Skip A Rope

Album: Skip A Rope (1967)
Charted: 25
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In the mid-'60s, Henson Cargill left his job as deputy sheriff in Oklahoma City to pursue a career in country music. Shortly after arriving in Nashville, he connected with Don Law, a legendary producer who served as the head of Columbia Records' country music division and had just formed an independent production company. He helped Cargill get signed to Monument Records and agreed to produce his debut single, "Skip A Rope." The socially conscious tune held parents accountable for teaching their children immoral behavior, from verbal abuse to tax evasion.

    The title comes from the game skipping rope (or jumping rope). The singer explains you can learn a lot about a child's home life if you listen to them talk while they play.
  • Written by Jack Moran and Glenn Douglas Tubbs (nephew to country music pioneer Ernest Tubbs), it was one of the first country songs to broach the subject of racism during the tumultuous Civil Rights era, with Cargill singing, "Never mind the rules, just play to win, and hate your neighbor for the shade of his skin."
  • The country chart-topper was also a crossover hit, peaking at #25 on the pop chart. Cargill is regarded as a one-hit-wonder in the pop realm, but he went on to notch several more Top 20 hits on the County chart, including "Row Row Row," "None Of My Business," and "The Most Uncomplicated Goodbye I Ever Heard."
  • This earned Cargill a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, but the trophy went to Johnny Cash for his live version of "Folsom Prison Blues."
  • Several artists covered this, including Jimmy Dean, Conway Twitty, Patti Page, Bobby Bare, B.J. Thomas, The Jordanaires, and George Jones. The country rock group The Kentucky Headhunters also included in on their debut album, Pickin' On Nashville, in 1989.

Comments: 6

  • Matt Routhier from West Hartford, CtBeautiful song. Charley Crockett did a nice version on his newest album “Music City USA” that I encourage you to check out.
  • Mary from Pelham,ga,I couldn’t remember the name so I search google. Henson Cargill was the first time I heard this song in 1967.
    I was 19 at the time. It is so full of meaning it really should be played for the public!
  • Dave from Susanville, CaLogan Ledger is the newest artist to cover it...
  • AnonymousDuring college I was a jock at a top-40 AM station in Kansas. We started playing this great song as a crossover in 1973 and I remember every word and Henson's remarkable singing to this day almost 50 years after.
  • Cecilia Lynch from Philadelphia Pa.True today as it was then. We have a president that said only fools pay taxes
  • Christy Cargill Best from Santa Cruz CaHenson was my brother and I am happy that his song “Skip A Rope” is still a classic.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)

Chad Channing (Nirvana, Before Cars)Songwriter Interviews

Chad tells tales from his time as drummer for Nirvana, and talks about his group Before Cars.