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Country Music

Ronnie Prophet and Dolly Parton – The Auctioneer

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

When Canadian country music legend Ronnie Prophet took the stage with Dolly Parton in 1975 to perform “The Auctioneer,” it was more than just another song—it was a masterclass in country showmanship that captured the hearts of audiences across North America.

Originally written by Leroy Van Dyke during his service in the Korean War, “The Auctioneer” tells the story of a young Arkansas boy fascinated by auction chants who grows up to become a successful auctioneer. Van Dyke’s 1956 recording sold over 2.5 million copies and became a country music staple. But when Ronnie Prophet brought his unique energy and comedic flair to the song, with none other than Dolly Parton introducing him on his own TV show, it breathed new life into this country classic.

What makes Prophet’s rendition special is his remarkable ability to deliver the rapid-fire auction chants with precision while infusing the performance with his signature charm. As a skilled guitarist, comedian, and vocalist, Prophet transformed “The Auctioneer” from a novelty song into an entertaining showcase of his multifaceted talents.

The 1975 performance occurred during the early days of Prophet’s television career, when he was hosting “Grand Old Country” on Canadian television. This particular episode featuring Dolly Parton marked a significant moment in Canadian country music history, bringing together two beloved performers at the height of their charisma.

For fans of classic country, this rendition represents everything that made the genre special in the 1970s—authentic storytelling, impressive vocal techniques, and genuine on-stage chemistry between artists who truly loved the music they were making.

Video

Lyrics

Hey, well, alright sir
Here we go there and what are ya’ gonna give for ’em
I have a 600 dollar down here now ten and now 25 and
Now 35 and now there 50 now 60 will ya’ give me 60
Now 75, 75 another 85 dollars and buy ’em there
There was a boy in Arkansas
Who wouldn’t listen to his ma
When she told him he should go to school
He’d sneak away in the afternoon
Take a little walk then pretty soon
You’d find him at the local auction barn
He’d stand and listen carefully
Then pretty soon he began to see
How the auctioneer could talk so rapidly
He said, “Oh my, it’s do or die
I’ve got to learn that auction cry
Gotta make my mark and be an auctioneer”
25 dollar bid it now, 30 dollar 30
Will you gimmie 30 make it 30
Bid it on a 30 dollar will you gimmie 30
Who’ll bid a 30 dollar bid?
30 dollar bid it now, 35, will you gimmie 35
To make it 35 to bid at 35
Who would a-bid it at a 35 dollar bid?
As time went on, he did his best
And all could see he didn’t jest
He practiced calling bids both night and day
His pap would find him behind the barn
Just working up an awful storm
As he tried to imitate the auctioneer
Then his pap said, “Son, we just can’t stand
To have a mediocre man
Sellin’ things at auction using our good name
I’ll send you off to auction school
Then you’ll be nobody’s fool
You can take your place among the best”
35 dollar bid it now a 40 dollar 40
Will you gimmie 40 make it 40
Bidin’ it on a 40 dollar will you gimmie 40
Who’ll bid a 40 dollar bid?
40 dollar bid it now, 45, will you gimmie 45
To make it a 45 to bid it a 45
Who would a-bid it at a 45 dollar bid?
So from that boy who went to school
There grew a man who played it cool
He came back home a full-fledged auctioneer
Then the people came from miles around
Just to hear him make that rhythmic sound
That filled their hearts with such a happy cheer
His fame spread out from shore to shore
He had all he could do and more
Had to buy a plane to get around
Now he’s the tops in all the land
And let’s pause and give that man a hand
He’s the best of all the auctioneers
45 dollar bid it now a 50 dollar 50
Will you gimmie 50 make it 50
Bidin’ it on a 50 dollar will you gimmie 50
Who’ll bid a 50 dollar bid?
50 dollar bid it now, 55, will you gimmie 55
To make it a 55 to bid at 55
Sold that hog for a 50 dollar bill
Hey, well, alright sir
Open the gate and let ’em out and walk ’em boys
Here we come a lot number 29 in
What are you gonna give for ’em?
I have a 25, I oughta get 35 and now a 50 make it
50 bid it along at 50, now 60 will ya’ give me 60
Now 75 and now 85 and now 95 and a 100 and now 25
And now it’s at 75 and a two and a three and a four and a five and a six
Now seven, now 800 dollars and a buy ’em there

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