About the song
Ray Stevens’ “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” is a wonderfully whimsical and humorous song that captures the playful and satirical spirit of its artist. Released in 1984, this song stands out as one of Stevens’ most memorable hits, showcasing his unique talent for blending comedy with music.
The song is part of Ray Stevens’ album He Thinks He’s Ray Stevens, which highlights his penchant for incorporating humor into his songs while maintaining a solid musical foundation. “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” was written by Ray Stevens himself, a testament to his skill as both a performer and a songwriter.
In “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” Stevens tells an uproarious story about a squirrel that causes chaos during a church service, leading to a series of comical and unexpected events. The song’s catchy tune, combined with Stevens’ lively delivery, makes it a standout piece that resonates with listeners who appreciate a good laugh. Its playful narrative and humorous lyrics showcase Stevens’ signature style, which often involves storytelling with a comedic twist.
Upon its release, “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” achieved notable success, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This success underscored Stevens’ ability to capture the public’s imagination with his offbeat and entertaining approach to music.
Ray Stevens is well-known for his ability to create songs that are not only musically engaging but also brimming with wit and humor. “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” remains a prime example of his talent for crafting memorable, funny, and cleverly written songs that continue to entertain audiences.
Even years after its release, “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” continues to be a beloved favorite among fans of comedic country music. It exemplifies Ray Stevens’ distinctive style and his remarkable ability to turn everyday scenarios into delightful, humorous tales.
Video
Lyrics
Ooh, ooh
Well, when I was kid, I’d take a trip
Every summer, down to Mississipp’
To visit my granny in her Antebellum world
I’d run barefooted all day long
Climbing trees, free as a song
One day, I happened to catch myself a squirrel
Well, I stuffed him down in an old shoebox
And punched a couple holes in the top
When Sunday came, I snuck him into church
Well, I sit way back in the very last pew
Showin’ him to my good buddy Hugh
When that squirrel got loose and went totally berserk!
Well, what happened next is hard to tell
Some thought it was Heaven, others thought it was Hell
But the fact that something was among us was plain to see
As the choir sang “I surrender all”
The squirrel ran up Harv Newlan’s coveralls
Harv leaped to his feet and said
“Something’s got a hold on me! Yeah!”
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula (Pascagoula)
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin’ pews and shouting “Hallelujah!” (Hallelujah!)
You know Harv hit the aisles dancin’ and screamin’
Some thought he had religion, others thought he had a demon
And Harv thought he had a Weed Eater loose in his Fruit-of-the-Looms
He fell to his knees to plead and beg
And that squirrel ran out of his britches leg
Unobserved, to the other side of the room
All the way down to the amen pew
Where sat Sister Bertha better-than-you
Who’d been watchin’ all the commotion with sadistic glee
You should’ve seen that look in her eyes
When that squirrel jumped her garters and crossed her thighs
She jumped to her feet and said, “Lord! Have mercy on me!”
As that squirrel made laps inside her dress
She began to cry and then to confess
To sins that would make a sailor blush with shame
She told the gossip and church dissension
But the thing that got the most attention
Was when she talked about her love life
And then she started naming names
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula (Pascagoula)
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin’ pews and shouting “Hallelujah!” (Hallelujah!)
Well, seven deacons and then the pastor got saved
And 25, 000 dollars was raised
And 50 volunteered for missions in the Congo on the spot
And even without an invitation
There were at least 500 rededications
And we all got re-baptized whether we needed it or not
Now you’ve heard the Bible story, I guess
How He parted the waters for Moses to pass
All the miracles God has brought to this ol’ world
But the one I’ll remember ’til my dyin’ day
Is how He put that church back on the narrow way
With the heart praise and a Mississippi squirrel
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula (Pascagoula)
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin’ pews and shouting “Hallelujah!” (Hallelujah!)
The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula (Pascagoula)
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin’ pews and shouting “Hallelujah!” (Hallelujah!)