New Spanish Two Step

"New Spanish Two Step"
Written by Traditional
Lyrics by Bob Wills/Tommy Duncan
Language English
Form Western swing
Original artist Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
Recorded by (many, many other artists)

"New Spanish Two Step" is a Western swing standard based on a traditional fiddle tune,"Spanish Two Step,"[1] which was one of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys signature songs. Wills and his vocalist, Tommy Duncan, added lyrics to reflect the title:

I told her I had to go,
Left her down in Mexico,
The band played 'Spanish Two-Step' soft and low.

"New Spanish Two Step" became one of the Playboy's greatest hits. It was first recorded by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys (Columbia 36966) in 1946, staying on the charts for 23 weeks and reaching #1.[2] The "b" side, "Roly Poly", was also a big hit, reaching #3.

References

  1. ^ McWhorter, Cowboy Fiddler, p. 59-60: "Bob said, 'He played 'The Spanish Two-Step' and I locked the door where he couldn't get out and nobody else could get in, and I made him stay there until he taught me that and 'Maiden's Prayer.' Finally he nodded. I didn't know whether he needed to go to the bathroom or if I was doing it right, bit I let him out.' That Mexican taught him those two tunes."
  2. ^ Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Country Hits, p. 392.

Bibliography

Preceded by
"Guitar Polka" by Al Dexter		 Most Played Juke Box Folk Records
number one single by Bob Wills
May 18, 1946		 Succeeded by
"Guitar Polka" by Al Dexter
"Wine Women and Song" by Al Dexter
Preceded by
none		 Billboard Most Played Juke Box Folk Records
number-one single of the year
1946		 Succeeded by
"Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)"
by Tex Williams