The song "Burma Shave" by The Everly Brothers is a lighthearted and playful tune that references the iconic advertising jingles used by the Burma-Shave company in the mid-20th century. The lyrics describe a man named Willie, who may not be well-dressed but drives his car with style. The repeated phrase "Burma Shave" is the name of a popular shaving cream brand at the time. The song mentions seeing numerous rows of little red poetic signs, which were a signature of Burma-Shave's advertising strategy. These signs would be placed along highways, often in a series, with each sign displaying a line of a catchy jingle. Drivers would read these signs as they passed by, creating anticipation for the next one in the series. The song also mentions "Pappy," who may not be very intelligent but knows how to keep his partner happy. This line adds a humorous touch to the lyrics. The reference to a sow, little pigs, and a dance by the forks of a branch is likely just a playful and nonsensical addition to the song's lyrics. The mention of roses being red and violets being blue is a well-known phrase that adds another layer of playfulness to the song. The line "You chase me and I'll catch you" implies a playful pursuit or attraction between two individuals. Overall, "Burma Shave" is a light-hearted song that takes inspiration from the witty and catchy advertising jingles of the Burma-Shave company, incorporating elements of humor and romance.
