with great sincerity ring,
"Why didn’t the cows trample George before he thought to sing?!"

Cheri J. Crane
(1990)