Ben Colder – Don’t Go Near The Eskimos: A Classic Country Parody

Are you a fan of classic country music? If so, you’ve probably heard of Ben Colder, the alter ego of singer Sheb Wooley. Colder was known for his hilarious parodies of popular country hits, and one of his most famous songs is «Don’t Go Near The Eskimos.»

The Story Behind the Song

«Don’t Go Near The Eskimos» was written by Lorene Mann and Sheb Wooley and released in November 1962. The song was a parody of the Rex Allen hit «Don’t Go Near the Indians,» which was a significant hit that year. Sheb Wooley recorded a drunken-sounding parody called «Don’t Go Near the Eskimos» and released it under the pseudonym Ben Colder. The song was a Top 20 hit on the country charts, and Wooley decided to keep returning to his new comic persona on a regular basis.

The Meaning of the Song

The song is a humorous take on the dangers of venturing too close to the Eskimos. The lyrics warn listeners not to go near the Eskimos, or they might end up with a frozen nose or worse. The song is a lighthearted parody that pokes fun at the stereotypes of Eskimos and the dangers of the Arctic.

The Legacy of Ben Colder

Ben Colder was a beloved figure in the world of country music, known for his hilarious parodies and unique sense of humor. He had a few more chart singles through the ’60s, including «Harper Valley P.T.A. (Later That Same Day)» and «Little Green Apples No.2». Colder’s music continues to be enjoyed by fans of classic country music to this day.

Recording Details

«Don’t Go Near The Eskimos» was included in Colder’s album «Spoofing the Big Ones!» released in May 1962. The song was produced by Shelby Singleton and recorded under the M-G-M label.

Conclusion

In conclusion, «Don’t Go Near The Eskimos» is a classic country parody that has stood the test of time. Ben Colder’s unique sense of humor and love for country music made him a beloved figure in the industry, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans to this day.

COUNTRYPEDIA

Ben Colder – Don’t Go Near The Eskimos, Live on Buck Owens Ranch Show 1969

Ben Colder – Don’t Go Near The Eskimos Lyrics

[Chorus]
Oop shoop moogi mushy doggy, oh
Oop shoop moogi ay
Means son, don’t go near the Eskimos
Please do what I say

My daddy was working
For the weather station
A little bit North of Nome
And I grew up in that frozen country
Where the nights are six months long

I used to play like I was an Eskimo
I put whale oil on my hair
And every night I would beg my folks
Let me sleep in the frigid air

I was seventeen and my voice was changing
But the girls didn’t thrill me none
‘Cause I longed to go see an Eskimo
On the banks of the old Yukon

One night I slipped from my daddy’s house
A little bit north of Nome
I knew that I could get back by morning
‘Cause the nights are six months long

And there she was
Sitting on a chunk of ice
Eating a frozen fish
And dipping her friskies
In whale blubbe

And I said, ooga shooga mooshka
Which means the love in my heart
Is a burning

And she said, ooga mooshka nooshka
And that means, back up, buddy
You’re melting the ice

I went back home and I told my daddy
About this maiden fair
And how I felt I’d love to melt
Them icicles in her hair

Dad’s trembling lips turned purple
And his breath began to freeze
It was then he told me
I could never rub noses
With pretty little Um Shog Nee

He said, son, when you were born
Well, the Eskimo and the white man
Were having a lot of wild parties, see
The Eskimos always brought the ice
Well, they’s having a lot of fun, you see
So one night, this Eskimo named Pie Eye
That’s right, son, a pie-eyed Eskimo
He stole my little boy and made
A icicle out of him

So I stole you to get even
I was gonna make a
Fudgesicle out of you

But I loved you like you’s my very own
And I treated you just, you know
Just like the cold blooded
Little Eskimo that you are

So you see, son, you can never
Rub noses with Um Shog Nee no more
Because, excuse me, see, Um Shog Nee
Has the coldest nose in Alaska
And that’s why I’ve always say

[repeat Chorus]

GENIUS