Didn't Make the Cut Part 6: "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer"

Next up on my list is the Christmas novelty song everyone loves to hate, "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." (I'm posting this one for Brad Hasler. I hear it's his favorite.) The song was written by Randy Brooks and was originally performed by the husband and wife comedy team of Elmo and Patsy Shropshire in 1979. After the Shropshire's divorce, Elmo re-recorded the song several times as "Dr. Elmo." This novelty song has spun several parodies including a pseudo rap version of the song by Dr. Elmo himself from 2008! This one was a favorite in the Roach house when George and I were about 10. My parents also liked Ray Stevens, so that explains things a little.

Original (not sure if this is the 1979 version with Patsy or one of the subsequent re-recordings without her):


Story of the song:



Irish Rovers cover:




Da Yoppers' parody "Grandpa Got Run Over by a Beer Truck":



Cledus T. Judd's parody "Grandpa Got Runned Over by a John Deere":



Lyrics:

Chorus:
Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there's no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

She'd been drinking too much eggnog,
And we'd begged her not to go.
But she'd left her medication,
So she stumbled out the door into the snow.

When they found her Christmas morning,
At the scene of the attack.
There were hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminating Claus marks on her back.

Chorus

Now were all so proud of Grandpa,
He's been taking this so well.
See him in there watching football,
Drinking' beer and playing cards with cousin Belle.

It's not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family's dressed in black.
And we just can't help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?

Chorus

Now the goose is on the table
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
That would just have matched the hair in Grandma's wig.

I've warned all my friends and neighbors.
Better watch out for yourselves.
They should never give a license,
To a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

Chorus