New Christy Minstrels to Play QZ

Let's face it, ain't none of us gettin' any younger. If you remember the New Christy Minstrels, well, you're remembering back to the early 60's. The folk group was probably made famous by its Green Green, and its top 40 rendition of This Land is Your Land.

There's an interesting connection to the Christies and Quartzsite. Back a long time ago, the Christies sang about what some consider the essence of Quartzsite: Hi Jolly, the camel driver. You can be sure that they'll be singing about him again come January 16 when the group (OK, the present group) blows into town to do a concert at the QIA.

Tickets are on sale now at the town hall, cost $10 a pop, and who knows how fast they'll go. Just to keep you interested, here are the lyrics of that tune we mentioned.

HI JOLLY, THE CAMEL DRIVER
(Randy Sparks)

The New Christy Minstrels - 1962

Hi Jolly was a camel driver, long time ago
He followed Mr. Beale way out west
Didn't mind the burning sand in that God-forsaken land
But he didn't mind the pretty gals the best

Hi Jolly, hey Jolly, twenty miles a day, by golly
Twenty more before the morning light
Hi Jolly, hey, I gotta get on my way
I told my gal I'd be home Sunday night

There's pretty girls in Albuquerque, 'least that's what I've heard
There's pretty gals in Tumcumcari too
Now honey, I ain't blind, but I don't pay them any mind
'Cause I'm savin' all my lovin' just for you

Hi Jolly, hey Jolly, twenty miles a day, by golly
Twenty more before the morning light
Hi Jolly, hey, I gotta get on my way
I told my gal I'd be home Sunday night

Old timers down in Arizona tell you that it's true
That you can see Hi Jolly's ghost a-ridin' still
When the desert moon is bright, he comes ridin' into sight
Drivin' four and twenty camels over the hill

Hi Jolly, hey Jolly, twenty miles a day, by golly
Twenty more before the mornin' light
Hi Jolly, hey, I gotta get on my way
I told my gal I'd be home Sunday night

Lyrics: lyricsplayground.com
Photo: TheNewChristyMinstrels.com