Sputnik Monroe (Took a big bite out of old Jim Crow)

Sputnik Monroe came to Texas City

When he was seventy two

He came to put over the son of a friend

And that’s what he did do

The job caused a symphony of pain

Sputnik never complained

Never got in the ring again

Sputnik Monroe at carnivals and fairs

Learned to shoot and hook

He once punched a horse to spike the bets

Went to the jailhouse with no regrets

Sold out the Band shell like only Elvis could do

Sputnik got shorted his pay

Packed his bags again and went on his way

Sputnik Monroe was just making a buck

A poor man with no schooling or luck

Playing the heel every night in the ring

The crowd in the balcony

He made them bring down

Broke every rule in old Memphis town

Say what you will about Sputnik Monroe

He took a big bite out of old Jim Crow

Say what you will about Sputnik Monroe

He took a big bite out of old Jim Crow

Sputnik Monroe can’t possibly count

The towns, the miles, the dues

The thousands of headlocks, bodyslams and chair shots

Buried in the booze

He kissed black Norvel to make a point

Sell a few tickets, pop the roof off the joint

Sometimes a man has nothing to lose