“Bob” is the title track of a Willis Brothers album released on the Starday label in 1967 (actually, the full album title is ‘Bob’ And Other Songs To Make The Juke Box Play).
The song is written from the perspective of Bob’s wayward pal, who playfully chides him for choosing the path of domesticity rather than remaining carefree and unencumbered:
“Bob“
The Willis Brothers (1967)
“Remember the good ol’ days ’round the ‘Frisco yards, Bob? For you, they’re gone,” the song taunts. Bob’s friend, the song’s protagonist, is staying with Bob for a short visit – telling stories of the past, stoking the fires of wanderlust and making Bob’s wife nervous. But then, in a nice ironic twist, the friend surprises us by informing Bob:
Just forget all the talk, Bob, about the good ol’ days. ‘Cause your wife is a little bit scared, Bob, you want to be free. But you and me both know, Bob, you’re better off than me. Remember those cold nights out in the ‘Frisco yards, Bob – and the hard cold ground?
Record World
March 18, 1967
Album produced by Jack Clement, who also co-wrote “Bob” along with Vincent Matthews. Is it really true that “Bob” would serve double duty as both title track and B-side? I’m just pokin’ fun — actually, when you scan the singles discography for The Willis Brothers, you will see that Discogs acknowledges “Bob” to be the designated A-side for Starday 796; however note the number of times “Show Her Lots of Gold” is identified instead as the A-side.
“Bob” saw release overseas in both the UK and the Netherlands. The same song title would be commandeered 36 years later by Weird Al for his brilliant Dylan spoof.
Is it too much of a stretch to tag this piece as “Mexican Pop” due to the use of mariachi horns throughout the song?
