Pistol Packin Mama

Bing Crosby · Other Songs - Bing Crosby

Lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down



Oh, drinkin' beer in a cabaret



Was I havin' fun



Until one night she caught me right



And now I'm on the run



Oh, lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down



Oh, I'll sing you every night Bing



And I'll woo you every day



I'll be your regular mama



And I'll put that gun away



Oh, lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that thing down before it goes off and hurts somebody!



Oh, she kicked out my windshield



And she hit me over the head



She cussed and cried and said I lied



And she wished that I was dead



Oh, lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down



We're three tough gals



From deep down Texas way



We got no pals



They don't like the way we play



We're a rough rootin' tootin' shootin' trio



But you ought to see my sister Cleo



She's a terror make no error



But there ain't no nicer terror



Here's what we tell her



Lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down



Pappy made a batch of corn



The Revenuers came



The draugh was slow



So now they know



You can't do that to Mame



Oh, lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down



Oh, singing songs in a cabaret



Was I havin' fun



Until one night it didn't seem right



And now I'm on the run



Oh, lay that pistol down, babe



Lay that pistol down



Pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down



Oh, pistol packin' mama



Lay that pistol down

Pistol Packin Mama

Bing Crosby's rendition of 'Pistol Packin' Mama' stands as a defining example of his ability to adapt popular material into a polished, accessible sound. Recorded during the height of his commercial dominance, the track showcases the crooner's signature smooth delivery against a backdrop of lively, rhythmic accompaniment. While the song originated in the folk and blues traditions, Crosby's interpretation brought it to a mass audience, cementing its status as a standard within the American songbook. This recording highlights his versatility in handling upbeat numbers alongside his more somber ballads. The performance remains a testament to his enduring influence on vocal style and his capacity to elevate simple melodies into timeless recordings that defined an era of popular music.