Don't Cuss The Fiddle

Kris Kristofferson · The Essential Kris Kristofferson [Legacy Recording [2004]

(Kris Kristofferson)



I scandalized my brother while admittin' that he sang some pretty songs

I'd heard that he'd been scandalizin' me

And Lord I knew that that was wrong

Now I'm looking at it over somethin' cool and feelin' fool enough to see

What I had called my brother on now he had every right to call on me.



Don't ever cuss the fiddle, boy, unless you want the fiddle out of tune

That picker there in trouble boy ain't nothin' but another side of you

If we ever get to heaven boys it ain't because we ain't done nothin' wrong

We're in this gig together

So let's settle down and steal each other's song.



I found a wounded brother drinking bitterly away the afternoon

And soon enough he turned on me like he'd done every face in that saloon

Well, we cussed him to the ground and said

He couldn't even steal a decent song

But soon as it was spoken he was sad enough to wish that we were wrong.



Don't ever cuss the fiddle, boy, unless you want the fiddle out of tune

That picker there in trouble boy ain't nothin' but another side of you

If we ever get to heaven boys it ain't because we ain't done nothin' wrong

We're in this gig together

So let's settle down and steal each other's song.



I know that it sounds silly

But I think that I just stole somebody's song...

Don't Cuss The Fiddle

Kris Kristofferson's 'Don't Cuss The Fiddle' stands as a testament to his enduring connection with traditional country instrumentation and storytelling. Recorded for the 2004 Legacy compilation, the track highlights the songwriter's ability to craft narratives that resonate with the roots of American music. While Kristofferson is often celebrated for his poetic, sometimes melancholic ballads, this song embraces a more spirited appreciation for the fiddle, a staple of the genre's sonic landscape. The recording fits comfortably within his broader discography, which ranges from the gritty realism of his early work to the polished production of his later years. It serves as a reminder of the instrumental textures that define his sound, offering listeners a moment of rhythmic engagement that complements his reputation as a master lyricist. The song remains a notable song in his catalogue, reflecting the timeless appeal of his musical vision.