LISTEN: Merle Travis' Forgotten 1947 Classic "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed"

Penned by Travis alongside Eddie Kirk and Cliffie Stone, this country swing classic ingeniously weaves together advertising slogans of the era to paint a vivid portrait of admiration for a woman. 

The lyrics, adorned with references to iconic brands and products, evoke a sense of nostalgia and Americana. Lines like "So round, so firm, so fully packed, that's my gal" cleverly borrow from Lucky Strike cigarette ads, while "Just ask the man who owns one" nods to Packard automobiles. Travis' ability to infuse everyday slogans into a love song showcases his wit and creativity.

Covered by notable artists throughout the years, "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed" has seen various interpretations. Johnny Bond and Ernest Tubb both scored chart successes with their renditions in 1947, solidifying the song's place in country music history. Eddy Arnold and Ricky Skaggs later breathed new life into the tune with their respective covers, proving its influence in the real of country music.

"So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed" is a genius song because it is able to blend commercial slogans with heartfelt sentiments. It's a very clever way to integrate the experience of love within the context of a song in post-World War 2 America.

Enjoy!

 

SDF by is licensed under
© 2024 The American Beat, Privacy Policy