Country music is a dynamic form that has evolved to reflect changes in broader cultural trends and technology over time. In this activity, students experience the changing sound of country music across decades through the lens of one song recorded multiple times in the genre’s history — Jimmie Rodgers’ “Muleskinner Blues.” Students learn about the evolving style and instruments of country music and gain an understanding of a common occurrence in music — the cover song — to appreciate musicians’ inclination to re-record older music.

Introductory Activity: 

• Listen to the Jimmie Rodgers version of “Muleskinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)”, following along with the lyrics.
  • Lyrics can be found here.
  • The term “muleskinner” is slang for a muleteer, or a person who drives mules. The muleteer might drive a pack of mules to transport goods or cargo across long distances. Depending on the size of the load, the muleskinner could be in charge of one single mule or a team of mules. Muleskinners might use a goad or a whip to move the animals forward. To “skin” a mule is to outsmart it or make it do what you want, and has nothing to do with removing the animal’s skin.
  • Students can discuss what each verse of the lyrics mean to the story.
• Introduce the instruments commonly used in country music: guitar (electric and acoustic), violin/fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass (upright and electric), drums.
  • Show students pictures and/or videos of each instrument, or show/demonstrate the instruments, if available.