Monty Harper

Lyrics

Who stole the show at the courthouse dedication?
Whose sad strange fate was well-observed by all?
Who was the town-folks' gift to a future generation?
Who found himself enshrined in the courthouse wall?

Old Rip, named for Rip Van Winkle,
Took a nap in that cornerstone.
For thirty one years he was sealed inside it.
For thirty one years he was all alone, all alone.

Old Rip, Old Rip the horny toad. Old Rip, Old Rip the horny toad.

Who dangled like a leaf when the stone was opened?
What icon did not seem to have survived?
Then who twisted 'round and heard three thousand voices?
Shouting out, "He's alive, yes he's alive!"

Old Rip, named for Rip Van Winkle,
Took a nap in that cornerstone.
For thirty one years he was sealed inside it.
For thirty one years he was all alone.

Some folk claim it was merely a joke,
A sleight of hand, meant to deceive.
Some folk call Rip's revival a hoax,
But me and Eastland, Texas - we believe!

Who toured this land from Dallas to St. Louis?
Who met President Coolidge eye to eye?
Who rests in peace at the Eastland County Courthouse?
Who reminds us we can triumph if we try?

Old Rip, named for Rip Van Winkle,
Took a nap in that cornerstone.
For thirty one years he was sealed inside it.
For thirty one years he was all alone, all alone.

Old Rip, Old Rip the horny toad. Old Rip, Old Rip the horny toad.

Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip,
Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip,
Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip,
Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip, Old Rip!

Old Rip, Old Rip the horny toad!