Across The Alley From The Alamo
Ella Fitzgerald · Other Songs - Ella Fitzgerald
Lived a pinto pony and a Navajo
Who sang a sort of Indian "Hi-de-ho"
To the people passin' by
The pinto spent his time a-swishin' flies
And the Navajo watched the lazy skies
And very rarely did they ever rest their eyes
On the people passin' by
One day they went a-walkin'
Along the railroad track
They were swishin', not a-lookin'
Toot! Toot! They never came back
Oh, across the alley from the Alamo
When the summer sun decides to settle low
A fly sings an Indian "Hi-de-ho"
To the people passing by
Across the alley from the Alamo
Lived a pinto pony and a Navajo
Who used to bake frijoles in cornmeal dough
For the people passing by
They thought that they would make some easy bucks
By washin' their frijoles in Duz and Lux
A pair of very conscientious clucks
To the people passin' by
Then they took this cheap vacation
Their shoes were polished bright
No, they never heard the whistle
Toot! Toot! They're clear out of sight
Oh, across the alley from the Alamo
When the starlight beams its tender glow
The beams go to sleep and then there ain't no dough
For the people passin' by
One day, they went a walkin'
Along the railroad track
They were swishin', not a-lookin'
Toot! Toot! They never came back
Oh, across the alley from the Alamo
When the summer sun decides to settle low
A fly sings an Indian "Hi-de-ho"
To the people passin' by
Across the alley from the Alamo
About Across The Alley From The Alamo
Ella Fitzgerald's "Across The Alley From The Alamo" stands as a testament to her unparalleled vocal mastery and her ability to infuse jazz standards with narrative depth. Recorded during the height of her career, the track showcases her signature phrasing and emotional control, transforming a simple ballad into a compelling story about the American South. As a quintessential example of her swing era repertoire, the song highlights her collaboration with legendary session musicians who complemented her voice with intricate arrangements. This recording exemplifies Fitzgerald's commitment to musical integrity and her role as a definitive interpreter of the Great American Songbook. Her delivery on this track demonstrates the technical precision and lyrical clarity that defined her discography, making it a cherished piece within her extensive catalog. The song remains a significant representation of mid-20th-century jazz, capturing the spirit of an era while celebrating the enduring power of vocal performance.