Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Ballad Of The One-Eyed Jacks - Balladi Yksisilmä Jackista


The entry number 4 in 'Finnish Wild West In Song' is "Balladi Yksisilmä Jackista" (The Ballad of One-Eyed Jack"). Kukonpojat recorded this C&W ballad in 1961. The lyrics were by legendary lyricist Reino Helismaa, who had a special affection for western stories. He wrote lyrics to numerous western ballads in addition to writing several radio comedies with western motifs. The original song "The Ballad Of The One Eyed Jacks" is inspired by the Marlon Brando movie 'One-Eyed Jacks' that was released in 1961. The song was not included in the movie but it also tells the story of Kid Rio and his clash with sheriff Longworth. It was recorded by famous rockabilly- and rock 'n roll singer Johnny Burnette in March 1961, as a B -side to his 5th single for Liberty record label.
BTW, a 'one-eyed jack' is not a person named Jack (as in the Finnish version) but, in a deck of cards, the Jack of Spades or the Jack of Hearts, both of which are seen in profile (and thus only one eye is seen).

Here's the pair:

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