DEAR OKIE
(Rudy Sooter / Doye O'Dell)


Doye O'Dell - 1948
Johnny and Jonie Mosby - 1965
The New Lost City Ramblers - 1968
Hank Thompson - 1969






Dear Okie, if you see Arkie
Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy
Pickin' up prunes, squeezin' oil out of olives


Dear Okie, if you see Arkie
Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy
Rakin' up gold, playing fiddle in the Follies
 
Now, he'll be lucky if he finds a place to live
But there's orange juice fountains flowing for those kids of his


So, Dear Okie, if you see Arkie
Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy
Diggin' oil wells, all he needs is a shovel
 
Dear Okie, if you see Arkie
Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy
Sellin' used cars, just a-waitin' for the suckers


Dear Okie, if you see Arkie
Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy
Handin' out checks, as a welfare worker
 
If he takes the Freeway to the grocery store
He'll make it fine if he starts out the day before


Dear Okie, if you see Arkie
Tell 'im Tex got a job for him out in Californy
Pickin' up prunes, squeezin' oil out of olives
 


(Contributed by Mel - January 2008)