After killing the German officer with a single shot from his rifle
the British sniper returned, pleased as punch, to his unit, whistling
a song that wouldn’t be released until the 1960s. It was inexplicable
how he knew the melody. Ode to Billie Joe, recorded as the B-Side
in Los Angeles by Bobbie Gentry for Capitol Records. An amazing
song that appeared to come out of nowhere. Hypnotic, mournful.
Just an acoustic guitar (picked by Bobbie) and added strings.
Four violins and a pair of cellos. The story set in Mississippi.
Whatever they threw off the Tallahatchie Bridge (there was some
debate, but most of us assumed it was their baby) stayed with you
lingered, once you’d heard it. Like nothing else on the radio.
I remember listening, the week I read the comic strip
with the sniper whistling, untroubled by his actions, returning
to his unit somewhere in the Apennines. They were used to
him disappearing. Accepted he was different. Welcome back,
old chap. I think it was in the Victor.
Billy Joe McAllister, sometime later, committed suicide.
.
Steven Taylor
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