The Statler Brothers – The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Berrell

About The Song

The Statler Brothers were masters of creating characters and weaving narratives that felt both familiar and uniquely their own. “The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Berrell” stands out as a prime example of this narrative prowess. It’s like listening to a seasoned storyteller recounting the colorful history of a local legend, filled with quirky details, humorous anecdotes, and a cast of memorable supporting characters. The track isn’t driven by melody and harmony in the conventional way; instead, it relies on the rhythm and inflection of the spoken word to bring the story to life.

The concept itself is quite brilliant. Presenting a character as the “official historian” immediately sets a tone of authority and perhaps a touch of folksy wisdom. As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to Shirley Jean Berrell, a character who, through the historian’s recounting, becomes a vibrant and unforgettable personality. The beauty of this piece lies in the details – the seemingly small and insignificant moments that collectively build a rich tapestry of Shirley Jean’s life and the impact she had on her community.

The humor in “The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Berrell” is often subtle, arising from the historian’s dry wit and the often-absurd situations he describes. It’s the kind of humor that resonates with those who appreciate observational comedy and the quirks of human nature. The way the historian delivers the anecdotes, with a certain matter-of-factness even when describing the most outlandish events, adds to the overall charm and comedic effect.

While there isn’t singing in the traditional sense, the vocal delivery by The Statler Brothers (or perhaps one member taking on the role of the historian) is crucial to the track’s success. The pacing, the pauses, the changes in tone and emphasis – all contribute to the storytelling and help to create a vivid mental image of Shirley Jean and the world around her. It’s a performance in its own right, showcasing their versatility beyond their renowned harmonies.

For those who appreciate a departure from the conventional song structure and enjoy a good story well-told, “The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Berrell” is a true gem. It’s a testament to The Statler Brothers‘ creativity and their ability to engage their audience on multiple levels. It’s a reminder that music can take many forms and that storytelling, when done well, can be just as captivating as a beautiful melody.

In a way, this track feels like a warm conversation with a knowledgeable neighbor, someone who has all the local lore at their fingertips and a knack for sharing it in an engaging way. It’s a celebration of the everyday characters who make a community unique and memorable. “The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Berrell” is a testament to The Statler Brothers‘ ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary and to share it with their listeners in a way that is both entertaining and deeply human. It remains a distinctive and cherished piece in their impressive body of work, a delightful detour into the art of spoken-word storytelling within the realm of country music.

Video

Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

I’m the official historian on Shirley Jean Berrell
I’ve know her since God only knows and I won’t tell
I caught her the first time she stumbled and fell
And surely she knows me just as well

I can tell you her birthday and her daddy?s middle name
The uncles on her mama?s side and the once they don’t claim
What she’s got for Christmas since 1952
And that’s only the beginning of the things I could tell you

Cause I’m the official historian on Shirley Jean Berrell
I’ve known her since God only knows and I won’t tell
I caught her the first time she stumbled and fell
And surely she knows me just as well

I can tell you her favorite song and where she likes to park
And why to this very day she’s scared of the dark
How she got her nickname and that scar behind her knee
If there’s anything you need to know about Shirley just ask me

I know where she’s ticklish and her every little quirk
The funnies she don’t read and her number at work
I know what she stands for and what she won’t allow
The only thing that I don’t know is where she is right now

But I’m the official historian on Shirley Jean Berrell
I’ve know her since God only knows and I won’t tell
I caught her the first time she stumbled and fell
And surely she knows me just as well

Oh, surely she knows me just as well