Shivaree, Shivery, Chivalry

Hillbilly wisdom: a lot of English words sound alike. Pay attention to the context or how it fits into the story. Shivaree was introduced not by words but by actions of the party. Party, not exactly by my definition, is what they called it. I was only twelve at the time and party did not mean to me what it obviously meant to others.

Bob and Rose came down to help the parents with a remodel job in the kitchen. Bob told dad, “we may have a few people down in a little while” when he came into the house.

“What’s up?”

“Not anything really. But the rumor is there might be a shivaree if they can find us.” Both of them had a smirk on their face.

“So you haven’t been serenaded? Oh! They probably want find you here.” Mom seemed concerned about a lost serenade both hopeful that it wouldn’t happen tonight.

The application of the tape to the drywall went quickly and to give Bob his due, the people showed up just as the work was finished. They didn’t come in but came to the door and asked for Bob and Rose. The leader, who shall be unnamed, was not takening no for an answer. When told Bob was working, he replied Bob would be back in short time.

And it came to be. Bob and Rose went to the vechicles ( three pickup trucks) and the party went somewhere else. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t surprised. Less than an hour later, they were back. Bob and Rose started toward the house and the group began singing ( let me call you sweetheart), got into their vechiles and left. There was mentioned a short ride on a rail, and a bath in a local pond, snakes not invited, and a ride on the back on the truck. Shivering for the bride and groom, but a very upbeat attitude.They had passed a milestone together.

Oh! about the chivalry part. It seems Rose did not need to ride the rail if she went willing into the pond, then there would not be a reason to throw them in. Rose had a new hairdo. There were rumors spread that the other females finally came up with the compromise not the fact that Rose was a lady in distress, (poor thing got Bob for a husband) but new hairdos where not to messed with.

We remember.