The Ballad Of Jed Clampett
Flatt And Scruggs · Other Songs - Flatt And Scruggs
Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
Then one day he was shootin at some food,
And up through the ground came a bubblin crude.
Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.
Well the first thing you know ol Jed's a millionaire,
Kinfolk said Jed move away from there
Said Californy is the place you ought to be
So they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly.
Hills, that is. Swimmin pools, movie stars.
(Part 2)
Well now its time to say good-bye to Jed and all his kin.
And they would like to thank you folks fer kindly droppin in.
You're all invited back next week to this locality
To have a heapin helpin of their hospitality
Hillbilly that is. Set a spell. Take your shoes off.
Y'all come back now, y'hear?
The Ballad Of Jed Clampett
Recorded by Flatt and Scruggs, this track stands as a quintessential example of bluegrass storytelling, blending traditional Appalachian balladry with the duo's signature acoustic guitar and banjo interplay. The song captures the rugged, folksy spirit of the American South, utilizing Flatt's distinctive vocal delivery and Scruggs's intricate fingerpicking to evoke a sense of nostalgia and narrative depth. As a staple of their discography, the recording exemplifies the genre's ability to transform simple folk themes into enduring musical works that resonate across generations. Its enduring popularity highlights the duo's mastery in preserving and revitalizing traditional song forms within the modern bluegrass canon.