Shriner's Convention
Encyclopedia
"Shriners Convention" is a country-and-western novelty song written, composed, and performed by Ray Stevens
. It is allegedly based on his experiences at a hotel where an actual Shriners
convention was being held.
It is reported that some real-life Shriners
groups are not fond of this song, as it appears to portray Shriners in a poor light. However, many other Shriners have taken the song for the harmless piece of humor that it is, and have even welcomed Stevens's participation in fundraising activities, as Stevens's fame attracts attendees to charity events. Indeed, Stevens's presence indicates that Shriners have a sense of humor about themselves, making the group seem more accessible.
The main humor of the song involves a one-sided dialogue, via hotel phone, between two members of the Hahira, Georgia
, delegation: leader "Illustrious Potentate" (Bubba), and member "Noble Lumpkin" (Coy). Stevens voices Bubba, while Coy's voice is unheard, his comments made known only by Bubba's reactions to them. Stevens took a page from the comedy stylings of Shelley Berman
for this part of the song.
Bubba, a strait-laced individual, becomes increasingly upset with Coy's sophomoric actions during the convention. Despite the fact that the Shriners are supposed to be, as Bubba puts it, "pillars of the community," Coy has managed to pull off such hijinks as getting his Harley-Davidson
motorcycle into his hotel room and on the high diving board of the hotel swimming pool, hanging out in the pool at 3 a.m. with the cocktail lounge waitresses, and--despite being purportedly married to a "Charlene," who apparently did not accompany Coy to the convention--having one of his girlfriends streaking
through their banquet yelling out the "secret code," wearing nothing but Coy's fez
. (Coy tried to deny this, only to have Bubba remind him that he was the only member whose fez had "a propeller on top.")
Eventually, after repeated attempts to warn Coy about his behavior, Bubba expels Coy from the delegation. Coy simply revs up his Harley and disconnects the call, after mentioning that he might join the Hells Angels
instead.
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.")
Ray Stevens
Ray Stevens is an American country music, pop singer-songwriter who has become known for his novelty songs.-Early career:...
. It is allegedly based on his experiences at a hotel where an actual Shriners
Shriners
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry, based in the United States...
convention was being held.
It is reported that some real-life Shriners
Shriners
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, also commonly known as Shriners and abbreviated A.A.O.N.M.S., established in 1870, is an appendant body to Freemasonry, based in the United States...
groups are not fond of this song, as it appears to portray Shriners in a poor light. However, many other Shriners have taken the song for the harmless piece of humor that it is, and have even welcomed Stevens's participation in fundraising activities, as Stevens's fame attracts attendees to charity events. Indeed, Stevens's presence indicates that Shriners have a sense of humor about themselves, making the group seem more accessible.
Content
The backdrop 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."The main humor of the song involves a one-sided dialogue, via hotel phone, between two members of the Hahira, Georgia
Hahira, Georgia
Hahira is a city in Lowndes County, Georgia, United States. The estimate population as of July 2009 is 2,328. The population was 1,626 at the 2000 census. Hahira is led by Mayor Wayne Bullard and four members of the elected City Council...
, delegation: leader "Illustrious Potentate" (Bubba), and member "Noble Lumpkin" (Coy). Stevens voices Bubba, while Coy's voice is unheard, his comments made known only by Bubba's reactions to them. Stevens took a page from the comedy stylings of Shelley Berman
Shelley Berman
Sheldon "Shelley" Berman is an American comedian, actor, writer, teacher, lecturer, and poet.- Early life :Berman was born in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Irene and Nathan Berman.- Career :...
for this part of the song.
Bubba, a strait-laced individual, becomes increasingly upset with Coy's sophomoric actions during the convention. Despite the fact that the Shriners are supposed to be, as Bubba puts it, "pillars of the community," Coy has managed to pull off such hijinks as getting his Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorcycle into his hotel room and on the high diving board of the hotel swimming pool, hanging out in the pool at 3 a.m. with the cocktail lounge waitresses, and--despite being purportedly married to a "Charlene," who apparently did not accompany Coy to the convention--having one of his girlfriends streaking
Streaking
Streaking is the act of running nude through a public place.-History:On 5 July 1799, a Friday evening at 7 o'clock, a naked man was arrested at the Mansion House, London, and sent to the Poultry Compter...
through their banquet yelling out the "secret code," wearing nothing but Coy's fez
Fez (clothing)
The fez , or tarboosh is a felt hat either in the shape of a red truncated cone or in the shape of a short cylinder made of kilim fabric. Both usually have tassels...
. (Coy tried to deny this, only to have Bubba remind him that he was the only member whose fez had "a propeller on top.")
Eventually, after repeated attempts to warn Coy about his behavior, Bubba expels Coy from the delegation. Coy simply revs up his Harley and disconnects the call, after mentioning that he might join the Hells Angels
Hells Angels
The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is a worldwide one-percenter motorcycle gang and organized crime syndicate whose members typically ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In the United States and Canada, the Hells Angels are incorporated as the Hells Angels Motorcycle Corporation. Their primary motto...
instead.
Music video
A video for "Shriners Convention" appears in Stevens' direct-to-videoDirect-to-video
Direct-to-video is a term used to describe a film that has been released to the public on home video formats without being released in film theaters or broadcast on television...
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 |
External links
- Editorial of a Canadian Freemason Lodge commenting on negative stereotypes in "Shriners Convention."