The Ballad of Chief Justice Roy Moore
(sung to the tune of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” and with apologies to Flatt and Scruggs)

Brannon P. Denning

Come ‘n listen to my story ‘bout a judge named Moore
Had a rock so big could barely fit it through th’ door
Had it installed in the middle of the night
Swore he’d never move it, not without a fight
Rock that is! Ten Commandments! Word of God!

Well the first thing you know there’s trouble in the air
Federal courts say, “Roy, move it out of there!” Said
“Yonder in your office is the place it ought to be!”
That brought out all the faithful down to Montgomery
Alan Keyes that is! Jerry Falwell! Operation Rescue!

Judge Roy Moore said his rock was stayin’ put
Said Judge Thompson could come and kiss his foot
Then Roy’s eight colleagues hollered “Not so very fast!” and
Signed their own court order to save the state some cash
Fines that is! Injunctive relief! Contempt of court!

Well now it’s time to say goodbye to Moore’s big work of art
But you’d better be believin’ this’ll only be a start
You’re all invited back real soon down to Montgomery
To have a heapin’ helping of his demagoguery
2006 Y’all! Moore for Governor! Send contributions!

He’ll be back y’all, hear!

Brannon P. Denning is Associate Professor of Law at the Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, which is located in Birmingham, Alabama.