Many years ago, about 1911, an old man from Taney County claimed this famous song originated in the Forsyth area before the Civil War, based on problems encountered by one Zeke Parrish. Parrish, the story goes, once got into trouble for fighting with a boy who had kicked his dog. The incident was soon set to music. The song became part of a Presidential campaign, believe it or not, and later was associated with a distinguished military group. You have probably heard the chorus:
Every time I go to town,
the boys start kickin’ my dog around.
Makes no difference if he is a hound,
they gotta quit kickin’ my dog around.
AUDIO: AOWM Feburary 21, 2005 (mp3)
