YMMV / The Statler Brothers

• Harsher in Hindsight: Their 1974 single "Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott," contains the line "Tex Ritter's gone," which, when recorded in May 1973, was meant to bemoan the disappearance of wholesome, G-rated silver screen cowboys (such as Ritter) from the big screen and taking a jab at those who preferred R- or X-rated movies while scoffing at movies wherein the good guys always won and upheld family values. The song was released as a single Dec. 26, 1973, exactly one week before Ritter's death, and hit its peak in popularity in late February 1974 as movie-goers and fans of Ritter's work were still mourning his passing ... giving the line "Tex Ritter's gone" an unintended current, relevant meaning.
• Heartwarming Moments:
  • In "Bed of Rose's", a line states that a prostitute dies knowing that the young man she took in truly loves her.
  • "We Got Paid by Cash" is a touching tribute to Johnny Cash, who discovered them and mentored them.
• Narm Charm: Some of their songs are incredibly corny (e.g. "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine") but self-aware enough in their corniness to still work.
• Suspiciously Similar Song: Before devising an original melody, Lew DeWitt wrote the words of "Flowers on the Wall" to the meter of "Jingle Bells". The verse of "Flowers" perfectly fits the chorus of "Jingle Bells".
• Tear Jerker:
  • "More Than a Name on a Wall", mourning the death of a Vietnam soldier. The song was released not long after the Vietnam wall was built.
  • "Sissy", where a young boy tries to tell his younger sister that their father died in a mining accident.

---