Sunday, June 30, 2013

"Foul Owl On the Prowl" - Quincy Jones (1968)


This is one of my favorite scenes in the movie “In the Heat of the Night” which was released in 1968 and starred Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger and Lee Grant along with a host of other character actors. The film won an Academy Award and has been a favorite of mine since its release. But this scene, and the accompanying song, “Foul Owl on the Prowl” has stuck with me since. It’s a satirical country song, with the music written by none other than Quincy Jones, and the lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman, a husband and wife team who went on to pen some of the best theme songs on TV sitcoms.

In this scene, Ralph, the night cook at the diner in Sparta, Mississippi where the story takes place, pries open the jukebox to avoid paying a nickel to hear his favorite song. His almost comical role in this scene belies the true nature of the man, as the film bears out.

The song is almost inaudible in certain portions of the scene, and it would be about 20 years before I would hear the entire lyrics to the song, but it’s worth a listen. The lyrics concern a man, described as an owl, who is on the prowl for his next victim in the dark of night. Using various birds and rhymes, Mr. and Mrs. Bergman crafted a very clever lyric to go along with Mr. Jones’ music.

But the real surprise to me has always been that Quincy Jones, the contemporary genius of jazz, was able to write this melody, which is so far afield from his usual genre. It serves to underscore the sheer musical talent inherent in the man. You either have it, or you don’t. Clearly, Mr. Jones has it.

If you have never heard the full recorded version by Boomer and Travis, then here is your chance. Just hit the link below and listen to Boomer and Travis perform this quirky little number which has quite a cult following; including me. The lyrics are printed below the link.


"Foul Owl On The Prowl"
(Quincy Jones – Alan and Marilyn Bergman)

There's a foul owl on the prowl tonight.

 Hey, little lark, get outta the dark,
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 Hey little jay, stay out of his way,
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 You just might be the quail he'll tail,
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 You just might be the swallow he'll follow,
 Foul owl on the prowl.

 If you hear him hoot, scoot,
 If you pass his tree, flee,
 If you catch his eye, fly,
 Don't wait to say goodbye.

 He's got a yen for a purty little hen,
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 He's hungry for a chick, so get home quick,
 Foul owl on the prowl.

 If you hear him hoot, scoot,
 If you pass his tree, flee,
 If you catch his eye, fly,
 Don't wait to say goodbye.

 He's got a yen for a purty little hen,
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 He's hungry for a chick, so get home quick,
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 Foul owl on the prowl.
 Foul owl on the prowl.

 Foul owl on the prowl.

14 comments:

  1. man this is funny cause if this song came out back in 1968 did not the movie its self came out back in 1967 cause that is when the cook played that song the cook jiming opening up the jukebox and was at night time or did the movie came out in 1968 i have the movie i look it up and its release date was in 1967 ??? man i love this song good cruising tune and smoking weed along the way lool i want some PIE please
    later cheers all {{{ the slappa }}}

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    1. The song was written by Quincy Jones specifically for the movie
      I don't know what you're confused about here? Lol
      Must be smokin' some good shit!

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    2. I have no idea what you are talking about. The article is about Quincy Jones writing the music for Alan and Marilyn Bergman when they were denied the rights to play Little Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham. You need to drink less.

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  2. The scene was filmed to the music of "Little Red Riding Hood" by Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs. Somehow the movie couldn't get synchronization rights for the song (for some stupid reason, the song publisher would only OK using the melody, not the lyrics), so Quincy Jones whipped up a substitute with the same groove and lyric idea. Sounds like Sam The Sham meets Buck Owens & Don Rich. Had the film soundtrack - should start doing the song live.

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    1. I KNEW IT! There have always been sound-alikes used on television shows when they couldn't get the rights, or later substitutions where they had the rights to play a song during a premiere but not syndication ("Married... With Children" was able to use Queen twice in a bowling episode, but later reruns had to settle for sound-alike tracks).

      It usually sounds hokey, like "We know what THEY REALLY wanted to play", and I picked up on the "Little Red Riding Hood" sound while watching this movie, but honestly the substitute song isn't bad at all, it really manages to do its own thing while conveying the same creepy atmosphere.

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    2. No way to listen to it and not hear the similarities. Quincy Jones can whip up something in a flash! Which is why he gets the big bucks! Thanks for stoping in! I don't post daily anymore and I'm glad people still bump into me! 😀

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  3. Great pic and this particular song really stood out in the original. The barkeep clearly loves the ditty and it goes along with his hiding of the pie. Brilliant!

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  4. Really appreciate your research here.Was looking for info on this song, you came through.

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  5. It was obvious that Ralph the cook in the diner was not only a murderer, he was also a pie thief. I felt sorry for Sam the cop. He wanted some of that pie so bad but couldn't get any.

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  6. Thanks for posting the lyrics and story behind the song. Never heard it on the radio back then. One of my favorite movies and scenes too!

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  7. Thanks for leaving a comment. It's also one of my favorite films and I even enjoyed the TV show with Carroll O'Connor as the Sheriff. Thanks for stopping in!

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  8. Excellent that I finally understand the history behind the song in this scene, which is my favorite in the whole movie. Thanks!!!

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    1. Drew Thanks for bumping into the site. Love the film and the song. 😀

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