The Beverly Hillbillies

English isn’t just the language of Shakespeare and Charles Dickens; it is also the language of a vast body of popular culture which includes music, movies, books, and television. This television program, stupid to the point of being surreal, was a part of my childhood, whether I want to admit that fact or not. The theme song was part of the soundtrack of my youth. It has been parodied millions of times and for that reason it deserves a place here.

The Beverly Hillbillies

Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed,
Then one day he was shooting at some food,
And up through the ground came a bubbling crude.

Oil that is, black gold, Texas tea.

Well the first thing you know ol Jed's a millionaire,
Kinfolk said "Jed move away from there"
Said "California is the place you ought to be"
So they loaded up the truck and moved to Beverly.

Hills, that is. Swimmin pools, movie stars.

Well now it’s time to say goodbye to Jed and all his kin (family).
And they would like to thank you folks for kindly dropping in.
You're all invited back again to this locality
To have a heaping helping (ración) of their hospitality

Hillybilly that is. Set a spell, Take your shoes off.

Y'all come back now, y'hear?. (Something hicks say.)