Shriner's Convention

"Shriners Convention" is a country-and-western novelty song written, composed, and performed by Ray Stevens. It is based on Stevens' experiences at an Atlanta hotel where an actual Shriners convention was being held.[1]

"Shriners Convention"
Single by Ray Stevens
from the album Shriners Convention
B-side"You're Never Goin' to Tampa with Me"
ReleasedFebruary 12, 1980
GenreCountry
Length5:33
LabelRCA Records
Songwriter(s)Ray Stevens
Producer(s)Ray Stevens
Ray Stevens singles chronology
"I Need Your Help Barry Manilow"
(1979)		 "Shriners Convention"
(1980)		 "Night Games"
(1980)

Shriners have taken the song as good-natured humor, and have even welcomed Stevens' participation in fundraising activities, as his fame attracts more attendees to charity events. It has been suggested that Stevens' presence indicates that Shriners have a sense of humor about themselves, making the group seem more accessible.

Content

The premise of the song is the "43rd Annual Convention of the Grand Mystic Royal Order of the Nobles of the Ali Baba Temple of the Shrine." Each verse describes a different aspect of the convention: a parade, a formal banquet, and a ceremonial "secret meeting" (which is actually a poker game).

"Meanwhile, back at the motel..."

The song's humor includes a series of phone calls between two Shriners from the Hahira delegation: "Illustrious Potentate" Bubba, and "Noble Lumpkin" Coy, who is absent from all of the convention gatherings, choosing instead to carouse at the motel, dishonoring the whole delegation. Bubba eventually kicks Coy out of the Shrine, but Coy undauntedly considers joining the Hells Angels, cranks his motorcycle and hangs up.

Only Bubba's side of the conversation is heard while Coy's comments are made known only through Bubba's replies. This comedic format is similar to famous routines by Shelley Berman and Bob Newhart.

Remake

In 1983 Stevens re-recorded the song, adding a reference to the Knights of Columbus in the dialogue.

Music video

A video for "Shriners Convention" appears in Stevens's 1995 direct-to-video film, Get Serious! The song also ties into the film's plot, wherein a genuine Illustrious Potentate and country sheriff named Bubba, along with his deputy Coy (who in truth somewhat enjoys being mistaken for the Coy of the song) and certain family members and friends, believe that Stevens is deliberately misrepresenting them in his songs. (All of this alludes to another Stevens song, "Dudley Do-Right of the Highway Patrol.")

Chart performance
Chart (1980) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles 7
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 1
Canadian RPM Country Tracks 2
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References
  1. Music City News. June 1986.
  • Editorial of a Canadian Freemason Lodge commenting on negative stereotypes in "Shriners Convention."
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