Wood or Meat?

Ballad of Bert's Bar B Q
In the style of Hank Williams Sr. "Cold Cold Heart"

I got a call the other night that broke my heart in two 
The caller said he saw some smoke comin from Bert's Bar B Q,
I just figured they were just cookin up a tasty treat, 
But I had to ask the question; did it smell like wood or meat?

Now the barbecues cook their grills and smoke meat, at night 
There ain't no wind, smokes hanging low, everything will be all right.
I don't know what they do my friend, but it don't smell like Mesquite. 
But I had to ask the question; did it smell like wood or meat?

I didn't send a fire truck, even though I knew I could 
I never thought in a million years I'd do more harm than good, 
Who would believe just anyone driving down the street?
But I had to ask the question; did it smell like wood or meat?

I got another call or two; I knew it weren't no joke
Bert's lit the Austin sky that nite, it all went up in smoke
I knew tomorrow, when the ashes cooled, I'd catch some heat,
But I had to ask the question; did it smell like   wood    or    meat? 

by Vic Vreeland 
Retired AFD Dispatch, Jan 2007 - And not a moment to soon!