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.
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.
