Mr. Custer – Larry Verne (1960)

About the song

**Mr. Custer: A Timeless Tale of Love and Loss**

Larry Verne’s “Mr. Custer” is a classic ballad that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1958, the song tells the poignant story of a man who, despite his love for a woman, is unable to commit to her due to his fear of losing her. The track’s haunting melody and Verne’s emotive vocals have made it a timeless piece of music.

The song begins with a simple, yet evocative piano introduction that sets the stage for the emotional journey to come. Verne’s voice, rich and resonant, immediately draws the listener in as he narrates the tale of Mr. Custer. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man torn between his love for a woman and his fear of losing her. Custer’s indecision is conveyed with a sense of vulnerability and regret, making him a relatable and sympathetic character.

The bridge of the song introduces a dramatic shift in tone. The music swells with strings and horns, creating a sense of urgency and tension. Verne’s vocals become more intense, reflecting Custer’s growing desperation. The lyrics reveal his realization that he may have lost his chance at happiness, and his longing for a second chance is palpable.

The song concludes with a poignant repetition of the chorus. Verne’s voice is filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation as he sings of Custer’s ultimate fate. The final notes fade out, leaving the listener with a sense of melancholy and reflection.

“Mr. Custer” is a masterpiece of songwriting that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and regret make it a relevant and enduring piece of music. Larry Verne’s masterful performance brings the song to life, making it a classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

(that famous day in history the men of the 7th cavalry went riding on)
(and from the rear a voice was heard)
(a brave young man with a trembling word rang loud and clear)
What am I doin’ here?

Please Mr. Custer, I don’t want to go
Hey, Mr. Custer, please don’t make me go
I had a dream last night about the comin’ fight
Somebody yelled “attack!”
And there I stood with a arrow in my back.

Please Mr. Custer, I don’t want to go (forward ho!) aw
Look at them bushes out there
They’re moving and there’s a injun behind every one
Hey, Mr. Custer-you mind if I be excused the rest of the afternoon?
Hey charlie, duck yer head!
Hm, you’re a little bit late on that one, charlie
Ooh, I bet that smarts!

(they were sure of victory, the men of the 7th cavalry, as they rode on)
(but then from the rear a voice was heard)
(that same brave voice with the trembling word rang loud and clear)
What am I doin’ here?

Please Mr. Custer, I don’t want to go
Listen, Mr. Custer, please don’t make me go
There’s a redskin a-waitin’ out there, just fixin’ to take my hair
A coward I’ve been called ’cause I don’t want to wind up dead or bald

Please Mr. Custer, I don’t want to go (forward ho) aw
I wonder what the injun word for friend is
Let’s see friend kemo sabe, that’s it
Kemo sabe!
Hey out there, kemo sabe!
Nope, that itn’t it
Look at them out there
They’re runnin’ around like a bunch of wild Indians
Heh, heh, heh
Nah, this ain’t no time for jokin’