Colter Wall

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Colter Wall]
Well, it was way high up in the Sierry Petes
Where the yellow pines grow tall
Rusty Diggs and Sandy Sam
Had a round-up camp last fall
They had their ponies and their running irons
And maybe a dog or two
And they 'lowed they'd brand every lop-eared calf
That came within their view

[Verse 2: Colter Wall]
Well many a lop-eared dogie
If he didn't hush up by day
Had his long ears whittled and his old hide scorched
In a most artistic way
Then says Rusty Diggs to Sandy Sam
As he throwed his sigil down
"I'm tired of cowboy-ography
"And I figures I'll go to town"

[Verse 3: Blake Berglund]
They starts her in at the Kentucky Bar
At the head of the Whisky Row
And they winds her up at the Depot House
And forty drinks below
Then he winds her up and they turns her 'round
And they goes her the other way
Tell you the Lord-forsaken truth
Them boys got drunk that day
[Verse 4: Blake Berglund]
Well, they was a-headin' back to camp
And a-packin' a mighty good load
Who should they meet but the Devil himself
Come prancin' down the road?
And the Devil he said, "You cowboy skunks
"You better go hunt your hole
"'Cause I've come up from the Hell's rim rock
"To gather in your souls"
Says Rusty Jiggs to the Devil
"Though I know we're tight
"No devil ever took no cowpunch
"Without one kind of a fight"

[Verse 5: Corb Lund]
So Rusty Jiggs punched a hole in his rope
He swang it straight and true
He lassoed it onto the devil's horns
And he's takin' his dallies true
Now Sandy Sam was a reata man
With his gut line coiled up neat
So he shakes her out and he builds him a loop
And he lassoed the Devil's hind feet

[Verse 6: Corb Lund]
They stretched him out, they tailed him down
While the irons was a-gettin' hot
They cropped and swallow-forked his ears
And they branded him up a lot
Well they pruned him up with a dehorning saw
Tied knots in his tail for a joke
Then they rode off and left him there
Necked up to a black-jack oak
[Outro: Colter Wall & Corb Lund]
So if you're ever up in the Sierry Petes
And you hear one hell of a wail
Know it's that Devil a-bellowin' around
About them knots in his tail
You'll know it's that Devil a-bellowin' around
About them knots in his tailEmbed

When it comes to Cowboy songs, one that stands out is “Tying Knots in the Devil’s Tail” by Colter Wall featuring Blake Berglund and Corb Lund. The song written by Gail I. Gardner in 1917 is a classic Cowboy song that follows the story of two cattle rustlers in their funny antics up until they meet the devil, and more antics ensue. This song is a perfect blend of traditional cowboy lyrics with the soulful melody of Colter Wall and his collaborators, making it a modern-day classic.

About Tying Knots in the Devil’s Tail

“Tying Knots in the Devil’s Tail" is a unique blend of music and storytelling that resonates with those who love traditional cowboy songs. The song is based on a poem written by Gail I. Gardner in 1917, a poet who hailed from Prescott, Arizona known for his cowboy poetry, which he used to chronicle cowboy life and outlaws in the Old West. Of his poems, “Tying Knots in the Devil’s Tail” has gone on to become one of the most famous cowboy songs of all time.

The song is a humorous tale of two cowboys who go out to steal cattle but end up in trouble with the devil. The song has a catchy tune, and the lyrics to the chorus are easy to sing along to. The song is steeped in cowboy culture and reflects the way of life of the cowboys of the time. It is a classic cowboy song that has been covered by many artists and has been passed down from generation to generation.

The song begins with the two cowboys deciding to steal some cattle, and hilariously finding one cow that is too skinny to take. The cowboys continue on, singing and having a great time until they run into the devil and challenge him to a fight. The devil, being the devil, outsmarts the cowboys and sends them on their way, all tied up in knots, hence the name "Tying Knots in the Devil's Tail".

With Colter Wall's soulful voice and the collaboration of Blake Berglund and Corb Lund, the song takes on new life, and Wall shows us that he's ready to put his own spin on classic cowboy music. The tune is catchy, and the lyrics stick in your head, making it a song that'll have you singing along in no time.

In true cowboy fashion, the lyrics of the song are both comic and poignant. The song's primary themes are adventure, brotherhood, and retribution. The lyrics depict the way cowboys lived their lives on the range, and the main characters' humorous banter shows that despite their tough surroundings, they could still find joy and humor in their daily routines. The song is an amalgamation of humor, action, and adventure, providing a glimpse into the cowboy life on the range.

The song's success lies in its ability to capture the spirit of the Old West and the cowboy life, and with Colter Wall's incredible performance and the support of his collaborators, this song has become a classic example of cowboy music.

Colter Wall

Colter Wall is a Canadian singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Saskatchewan. He began his career in music quite young, and by the age of 17, he started touring across Canada. He gained fame through his debut album "Imaginary Appalachia" and has since released many albums, including his newest one, "Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs".

Colter Wall's music is heavily influenced by traditional country music, and he has a unique style that sets him apart from other contemporary country singers. He's known for his gravelly voice and a deep appreciation for the western musical style.

Colter Wall has become one of the most celebrated singers in the country and western genre. He's won the Canadian Country Music Association's Roots Artist of the Year award twice and has won over critics and fans alike with his unique combination of traditional cowboy music and modern themes.

Blake Berglund and Corb Lund

Blake Berglund and Corb Lund are both well-established Canadian country singers and songwriters with many accolades to their names. Their collaboration on "Tying Knots in the Devil's Tail" adds to the song's depth and richness, bringing a new perspective to the already iconic lyrics.

Blake Berglund is a Saskatchewan-based singer-songwriter who's known for his honest and emotional songwriting and powerful live performances. He's released several albums and has played at some of Canada's largest music festivals, including the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and Dauphin's Countryfest.

Corb Lund is a celebrated Alberta native musician who's known for his ability to blend traditional Cowboy music with contemporary themes. He has a loyal following, and his music has been featured on many television shows, including the Netflix series "Longmire."

Wrapping Up

“Tying Knots in the Devil’s Tail” is a timeless classic that has been passed down through generations, inspiring new generations of country and western musicians to keep the traditional sound alive. Colter Wall, Blake Berglund, and Corb Lund's collaboration tells the story truthfully and adds new flair and emotion to the iconic song. This song captures the humor and pathos of cowboy life, and Wall's renditions will keep the song alive and well for years to come.

• Release Date: October 12, 2018
• Artist: Colter Wall