Shriner's Convention
"Shriners Convention" is a country-and-western novelty song written, composed, and performed by Ray Stevens. It is based on Stevens' experiences at an Atlanta hotel where an actual Shriners convention was being held.[1]
| "Shriners Convention" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Ray Stevens | ||||
| from the album Shriners Convention | ||||
| B-side | "You're Never Goin' to Tampa with Me" | |||
| Released | February 12, 1980 | |||
| Genre | Country | |||
| Length | 5:33 | |||
| Label | RCA Records | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Ray Stevens | |||
| Producer(s) | Ray Stevens | |||
| Ray Stevens singles chronology | ||||
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Shriners have taken the song as good-natured humor, and have even welcomed Stevens' participation in fundraising activities, as his fame attracts more attendees to charity events. It has been suggested that Stevens' presence indicates that Shriners have a sense of humor about themselves, making the group seem more accessible.
Content
The premise of the song is the "43rd Annual Convention of the Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Nobles of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine." Each verse describes a different aspect of the convention: a parade, a formal banquet, and a ceremonial "secret meeting" (which is actually a poker game).
"Meanwhile, back at the motel..."
The song's humor includes a series of phone calls between two Shriners from the Hahira delegation: "Illustrious Potentate" Bubba, and "Noble Lumpkin" Coy, the latter of whom fails to show up at any convention gatherings, choosing instead to carouse at the motel, dishonoring the whole delegation. Bubba eventually kicks Coy out of the Shrine, but Coy undauntedly considers joining the Hells Angels, cranks his motorcycle and hangs up.
While only Bubba's side of the conversation is heard, Coy's comments are made known through Bubba's replies. This comedy format is similar to routines by Shelley Berman and Bob Newhart.
Remake
In 1983 Stevens re-recorded the song, adding a reference to the Knights of Columbus in the dialogue.
Music video
A video for "Shriners Convention" appears in Stevens's 1995 direct-to-video film, Get Serious! The song also ties into the film's plot, wherein a genuine Illustrious Potentate and country sheriff named Bubba, along with his deputy Coy (who in truth somewhat enjoys being mistaken for the Coy of the song) and certain family members and friends, believe that Stevens is deliberately misrepresenting them in his songs. (All of this alludes to another Stevens song, "Dudley Do-Right of the Highway Patrol.")
Chart performance
| Chart (1980) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 7 |
| U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 2 |
References
- Music City News. June 1986.
External links
- Editorial of a Canadian Freemason Lodge commenting on negative stereotypes in "Shriners Convention."
Authority control  |
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