Loudon Wainwright III is a folk singer and songwriter well-known for his funny and honest songs about life, family, and aging. He started his music career in the 1970s and became famous for his hit song Dead Skunk. He released many albums and wrote songs that were both sad and clever.

His music has been used in movies and TV shows. In 2010, he won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. Over the years, Loudon built a strong fan base with his simple guitar tunes and personal stories, making him a well-respected voice in American folk music.

About the Song

Dead Skunk song tells a short story that made people laugh, and it was different from most songs at the time.

Its fun beat, clear words, and catchy sound helped it stand out. Even today, people remember it as one of his most well-known songs.

Dead Skunk Lyrics by Loudon Wainwright III

Verse 1

Crossing the highway late last night
He shoulda looked left and he shoulda looked right
He didn’t see the station wagon car
The skunk got squashed and there you are

Chorus

You got your dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Stinking to high heaven

Verse 2

Take a whiff on me, that ain’t no rose
Roll up your window and hold your nose
You don’t have to look and you don’t have to see
‘Cause you can feel it in your olfactory

Chorus

You got your dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
And it’s stinking to high heaven

Verse 3

Yeah, you got your dead cat and you got your dead dog
On a moonlight night, you got your dead toad frog
Got your dead rabbit and your dead raccoon
The blood and the guts, they’re gonna make you swoon

Chorus

You got your dead skunk in the middle
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Stinking to high heaven
C’mon, stink

Post-Chorus

You got it, it’s dead, it’s in the middle
Dead skunk in the middle
Dead skunk in the middle of the road
Stinking to high heaven
All over the road
Technicolor
Oh, you got pollution
It’s dead, it’s in the middle
And it’s stinking to high, high heaven

Similar Songs Like Dead Skunk

Do you enjoy Dead Skunk by Loudon Wainwright III? Then, you will definitely appreciate these quirky, personal, and clever tracks from his long career.

• The Swimming Song: Starting off with upbeat banjo, this tune talks about swimming through life’s mess with charm, wit, and just enough odd detail.
• Rufus Is a Tit Man: Named after his son, this humorous tune tells a dad’s view of breastfeeding, mixing jokes with gentle love and honesty.
• I Am the Way (New York Town): This song twists Jesus’s voice in a sarcastic, biting way only Loudon can deliver well

Similar Artists Like Loudon Wainwright III

If you enjoy Loudon Wainwright III’s smart lyrics and folk storytelling, here are some similar artists you might like:

• John Prine
  Genres: Folk, Country, Americana
  Top Albums: John Prine (1971), The Missing Years (1991), Fair & Square (2005)
• Randy Newman
  Genres: Singer-Songwriter, Soft Rock, Satirical Pop
  Top Albums: Sail Away (1972), Good Old Boys (1974), Harps and Angels (2008)
• Arlo Guthrie
  Genres: Folk, Folk Rock
  Top Albums: Alice’s Restaurant (1967), Washington County (1970), Amigo (1976)
• Steve Goodman
  Genres: Folk, Country, Blues
  Top Albums: Steve Goodman (1971), Say It in Private (1977), Affordable Art (1984)
• Michael Hurley
  Genres: Freak Folk, Country Blues
  Top Albums: Armchair Boogie (1971), Have Moicy! (1976), Snockgrass (1980)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Inspired Loudon Wainwright III to Write Dead Skunk?

He was reportedly driving when he ran over a skunk and turned the experience into a humorous, catchy tune.

Is This Meant to Be a Joke, or Does It have a Deeper Meaning?

It’s mostly intended as a novelty song, highlighting everyday life, not a metaphor or serious message.

How did It Perform on The Charts?

It peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.