Track 8: Boomer
Artist: Miss Jenny and The Howdy Boys
Written by Jenny Pape
Performed by:
Vocals and Rhythm Guitar by Jenny Pape
Electric Guitar by Kyle Triplett
Accordion by Alex Pape
Pedal Steel by Dakota Holden
Bass by Nate Graham
Drums by Chad Shaffer
Background Vocals by Kendall Bell and Eva Joy
Audio Link= https://rivertorivercommunityrecords.bandcamp.com/track/boomer
When you think of Egyptian animals, your first thought is probably about cats. However, canids like dogs and jackals also existed in ancient Egypt and were of great importance as companion animals, hunters, and religious icons. This legacy also rings true in Egyptian Illinois. Click here to listen to SIU track coach Leland "Doc" Lingle explain the origin of showcasing live Saluki dogs as SIU mascots in this 1959 interview. Memorials to the first mascot, “King Tut,” can still be seen on campus in the form of a pyramid and a bronze statue near SIU Arena. -SD
If you go downtown Makanda, IL, you’ll find a small monument just a few feet from the railroad line that cuts through the middle of the small village. On the monument is a plaque that commemorates the death of Boomer the dog, a three legged hound that dashed his life out on an embankment as he tried to put out a train fire by peeing on it. Everything about this story is the kind of outrageous storytelling I can get behind, whether it’s true or not. As it stands, no one I’ve met in Makanda can verify the truth of the story, but knowing the truth is secondary to the legend. The lore has become a part of the town’s identity and may be why this town treasures its dogs, letting them roam the boardwalk and town freely. I lived for a few years in Makanda with my three legged hound dog, Peggy Sue and I felt uniquely equipped to write this one. -JP
Lyrics
Boomer was the fastest dog in old Makanda town
quicker than the trains that came around
His master’d ride, the dog beside him keeping steady pace
With just three legs that hound would make a name
Boomer, everyday he went downtown, he drew a crowd
Boomer, all who saw him knew he was the fastest dog around
All aboard! See the fastest dog around! x 2
He caught the eye of jealous men who ran that coal fired train
That dog makes us look slow they would complain
We’ll have a race and pickup pace and use our quickest train
and show this town ‘the fastest’ is our claim
Boomer, doesn’t stand a chance, we’ll leave him far behind
Boomer, we’ll do what we have to just to make good time
All aboard! See the fastest train in town! x 2
Boomer raced the fastest train in old Makanda town
took the lead with three legs on the ground
Conductor said let’s pull ahead and so they shoveled hard
The train caught fire his master was aboard
Boomer, lift his legs to cool the flames, two legs charged forward
Boomer, met his end upon a wall, a hero’s end to mourn
All aboard! A hero’s end to mourn x 2
