The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Barrell

Statler Brothers · 30th Anniversary Celebration [Mercury] [1995]

I'm the official historian of Shirley Jean Berrell

I've know her since God only knows and I won't tell

I caught her the first time that she stumbled and fell

And surely she knows me just as well.



I can tell you here birthday and her daddy's middle name

The uncles on her mama's side and the one they don't claim

What she's got for Christmas since 1952

And that's only the beginning of the things I could tell you



I'm the official historian of Shirley Jean Berrell

I've known her since God only knows and I won't tell

I caught her the first time that she stumbled and fell

And surely she knows me just as well.



I can tell you her favorite song and where she likes to park

And why to this very day she's scared of the dark

How she got her nickname and that scar behind her knee

If there's anything you need to know about Shirley just ask me.



I know where she's ticklish and her every little quirk

The funnies she don't read and her number at work

I know what she stands for and what she won't allow

The only thing that I don't know is where she is right now



I'm the official historian of Shirley Jean Berrell

I've know her since God only knows and I won't tell

I caught her the first time that she stumbled and fell

And surely she knows me just as well.



Oh surely she knows me just as well...

The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Barrell

Recorded by the Statler Brothers on their 1995 30th Anniversary Celebration album, this track stands as a poignant tribute to Shirley Jean Barrell, a former first lady of the United States. The song reflects the duo's signature blend of traditional gospel and country storytelling, characteristic of their extensive discography spanning decades. Through their distinctive harmonies, the recording captures the emotional weight of Barrell's life and legacy, serving as a musical homage within the broader context of American political history. The piece exemplifies the Statler Brothers' ability to weave personal narrative with communal worship, resonating deeply with audiences who appreciate their authentic approach to religious and historical themes.