About the Song
“The Mississippi Squirrel Revival”, released in 1984, is a comedic country song performed by Ray Stevens. Known for his witty and often outlandish songs, Ray Stevens hit a humorous home run with this track, blending country music with a quirky, lighthearted narrative that has made the song a fan favorite. Written by Ray Stevens, the song tells the story of a small-town church service that is interrupted by a mischievous squirrel, leading to chaos and, surprisingly, a religious revival.
In “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival”, the narrator describes how a squirrel, which has inadvertently entered a church during a Sunday service, creates mayhem, causing the congregation to become wildly excited. The event is described as a spiritual awakening of sorts, with everyone getting caught up in the frenzy of the moment, believing the squirrel’s presence to be a sign of divine intervention. The repeated phrase “It was the Mississippi squirrel revival” serves as a humorous refrain, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation and the infectious enthusiasm that follows.
Musically, “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” features a lively, upbeat country arrangement with plenty of playful instrumentation, including honky-tonk piano, guitar, and a strong rhythm section. Ray Stevens’ voice adds to the fun, with his comedic delivery bringing the song’s ridiculous narrative to life. His knack for storytelling and ability to blend humor with music is on full display, making the song both entertaining and memorable.
Released as a single, “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” became a hit on the country charts, reaching the top 10 and further solidifying Ray Stevens’ reputation as one of country music’s comedic stars. The song remains a beloved classic, especially for fans who enjoy the humor and lighthearted storytelling that Stevens is known for. “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival” continues to be a fun, nostalgic track that brings smiles and laughter, a perfect example of Ray Stevens’ ability to mix humor with music.