The iconic song “If You’ve Only Got A Mustache” from A Million Ways to Die in the West is actually a real song written in the 1860s. A Million Ways to Die in the West references many Western films and tropes while adding a comedic spin. Though not a musical, the movie has one notable song and dance number, in which the town snob, Foy (Neil Patrick Harris), asserts his dominance over the apprehensive Albert (Seth MacFarlane). As the song points out, Foy sports a notably full mustache, which he flaunts in the number.

The film features MacFarlane in his first live-action leading role as Albert, who many consider to be one of Seth MacFarlane’s best characters. With MacFarlane attached as the film’s director, writer, and star, A Million Ways to Die in the West is undoubtedly comedic and absurd. However, many viewers were surprised that the comically catchy “Mustache Song” wasn’t an original written for the movie but a tune from 1864. In fact, the only song that wasn’t made by the film’s composer, Joel McNeely, was written by renowned American songwriter and lyricist Stephen Foster.

“If You’ve Only Got A Moustache” By Stephen Foster Is The Real Song From A Million Ways To Die In The West

Even At The Time, Foster Was A Notable Songwriter

Although A Million Ways To Die In The West‘s “Mustache Song” seems specifically written for the film, it has a surprisingly authentic origin. Stephen Foster was a famous American folk song composer working in the first half of the 19th century. While some of his popular songs are straightforward odes, he also created comedic tunes. This includes “If You’ve Only Got A Moustache” – also known as the movie’s “Mustache Song”.

Accompanied by lyricist George Cooper, Foster developed “If You’ve Only Got A Moustache” in the last year of his life. A Million Ways to Die in the West recognizes Foster’s popularity at the time, with the characters saying there are “only like three songs” and “they’re all by Stephen Foster.” However, it’s telling that the movie uses “If You’ve Only Got A Moustache” to such great effect – highlighting its suitability for the scene.

How Seth MacFarlane’s Mustache Song Compares To The Real 1800s Song

Despite Lyrical Changes, The Song’s Moral Is The Same

Apart from the chorus, which remains, “If you’ve only got a moustache, a moustache, a moustache,” the verses were slightly altered for the movie version of the song. The changes are relatively minute, and the song maintains its original tune and comedic undertones. As Foster intended, the song is still used in a humorous context, although the characters in A Million Ways to Die in the West play it straight as if it were a serious song and dance number. While the lyrics diverge from Foster’s original, the song’s moral remains: women will (allegedly) always be impressed by a mustache.