Dakota (The Dancing Bear) (Part II)
David Allan Coe · Other Songs - David Allan Coe
I thought I wanted a Coca-Cola and I started out on the jump
She said hold it Dave come quick there's something you gotta see
That man had got a dancing bear tied up to that old tree
I said dance dance Dakota dance all around the country store
Me and sweet Betty ain't never seen a bear that could dance before
Well it's one step two steps three steps four
A bottle of soda and he'll dance some more
Dance dance Dakota dance all around the country store
Well these hippies walked up to the cage giving pills to that ole bear
I don't know what it was they was giving to him it
had him pulling out his hair
I tried to keep time with the music Lord with the beat on my tamborine
Gave him some wine from a Mason jar and we all began to sing
I said dance dance Dakota dance...
About Dakota (The Dancing Bear) (Part II)
David Allan Coe's "Dakota (The Dancing Bear) (Part II)" stands as a gritty, country-rock staple that captures the rugged spirit of the American West. Released in the late 1980s, the track exemplifies Coe's signature blend of outlaw country and honky-tonk, featuring his distinctive gravelly vocals and a driving, twangy rhythm section. The song's narrative follows a wandering cowboy, a recurring theme in Coe's discography, emphasizing themes of isolation and the harsh realities of frontier life. As a standalone recording, the track showcases Coe's mastery of storytelling and his ability to evoke a specific mood without relying on traditional ballad structures. It remains a defining piece of his catalog, reflecting the era's shift toward more aggressive, rock-infused country sounds while maintaining the genre's core authenticity. The song continues to resonate with fans of classic country music for its raw energy and vivid imagery.