Ballad of Jed Clampett

Theme from “The Beverly Hillbillies,” 1962
Words and music by Paul Henning


The sheet music:


Lyrics

1. Come ‘n listen to my story ’bout a man name Jed
Poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed
An’ then one day he was shootin’ at some food
An’ up thru the ground came bubblin’ crude
Oil that is! Black gold, Texas Tea!

2. Well, the first thing you know, Jed’s a millionaire
Kinfolk said, “Jed, move away from there”
Said, “California is th’ place y’ oughta be
So they loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly
Hills that is! Swimmin’ pools, movie stars!

3. Ol’ Jed bought a mansion, Lawdy, it was swank
Next door neighbor was pres’dent of the bank
Lotsa folks objected, but the banker found no fault
‘Cause ol’ Jed’s millions was a-layin’ in the vault
Cash, that is! Capital gains, depletion money

4. Well, now it’s time to say goodbye to Jed and all his kin
An’ they would like t’ thank you folks fer kindly dropping’ in
You’re all invited back again to this locality
T’ have a heapin’ helping’ of their hospitality
Hillbilly, that is! Set a spell, take your shoes off
Y’all come back, hear