"Burma Shave"

Way down yonder by the forks of the branch
The old sow whistled and the little pigs danced.
Burma Shave, Burma Burma Burma Shave!

I bet I've seen a million rows 
Of them little red poetic
Signs up and down the line
Come on, come on, one more time.

Yonder goes Willie, he's passing on a hill 
He don't dress nice
But he drives fit to kill.
Burma Shave, Burma Shave!

I bet I've seen a million rows 
Of them little red poetic
Signs up and down the line.
Giddyup, Giddyup, Tally ho!

Well my pappy ain't smart, he ain't good at quizzing
But one thing he knows
Is how to keep mama his'n.
Burma Shave, Burma Burma Burma Shave!

I bet I've seen a million rows 
Of them little red poetic
Signs up and down the line.
Come on, come on, one more time!

Roses are red
And violets are blue
You chase me and so will I.
Burma Shave, Burma Burma Burma Shave!

I bet I've seen a million rows 
Of them little red poetic
Signs up and down the line.
Come on, come on . . . 

The first Burma Shave signs appeared along the sides of roads in 1925, and soon became a part of the highway scenery.  The staggered signs were nailed to farmer's fences, or attached to posts at reading intervals.  The red and white signs delivered entertainment to weary travelers until 1963 when the Burma-Vita Company was sold to Philip Morris Inc. At that time over 35,000 signs were removed from the roadways, and the focus of advertising was turned to radio and television.

The poetic signs gave us messages relating from safe-driving to romantic and sometimes senseless humor, and yes . . . to shaving advice.  For those of us who remember as kids, the signs often brought a smile and was something to look forward to on long trips.

Henry the Eighth
Sure had trouble
Short term wives
Long term stubble.

She put a bullet
Through his his hat
But he's had closer
Shaves than that.

Ben met Anna
Made a hit
Neglected beard
Ben-Anna split.

He tried to cross
As fast train neared
Death didn't draft him
He volunteered.

Slow down, Pa
Sakes alive!
Ma missed signs
Four and Five!

He lit a match
To check gas tank
That's why they call him
Skinless Frank.

Doesn't kiss you
Like she useter?
Perhaps she's seen
A smoother rooster.

 

"Nostalgia Index"

"This Ole House"		"Those Oldies But Goodies"

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~ StinaLisa ~

"Burma Shave"
Recorded by Roger Miller

The music playing is a condensed version of "Burma Shave", and is for entertainment, educational and evaluation purposes only. Titles have full copyright by their respective artists and record companies. Please show your support for the artists who gave us this great music by purchasing their CDs.

If you are interested in purchasing a full version of "Burma Shave" by Roger Miller, I have provided a link below to Amazon.com. They sell both new and used CDs. I have purchased many used CDs for my webpages and have never had a problem.  

If what you need is a modern straight razor rather than the old Burma shaving equipment keep in mind you can shop for straight razors online nowadays.

August 2005