From the recording Worth Giving
About “Crotchrocket Blues”
In 1978 I started bartending in the small town where I lived rather ruggedly at that time. In
the winter, the town would get overrun by snowmobilers engaged in club events. This
often involved a run by a group of 8 to 12 riders from one bar on the trail to the next as
long as they could safely manage. As these were generally friendly groups of
snowmobilers, there weren’t very many problems.
I had been bartending through the summer and fall and this was my first year to bartend
during peak snowmobile season. The people were really nice and congenial and
enjoyed the service and the atmosphere. They tipped well.
The machines were obnoxiously loud and spewed exhaust fumes that could cause a
good coughing jag as everyone jumped on to ride to the next bar. I can see the appeal of
the ride but I could never take the noise and fumes.
Crotchrocket Blues describes how I felt about snowmobiles, some of us called them
crotchrockets, in 1978. The machines have improved some since then.
Brand name Arctic Cat is mentioned because it was the most common brand I saw at
that time in our area. A lot of people came up for the weekend from the Chicago areas
and they really enjoyed the trails up north then. We had very snowy winters then. The
trails were well maintained and well used.
Track 9: Crotchrocket Blues – dobro: Dennis Flink, acoustic guitar and vocals: Pauline Trabert
Lyrics
Crotch Rocket Blues
©1978 Pauline Trabert, All Rights Reserved
He came screaming into town on a Thursday night
Straddling his Arctic Cat
Slid up to the door, took his helmet off
Walked in my bar and sat
He said I came up from Chicago to ride my machine
And to see how the other half lives
I'll buy a drink for the house and one for you bartender
Cuz I've heard about the welcome this town gives
Well, all of us that was sitting in the bar before this guy
Kind of looked at each other and shook our heads
It was Winter for sure when the snowmobiles arrived
Few of us wanted them but they kept some families fed
Chorus: Cuz they're all fast with their money faster still with their machines
They each carry trail maps in their pockets
They wear snow suits boots and helmets that are color coordinated
And they just love to ride their crotchrockets
Pretty soon we heard the wailing of about 20 more machines
And they was headed right toward my bar
The locals sort of sighed and chugged down their drinks
Before long my parking lot didn't have one car
And they all rushed in the door with big smiles on their faces
Talkin' about the trails and their machines
They ordered drinks all around and one for the lone stranger
And he joined them in their camaraderie
Chorus:
They all drink one or two and then they head back to the trail
Got to get to that next bar down the line
I know they'll come and go just as long as we have snow
Sometimes they drive me nearly out of my mind
Well, it's hell to be in business in the north no matter when
But it's nice to be where the woods are quiet
My business walks out the door when the locals hear the roar
Of those obnoxious crotch rockets
Chorus: