Bobby Darin gets beat up by Philly cops, in song

All this week, I’ve been listening to the recently released compilation Country Funk Volume II 1967-1974 from Light In The Attic records. It’s a follow up to 2012’s excellent Volume I, which collects obscure country tunes that are way groovier than usual, hence the name. Volume II has some of the genre’s biggest artists — Willie Nelson, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton — though just like the first compilation, it features an unexpected highlight from pop star Bobby Darin of “Dream Lover” and “Beyond The Sea” fame.

In 1969, Darin — now credited as Bob Darin — went full folk on his (now) hard to find Commitment album, combining a faux Southern drawl, funky organ, and breakbeat drums. It’s a definite shift in the fare that made him popular and a pretty great listen. Both volumes of the Country Funk compilations features a selection from the album, though Volume II’s “Me and Mr. Hohner” is certainly one of the best.

Over a tight pocket groove, Darin sings, almost raps, about getting harassed by a couple of cops in South Philly, just for standing on the corner playing his harmonica (the titular Mr. Hohner). The cops believe he’s another hippie selling drugs on the street, but before he can defend himself, he’s getting hit over the head with a billy club. (Apparently, then-Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo was finally cracking down on those no-good hippie pop stars.) Eventually, Darin tells of his travels in Arizona and Hawaii where cops also crackdown on his innocent escapades. But before long, he’s getting whacked in the head again, quickly realizing to himself that “It’s all a bad dream and I’m in South Philly.”

I couldn’t find any information about whether this alleged harassment ever took place in Darin’s actual life or just a fictional tale inspired by other long-haired freaks. In either case, I’m sure Commissioner Rizzo would have loved to see his skull get cracked open.