My Pony Boy

Description

Along with songs like "Cheyenne", it became a cliché, as its tune was frequently used in Western movies and cartoons. It works especially well when played on a "Honky tonk" piano.

The first verse explains that the central character of the song has many female admirers; the second that the "Fluffy Ruffle girl" has won his heart. The chorus:

Pony Boy, Pony BoyWon't you be my Tony boyDon't say noHere we goOff across the plainsMarry meCarry meRight away with youGiddy up, giddy up, giddy up, whoa!My Pony Boy

The old expression "giddy up", exhorting a horse to gallop at high speed, is a corruption of "get ye up". The term "tony" refers to someone of high "tone" or social elegance.

In the 1931 Krazy Kat short Rodeo Dough, a female spaniel sings the song after Krazy wins a rodeo event. In the 1950s The song was used in a commercial selling a juice concentrate also called Pony Boy.

Bruce Springsteen included a modified version as the last song on his 1992 album Human Touch.

Recordings

Victor Records # 16356, Ada Jones, singer