Cash on the Barrelhead
| "Cash on the Barrelhead" | |
|---|---|
| Song by The Louvin Brothers | |
| Recorded | May 4, 1956 |
| Genre | Country |
| Length | 2:46 |
| Writer(s) | Louvin and Charlie Louvin |
"Cash on the Barrelhead" is a song written by Charlie and Ira Louvin, known professionally as the Louvin Brothers, which was first recorded and released in 1956 as the B-side of "You're Running Wild". The single came at a high point in the Louvins' career, and the song's rollicking honky-tonk feel has led it to be frequently covered both in recordings and live performances.
The song plays on the popular expression "cash on the barrelhead" implying that immediate payment is demanded. The expression apparently derives from the custom of using barrel tops as ersatz tables in bars. In such circumstances, "customers were required to pay for their drinks immediately, literally putting their money on the top (head) of a barrel."
The song tells a picaresque tale of an unfortunate rogue facing jail time or a fine for "getting in a little trouble at the county seat". Unable to raise the funds, he spends "thirty" days in the jailhouse." His financial woes continue to bedevil him, leaving him unable to make a call from jail and finally unable to pay his bus fare home when released.
In 1966 Bobby Lord cut the song as a single.
In 1973 Ronnie Sessions recorded the song as a single and it hit a 72 on the Country charts.
Gram Parsons recorded the song with backing vocals by Emmylou Harris for his 1974 album Grievous Angel, as part of the "Medley Live from Northern Quebec", along with the song "Hickory Wind". This rendition is noteworthy for its curious faked live performance ambiance and the sparkling country guitar work of Elvis sideman James Burton.
Don McCalister, Jr from Austin, Texas covered the song on his 1993 album Brand New Ways.
Longest Train: In 1996 Charlie Louvin re-recorded the song on his album Longest Train. The album was produced by Julian Dawson and included backup vocals and rhythm guitar by Barry and Holly Tashian and this version of the song included a noticeably spectacular rockabilly backing guitar part by Steuart Smith who has worked extensively with the Eagles (band).
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