Don't Fence Me In is the title of a song that members of the Western Writers of America have named as one of the Top 100 Western songs.
The song title came to mind became an ear worm when I saw this ↓ a few months ago.
Not only was the tree fenced in, but it was clearly posted No Entry.
Why anyone would want to enter this fenced area was a mystery.
The sign on the fence has been enlarged. How would entry even be possible?
Signs can be endless sources of curiosity. This tree and its sign were on King Street, a walkable mile of centuries-old architecture, in Old Town Alexandria, VA.
Spoiler Alert: The next part of this post is a diversion as I wanted to find out more about the Don't Fence Me In song which has an interesting background—it was based on poem by an engineer, bought by Cole Porter, became a #1 hit, and led to the 1944 firing of a vocalist.
If I have piqued your curiosity, do continue . . .
Robert Fletcher-Cole Porter |
Somehow, it came to Porter's attention and he paid Fletcher $250 (a hefty sum in depression years). Porter retained many of Fletcher's lyrics, but modified them as he replaced some lines, rearranged lyric phrases, and added two verses. While not a writer of cowboy songs, Porter had been commissioned to write one for a 1934 film musical, Adios, Argentina; it was never produced. While it later became one of the most popular songs of its time, Porter reportedly said it was his least favorite composition.
When the song was published, Porter wanted to co-credit Fletcher, but his publishers disagreed. The October 10, 1944 copyright publication notice in the U.S. Copyright Office credits words and music by Cole Porter. After the song became popular, Fletcher, who understood he had sold his financial rights, was disappointed about lack of credit. Here, sources differ, some claim he sued for royalties, others say he only wanted his name credited. After the Montana press made a fuss about Fletcher's lack of authorship credit, the national press became accusatory toward Porter. Although he was under no legal obligation, Porter, who was said to regret the lack of credit, arranged for Fletcher to receive a portion of the royalties.
Here's HOW it became a hit song . . .
Hollywood Canteen poster |
In 1944, Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters recorded it without having seen or heard the song. Crosby entered the studio in July and within 30 minutes, they completed the recording. It sold more than a million copies topping the Billboard pop charts for eight weeks in 1944-45. On the country & western side, Gene Autry had the hit, reaching #4 on that chart.
In the 1940s, competing record labels rushed recording stars into the studio to be first-to-market. Crosby wasn’t always first, but his records were always popular. This time, he beat the competition. The song' rise to popularity was tied to release of the film and it stayed at the top until mid-February 1945. Rogers, who introduced the song to the public in the film had been beat in singing it first. Kate Smith had introduced it on her popular radio program, two months earlier. The clip of Rogers singing the tune in Hollywood Canteen was reprised in the 1946 Cole Porter biopic film, Night and Day.
And, about that fired vocalist . . .
Frank Sinatra, Your Hit Parade |
On December 23, 1944, he sang Don't Fence Me In but couldn't keep up with the lyrics and stumbled on some. After singing, I want to ride to the ridge where the West commences, he said too many words to explain his slip-up. Sinatra was fired from the show reportedly due to his on-air comment about the lyrics and for missing a cue for the #1 song. However, as his popularity zoomed, he was rehired a year later and co-starred with another popular vocalist, Doris Day.
When I was creating this Friday Funny post I wasn't certain where it would lead. Now, I know the rest of the story, and so do all of you.
Here's the recording claimed the #1 spot featuring Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters.
Sorry about any ear worm that may result. I'm over mine now.
Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone.
We're in Maine for Grenville's ham radio event & ๐ celebration
22 comments:
We've got also areas with trees fenced and numbered. I was told the municipality people are going to do some preservation work on them; so far, nothing.
I am not sure whether this applies in this instance, but I know that some signs that on the face of it make little sense, are there to fulfill some aspect of "due diligence" in the event of an insurance claim.
The sign is very bizarre. I would love to know the story behind it as well.
But of course, you would turn a Friday Funny into a research project. ๐
Yes, thanks!
Hope you find out about the fenced in tree.
Another fun post and appreciate your research which makes it even more interesting. Happy day to you and Pat :)
I remember the song because of Autry and Roy Rogers and also because I grew up in teh Great Western Movies and TV and it was sung by many. it is alarming that they need to put up a sign to protect a tree.
That's a great history of that song! Very interesting how a little known poem can become a hit when music is added to it. Gigi Hawaii
Interesting how you went from a fenced in tree to a song. I would do the same thing. That song is such a classic, and I enjoyed reading about it. Have a great weekend. hugs-Erika
The fence and sign are probably to ward off anyone overpowered by the desire to hug that tree!
That fence is a real curiosity!
I haven't heard that song since I was a little girl. Loved hearing the history surrounding it, too. :)
The sign is a strange one indeed. Never seen one before.
Beatrice, Nice bit of research on "Don't Fence Me In"! I remember both versions but I like Roy Rogers's best from the movie where he rode in on Trigger. As for that fenced in tree, Alexandria has a registry of renown trees, but only 2 are shown to be on King Street. One is a huge Chestnut Oak and the other is an American Hornbeam. The latter is about the right size but it's located in a cemetery and not near an intersection. The mystery continues! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
You hit on the way to get rid of an ear worm. You give it to someone else. Since I now have it I must find some unsuspecting person to give it to.
They didn't have a sign that said this tree is rare and is protected. Don't touch. I remember the song from a long time ago.
Quite an old tune.
Guess what songs running around, out of control, in my mind now!!! lol
Interesting post. I remember singing along to this song.
I enjoyed the history of that song.
And that is one strange sign!
Interesting post, Dorothy.
Wow I've never seen a sign like that in the UK. That must be some special tree!
Haha Dorothy thanks for the ear worm! Which I didn't mind at all because nice memories as I still heard this a lot as a child. My dad went to the same University as Bing Crosby (Gonzaga in Spokane WA) -- and in our household he was a great favorite. We knew all his songs.
What a wonderful history lesson--set to music, no less.
Hard to imagine Frank Sinatra being fired for anything, but we all have to start someplace.
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