From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"D.W. Washburn" is a song written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Two famous recordings of the song are by The Coasters and The Monkees. It was also included in the musical Smokey Joe's Cafe.
[edit] Lyrics
The lyrics tell a story of a derelict (Washburn), chosen by a well-meaning charity for a wash-up and a meal. Washburn rejects the offer, though, being jobless and preferring drunkenness to having to go to work.
[edit] Recordings
The Monkees' version of "D.W. Washburn" was the first single they released after the cancellation of their series. Earlier singles received promotion through their use in episodes; without this boost, the song became the band's first to miss the Top Ten in the U.S. Billboard charts. Competition from the Coasters version also cut into sales.
The Monkees continued to perform the song, during their 1980s and later reunions. One performance was on Nashville Now; a country music showcase.
