The Dirtiest Town In The West
Note: Lines in brackets are spoken.
Balladeer: Once there was a town out on the dusty western plain.
They called it Dirty Gulch. This is how it got its name.
Everyone who chewed some gum or ate a candy bar
Would throw the wrapper on the ground and leave it lyin’ thar.
Citizens: Kaye oh, kaye aa!
The dirtiest town in the west!
Ooh ooh ooh ooh!
Balladeer: Soon the people of the town all started turning mean.
They swore:
Citizens: This is the yuckiest place that I have ever seen!
[Man: This is terrible!]
Balladeer: But still they dropped their newspapers and bottles, cans, and rags,
Banana peels and pop-top tabs and empty paper bags.
Citizens: Kaye oh, kaye aa!
The dirtiest town in the west!
Ooh ooh ooh ooh!
[A stranger comes riding into town on a horse.]
Balladeer: Then, one day, a marshal came a’ridin’ o’er the hills.
He said:
Marshal: My name’s McClean, and I am here to cure your ills!
Balladeer: Then from his mighty steed he jumped. He said:
McClean: I have a plan.
We’ll pick the garbage off the ground and put it in a can.
Citizens: Kaye oo, kye aa!
He’s gonna put the trash in a can!
Ooh ooh ooh ooh!
Balladeer: The marshal pushed his sleeves up high and grabbed his trusty broom.
He said:
McClean: This trash is ugly, and it’s unhealthy, too!
Balladeer: They watched him as he worked, then all joined in and did the same.
And then the town of Dirty Gulch had to change its name.
Citizens: Kaye oh, kaye aa!
The cleanest town in the west!
Ooh ooh ooh ooh!
Balladeer: So next time you eat popcorn or a burger and some fries,
Lift your head and look to the distant western skies.
Think of the town of Dirty Gulch and a good Marshal McClean.
Put the wrapper in the trash...
McClean: ...and keep your city clean!
Citizens: Kaye oh, kaye aa!
Please keep your city clean!
Ooh ooh ooh ooh!
[McClean: Okay, people, and I want you to keep this town this way. Don’t forget!]
Transcribed by SilveryShoe@aol.com and David Frangioso
available on the album
Elmo's Lowdown Hoedown (CD) and on Cassette
also available on
We Are All Earthlings (Cassette)
also available on the DVD
Kids' Favorite Country Songs (2007)