Cotton Eye Joe

A little history on the song we now do the Cotton Eye Joe Dance to.  This was originally an American folk song, however what we now are line dancing to was recorded by a Swedish group named Rednex. This song recorded in 1994 sparked a huge renew interested in the song and dance and is now a wedding staple here in America. The true lyrics to the song vary depending on which of the 134 recorded versions of the song you listen to.

The original Cotton Eye Joe Dance was more of a circle dance, and not so much a line dance but more of a square or polka dance. Apparently the simple heel to toe version originated in Texas some time in the late 1800′s but at that time was done as a “spoke” dance, which is basically what we call a line dance only done in a circle. Even though the dance that most Americans today do to the song is very simple, many dancers have added very complex flairs to the dance which are highly entertaining to watch. This allows both complete amateurs and highly skilled dancers to all do the dance side by side.

You have to admit that it’s ironic that a traditional American fold song and dance would end up reaching the height of it’s popularity with a version done by a European group that replaces real instruments with synthesized versions. And what I find even more ironic is that it will become a permanent part of American experience.