Me, riding shotgun on Ole 33
- Photo by Laura Baxendale
Last summer, I was struck by a story in our local paper The Suffolk Times: the sweet tale of a 1933 fire truck rescued off the junk heap, lovingly restored by four local firefighters.
Though the ol' pumper's firefighting days had smoldered, the firemen believed that this historic truck -- one their dads rode a generation ago -- could still be a symbol of local pride, family and service. After years of love, care and rebuilding, the truck now rides in parades, surprises kids at birthday parties and even chauffeurs wedding parties!
One of the firemen who worked on "Ole 33" said that when people see the brand new shiny engine they exclaim, "It's a beauty!" Reading that, I knew this heartwarming story should become a song.
Ole 33 ridin' along in the Fourth of July Parade
- Photo by Randee Daddona
So here we are a year later... I'm ridin' shotgun on "Ole 33," rollin' in the local 4th of July parade singin' "It's A Beauty!" Happily, the firemen love the tune; they even added their big, joyous voices to the chorus.
Can't wait to tell you more about the story of these wonderful firemen and Ol' Engine 33! The "It's A Beauty" music video is coming soon... look out for it!
Fireman George teaches his crew his very own version of "It's a Beauty!"
- Video by Randee Dadonna
It’s A Beauty
From the album Press Play
Words and Music by Brady Rymer © 2016
I was built long ago back in 1933 - a little red fire truck engine that’s me
Was the pride of my small town and when I rang my bell - the kiddie’s all squeal and the people'd all yell
“It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” That’s what they’d say about me. “It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” Ol’ Engine ‘33
Now let me tell ya ‘bout my first five alarm - that church down on Front Street was blazin’ on and on
I cranked up my hoses ‘til the last flame went out - all the way back to the station you could hear the boys shout
“It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” That’s what they’d say about me. “It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” Ol’ Engine ‘33
Bigger faster trucks came and I wound up on the heap - my bell got rusty, raccoons were living in my seats
Along came a fireman he said, “Stretch is my name. Don’t worry ol’ pumper I’ll get ya back in the game”
So Stretch and his ladder boys worked long into the night - polishing my chrome and patching up my hoses tight
Pretty soon I was ready for that hometown parade - with a longing in my heart to hear the people say
“It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” That’s what they’ll say about me. “It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” Ol’ Engine ‘33
So here we are and Stretch is waving from the wheel - when I ring my bell I’m makin' all the kiddies squeal
With love and with care you’ve filled me once more with pride - no more fighting fires but I’ll take ya for a ride
“It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” Sure is a sight to see. “It’s a beauty, it’s a beauty!” Ol’ Engine ‘33
