One More Time

Radio reception in and around Laredo was not that great in the mid-sixties and most stations played country songs.  That didn’t really bother me as I liked country and when I tired of the radio’s offerings I had my own collection of popular music to listen to.  However, my husband at the time was not a fan of country so he complained endlessly about the lack of quality music on the radio.
 At the time, one of the songs getting the most airplay was Ode to Billie Joe by Bobbie Gentry.  It was a sad song about a young girl grieving for her secret boyfriend who had jumped off a bridge to his death.  I liked the song, but like my husband was getting bored with it being played constantly.  Unlike him I didn’t rant and rave about it, instead I would merely channel hop until I figured it was over.
 Then came the day we were headed over to our friends’ home for dinner and cards.  We had barely gotten underway when the song came on the radio.  Before I could change the channel, my husband said, “How many times is that kid going to jump off that bridge before they get tired of telling us about it?” in a thoroughly exasperated tone.
 I couldn’t help but laugh as I replied, “Probably as many times as Tom Dooley hung.”
 Surprise at my response immediately turned into a grin then full laughter as he realized the absurdity of his remark.  When he sobered he switched the radio off and together we hung Tom Dooley one more time.

 For the record, I still enjoy The Kingston Trio’s blend of folk and calypso music, but cringe whenever Ode to Billie Joe is played.