Ballad Of Cat Ballou
Nat King Cole · Other Songs - Nat King Cole
For you're now about to hear
'The Ballad of Cat Ballou
It's a song that's newly made
And Professus and The Shade
And The Sunrise Kid are singin' it for you
Cat Ballou, Cat Ballou
It's a hangin' day in Wolf City, Wyomin'
Wolf City, Wyomin', 1894
They're gonna drop Cat Ballou
Through the gallows floor
She killed a man in Wolf City, Wyomin'
Wolf City, Wyomin', killed a man it's true
And that is why they're hangin'
Hangin' Cat Ballou
She has the smile of an angel
(Fights like the devil)
The eyes of an angel
(Bites like the devil)
The face of an angel
(I say she's the devil)
(She's mean and evil through and through)
Cat Ballou, Cat Ball-ou-ou-ou
She's mean and evil through and through
With her outlaw band, they're now tellin' a story
Now tellin' a story how she rode the plain
The wildest gal in the West
Since Calamity Jane
And today's the day that she's goin' to glory
She's goin' to glory for the way she sinned
They'll be speedin' her soul
On a wayward wind
She has the smile of an angel
(Fights like the devil)
The eyes of an angel
(Bites like the devil)
The face of an angel
(I say she's the devil)
(She's mean and evil through and through)
Cat Ballou
(Cat Ballou)
Cat Ball-ou-ou-ou
(Cat Ballou)
She's mean and evil through and through
Cat Ballou, Cat Ball-ou-ou-ou
She's mean and evil through and through
Ballad Of Cat Ballou
Nat King Cole's rendition of "Ballad Of Cat Ballou" showcases his signature smooth baritone within the realm of popular standards. Known for his ability to infuse warmth and sophistication into diverse material, Cole delivers a performance that aligns with his extensive catalogue of jazz and pop recordings. This track reflects his versatility in adapting narrative-driven songs to his intimate vocal style, maintaining the emotional resonance characteristic of his work during the mid-20th century. While often celebrated for his holiday classics and romantic ballads, Cole's interpretation of this title track demonstrates his capacity to handle storytelling compositions with grace. The recording stands as a testament to his enduring influence on vocal jazz and his ability to elevate songwriting through nuanced phrasing and emotional depth.