Wine motherfucker, drinkin' wine.

April 13, 2008 8:46 PM

The best-known version of that joyful ode to getting smashed, Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee, would surely be the Jerry Lee Lewis rendition, and Memphis rockabilly singer Johnny Burnette recorded a hopping little version of the tune as well. But the song was written and originally recorded by Stick (aka "Sticks") McGhee, who adapted it from a chant he learned during his stint in the Army. And yes, "spo-dee-o-dee" was a substitute for another word, which, though fine for the Army, wasn't exactly radio friendly. Stick wrote a few other tunes in celebration of the alcoholic beverage, including "Six To Eight" and "Jungle Juice". And as has been pointed out previously, the song title was likely the inspiration for the alcoholic concoction known as the "spodi". Drink up!
posted by flapjax at midnite (8 comments total)

More from Johnny Burnette:

You're Sixteen, which wasn't written by Burnette, but his version did reasonably well, charting at number 8 in 1960. The song was later a top 40 hit (straight to #1) for Ringo Starr after the Beatles' breakup.

Lonesome Train. This track (no pun intended) has a great rockabilly sound: classic spareness, great guitar line accompaniment, slapback echo on the backbeat, and a vocal that cuts like a knife.

Rock Billy Boogie. "I know a little spot on the edge of town, where you can really pick 'em up and set 'em down"
posted by flapjax at midnite at 10:28 PM on April 13, 2008

Previously.
posted by P.o.B. at 12:01 AM on April 14, 2008

Which you've already linked!
posted by P.o.B. at 12:02 AM on April 14, 2008

The version by Stick McGhee, a sensational hit, was among the first few recordings released by a tiny startup company called Atlantic Records, without it they may have gone the way of legions of other companies consisting of a couple of guys and a kitchen table.
posted by StickyCarpet at 3:49 AM on April 14, 2008

Footnote: a buncha goofs called Donny Baker and the Dimensionals did a version for the non-boozing set. I've heard it. It's OK.
posted by jonmc at 4:03 AM on April 14, 2008

Pretty good versions also include the Howling Diablos (with Kid Rock!) and Richard Thompson, on his 1000 Years Of Popular Music album.
posted by EarBucket at 4:57 AM on April 14, 2008

I knew Pere Ubu did a song called "Drinking Wine Spodyody" (snippet), but never knew the original. Thanks for once again opening the doors and letting the fresh air in, motherfucker!
posted by not_on_display at 5:48 PM on April 14, 2008

Why, you're more than welcome, motherfucker!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:33 PM on April 14, 2008