The Auctioneer

Leroy Van Dyke

About The Auctioneer

"The Auctioneer" (also known as "The Auctioneer's Song") is a 1956 country song by Leroy Van Dyke. It was co-written with Buddy Black. The song is notable for its interspersal of auction chants.


Year:
1994
303 
#2

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There was a boy in Arkansas who wouldn't listen to his ma
When she told him that he should go to school
He'd sneak away in the afternoon, take a little walk and pretty soon
You'd find him at the local auction barn

Well he'd stand and listen carefully then pretty soon he began to see
How the auctioneer could talk so rapidly
He said, "Oh my it's do or die I've got to learn that auction cry
Gotta make my mark and be an auctioneer"

25 dollar 30 now 30 dollar 30 dollar 
30 dollar 30 dollar give me a hollar 30 dollar
who will bid it at a 35 dollar bid?
35 dollar 35 35 make it 35 and a 35 make it 35 and a 35 
Who will bid it at a 35 dollar bid?

As time went on he did his best and all could see he didn't jest
He practied on and then some night and day
His pappy'd find him behind the barn just a workin up an awful storm
As he tried to imitate the auctioneer

Said his pappy, "Son we just can't stand a havin' a mediocre man, 
You gotta take that auction usin' our good name.
I'll send you off to auction school and then you'll be nobody's fool
You can take your place among the best"

35 dollar 40 now 40 dollar 40 dollar 
40 dollar 40 dollar give me a hollar 40 dollar
Who will bid it at at a 40 dollar bid?
40 dollar 45 45 will you make it 45 give me 45 and a 45
Who will bid it at a 45 dollar bid?

So from that morning he went to school there grew a man who played it cool
He came back home a full fledged auctioneer
And people came from miles around just to hear him make that rhythmic sound
That filled their hearts with such a happy cheer

His fame reached out from shore to shore he had all he could do and more
He had to buy a plane to get around
Now he's the tops in all the land so let's all give that man a hand
He's the best of all the auctioneers

45 dollar 50 now 50 dollar 50 dollar
50 dollar 50 dollar give me a hollar 50 dollar
Who will bid it at a 50 dollar bill?
50 dollar 55 55 make it 55 and a 55 make it 55 and 
Sold that horse for a 50 dollar bill

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Leroy Van Dyke

Leroy Frank Van Dyke (born October 4, 1929) is an American country music singer best known for his hits "The Auctioneer" (1956) and "Walk On By" (1961). more »

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Written by: BUDDY BLACK, LEROY VAN DYKE

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Origin and Formation
"The Auctioneer" is a country music song written by Buddy Black and sung by Leroy Van Dyke, which was composed and launched in 1956.
Inspiration
The song was reportedly inspired by Van Dyke's experiences as a livestock auctioneer in Missouri.
Sales and Ranking
The song was a huge hit, reaching number nine on the Billboard country singles charts and even crossing over to the pop charts where it peaked at number nineteen.
Public Recognition
The song is one of “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll”, according to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Contribution to Career
"The Auctioneer" catapulted Van Dyke to stardom, making him a major name in country music.
Dedicated Following
The song was so popular at the time that it led to the formation of a nationwide fan club known as "The Leroy Van Dyke Auctioneer Club."
Mass Appeal
Because of its unique, rapid-fire lyrics balancing a story, the song remains popular among country music enthusiasts and is frequently played on classic country radio stations.
Legacy
"The Auctioneer" is often considered one of the first examples of 'talking blues' in country music, a subgenre that would later be popularized by artists like Johnny Cash.
Lasting Career
Leroy Van Dyke, powered by the success of "The Auctioneer", has enjoyed a career lasting beyond six decades.
Industry Impact
The song, with its country sound, and storytelling lyrics, helped shape what we know today as modern country music.
Continuation of Tradition
Even today, Van Dyke's song is played as a way to continue the tradition of live cattle auctioning.
Performance
Leroy Van Dyke performs "The Auctioneer" at every one of his concerts, owing to its continuing popularity.
Other Versions
"The Auctioneer" has since been covered by multiple artists such as Gordon Lightfoot and Chris LeDoux, showcasing the song's timeless appeal.

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