Cock Up Your Beaver

Song Meaning

This song paints a picture of a triumphant return, celebrating a character named Johnie. Initially, he arrived with a simple "blue bonnet that wanted the crown," suggesting a humble or perhaps even lacking status. The lyrics quickly pivot, however, to highlight his newfound success: "now he has gotten a hat and a feather." This transformation marks a clear ascent, a rise from obscurity to a more distinguished appearance. The core of the song's energy lies in its forward-looking, almost defiant call to action. The repeated refrain, "Cock up your beaver, and cock it fu' sprush," is a rallying cry. It signifies a readiness for action, a bold and perhaps even ostentatious display of confidence. This is immediately followed by the declaration, "We'll over the border, and give them a brush," indicating an impending confrontation or challenge aimed at those who "teach better behavior." The central image is the "beaver," a reference to a type of hat, which is instructed to be "cocked up" and "fu' sprush" – meaning cocked up and very smart or dapper. This isn't just about attire; it's about projecting an image of preparedness and swagger before heading into a conflict. The repetition of the phrase "cock up your beaver" reinforces this sense of determined bravado and collective action. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate through their depiction of earned confidence and the anticipation of a decisive encounter. The shift from Johnie's initial humble state to his current adorned appearance, coupled with the aggressive call to action, creates a potent narrative of someone who has arrived and is ready to assert themselves. The song captures a moment of peak readiness, just before a significant event, fueled by a newfound sense of style and purpose.